ARTIST STATEMENT

My work begins with observation and my interest in light, color, composition, and atmosphere. Working primarily in painting and drawing, I am drawn to landscapes, figures, interiors, and familiar places and objects. Some works come from direct observation, while others begin with photographs, memories, or personal experiences. I often simplify what I see, paying close attention to color, composition, and what I choose to leave out. I want the work to feel personal without telling the viewer what to see or feel.

Maryellen Finan is a New Jersey-based artist working primarily in painting and drawing. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, she trained as a designer and illustrator. Her paintings reflect a strong interest in light, color, and composition. Her work has been included in group and juried exhibitions throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania and has received awards in painting and watercolor. Her painting Overlooking Lambertville Station is on institutional loan to the Office of the Provost at William Paterson University.

ARTIST CV

Exhibitions

ArtVenture Flemington, 5th Annual Juried Exhibition, Flemington, NJ

William Paterson University, Here/Now Juried Exhibition, Wayne, NJ

New Hope Arts Center, 2026 Members’ Salon Exhibition, New Hope, PA

Makers Alley, Fall Art & Design Juried Exhibition, Lambertville, NJ

Phillips’ Mill, Members Art Show, New Hope, PA

Makers Alley, 5th Juried Fall Exhibition, Lambertville, NJ

Art Center of Northern New Jersey, Summer Spectrum Tri-State Juried Show, New Milford, NJ

Morris County Art Association, Annual Juried Exhibition, Morristown, NJ

New Jersey Water Color Society, Associate Members Exhibition, Morris County Hall of Records, Morristown, NJ

Ridgewood Art Institute, Juried Exhibition, Ridgewood, NJ

Oradell Arts and Business Coalition, Annual Art Show, Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, Oradell, NJ

Romano Gallery at Blair Academy, Group Watercolor Exhibition, Blairstown, NJ

Institutional Loan

Overlooking Lambertville Station, Office of the Provost, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ

Awards

People’s Choice Award, Makers Alley Fall Juried Exhibition, Overlooking Lambertville Station, 2025

1st Place, Acrylic Painting, Tulips

Art Center of Northern New Jersey, Summer Spectrum Focus Tri-State Juried Show, 2024

2nd Place, Watercolor, Annual Members Exhibition, Art Center of Northern New Jersey