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March Issue 2008
Beaufort Art Association in Beaufort, SC, Features Works by Mary Ann Putzier
The Beaufort Art Association will feature an exhibition of works by artist Mary Ann Putzier at their Gallery in Beaufort, SC, on view through Mar. 29, 2008. Her show is entitled, Flora, Fauna & Faces, and features watercolors aand porcelain painting.
"I have always wanted to be an artist," says Putzier. And, she has been doing art for as long as she can remember. Her mother perched her on the potty chair with paper and pencils. Her mother had the artistic gene, being too poor and busy for formal training, encouraged her children to pursue art. Putzier grew up on a large farm family in Minnesota.
Taught by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in elementary and secondary schools, whom she much admired, she joined this teaching order of nuns and attained a Masters degree in Art Education. In 1973, she left them but continued teaching in Minnesota. In 1978, she married Matt Putzier, a native of Wisconsin, and a whole new life emerged. They own a lake home near Danbury, WI, where she teaches several week long workshops during the summer months in her large studio. Winters are spent in Sun City Hilton Head in South Carolina where she teaches classes and private students. Putzier is also involved with an after school kids art program and adult classes at the Society of Bluffton Artists gallery.
In the early 80's, when Putzier finally had time to devote to her own personal work, she decided to focus on watercolor and porcelain painting. Although the final product is different, the process is similar, and the two art forms are compatible. Both provide much creative satisfaction. Inspiration for her painting usually comes from photos taken on the numerous travels she and her husband have enjoyed over the past 30 years. Once chided by an art show judge for her portrait of a Viet Nam man as taken from a National Geographic photo, the assistant assured him that it was painted from an original photo.
"Flora, Fauna and Faces captures what I like doing best. All fall into the portrait category. Each painting tries to capture the likeness and character of the subject, whether it be a rose, a bird or a child. Producing a convincing portrait is my challenge," says Putzier.
Being an educator at heart, Putzier is always open to expanding her art horizons. Every year she will search out a class or related art opportunity. Most enjoyable were two summer plein aire workshops with Marsh and Uschi Niner (Hilton Head Island, SC) in Burgundy, France. In May, 2008, she will be joining Lynda Potter (Bluffton, SC) in Umbria, Italy for a week long session.
Her advice: "Paint what you love and it will be a winner. Do something creative everyday. Study the masters. Learn what made them great," says Putzier.
For further information check our SC Institutional
Gallery listings, call the gallery at 843/379-2222 or visit (www.beaufortartassociation.com).
Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc. Copyright© 2008 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts Online, Copyright© 2008 by PSMG, Inc. All rights reserved by PSMG, Inc. or by the authors of articles. Reproduction or use without written permission is strictly prohibited. Carolina Arts is available throughout North & South Carolina.