Author Archives: Mary Ahern

The Start Of My Artistic Journey 50 Years Ago

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

My first step towards discovering that my life’s work would be an artistic journey was buying a Jon Gnagy, Learn to Draw set and experiencing a sensation that the charcoal was an extension of my hand, my arm and my body. It was thrilling!

The Original Jon Gnagy, Learn to Draw set

After completing his entire set of drawing lessons, I decided to take painting classes at the local YMCA where I lived at the time in Queens, NY. So, I arranged for a babysitter, signed up for the oil painting class and made my first foray into Jerry’s Artarama art supply store with my supply shopping list in hand. How electrifying to be exposed to so many wonderful and exciting new products, widgets, thingies, colors, brushes, papers and canvas. Oh, the possibilities!

READ MORE on The Art Blog

 

News About my Art, Exhibitions, Events & Social Media Posts

Mary Ahern Artist

This Is What I’ve Been Talking About on Instagram Lately

On Instagram, I write about my life as an artist. Behind the scenes in the studio, preparing for art exhibitions, marketing opportunities, my garden inspirations, artist friends and my artistic journey.

You can follow all my posts here or follow me on Instagram. I also post to Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Threads and YouTube.

 
Mary Ahern Artist

maryahern

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My Art Starts in the Garden

Read the Canvas Rebel interview article that was just published. ⁠
Hi Mary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?⁠
I am living the dream. Currently, I am a working artist showing my work in a great array of venues and connected to a community of other professional women artists. As a way of paying it forward, I am the Chair of Public Relations for the National Association of Women Artists., Now I use my extensive marketing experience to help empower other women artists by promoting their work and to help them develop the skills needed to advance themselves towards their own personal goals. READ The Entire Interview. Link in bio.

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Read the Canvas Rebel interview article that was just published. ⁠ Hi Mary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?⁠ I am living the dream. Currently, I am a working artist showing my work in a great array of venues and connected to a community of other professional women artists. As a way of paying it forward, I am the Chair of Public Relations for the National Association of Women Artists., Now I use my extensive marketing experience to help empower other women artists by promoting their work and to help them develop the skills needed to advance themselves towards their own personal goals. READ The Entire Interview. Link in bio.

Read the Canvas Rebel interview article that was just published. ⁠
Hi Mary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?⁠
I am living the dream. Currently, I am a working artist showing my work in a great array of venues and connected to a community of other professional women artists. As a way of paying it forward, I am the Chair of Public Relations for the National Association of Women Artists., Now I use my extensive marketing experience to help empower other women artists by promoting their work and to help them develop the skills needed to advance themselves towards their own personal goals. READ The Entire Interview. Link in bio. ...

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My latest painting is titled, my New World – Anemone Redux. It’s 36 x 36“ oil, painting, on a deep Gallery wrapped canvas on which I have painted the edges so it can be hung without framing. This oil painting creates a fusion between botany and cosmic wonder. Using realism on parts of the flower and merging them with abstraction inspired by the cosmos. I suggest that patterns of nature repeat themselves from the smallest garden flower to the largest galactic structures. This brand new oil painting is available on my website under the Link Recent original paintings at MaryAhernArtist.com

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My latest painting is titled, my New World – Anemone Redux. It’s 36 x 36“ oil, painting, on a deep Gallery wrapped canvas on which I have painted the edges so it can be hung without framing. This oil painting creates a fusion between botany and cosmic wonder. Using realism on parts of the flower and merging them with abstraction inspired by the cosmos. I suggest that patterns of nature repeat themselves from the smallest garden flower to the largest galactic structures. This brand new oil painting is available on my website under the Link Recent original paintings at MaryAhernArtist.com

My latest painting is titled, my New World – Anemone Redux. It’s 36 x 36“ oil, painting, on a deep Gallery wrapped canvas on which I have painted the edges so it can be hung without framing. This oil painting creates a fusion between botany and cosmic wonder. Using realism on parts of the flower and merging them with abstraction inspired by the cosmos. I suggest that patterns of nature repeat themselves from the smallest garden flower to the largest galactic structures. This brand new oil painting is available on my website under the Link Recent original paintings at MaryAhernArtist.com ...

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Proud to be juried in as a full member of the Ceres Gallery in Chelsea New York City. Ceres is a feminist, not-for-profit, alternative gallery in New York City, dedicated to promoting contemporary women in the arts. It was founded 40 years ago at the height of the second wave of feminism during the early 1970s. Nevertheless, we persisted and we are continuing to raise our voices.⁠
⁠
The members of Ceres Gallery believe the arts provide an important social service – that art has the power to educate, enhance and enrich the quality and depth of people’s lives.⁠
⁠
The Landmark Arts building at 547 West 27th Street, NYC is the home of the gallery and is located adjacent to the Highline.

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Proud to be juried in as a full member of the Ceres Gallery in Chelsea New York City. Ceres is a feminist, not-for-profit, alternative gallery in New York City, dedicated to promoting contemporary women in the arts. It was founded 40 years ago at the height of the second wave of feminism during the early 1970s. Nevertheless, we persisted and we are continuing to raise our voices.⁠ ⁠ The members of Ceres Gallery believe the arts provide an important social service – that art has the power to educate, enhance and enrich the quality and depth of people’s lives.⁠ ⁠ The Landmark Arts building at 547 West 27th Street, NYC is the home of the gallery and is located adjacent to the Highline.

Proud to be juried in as a full member of the Ceres Gallery in Chelsea New York City. Ceres is a feminist, not-for-profit, alternative gallery in New York City, dedicated to promoting contemporary women in the arts. It was founded 40 years ago at the height of the second wave of feminism during the early 1970s. Nevertheless, we persisted and we are continuing to raise our voices.⁠
⁠
The members of Ceres Gallery believe the arts provide an important social service – that art has the power to educate, enhance and enrich the quality and depth of people’s lives.⁠
⁠
The Landmark Arts building at 547 West 27th Street, NYC is the home of the gallery and is located adjacent to the Highline. ...

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My latest article in November Sanctuary Magazine theme is "Aging Gracefully". I had fun writing this piece and paying attention to all my workarounds. Here`s the first paragraph. ⁠
“When are you going to stop?”⁠
That’s a question I’ve heard more than once from people since I turned 70 some years ago. Why would I stop? Like everyone, my life has been a series of zigs and zags, some good, some less so. Life changes and we all adjust one way or another. Changing can be challenging but being flexible to new ideas and ways of doing things can provide a person with unexpected benefits, joys and experiences.⁠

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My latest article in November Sanctuary Magazine theme is "Aging Gracefully". I had fun writing this piece and paying attention to all my workarounds. Here's the first paragraph. ⁠ “When are you going to stop?”⁠ That’s a question I’ve heard more than once from people since I turned 70 some years ago. Why would I stop? Like everyone, my life has been a series of zigs and zags, some good, some less so. Life changes and we all adjust one way or another. Changing can be challenging but being flexible to new ideas and ways of doing things can provide a person with unexpected benefits, joys and experiences.⁠

My latest article in November Sanctuary Magazine theme is "Aging Gracefully". I had fun writing this piece and paying attention to all my workarounds. Here`s the first paragraph. ⁠
“When are you going to stop?”⁠
That’s a question I’ve heard more than once from people since I turned 70 some years ago. Why would I stop? Like everyone, my life has been a series of zigs and zags, some good, some less so. Life changes and we all adjust one way or another. Changing can be challenging but being flexible to new ideas and ways of doing things can provide a person with unexpected benefits, joys and experiences.⁠ ...

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"Small Wonders: Daylily - Moonlight Orchid" has found a special home in NAWA`s "Petites Joies". An exhibition celebrating life`s small joys through art this holiday season 🎨 This intimate 5x5" colored pencil artwork could be the perfect gift for someone special. It is part of an exclusive collection of affordable original artworks by Signature Artists of the National Association of Women Artists.⁠
⁠
Browse the full "Petites Joies" exhibition on NAWA`s website! ⁠
https://thenawa.org/product-category/petites-joies/⁠

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"Small Wonders: Daylily - Moonlight Orchid" has found a special home in NAWA's "Petites Joies". An exhibition celebrating life's small joys through art this holiday season 🎨 This intimate 5x5" colored pencil artwork could be the perfect gift for someone special. It is part of an exclusive collection of affordable original artworks by Signature Artists of the National Association of Women Artists.⁠ ⁠ Browse the full "Petites Joies" exhibition on NAWA's website! ⁠ https://thenawa.org/product-category/petites-joies/⁠

"Small Wonders: Daylily - Moonlight Orchid" has found a special home in NAWA`s "Petites Joies". An exhibition celebrating life`s small joys through art this holiday season 🎨 This intimate 5x5" colored pencil artwork could be the perfect gift for someone special. It is part of an exclusive collection of affordable original artworks by Signature Artists of the National Association of Women Artists.⁠
⁠
Browse the full "Petites Joies" exhibition on NAWA`s website! ⁠
https://thenawa.org/product-category/petites-joies/⁠ ...

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When I was a young child growing up in Brooklyn NY, we would travel as a family to Holland to visit our relatives. As one would expect, I was always exposed to new ideas and experiences beyond the normal and predictable rhythm of my life. One day my mother`s oldest sister, Tante Wilh handed me a fork and a bowl and sent me out to her garden and told me somehow or other with hand signals, my broken Dutch, and her broken English to get the red berries from the shrub growing along the edge of the garden. I found this big green shrub with these tiny bright red round berries. I used the fork as she had pantomimed, to slide the tines of the fork along the sides of the branch edge that was holding the berries. When I did so, the berries popped into the bowl she had given me. I felt so proud to be given such a great responsibility. ⁠
⁠
This year at one of the nurseries I frequent, I saw a bit of bright color dangling from the tips of the branches of a shrub. Within moments that shrub ended up in the back of my SUV. Now, sitting with pride of place in the middle of the shrubs and perennials in my front garden is that Current bush. I can still feel the sense of belonging that Tante Wilh gave to me by sharing and teaching me about creating meals, about family, about inclusion, about process, and about growth, as I stood by her side, elbow to elbow in the kitchen.⁠
⁠
Read the full story on my Garden Blog post. Link in Profile⁠

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When I was a young child growing up in Brooklyn NY, we would travel as a family to Holland to visit our relatives. As one would expect, I was always exposed to new ideas and experiences beyond the normal and predictable rhythm of my life. One day my mother's oldest sister, Tante Wilh handed me a fork and a bowl and sent me out to her garden and told me somehow or other with hand signals, my broken Dutch, and her broken English to get the red berries from the shrub growing along the edge of the garden. I found this big green shrub with these tiny bright red round berries. I used the fork as she had pantomimed, to slide the tines of the fork along the sides of the branch edge that was holding the berries. When I did so, the berries popped into the bowl she had given me. I felt so proud to be given such a great responsibility. ⁠ ⁠ This year at one of the nurseries I frequent, I saw a bit of bright color dangling from the tips of the branches of a shrub. Within moments that shrub ended up in the back of my SUV. Now, sitting with pride of place in the middle of the shrubs and perennials in my front garden is that Current bush. I can still feel the sense of belonging that Tante Wilh gave to me by sharing and teaching me about creating meals, about family, about inclusion, about process, and about growth, as I stood by her side, elbow to elbow in the kitchen.⁠ ⁠ Read the full story on my Garden Blog post. Link in Profile⁠

When I was a young child growing up in Brooklyn NY, we would travel as a family to Holland to visit our relatives. As one would expect, I was always exposed to new ideas and experiences beyond the normal and predictable rhythm of my life. One day my mother`s oldest sister, Tante Wilh handed me a fork and a bowl and sent me out to her garden and told me somehow or other with hand signals, my broken Dutch, and her broken English to get the red berries from the shrub growing along the edge of the garden. I found this big green shrub with these tiny bright red round berries. I used the fork as she had pantomimed, to slide the tines of the fork along the sides of the branch edge that was holding the berries. When I did so, the berries popped into the bowl she had given me. I felt so proud to be given such a great responsibility. ⁠
⁠
This year at one of the nurseries I frequent, I saw a bit of bright color dangling from the tips of the branches of a shrub. Within moments that shrub ended up in the back of my SUV. Now, sitting with pride of place in the middle of the shrubs and perennials in my front garden is that Current bush. I can still feel the sense of belonging that Tante Wilh gave to me by sharing and teaching me about creating meals, about family, about inclusion, about process, and about growth, as I stood by her side, elbow to elbow in the kitchen.⁠
⁠
Read the full story on my Garden Blog post. Link in Profile⁠ ...

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"Infinity - Acorn & Oak Leaf" delves into the perpetual cycle of existence, inviting contemplation of nature`s intricate patterns. Nestled at the leaf`s base lies an acorn, a potent symbol of rebirth and continuity. This juxtaposition of leaf and seed eloquently narrates the story of life`s beginning and end, underscoring their profound interconnectedness.⁠
⁠
Despite its modest 12" x 12" dimensions, the artwork projects concepts far grander than its physical size suggests. It celebrates nature`s resilience and nurturing spirit, encapsulating autumn`s poignant charm and life`s cyclical nature within its compact frame. Through this piece, viewers are gently guided to reflect on the ephemerality of individual existence and the enduring persistence of life itself.⁠
⁠
"Infinity - Acorn & Oak Leaf" stands as a visual meditation on the beauty found in life`s transitions and the quiet hope embodied in every new beginning. Its small scale serves to intensify the viewer`s focus, creating an intimate experience that belies the vastness of its thematic scope.⁠
⁠
View this painting for sale on my website. Link is in my profile.

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"Infinity - Acorn & Oak Leaf" delves into the perpetual cycle of existence, inviting contemplation of nature's intricate patterns. Nestled at the leaf's base lies an acorn, a potent symbol of rebirth and continuity. This juxtaposition of leaf and seed eloquently narrates the story of life's beginning and end, underscoring their profound interconnectedness.⁠ ⁠ Despite its modest 12" x 12" dimensions, the artwork projects concepts far grander than its physical size suggests. It celebrates nature's resilience and nurturing spirit, encapsulating autumn's poignant charm and life's cyclical nature within its compact frame. Through this piece, viewers are gently guided to reflect on the ephemerality of individual existence and the enduring persistence of life itself.⁠ ⁠ "Infinity - Acorn & Oak Leaf" stands as a visual meditation on the beauty found in life's transitions and the quiet hope embodied in every new beginning. Its small scale serves to intensify the viewer's focus, creating an intimate experience that belies the vastness of its thematic scope.⁠ ⁠ View this painting for sale on my website. Link is in my profile.

"Infinity - Acorn & Oak Leaf" delves into the perpetual cycle of existence, inviting contemplation of nature`s intricate patterns. Nestled at the leaf`s base lies an acorn, a potent symbol of rebirth and continuity. This juxtaposition of leaf and seed eloquently narrates the story of life`s beginning and end, underscoring their profound interconnectedness.⁠
⁠
Despite its modest 12" x 12" dimensions, the artwork projects concepts far grander than its physical size suggests. It celebrates nature`s resilience and nurturing spirit, encapsulating autumn`s poignant charm and life`s cyclical nature within its compact frame. Through this piece, viewers are gently guided to reflect on the ephemerality of individual existence and the enduring persistence of life itself.⁠
⁠
"Infinity - Acorn & Oak Leaf" stands as a visual meditation on the beauty found in life`s transitions and the quiet hope embodied in every new beginning. Its small scale serves to intensify the viewer`s focus, creating an intimate experience that belies the vastness of its thematic scope.⁠
⁠
View this painting for sale on my website. Link is in my profile. ...

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Sitting in my living room looking around at the plants I`m bringing in for the winter and I glanced over and saw this unplanned combination. Wow! My 4-year-old Croton plant stands proudly in front to my oil painting. The "Pay Attention Here-Orange Hibiscus" is a 36x36" oil on canvas. I was so stunned to see how beautifully they both complement each other. It was an unexpected and unplanned surprise. ⁠

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Sitting in my living room looking around at the plants I'm bringing in for the winter and I glanced over and saw this unplanned combination. Wow! My 4-year-old Croton plant stands proudly in front to my oil painting. The "Pay Attention Here-Orange Hibiscus" is a 36x36" oil on canvas. I was so stunned to see how beautifully they both complement each other. It was an unexpected and unplanned surprise. ⁠

Sitting in my living room looking around at the plants I`m bringing in for the winter and I glanced over and saw this unplanned combination. Wow! My 4-year-old Croton plant stands proudly in front to my oil painting. The "Pay Attention Here-Orange Hibiscus" is a 36x36" oil on canvas. I was so stunned to see how beautifully they both complement each other. It was an unexpected and unplanned surprise. ⁠ ...

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Art of the Bloom. Exhibition at The Art Guild in Port Washington

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

Art of the Bloom

Juried  Exhibition at

The Art Guild
Elderfields Preserve
200 Port Washington Blvd.
Manhasset, NY 11030

On View: September 10-30, 2023

Email: info@theartguild.org

P. 516.304.5797

Flowers have historically been a source of inspiration for artists and designers around the world, from Claude Monet to Andy Warhol. Floral imagery can evoke a wide range of emotions and moods, from the boldness of a daisy to the quietness of a water lily. See how these artists interpret and represent The Art of the Bloom in their work.

Disco Belle Hibiscus. Oil Painting by the artist, Mary Ahern

Disco Belle Hibiscus. 16×16 Oil on Cradled Wood.

 

New Garden Blog Post – The Woodland Garden Reveals

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

My idea of the garden I wanted to create around my new home when I bought it in 1989, was a place to immerse myself, not a garden to be admired while sitting on the deck. I had no particular plan that I imagined. Instead, I let the woodland speak to me.

This woodland was filled with poison ivy, invasive vines, thorns and many broken branches and limbs when it called to me. Together for over three decades, it and I have worked to create a woodland garden for meditation. This is the journey.

 

READ MORE…

Art Blog Post – This Artist’s Dilemma. Storage.

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

So I’m standing in my studio basking in the golden warmth of just having completed my one month Solo Exhibition which filled three rooms in an historic mansion at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. I’d worked for years creating new work for this prestigious opportunity. And now the show was over, the work still owned by me was taken down from the walls, packaged protectively and transported to my home studio. I looked around me surrounded by all this new artwork. I remembered the journey of discovery as so many new ideas had begun to seep into my new work over time.

As I stood there looking around me with contentment at these 40 new artworks, a cold wave of concern trickled into my mind. Where would I put all my art? I’m a minimalist by nature. I can’t stand clutter and now every surface in my two room studio is covered with piles of work. Canvases are stacked, leaning against the walls. All the walls in my studio and home are already full. A sense of claustrophobia was rapidly taking hold. The warm glow I’d been feeling turned a cold blue.

I needed to immediately take action.

READ MORE!

 

Let It Grow. Art Exhibition at The Flushing Bank

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

The National Association of Women Artists
in Collaboration With The Flushing Bank

Are bringing a Seasonal Focus to the concept for this in-person exhibition.

Enjoy the buoyant color and interpretation of the season by a variety of Fine Artists.

“Let It Grow!”
Now through October 5, 2023
Visit the Flushing Bank at the Park Avenue South Branch
225 Park Ave South
New York, NY 10003

There is a sense of joy, excitement, and awe when nature or human relations are nurtured through caring and kindness to allow everything to flourish and grow. This theme reflects the focus of both of these historic organizations. The National Association of Women Artists, as the first women’s fine arts organization established in the US, has been helping women artists grow by empowering them to expand their vision. This theme of growth also serves as the guiding force behind the efforts of the Flushing Bank in support of the needs of its customers. There is a synergy in these efforts.

Petersen's Garden by the artist, Mary Ahern

Petersen’s Garden. 24×36″ Embellished Giclée on Canvas

Garden Blog Post – Overwintering My Summer Tropical Garden

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

Overwintering My Summer Tropical Garden is now posted on my garden blog.

I wrote about how I converted my darkroom into a plant room with sinks, counters and LED lighting.. I show a four month sequence of photos from my plant room to the deck where the plants spend their summer vacation.

Read more here..

June 6, 2023 Deck Plantings

Read about how I overwinter my tropical garden on my Garden Blog Here.

The Big Picture 2023 at the Art League of Long Island

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

At this year’s Big Picture Exhibition, six Signature Members of the National Association of Women Artists were juried into the show. This is an incredible achievement since 94 artists submitted 214 images, out of which 36 works were selected to be exhibited by Juror, Simon Levenson. This is yet one more indication of the quality of the NAWA Signature members. 

ALLI
107 East Deer Park Rd
Dix Hills NY 11746

Check for Gallery Hours: p. 631-462-5400 Email: info@artleagueli.org

 

Signature Members of the National Association of Women Artists.

NAWA Signature Members at the ALLI Big Picture Show l-r:   Karen Kirshner, Eileen Shaloum, Mary Ahern, Susan Rostan, Pam Waldroup and Constance Sloggatt Wolf.

 

Huntington Arts Council Members Showcase Exhibition June 2023

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

The annual HAC Members Showcase Exhibition is an opportunity to see the diversity and depth of creative work by the individual member artists in the enormously creative community of Huntington NY. 

213 Main Street
Huntington NY 11743

June 9th – July 14th 2023

Reception: June 9th, 2023 4:00- 7:00 pm

Click here for the HAC Website

Bio: Mary Ahern is a classically trained artist who works in both digital and traditional mediums. Her work, which is inspired by her garden, invokes spiritual and philosophical questions beyond the canvas.

Statement: As a passionate gardener, my art is as intricately entwined as the gardens surrounding my studio. The lessons learned from the garden permeate my work.
With boldness in color & scale my art summons, with seeming simplicity, the complex questions of existence and purpose. These flowers represent a microcosm of the universe in their families and community as well as their quest for survival, eventual senescence and rebirth.

With a duality of macro and micro vision, my flowers invite the viewer to see, larger than life, the intricacy and purpose of their existence. And in their boldness, I suggest a contemplation of their relevance and ours in the social order of our universe.

Phantasm - Coral Sunset Peony

Phantasm – Coral Sunset Peony. Oil on Canvas GW. 36×36″. $5,000.