Biography
A passion for nature has made wildlife and the western way of life the primary focus of Mary Lous work. Growing up in Topeka, Kansas, horses were the favorite subjects of her childhood drawings. Now living in Colorado, she finds inspiration all around her. First-hand knowledge is invaluable and frequent travels to National Parks, nature preserves, rodeos and ranches in America continually provide her with subjects. She enjoys focusing on intimate views of animals, people and their surroundings and particularly love to portray the way light enriches the drama of a painting. She is affiliated with Women Artists of the West Signature Member, Oil Painters of America Associate Member, and American Plains Artists – Associate Member. Recent Juried/Invitational Shows and Exhibits include Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show Cheyenne, WY 2020, 2019, 2018, Greeley Stampede Invitational Art Show Greeley, CO, 2019, 2020 cancelled, American Plains Artists – Annual Juried Exhibit 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, Women Artists of the West – Annual National Show 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, Bosque Art Classic Show – Clifton, TX Sept. 2019, 2018, 27th Annual Breckenridge Fine Art Show Breckenridge, TX 2018. She has recently received the following awards: American Plains Artists 35th Annual Exhibit, 2020 Award of Excellence, Plainsman Award (Peoples Choice), 2021 Exhibition Award, Awarded Signature status with Women Artists of the West 2019, American Plains Artists 34th Annual Exhibit, 2019 Best Plains Wildlife Award and Plainsman Award (People’s Choice), Women Artists of the West 49th National Show 2019 President’s Award, 45th Western/Wildlife Art Show Ft. Robinson, NE 2018 Featured Artist, Women Artists of the West 47th National Show 2017 Best Animal Award, and Western Spirit Show Cheyenne, WY 2017 Peoples Choice Award.