Mary Lou Pape

Biography

A passion for nature has made wildlife and the western way of life the primary focus of Mary Lou’s 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 (People’s 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 – People’s Choice Award.