Mary Pettis is a nationally known and classically trained American artist. She paints award-winning plein air and studio oil paintings using the alla prima or direct method of painting. Subjects include landscapes, portraits and nature studies.

Autumn Poetry (detail) – 30x40 - Available
My Tulips (detail) – 6x8 - Available
Waiting For The Light (detail) - 40x60 - Available
Peonies (detail) - 8x10 - Available
Pillows and Pearls (detail) - 24x36 - Sold

Recent Works

Tuscan Vineyard - 9x12 - Available

River Pocket - 30x40 - Available

Behind My Studio – 8x10 - Available

My Tulips - 6x8 - Available

Artist's Statement:

What we discover when we go inward is our poetic response to life. Art connects us to our Source. It connects us with each other, with generations past, and with those who will see our paintings long after we are gone. When I paint, I truly feel the great relations among all things. Every subject becomes a metaphor. I forget to breathe. I will never lose sight of what a joy and privilege it is to be a painter.
–Mary Pettis

Mary Pettis, American plein air artist

"Mary Pettis is a consumate artist of light and movement. Her work is superb and her observation of light, landscape, objects and people is among the very best today. She imbues her work with a poetic tone that is her own and whether it be in bright sunlight or soft moonlight, her light is true, honest and unmistakable. I love her work and I have awarded her several well-deserved awards over the years."
Jean Stern
Executive Director,
The Irvine Museum, Irvine, CA

Each of Mary’s paintings on this website is an original work of art. Favorite themes and subjects are often re-visited in order to artistically explore different sizes, formats and emphases. Field studies are used to create larger studio works.

Mary accepts new commissions as well, so please feel free to inquire via the Contact page.

Photography by:
Carol Seefeldt Photography

You may contact Mary directly via the Contact page -or- you may click on the "Add to Cart" button that appears next to paintings available for purchase.

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Recent Works

Tuscan Vineyard - 9x12 - Available

River Pocket - 30x40 - Available

Behind My Studio – 8x10 - Available

My Tulips - 6x8 - Available

Artist's Statement:

Mary Pettis, American plein air artist

Jean Stern

About Mary's Paintings

To Purchase

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