A few years ago someone remarked that my style of painting reminded them of the paintings of Mary Beth McKenzie and I very much appreciated the compliment! Mary Beth McKenzie is an accomplished oil painter who's work is owned by many public institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Museum of American Art, the Smithsonian Institute, the Brooklyn Museum, the New Britain Museum of American Art, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Butler Museum of American Art, the Museum of the City of New York, the National Academy of Design and the New-York Historical Society.
She also teaches at the Art Students League of New York and the National Academy of Design, what I wouldn't give to take a class from her and pick her brain!
Her application of paint and the use of color to build form reminds me of the landscapes of Cezanne. Contributing to the quality and solidity of her shapes is incredibly careful measuring. I love how she leaves the traces of plum lines. They serves as a window into her painting process and constant reminders of her hand.
All images copyright Mary Beth McKenzie.
