About Mary Ann Forehand

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Mary Ann was drawn to art in all its forms from an early age. Like many women, she was discouraged from pursuing an art career. “The creative drive is extremely strong in me,” Mary Ann says, “I was constantly painting and making.” After the satisfaction of raising two children and building a gourmet business, the timing finally seemed right for Mary Ann to pursue her life’s calling. Years of creating gave Mary Ann a strong portfolio and she was readily accepted at East Carolina University (ECU) School of Art. There was only one hitch: ECU was a five hour drive from her home! “I am lucky,” she says, “I have a husband who understands how vital art is to me. That year both my daughters and I moved into college accommodations in three different parts of the state.” Mary Ann thrived at ECU earning a BFA in Painting and Drawing, Summa Cum Laude. She was named Most Outstanding Senior in the School of Art and Most Outstanding Senior in Painting and Drawing. In addition to painting and drawing, Mary Ann also gained top-knotch metalsmithing, sculpture, and wood working skills at art school.

Early in her studio career Mary Ann pursued both metalsmithing and painting. Her metalwork is highly regarded and she is a juried member of the elite Piedmont Craftsmen guild. These days painting is her primary focus. Mary Ann’s art is held in collections worldwide, has been shown in galleries, juried exhibitions and featured online and in publications as Southern Living Magazine.

Influences

Water plays a strong role in Mary Ann’s life and art. She is a lifelong sailor who lives in North Carolina on Lake Norman. The lake is so large it’s often called an inland sea.  “The water seems to change with every passing hour” she says, “it is always offering up something new and I try to capture those nuances in my paintings.”  Natural areas of vegetation like those found near oceans, lakes, ponds and streams are another source of her creative inspiration. She says “It’s typical for me to use water to symbolize certain nonverbal feelings in my paintings.  The colors of the water I find to be a perfect foil for any colors I may use in the paintings.”

Contact the Artist

For commissions, inquiries, etc.