"When I paint, I immerse myself totally in the process. I am fascinated
with the inter-relatedness of diversity, whether in humanity or in the
infinite range of color, light, texture and detail in nature. Plein air
painting restores my inspiration. Being in the fresh air, listening to
the birds and the wind in the trees, seeing the world change with each
shift of light and doing what I love renews my happiness and appreciation of life. There is always a new discovery, a new wonder, a new exploration. Capturing something of that on canvas is a mighty challenge. It brings with it humility and gratitude."
In 1997 the book "Glimpses of Namibian Life: A Moment in Time" with 30 of Mary Jane's paintings was published. She co-founded an educational and charitable trust in northern Namibia which develops and markets the arts and skills of talented Namibians. Among her commissions are portraits of King Sobhuza II of Swaziland, coin and stamp designs for several nations, and book and greeting card illustrations.
Her paintings have been shown in several international exhibitions, including the National Art Gallery of Namibia, and are in private, corporate and museum collections.
Galleries: The Gallery on Newcastle, Brunswick GA / Artemis Gallery, Apalachicola FL / Icehouse Gallery, McIntosh FL
Exhibits: "From Africa to Alachua", Landscapes Art Studio, High Springs FL / "Paynes Prairie & Orange Lake", Landscapes Art Studio, High Springs FL / "Treasures" Landscapes Art Studio, High Springs FL / "Florida on My Mind", SunTrust Bank, Gainesville FL / "From There to Here", Oak Hall School Gallery, Gainesville FL / "Artists in the Garden", EPCOT Center, Lake Buena Vista FL / "Natural Curiosity", Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville FL / "Into the Blue", Paddiwhack Gallery, Gainesville FL / "Revealing the Land" Invitational, Octagon Arts Ctr, Clearwater FL / "A Painted History of Alachua County", Matheson Museum, Gainesville FL / "Evinston to Cross Creek" Invitational, Thomas Center, Gainesville FL / "Artists in the Garden", EPCOT, Lake Buena Vista FL / "The Forgotten Coast" Paintout, Port Saint Joe, FL / "The Nature of Art in High Springs" Invitational Paintout & Exhibit, High Springs Gallery, High Springs FL / "Big Paint-Big Wood", Ice House Gallery, McIntosh FL / "Evinston Reunion Invitational" Paintout, Evinston FL / "Spring in the Garden", Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Gainesville FL / "Artists in the Garden", EPCOT, Lake Buena Vista FL / "Art 4 the Senses", Altrusa House, Gainesville FL / "Transformation & Collaboration", Melrose Bay Gallery, Melrose FL / Apr 3-Aug 3 "Namibia-The Smile of Africa", Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville FL
Residency: Nov '06 & Apr '07, Georgia Artist in Residence, Sapelo Islands GA
Workshops: "Acrylic Painting" demo & workshop, Ocala FL / "Plein Air" demo, Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville FL / "The Big Three: Color, Composition, Value", Micanopy FL / "Acrylic Painting en Plein Air", John C Campbell Folk School, Brasstown NC / "Plein Air Painting", Silver Springs State Park, Ocala FL /
May 17-18 "5 Ways to Approach Painting", McIntosh FL
Associations: Plein Air Florida / Hogtown Plein Air Painters / International Society of Acrylic Painters / Landscape Artists International
Website: www.MaryJaneVolkmann.com
Contact: Mary Jane Volkmann
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