Interview
Mary Louise
Meet Mary Louise Smith, a contemporary artist based in the vibrant state of New Jersey. Blending the elements of Realism and Impressionism, she possesses a unique ability to awaken the senses of her viewers through her artwork. Guided by the interplay of color and perspective, Mary Louise skillfully weaves captivating stories that open both the heart and mind, inviting us to explore boundless possibilities and ignite our imagination. For Mary Louise, art is a profound process, a path of self-discovery, and an opportunity to experience the world in profound and novel ways. Her paintings are not mere representations but powerful storytellers, capturing the essence of life's beauty, imbued with symbols and spirituality. In her works, one can take a step out of the constraints of time, immersing themselves in a world alive with enchantment and passion, experiencing a different reality in the present moment. From a tender age, art has been Mary Louise's steadfast anchor. It served as a portal to wondrous realms of grand adventure, where she could be anyone or anything she desired. As she grew, the realization dawned upon her that the canvas could materialize the visions that danced in her mind. Now, through her art, she generously shares those visions with the world, inviting everyone to partake in the marvels of her creative universe.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have always been drawn to creativity, but my path to becoming an artist wasn’t traditional. As a child, I loved drawing, but my parents steered me toward practical career paths, so I studied Accounting instead of Art. While numbers didn’t inspire me, being creative always did. Later in life, I became a licensed Cosmetologist, where I first learned about color theory and composition. Though I left that profession, it planted the seed for my love of understanding light, shadow and structure, which would later influence my paintings. My real journey as a painter began unexpectedly. During a difficult period in my life, my parents gave me an art kit. At first, I ignored it. But on a particularly rough day, I finally opened it and started painting. The first attempts were frustrating, but something inside me pushed forward. Over time, I found immense joy in painting, particularly in capturing architecture and landscapes with a sense of nostalgia and atmosphere. What started as an emotional outlet soon became my passion, and eventually, an avenue to share with others. Today, my work focuses on bringing timeless beauty to life through oil paintings that balance Impressionism with realism.”
What inspires you?
“I love the way light transforms a place, how it dances on old buildings, filters through trees, or reflects on water. Architecture holds so much history, and I love the way structures interact with their surroundings. Whether it is a historic bridge at sunrise, the sun-soaked streets of Positano, or the quiet elegance of Glen Iris, I seek to capture a feeling as much as a place. The story is everything. Music also plays a huge role in my inspiration. Just as a melody can set the tone for a moment, color and brushstrokes can set the mood of a painting. Every piece I create is like composing a visual symphony balancing movement, emotion, and atmosphere.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My work revolves around history, nostalgia, and light. I’m drawn to places with a story whether it is an ancient villa overlooking the sea, a small-town bridge standing through time, or an elegant inn nestled in nature. There is an emotional weight to these places. My paintings invite the viewer to step into a scene, to feel the warmth of the sun on a stone facade or the cool morning mist over a river. I want people to experience a sense of familiarity, even if they have never been there before. It is about preserving moments of beauty and stillness in a fast-moving world.”
How would you describe your work?
“My paintings blend impressionism and realism, focusing on light, architecture, and atmosphere. I use rich, buttery oil paints to layer color and depth, ensuring that every brushstroke brings out the movement and energy of the scene. I focus on capturing how light transforms a place whether it is the golden glow on Positano’s buildings or the way shadows stretch across New Hope’s historic bridge. My work has a transportive quality, allowing viewers to feel like they could step right into the painting.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Albert Bierstadt has been a huge inspiration to me his mastery of light, depth, and atmosphere is something I deeply admire. Like him, I strive to create paintings that feel grand and immersive. I also draw influence from the Impressionists, like Monet and Renoir, whose use of color and brushwork taught me to see beyond just details and focus on capturing a mood. Contemporary artists who combine realism with expressive brushwork also inspire me, as I am always seeking the balance between precision and emotion in my own work to tell the story.”
“My work revolves around history, nostalgia, and light. I’m drawn to places with a story whether it is an ancient villa overlooking the sea, a small-town bridge standing through time, or an elegant inn nestled in nature.”
What is your creative process like?
“Every painting starts with an emotional connection to the place. Whether it is a memory from my travels or a scene that captivates me, I begin by sketching out the composition to establish balance and perspective. I prefer to work by hand using a large grid, dividing my canvas in thirds and sometimes more, to ensure accuracy before moving into the painting phase. Once I have a solid foundation, I start with an underpainting, using sepia or neutral tones to establish light and shadow. This layer is essential because it sets the mood of the piece before I even introduce color. It also provides luminosity later on. Then, I layer in my oil paints, working from broad shapes to fine details, always adjusting the light source and atmospheric depth. I prefer Charvin and Richeson oils for their smooth, buttery texture, which allows me to build up layers and create luminous effects. One of the final steps is stepping back to ensure the painting evokes the feeling I intended. The last highlights, adjustments, and edges are what bring it to life. It makes me feel like a magician being able to breath life into a painting!”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists are storytellers, memory-keepers, and emotion-capturers. In a world that moves so fast, art reminds people to slow down and experience beauty. Whether it is a painting, a sculpture, or music, art connects us to places, memories, and emotions in a way nothing else can. As technology grows, art is becoming more accessible. Social media allows artists to connect directly with collectors, and more people than ever can experience and purchase original artwork. But at the same time, I believe traditional oil painting will always have a place because nothing replaces the experience of seeing brushstrokes and texture in person. I see artists playing a bigger role in creating meaningful, personal experiences for viewers whether through exhibitions, collaborations, or online storytelling.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“While much of my art journey has been focused on online sales and private commissions, I’ve participated in local exhibitions that have reinforced the power of seeing art in person. The ability to appreciate brushstrokes, color layering, and the true scale of a painting makes all the difference. One of my goals is to expand into gallery representation and juried exhibitions, ensuring more people can experience my work firsthand. This feature is an exciting step toward that!”
Website: www.marylouisesmith.com
Instagram: @MaryLouiseSmith_Artist
