We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Rylant Batson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks comes naturally to me. How else do you learn? For many years my life was ripe with family and a fulfilling yet demanding job, not leaving much time to explore myself. Luckily that job did fuel a creative mindset for me and kept me going as time was marching on. Along came a beautiful man who swept me off my feet and gave me a life, a home, and a studio.

In the midst of all those experiences I never stopped learning about art. Before I was able to paint full time I could still study the colors in the rocks and sky. I noticed the transparency of a delicate flower and the way the sun made color ripples on a dogs coat. It made prefect sense to me that under a color was its complementary color which gave it richness and completed the color spectrum. I embraced the wildness of nature and began painting in a way of large brushstrokes and unexpected color. Sometimes the story in my painting is clear with a representational work, and other times it is a pure abstract of interplaying colors hoping the art lover will pull the painting into themselves.. The risk of every artist is to be understood and the need of finding the art lover who will respond to our paintings so we can continue. For each of us there are those patrons who instantly get us and the emotions we are trying to paint. It’s truly amazing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what makes my art unique is the way I see color. I see how each brushstroke determines how you want that color to read- soft and blended for atmosphere or thick and sharp for anger and emotion, as the mixture of both is an artists claim to fame. I can see how the complementary color (the opposite color on the color wheel) is in the shadows of that same color. I understand how to create perspective with just a small change in my color palette. My work is centered on atmosphere, sometimes leaning to the soft ethereal to help pull a person into the painting. I love to study and am finally able to spend time observing, taking notes, and scouring the internet if I don’t truly understand something. I do my homework, put that away and paint intuitively and with my heart, propelled by the expression inside me and the story I have to tell. It’s my time to be heard, to spread my wings and open myself to others. I want to continue to explore juried shows and am excited to introduce MaryRylantArt.com to a larger audience. I want to see my art in peoples homes and create a following for my art in the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely adore the area around Sedona like most people. The moment I arrive my spirit takes a leap and I want to imprint everything in my mind that I see. We love to stay in a vacation rental with a view so no matter who comes with me we are going to have a painting session- for real. I’ll bring the stuff, you sit down and enjoy yourself! We will have a easy painting lesson on the subtle color in the rocks and how the sky is never-ending with puffy clouds that sit right on top of you.

If we drive north we will be in the mountains in minutes with beautiful lush foliage, or closer in town, swimming in a picturesque stream bed that feels like you are in the middle of a dream. We will walk and feel the spirit of the land, and talk about the pull of Sedona to our hearts and bodies. We will enjoy all the art, fun shops and small eateries available in town. When we are exhausted we will finish our days with fire and wine and happy conversation. What my guests are most amazed at are the paintings they did while connecting with the land and sky. Surprisingly they are always good! It’s the magic of Sedona!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Sara Brock who taught me to believe in myself.
My children who have always supported me while I was finding my way.
My husband who, with unconditional love, made my craziest of dreams come true.

Website: http://www.MaryRylantArt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryrylantart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryrylantart/

Other: http://www.redbubble.com/MaryRylantArt/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.