Mary Buenting has been drawing and painting all of her life. Soon after receiving a BS degree in Education from Radford University, she married and started the business of raising a family As her children grew and she relocated several times with her husband, she was able to pursue her true passion for art. She took advantage of instruction with some of the finest artists each area had to offer - Herb Olds, Daniel Greene, and John Howard Sandon were particularly influential and inspiring..
While living in Connecticut, Mary enjoyed a brief career as an Illustrator which brought her the experience of dealing with such prestigious clients as Doubleday, Westinghouse, The Nashville Network, and Anheuser-Busch. Learning to share another persons “vision” and meet tight schedules was an invaluable learning experience. Eventually more and more of this work integrated portraiture with the illustration. Capturing the likeness in these illustrations was critical, a skill and talent developed over many weeks and years. “The human face is an amazing, ever-changing landscape of emotions - the range of expression is limitless. There is nothing more rewarding than to capture the personality of a child or a loved family member on canvas, and know that the efforts will be treasured for years to come.” The last several years have been devoted to capturing the stunning natural scenes along the James River and South Florida.
As a member of the Portrait Society of America, Mary has benefitted by meeting with and sharing the ideas of many professionals from around the world. Her continued attendance of conferences and various workshops with Michael Shane Neal, Richard Oversmith, Paul Batch and Christine Lasley who have inspired new ideas and growth. She is a signature member of the Williamsburg Portrait Guild. She currently shares her time between Williamsburg Va. And Palm Beach Gardens Fl., giving her endless opportunities for figure, landscape, and floral paintings that “capture a moment in time.” The uninhibited gestures of children, the dignity and beauty of simple blossoms, the moon shining on the ocean and creating a path ... these are all things that are a constant source of inspiration.
While living in Connecticut, Mary enjoyed a brief career as an Illustrator which brought her the experience of dealing with such prestigious clients as Doubleday, Westinghouse, The Nashville Network, and Anheuser-Busch. Learning to share another persons “vision” and meet tight schedules was an invaluable learning experience. Eventually more and more of this work integrated portraiture with the illustration. Capturing the likeness in these illustrations was critical, a skill and talent developed over many weeks and years. “The human face is an amazing, ever-changing landscape of emotions - the range of expression is limitless. There is nothing more rewarding than to capture the personality of a child or a loved family member on canvas, and know that the efforts will be treasured for years to come.” The last several years have been devoted to capturing the stunning natural scenes along the James River and South Florida.
As a member of the Portrait Society of America, Mary has benefitted by meeting with and sharing the ideas of many professionals from around the world. Her continued attendance of conferences and various workshops with Michael Shane Neal, Richard Oversmith, Paul Batch and Christine Lasley who have inspired new ideas and growth. She is a signature member of the Williamsburg Portrait Guild. She currently shares her time between Williamsburg Va. And Palm Beach Gardens Fl., giving her endless opportunities for figure, landscape, and floral paintings that “capture a moment in time.” The uninhibited gestures of children, the dignity and beauty of simple blossoms, the moon shining on the ocean and creating a path ... these are all things that are a constant source of inspiration.
