Name: Mary Guntzviller

City of Residence: Bellaire, MI

Featured Artwork: Listen to the Sunset #660 (winner of the Saginaw Area Watermedia Artist Award)

Exhibition: 77th Annual Water Color Society Exhibition, CTAC - Petoskey's Gilbert Gallery

On View: now through November 2, 2024

Tell us about the creative process for the featured piece in our exhibition: I wanted to capture not just any sunset, but one that characterizes the beauty of northern Michigan and has strong memories and meanings for me. Fishtown represents our Northern Michigan history of using, not misusing our natural resources. A livelihood earned by working long hard hours but enjoying a quiet life close to nature. Tweaking the colors and using the shapes of the buildings moves the eye toward the setting sun. Gulls and the weathervane fish bring your eye back into the composition. Letting the watercolor flow over the whole painting symbolizes movement of the river.

Who or what inspires your creativity? My husband is a gem, hard working and down to earth. He allows me to have time to create.

Where can visitors learn more about your work? You can visit my website: www.guntzviller.com

Artist Bio: In 2024, the Michigan Water Color Society accepted Mary’s painting, LISTEN TO THE SUNSET #660, into the 77th Annual Exhibition traveling show and honored her with the Saginaw Area Watermedia Artists award. In May, Mary won an honorable mention at the Old Art building Leland, MI, for her on-site painting of the controversial Bluebird Restaurant construction, TALK OF THE TOWN, LELAND BLUEBIRD #914. For the Unique Art of Antrim County, BREAK OF DAY #872, Mary’s transparent watercolor painting, was accepted, printed on aluminum, and is on display outside in downtown Bellaire, MI until November, 2024.

In 2023, she won first place at the Gene Rantz annual Plein Air event, Northport, MI with her watercolor, IDYLL GOATS #898 and an honorable mention for SLOW EROSION #903 at the Quick Draw Glen Arbor, MI. Mary has been the juror for the Crooked Tree Arts Outdoor Art Fair, Traverse City, MI, the ArtRapids! Outdoor Art Fair, Elk Rapids, MI, and the Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan, MI.

An instructor since 1993, Mary’s primary goal is to instill self-confidence in her students. Her classes are filled with humor, interaction, and demonstrations.

Besides transparent watercolor, Mary also forays into oil and acrylic, fabric, sculpture, and resin. She has been published in Quilting arts Magazine and has illustrated a children’s book.

LIGHTNING ROUND!

• When I work, I listen to: Movies (with the screen off) that have excellent music
• For example: The Expendables, August Rush, Prince of Persia
• I studied: Watercolor, Tools, Art
• "One" art-related thing I can't live without: Color, paint, surfaces
• Three words that best describe me: Determined, Sarcastic, Blunt
• Three words that best describe my art: Eclectic, Emotional, Surprising

Thank you to Mary for jumping in and joining us for our first Artist Spotlight Q&A!