I was born in Cape Town, South Africa with a passion for the outdoors. The Monterey Peninsula has been my home for 30 years. My artistic journey with painting started 13 years ago, inspired by my horses in the landscapes of ever-changing light in their pastures that surround my home in The Steinbeck Hills. Whatever I paint has to capture my attention, otherwise it's just another thing to do!
Mary Lou has a classical art education. She received a bachelor's degree at Syracuse University, followed by graduate work at CCAC in Oakland. After an early career teaching art at Salinas High School and Monterey Peninsula College, she worked for a number of years as a designer and as Director of Publication for Saint Mary's College in Moraga. Mary Lou has received many awards and exhibited through the Bay Area and nationally, including Oil Painters of America Annual Show, Washington D.C.; Plein Air Painting Festivals in: Carmel; Marinscapes Festival; Carquinez Scene on the Straits.
Her works are in collections throughout the world and she is represented by galleries in San Francisco, the East Bay, and Marin County. She teaches Plein Air workshops on a regular basis through the Walnut Creek Continuing Education Program.
Michelle Murphy-Ferguson is a Northern California painter, born in the mill town of Scotia and raised in the Eel Valley town of Fortuna.
She has had a lifelong devotion to the Arts. Her works include landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, and portraits. Whether working in plein air, or alla prima in her studio, she strives to bring the viewer into reflecting on the world around us.
Inspired by past and present artists, she continues learning and studying, for painting is an ongoing process.
She has studied abroad in France, Germany, Italy and has participated in workshops in Southern California. Her work is held in public and private collections nationally and internationally.
I am Russian by origin and grew up in Eastern Siberia near Lake Baikal. Prior to moving to California my husband and I lived in Europe for almost ten years. Traveling through Europe provided me with constant inspiration for my watercolors. My European watercolors are primarily cityscapes of the picturesque cities and small towns we lived in and visited.In California the focus of my work has become the breathtaking coastal scenery and beautiful and dramatic nature, which suits my impressionistic style of painting.