Mary Gaines

Photography, Jewelry, Oil and Acrylic

Artist Statement:
My artwork is deeply rooted in my faith and the landscape that surrounds me. The place I call home continually reveals moments of quiet beauty, and my faith shapes the way I see and interpret those moments. As a photographer, I’m able to capture nature in its purest form—light, texture, movement—and translating those images onto canvas is a priceless experience that connects me more deeply to both my craft and my Creator.
I primarily work in acrylic and oil, and I love how each medium offers its own personality. Acrylics allow me to explore spontaneity and bold expression, while oils invite me to slow down and build depth, richness, and emotion. The contrast between the two keeps my creative process fresh and endlessly inspiring. My hope is that those who encounter my art feel the same sense of wonder, peace, and connection that I feel while creating it—an experience that lingers long after the moment has passed.
Sharing my photography and paintings with the world is one of my greatest joys. I’m constantly learning, experimenting, and seeking new techniques that will captivate my audience and allow my work to evolve.
Biography:
For more than 39 years, I have called the Pacific Northwest home—a place where beauty rises in every direction and inspiration is never far from view. As a mother of three wonderfully artistic children and a proud grandmother of nine, creativity has always been woven into the fabric of my life. Art has been my passion for as long as I can remember, a constant companion through every season.
In recent years, I’ve had the joy of sharing both my photography and my paintings in a local gallery in my hometown. Capturing the natural world through my lens and then transforming those moments into oil and acrylic paintings has become a deeply meaningful part of my artistic journey.
After losing my husband of 22 years, art became not only a passion but a source of healing and purpose. With more time to devote to creating, I’ve embraced this chapter wholeheartedly—exploring new techniques, refining my craft, and allowing my work to reflect the beauty, resilience, and faith that guide my life.
Today, my art is a celebration of the world around me and the life I’ve lived within it. Every photograph and every brushstroke is an invitation to pause, to feel, and to see the wonder that continues to inspire me daily.
https://mary-gaines.pixels.com/