Instructor Spotlight: Mary Ann Inman

Written by Mary Lock Albrecht

A common image of an artist is of someone who moves to Paris or Manhattan at an early age and devotes his or her life to painting. But the road to becoming an artist can be quite different and far less romantic.

Take for instance, Mary Ann Inman. She grew up in Blanchardville and then toiled for 23 years, making drill and router bits for Black & Decker in Beloit. During this time, Mary Ann was also busy raising a family in the small village of Clinton, WI.

"However, I never forgot a sketch book that I received on my 10th birthday," she says. "I filled every page—I was so happy with that gift." The sketch book led to several art classes in high school, but then the momentum stopped because of family responsibilities.

Eventually she worked her way up to "total quality facilitator", only to find herself laid off. The job layoff was upsetting, but it also offered an array of thrilling options. After some thought and discussion, Mary Ann chose to pursue an art degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, graduating in 2000.

"I've started a new career, while still spending time with my three grandchildren, age 7, 4, and 2," Mary Ann says. "I now teach continuing education courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UW-Rock County."

This newborn artist paints in watercolor and prefers a realistic style. Her favorite subjects are colorful flowers, portraits and landscapes. Her favorite palette contains warm reds, oranges and golds.

Artists from around the state and Midwest will have a chance to learn from Mary Ann this summer at the UW-Madison's Continuing Studies program School of the Arts at Rhinelander.

"This is an energizing week for painters of all levels," she notes. Participants join in discussions and critiques and spend many hours working on their projects.

"This is such an exciting place to teach because you are surrounded by hundreds of creative people. I will demonstrate many different techniques and help the participants apply them, but I like to let people paint their own way. I don't want them to feel forced to copy me!"

In addition to teaching at School of the Arts at Rhinelander, Mary Ann teaches art classes year-round in the Madison area. Browse upcoming drawing and painting classes to find what she's teaching next!

 

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