MaryAnn's acrylic painting, FOREST FLOOR, reflects how nature remains her constant inspiration. Scroll down for more artwork...
It’s not every day that an artist gets to fill an entire gallery with her own work. So, you can imagine MaryAnn Asan’s delight when COVID settled down enough for the Glen Ellyn Public Library to open and resume somewhat normal operations again, and that included featuring artists on their second-floor gallery once more.
Until January 28, 2022, MaryAnn’s 27 paintings will be on display. They’re done in a variety of mediums that include watercolor, acrylic, and oil pastel.
Drawing since she was a child, she has enjoyed many years of classes at the Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois State University, College of DuPage, and the now closed Chicago Academy of Art. However, during her 30-year career in the mortgage industry, she found other ways to express her creativity and did not paint regularly.
In 2014, came the diagnosis of breast cancer which she described as “a rude awakening.” Helping her through this difficult time were the art therapy classes offered by the Living Well Resource Center for cancer patients and their families in Geneva, IL. Thanks to this outlet her creativity in drawing and painting returned.
“I’m out of cancer treatment now, but that art program was a real blessing and helped open up my own creativity even more,” she recalls.
Because she is such a firm believer in the role that art plays in cancer care, she’s still involved with Living Well as a volunteer.
For continued inspiration, MaryAnn and her husband enjoy their Morton Arboretum membership in Lisle, IL. She often takes photographs but allows herself artistic license as she works from them to avoid an exact copy.
“I enjoy what nature offers and its never-ending changes,” MaryAnn notes. “Visiting the Arboretum is relaxing, and I find a sense of calm there.”
As an experienced artist, she shares these words of encouragement for others: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, to promote what you’re doing. Most people feel reluctant thinking they might not be good enough, but I enjoy getting the feedback. It doesn’t matter if someone doesn’t want to buy it, make art because you enjoy it.”
She now shares the love of making art with her grandchildren via ZOOM or in person -- a meaningful way to not only strengthen family bonds but to foster creativity in yet another generation.
MaryAnn accepts commissions. You can find out more at Mary Ann Asan - Portfolio of Works (asanart.gallery)
READY TO RIDE; Watercolor
Upper picture: BRINGING SPRINGTIME FLOWERS in acrylic; Lower picture: BASKET OF SPRING JOY; acrylic
THE LONELY PALM; soft pastel, 11" x 8.5". $120
SIT WITH ME AMID THE TREES; soft pastel; 11" x 14"' $200
THE FISHING HOLE; watercolor
ARTIST, MARYANN ANAN, POSES WITH HER WORK AT THE GLEN ELLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY.
