Mary Sparrow

Sunday, July 24, 2005



Welcome to my blog!

My name is Mary, I am an artist living in Western North Carolina. I have been a professional artist for over 15 years. Being an artist was something I always "wished" I could be as a child. However, I never really considered it a viable option as I entered college, so I ended up in publishing sales upon graduation.

Call it fate, luck, divine intervention or whatever, but I was afforded an opportunity while working in sales for an arts and entertainment magazine that forever changed my life and allowed my "wish" to come true. One day while cold calling on the phone the art director passed my desk as I was doodling a picture on a scrap envelope. A week later he came to me and asked if I knew anything about graphic design. UM, NO! That didn't discourage him though and he asked if I would like to work for him in the art department. I couldn't BELIEVE IT! The next thing I knew I was being trained to work as a graphic artist and illustrator for a very popular little magazine! Shortly after, I began doing murals and decorative painting on the side. It always baffled me that I was being paid to do what I LOVE. A couple of years into my graphic design job, my part time decorative painting business had taken off. I got brave, left my stable paycheck and began working for myself. I had several clients that steered me in the direction I am in today. They believed in me and pushed me to try painting things I never thought I could do, mainly portraits.

Now portraiture consumes most of my time. To see the expression on a parent's face when she see's her child's portrait for the first time is one of the most rewarding experiences life has offered me thus far.

When I am not painting portraits, I enjoy painting all sorts of things, but still seem pulled to faces...especially children and animals. My studio was filling with little sketches and paintings and I decided to offer them for auction on ebay and art by us . Please search MSSMITH on either site and you will find what I have currently up for auction.

4 comments:

Tami O. said...

What an amazing story, Mary! Good luck with the blog. You do wonderful work.

Mary Sparrow said...

Thank you Tami!

Nina Kuriloff said...

Mary,
Your artwork if very beautiful!
Nina :)

Missy said...

Mary you are an inspiration to me. I am just beginning my art. This gives me butterflies in my stomach and the courage to keep going!