For me, there is no difference between abstract and figurative painting, whose foundations are built on shapes, colors, and textures organized in different ways. 

“Abstract” is the painted surface for its own sake in pure composition, focusing on shapes and colors and their interactions.

   Figurative object painting puts shapes together to form specific, recognizable images.

 The pleasure of moving paint across the surface of a canvas, the surprise of colors and forms playing against one another in a space—brings me a greater awareness and sensitivity of nature and my surroundings.

Mary's art work is now appearing in the Walt Disney Production "Secretariat," a film about the thoroughbred horse who won the Triple Crown in 1973, starring Diane Lane and John Malkovich.  The film has garnered very good reviews, and Mary's painting, "Acacia Tree in Turquoise" appears prominently in a scene in a bedroom of the lead character, played by Diane Lane.  Another 3 originals also can be seen prominently in several scenes.