Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Beth Downs.
Mary Beth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 1974 my husband gave me a beginning set of oils and an easel for Christmas and said to take some classes when you are ready. I never thought of taking classes before but I always liked art. My first oil painting teacher was John Peyton. I painted with him for about a year. When he stopped teaching, he directed me to Jim and Edie Van Camp, who taught in their home, Kenwood School of Art.
It was there I received a strong foundation for my own art. I painted with them for 10 years. I became interested in watercolors and they didn’t teach watercolors, this led me to UMD and my first watercolor teacher Cheng-Khee Chee. I painted with him for 4 quarters and at that point he told me drawing was my weak area. I started to take drawing classes along with other art-related classes and after 10 years they told me I had a BFA in art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a pretty smooth road. I graduated with honors in 1994. At this point, I was painting on my own and in need of a bigger studio. Our Church, St. Micheals, had just bought Lakeside School from the school district and was renting out space in the old school. I looked into that but need a sink and the only room that had a sink was in their new building, which required that some sort of teaching had to be done in order to rent a room in the building.
I never planned on teaching, I know I knew my stuff but wasn’t sure I could teach. 1995 I opened The Art Cellar starting out with 2 students and now run 5 classes a week all year round. Most of my students have been with me for years. I also give workshops and have taught at Dillman’s Creative Arts Program and at The Villages in Florida. The path has been easy and enjoyable, I love what I do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I teach watercolors to all levels of students. Starting everyone at the beginning. They learn about the materials, paints, paper, brushes, etc. I am not a purist and eventually take them into collage and other styles that are a bit more non-traditional.
What I am known for and what sets me apart from others is my style of teaching. A lot of my students have been with me for years and I need to keep challenging them. Along with guiding the newcomers. I am most proud of my students. Especially when I see the growth that comes with painting with me. Also being recognized and invited to teach at places such as Dillmans in WI. and The Villages in Florida.
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