In Honor of Her Extraordinary Works of Art and Contributions to Advancing the Status of Women Artists

It is an honor and pleasure to present this interview with Maryann Burton, maryannburton.com, the recipient of the Manhattan Arts International “Outstanding Woman Artist Achievement Award” for her extraordinary works of art and contributions to advancing the status of women artists.

Maryann’s painting “Alternate Side of the Street Parking”, shown below, was selected for the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2023 juried exhibition. When Maryann submitted her artwork to “HerStory” she supplied this statement: “Creating a painting begins with how I perceive the world around me. Inspiration comes from the play of light, creating and dissipating color, absorbed or reflected.  It’s a challenge to express these effects on paper. The feel of painting with transparent watercolor thrills me. Its unpredictability is part of the fun. Whether evoking a feeling or memory, imparting a sense of peace or joy, or reminding the viewer of something familiar, I like to make an emotional connection.”

Alternate Side of the Street Parking, transparent watercolor, 17″ x 24″. This painting was selected for the “HerStory” 2023 exhibition.

About Maryann Burton ~ A Brief Introduction

Maryann’s masterful watercolor paintings that capture an atmospheric presence of empowering moments in time are included in many corporate and private collections worldwide.

She is the owner and operator of MBurtonArt Studio & Gallery in Moonachie, NJ. She teaches traditional watercolor, watercolor on yupo, and hosts other artist’s workshops. She also enjoys teaching Plein Air painting at different locations.

Maryann is the recipient of many awards and accolades that include Golden Artist Award Quick Draw Competition, Best of Downing Park Award, First Place Watercolor from Art Center of Northern New Jersey, and the Amherst Meeker Memorial Award from Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, Inc in its 124th Annual Open Juried Exhibition.

She has attained signature status in The New Jersey Water Color Society where she served as a board member, in addition to the North East Watercolor Society, and the Hudson Valley Art Association. She is an elected member and the Recording Secretary for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, and Chair of its Benefit Reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art American Wing Travel Fund.  She has also served as a curator and awards judge for many exhibitions. 

Interview With Maryann Burton

RP: What reaction would you like viewers of your art to have?

MB: I like to see when someone has an emotional reaction to one of my paintings. They’re feeling peace or joy, or having a spark of recognition for a familiar time or place. If I could facilitate them seeing something in a new way, or finding more freedom in expressing themselves, I’ve made a connection. And, sometimes, a conversation begins.

RP: You have received many well-deserved accolades and awards. What has been the most important achievement in your art career and why?

MB: When I received an award in the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s 120th Annual. Through the CLWAC, I’ve been privileged to meet some really wonderful like-minded women artists that have greatly inspired me, to achieve higher goals.

Shades of Montclair, transparent watercolor, 17″ x 16.25″

RP: As an active member of women’s arts organizations, what do you consider to be their most important contribution? 

MB: Women’s art groups have begun to remedy the fact that women artists throughout history are not as well known or appreciated as they should be. Presenting well researched, informative lectures and events, Initiating dialogues, and revealing women artists’ roles in the art world. These groups also build a camaraderie that spurs us all on to achieve more.

RP: What advice can you offer anyone interested in taking action to increase gender equality in the art world?

MB: Seek women’s art groups. Educate yourself on women artists, past and present, talk about your most inspiring to your children, friends, and other artists. Put these women artist’s stories into the context of their time. Aspire to go beyond your expectations in your time. Berthe Morisot wrote “I do not think any man would treat a woman as his equal, and it’s all I ask because I know I am worth as much as they.”

Bowery View, transparent watercolor, 16.5″ x 21″

RP: What do you wish for women artists’ equality in the future?

MB: In the future, I would like to see a more thorough and greater appreciation of women artists’ achievements with a higher regard for their circumstances. A world where respect and inclusion of any artist is earned with hard work, applied talent, and creativity, with equal recognition, opportunities, and resources.

RP: What advice would you like to offer fellow women artists?

MB: Don’t limit what you think you can learn and achieve through your art! During the 19th century and the first half of the 20th, artists Cecelia Beaux, Eva Gonzalez, Mary Cassatt, and other women, were restricted in their freedom of movement. However, these great women artists used it to inform their work and expand on their creativity and relevance, despite societal rules imposed on them. We’ve come a long way, but should always strive for improvement. Find others that can help you expand your creativity, and mindfulness.

RP: Why did you submit your art to “HerStory”?

MB: I have been following Manhattan Arts “HerStory” for a while, through which I’ve been made aware of many fabulous women artists. This encouraged me to push myself further, and dive deeper into the stories of women artists that have created the armature of our representation in the art world. Being a part of “HerStory” was something I aspired to.

RP: Thank you Maryann! 🙂

View the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2023 Exhibition