Expressive Paintings that “Re-Vision” the Natural World
Mary Manning, MaryManningNewWest.com, embraces the bright, bold and beautiful landscapes of the Southwest. There is a poetic sensibility that permeates her oil on canvas paintings and always lifts the spirit.
Banner image: Detail of “The Heat is On”, oil on linen, 20″ x 24″. It is a painting of Zion Canyon, Utah, that captures a favorite view Mary has visited many times.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DO NOT REPRODUCE IMAGES WITHOUT THE ARTIST’S PERMISSION.
Grand Canyon Rainbow, mixed media, 24″ x 18″
Shown here is Mary’s ebullient painting “Grand Canyon Rainbow”, mixed media, 24″ x 18″. This piece emerged from a Polaroid photo shot by her Dad during a family visit to the Grand Canyon. Mary states, “I love the rich light and shadows in the Grand Canyon, seeing the Colorado River carving this magnificent record of time ever deeper,”
Mary lives in St. George, Utah and her artwork can be found in many private, public and academic collections throughout the U.S. Her paintings are vivid, magic works of art ready to lift spirits in any space from home, hotel, office, or restaurant.
You can view Mary’s art at Arrowhead Art Gallery, Sunset Framer and Art Gallery, Arte’ Framer and Gallery, and Red Cliff Galley — all located in St. George, Utah. Her solo exhibitions include those at the Springs Preserve and Mesquite Art Gallery in Nevada and in Springdale Community Center in Southern Utah; among others. She is the recipient of the First Place award in the 2022 Dixie Watercolor Society Spring Show.
Grand Canyon of Time, mixed media, 30″x 30″
Mary was honored in the top 20 out of 660 artists in the 17th annual abstract online exhibit of LightSpaceTime. Her art was also selected for the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2025 Exhibition and “The Healing Power of Color” 2025 exhibition, both on The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website, an initiative of Manhattan Arts International.
About color Mary wrote, “Color makes me sing inside, and that inner music makes me heal. I love to apply colors in rich juicy brushstrokes, so people can feel the same healing energy. I grew up with Red Rock Canyon in my backyard. The bold and brilliant red sandstone drew me on hikes, archaeology field trips, photo shoots, and painting sessions.”
Utah Dusk, mixed media, 20″ x 16″
Mary often begins a painting en plein air and completes it in her studio where her art is enlivened with a spirit of spontaneity. She states, “Sometimes a spectacular sunrise or sunset captures my imagination. Storms sweeping the desert change sunny, clear blue skies into a vivid palette of colors.”
Homage to Georgia, oil, 16″ x 20″
Mary’s primary inspiration comes from the Western area of the United States. Her proficiency in combining different mediums such as oil and acrylic paint, metal leaf, and epoxy resins bring an expansive breadth and depth to her captivating works of art. Mary also imbues her contemporary art with Japanese art principles to create a “Re-Vision” of Western landscapes and other subjects that inspire her from the natural world.
With a background in science, especially physics, Mary keeps seeking hidden depths in every scene she creates.
Sky Reflections, mixed media on canvas, 24″ x 35″
Mary’s purpose is heart-filled and says, “Everyone enjoys beauty, and as an artist my work offers a deeper, ethereal quality for you to delight in viewing. Before these images arrive on canvas or paper, they go through my heart and out the brush.”
Mary Manning began her artistic adventure in her teens, sketching entertainers on the Las Vegas Strip, as well as painting in oils and pastels. Her favorite artists are Open Impressionist Erin Hanson, Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, and Monet. She has studied with artists all over the world. Her creative technique places her among artists from Open Expressionism, which lasted briefly in the 20th century.
She states, “Open Expressionism allows me to use intense color, gold leaf, painting and collage. No sketch, no reference photo, just intense work.”
You can also view Mary’s artwork featured in “Art Transforms Rooms and Art Transforms Lives!” published on this website.
Visit Mary Manning’s website: marymanningnewwest.com
What a refreshing feeling to wake up with a new page and paintings in the Open Impressionism style, which I’ve adopted from Erin Hanson, a wonderful artist in Oregon. It feels exciting to get a perspective beyond my own, and you, Renee Phillips, through Manhattan Arts International. You have certainly given me new ways to see and interpret my work. Thank you!
Mary, It is an honor and delight to share your new expressive “Open Impressionism” style paintings. Your art brings a joyful spirit to the Artist Showcase Gallery