Mary Ann Wakeley is a Pennsylvania artist who paints colorful abstract works in mixed media.

"Making art is a way for me to get out of my head and respond to what's going on around me".

Mary Ann spent her childhood making things--whether it was painting, drawing, writing stories, playing piano, embroidery, needlepoint or cooking in her easy-bake oven--making things and using her imagination was simply what she did.

"I am a self-taught painter. I briefly studied design and drawing in the late 80's and early 90's at the Philadelphia College of Textiles & Sciences and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Everything I make and the processes I explore come from a sense of curiosity, invention, transformation, discovery, and the freedom of self-expression. As an artist, I can do or be what I want without limitation. "

Mary Ann's paintings have evolved since 2002, when she left her former 9-5 life to pursue art full-time. What began as explorations of abstract ideas in acrylic or oil are now more solidly formed concepts in acrylic, paper-mache, pastel and charcoal. The work is an abstract representation of her inner landscape using strong, jewel-like color and the spontaneous forms that make up her personal terrain and view of life.

Paintings can be seen in person at Amazing Grace Art Studio, Asheboro, NC, Tyme Gallery, Havertown, PA, and (effective February 2008) Papercuts & Gluesticks, Rocky River,OH, or at her home studio by appointment.