Mary Hyde

FASMA VAS

Mary’s interest in art and her genuine love of oil painting has never felt stronger. Every other day will find her in the studio working away on a maritime scene, exploring a figure or setting up and painting a still life subject. Painting outdoors remains an ongoing interest and provides the greatest of studios where the light and the elements enhance the understanding of studio works.

Mary Hyde painting outdoors at Deloraine, Tasmania

From an early age the excitement of drawing and painting carried through her school years, work and family life. Motivated to paint she took those opportunities to put time in the studio and outdoors. In the early 90’s Mary enrolled in classes with Peg Hyville and Gregory R Smith.

Mary demonstrates a strong understanding of tonal values with a sensitive and efficient colour usage. Gentle brush work with rich warmth and colour are hallmarks of her painting style. With many years of painting, colour, light and subject selection are brought to life with her confident technique.

Mary’s work flourished with regular overseas travel to UK, France, Italy and New Zealand from 2011 onwards, where the different scenery and need to paint in busy locations developed an energy and immediacy to her work. After exploring and painting in Cornwall, Devon and Yorkshire, harbour and fishing scenes became a regular painting passion. The European trips also provided the opportunity to view the works first hand in Galleries and Museums of many past and present artists.

A member of the Victorian Artists Society for the past 27 years, she received her Signatory Award in 2000, and was awarded VAS Artist of the Year in 2006 and 2012. Mary served on the Victorian Artists Society Council for 4 years from 2001, and worked for 2 years on the VAS Front Desk in 2006 and 2007. Involvement with the VAS provided exhibitions, art trips, paint outs and social gatherings where good friendships were formed.

Mary is a regular with the VAS, Melbourne and Country Victoria Exhibitions. Her work has been recognised and collected in Corporate and Private Collections in Australia and overseas. Among her many awards she won the ASP Traditional Award in 2015 and 2017 at the Mission to Seafarers Maritime Art Prize, and was honoured with the Australian Society of Marine Artists President’s Medal in 2018 followed by her elevation to Fellowship in 2021.

Mary Hyde FASMA VAS

May 2022