Artist Highlight

Living most of her life on islands off Florida’s Gulf Coast, Mary Lou’s artistic creations are inspired by watery scenes and their infinite array of color, mood and composition. Retiring from her private practice as a marriage and family therapist and divorce mediator, she plunged into her love of photography and digital painting capturing God’s beauty around her. 

The Lure of Sarasota and Her Islands is Mary Lou’s second book of fine art and is a companion to The Lure of Longboat Key which sold out in eight months and is currently in its second printing. This award-winning book was featured in New York at the International BookExpoUSA. 

Mary Lou loves the exciting pursuit of the initial image as well as her unique creative digital painting process that transforms the image into her vision. Personally and spiritually, the process is challenging and fulfilling. She supports conservation of our natural world and strives to encourage others to observe and protect the beauty around us. With her images, collectors around the world bring exquisite outdoor scenes into their personal home, hospital and business spaces. Numerous art honors and awards include juried local, state, national and international competitions. Mary Lou was a Finalist in NY Times Square International Competition and a Finalist in Photographer of the Year for Popular Photography Magazine. Her images have been featured in The PPA Showcase, the annual book of Professional Photographers of America, Shutterbug Photography Magazine, Southern Boating, Sarasota Herald, Siesta Observer, Longboat Key Observer, Longboat Key News, and numerous other magazines and newspapers including covers of the Sarasota Magazine and The Longboat Key Isles Magazine. 

Mary Lou regularly lends her creative talents to many non-profits she is involved with in the Sarasota area. When not traveling, photographing, and creating new art, Mary Lou fills her soul playing with her precious grandchildren.