Mary E. Whitehill knew at an early age that she was born to be an artist. Mary E. Whitehill received a degree in Art and Art History from Wells College, where her German professor was also a watercolorist. His enthusiasm for the medium created her dream to paint with watercolors.
The dream was on hold during the war years and because of the demands of four children, and in the 1960's Mary E. Whitehill took advantage of New York State's Title II program to receive an MS in Library Science from SUNY Albany. After 20 years as a Librarian she retired in order to paint full time. Her dream had come true at last. Mary E. Whitehill found many opportunities to study watercolors with the masters.
Mary E. Whitehill's first instructor was Carol St. John, followed by Edgar Whitney, Frank Webb, Carlton Plummer, Janet Walsh, Ruth Baderian, Tony Van Hasselt, Charles Sovek among others.
Mary E. Whitehill prefer working on site or "plein air", from the French phrase "en pleine air" meaning in fresh air. She belongs to the New York Plein Air Painters.
Mary E. Whitehill is a signature member of the:
Pennsylvania Watercolor Society
North East Watercolor Society , Salmagundi Club of NY,
Kent Art Association and Ridgefield Art Association of Connecticut
Catskill Art Association, Ringwood Art Association and Community Arts Association, NJ.
I have served on the Board of North East Watercolor Society
President , Secretary and Newsletter Editor of the Middletown Art Group, NY.
The most recent of Awards she have won are:
Samuel Leitman Award - Salmagundi Club - 2007
Best in Show - Hudson Valley Artisans Guiild - 2007
Best in Show-Middletown Art Group - 2006
Cider Painters of America - Miniature Award - 2003
Best in Watercolor - Ringwood - 2000
