Island House by Mary Erickson, Oil on Panel, 6 x 8"
There is a little island house in one of Mary Erickson’s new paintings that I keep coming back to.
Sunlight falls across its roof, a long shadow stretches through the golden grass, and beyond the trees is a glimpse of the sea.
Every time I look at Island House, I find myself imagining what it would be like to spend a calming afternoon there. What would you do? Perhaps you find yourself reading a nice book in the Maine sunlight, wandering down to the water for a dip in the ocean, or maybe someone special is waiting or you in the lit room at the back of the house.
It's a lovely place to let your mind wander, and Mary gives us just enough to start imagining a story of our own. For a painting just six by eight inches, Island House leaves a remarkable amount of room for the imagination.
In the Footsteps of the Wyeth's
This August, Colby College invited Mary to spend several days on Allen Island in Maine, once owned by the Wyeth family.
Betsy Wyeth, Andrew’s wife, had shaped the island into what Mary described as a "painter's paradise," thoughtfully placing buildings to catch the light amid the simplicity of the coastal landscape.
“The Wyeth spirit permeates the island,” Mary shared. “It was a wonderful experience.”
In Wyeth's Presence by Mary Erickson, Oil on Panel, 8 x 8"
In Wyeth’s Presence brings us closer to the island’s rocky ground, where golden grasses grow through cracks in the stone. There’s something lovely about the attention Mary gives to this simple patch of landscape: the cool colors of the rock, the delicate grasses, and the open sky beyond.
Mary painted both In Wyeth's Presence and Island House en plein air during her stay. I love knowing she stood in these very places, watching the light move across the landscape.
Looking at the finished paintings feels like sharing a little of what made her stop and set up her easel.
Along the Rocky Shore
Coastal Rythyms by Mary Erickson, Oil on Panel, 5.5 x 10"
In Coastal Rhythms, waves break against the rocks, sending spray into the air while white foam curls through the channels below. You can almost hear the crash and the rush of water drawing back.
At just five and a half by eleven inches, the painting captures a surprisingly expansive stretch of shoreline. That long, narrow composition gives the water room to move.
A Familiar Feeling
Dark Sky and Summer Bloom are lovely to see side by side.
Through these works, Mary shows how differently a familiar stretch of beach can feel as the light changes.
Beneath the gray sky, the sea oats and dunes feel hushed, with sunlight still catching the sand before the weather turns. In Summer Bloom, the warmer sand and clear blues bring back the easy pleasure of a sunny beach day.
Whether you know the coast of Maine or spend your days beside the water here in Sarasota, these paintings capture familiar pleasures of coastal life. Their small size makes it easy to bring that feeling into a room you enjoy every day.
Keeping Up with Mary
Mary recently served as awards judge for the Women Artists of the West national exhibition at Centerpiece Gallery in Raleigh, North Carolina. It’s a role that calls on her experience and discerning eye, evaluating the work of fellow artists and selecting the exhibition’s award winners.
Inspired by the beautiful artwork she encountered in North Carolina, Mary returned eager to get back to her own easel: “Now I just need to get in the studio and paint!"
She then traveled to Charleston to paint with the Plein Air Painters of the South East (PAP-SE), spending a week working outdoors alongside fellow painters.
Following her August stay on Allen Island in Maine, Mary has had plenty of opportunities to explore new subjects this season!
From Painting to Poetry
Between Sand and Sky by Mary Erickson, Oil on Canvas, 24 x 36"
Mary’s work is also inspiring creativity in another form. Between Sand and Sky, currently here in our gallery, has been selected as inspiration for poetry at the Suncoast Writers Guild’s Art Fusion event on December 2, 2026.
We’re delighted that Mary’s painting will be part of this exchange between artists and writers, and look forward to hearing the poetry it inspires.
Discover Little Gems
Mary’s new works will be featured in Little Gems, our upcoming group exhibition of original paintings measuring nine by twelve inches or smaller.
Their small size makes them easy to find a place for, whether in your home or in the home of someone you love this holiday season. A coastal scene might recall a favorite memory, or an island house might remind you of somewhere you’ve shared. Choosing a painting with someone in mind makes the gift all the more personal.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, November 20 from 5 - 7 PM to meet the artists, enjoy complimentary wine, and find a little gem for yourself or someone special.
The exhibition will be on display November 20, 2026 - January 2, 2027.
Click the link below for more information.