Mary G. Severino

As the years pass, you eventually realize that some things are inevitable. Once you discover the desire to create things out of your own imagination, that muse follows you through life. I can remember that the lines in a coloring book were a constraint and that coloring out of the lines allowed imagination to flow. Drawing and sketching were always a pleasure. As a nationally and internationally-ranked competitive swimmer, I would sketch to  relax during the endless meets. When I enrolled as a freshman at the University of Michigan, not knowing what career path I would take, I discovered that architecture was that magic combination of art, science, problem solving and creativity. The fact that I was told at the time, that this was not a profession for women was an inspiration, not a deterrent. I became passionate about pursuing the imaginative solutions that could evolve from a series of sketches into fully realized buildings.

While pursuing a Master of Architecture degree at the University of California, Berkely, I was able to expand my imagination and the ideas soared. My masters thesis centered around the Napa Valley and sustainable growth, years before the term "green building" came into vogue. Architecture is a precise, highly detailed profession involving years of education and on-the-job experience. While I became a registered architect and respected professional, I never lost my passion and love for the the sketching, the rendering, and the creative aspects of the work.

With a career spanning forty years, 30+ years as a business owner and practicing architect, I was extremely honored to be awarded 'Emeritus" status from the American Institute of Architects. Architecture, along with the buildings I have designed, are a part of the fiber of my being. The profession has given me a deep appreciation of the details, textures, colors, complexities and experiences of the world around us. This site includes a limited portfolio of my architectural projects to give you a taste and appreciation for my work over the years.

During my years of professional practice, I continued to feed my creative muse through photography, urban sketching and idle doodling. It was inevitable that I would eventually return to a medium I had explored when I was very young; painting. I quickly realized that the ability to utilize the nuances of color, shape and composition in fine art was not unlike the skills needed as an architect. Detail matters and training was essential.

I was introduced to the renowned watercolorist, Geraldine McKeown (AWC) and have been in her master class since 2018. She has continually pushed me to create much more than "lines on paper." All of my work is personally meaningful. While the subject matter may change, I am drawn to the realistic and relatable subjects that provide joy to both myself and the viewer through mood, texture, composition and color. I love the process of creating these works, hoping the finished pieces convey that to you, the viewers.
  
Contact Mary to inquire about her work and the availability of original pieces, prints or other work shown on this site.