Montgomery County
Painting
Mary Reeves Taylor was born in rural Pike County, Alabama, north
of Troy in 1936.Times were hard and there was no money for art lessons, however
she made use of whatever was available – drawing with pencil, coloring with
crayons, and one particularly memorable Christmas, a coloring book with watercolors!
She remembers not being able to wait until daylight and painting by the
fireplace light a girl’s hair that should have been black was a very dark
purple when sunrise came.
As she reared her family she was always ready to help children
with book report covers, etc. and occasionally had time for doing a special
painting for a friend.
While working at Troy
University she had the
opportunity to study with world-renowned artist Woodi Ishmael who introduced
her to the glorious world of oils. From day one she was hooked and enjoyed
several years of learning techniques from this master painter.
After retirement, she pursued her love of art at the Troy Senior
Complex working with fellow art lovers, taught by Mary Ann Casey, Mary Paige
and many visiting artists. Here she learned about exhibits and traveled to view
shows, museums and other interesting people involved in art. She continues her
hobby at her home by painting with friends and colleagues.