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.