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Born in 1943 in Milwaukee, WI, USA


1985-92, Workshops and Advanced studies in Maryland and Virginia

1965, BA in Art, Webster University


"Painting is a visual language with the potential to enhance the quality of life.
I paint to communicate, it gives me great pleasure to share an insight with strangers and friends alike. If one of my paintings makes a difference in sombody’s life, it’s all the sweeter. Happily, I also relish the creative process.

I was bound to become an artist from childhood, when I couldn’t color with crayons without layering them and scratching to the under surface. Later I wondered why I couldn’t sew a garment without altering the pattern. Luckily, someone gave me oil paints, and today I paint abstract art.

When is Art abstract? For me it is art with design elements more important than the subject. I love color first but always pay attention to structure and composition. I love the tension and power that occur along the edge of two colliding shapes. I love creating a colorful focal point, then giving it meaning. I’m challenged to borrow a thought and give it an original twist, such as using a palette of stockpiled “woven oils”

As an art student I revered Cezanne, and then came to appreciate Matisse. Later I explored various “isms” through landscape. Eventually the landscapes evolved from a stylized Impressionism to abstract compositions, unencumbered by subject matter.

In recent years I’ve explored mixed media, geometric shapes and have used grids in many pieces. Now I’m combining organic elements. Perhaps I’m returning to landscape. Who knows. Pieces from my latest series “Intuitive Gardens” are very personal mini-landscapes."

Mary Ellen Neff, October 1999

  • Solo Exhibitions
  • 1998: Washington Design Center, Washington D.C., "Art on the 6th Floor - Intuitive Gardens”
  • 1997: African Eye Collection, Washington D.C
  • 1995: Colonial Players Theatre, Annapolis, MD
  • Group Exhibitions
  • 1999: Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons Island, MD
  • 1998: Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, MD "10 Women in Art"
  • 1996: Main Street Gallery, Annapolis, MD “Formed & Reformed” - 2 person show
  • 1995: Philadelphia Art Show Philadelphia, PA
  • 1993-1996: Annamarie Garden on St. John, Solomons Island, MD
  • 1993-1995: AIR Gallery, Annapolis, MD
  • 1992: Maryland Federation of Art Gallery on the Circle, Annapolis, MD “3 person show”
  • 1987-1991: Art League Gallery, Alexandria, VA
  • 1988: North End Gallery, Leonardtown, MD “2 person show”
  • 1985-1996: St. Mary’s College, St. Mary’s City, MD
  • 1985: Loretto Hilton Theatre, St. Louis, MO
  • 1984-1986 Oxon Hill Manor, Oxon Hill, Maryland

    • Selection of paintings from Mary Ellen Neff

    Read the guestbook of Mary Ellen Neff

    Sign the guestbook of Mary Ellen Neff


  • Equal Merit Award, Maryland Federation of Arts Gallery on the Circle
  • Grant Award, Chesapeake Railroad Museum, 1986-1987
  • First Place, Maryland Historical Society- Grand Opening of Jefferson Patterson Park, 1985
  • Equal Merit Award, Oxon Hill Manor, 1984