Celebrating America through her portrayals of America’s classic icons, Lynn Mara is proud to be this years winner of the prestigious Hampton Classic Poster Contest. Taking place August 27th through September 3rd in the luxurious Southampton, Long Island, The Hampton Classic is one of the biggest and anticipated shows on the East Coast and draws internationally known riders as well as famous celebrities to it’s grounds.

Known for her abstract paintings featuring American equestrian scenes as well as Indian chiefs and other subjects, Lynn Mara strives to catch the American country through her passion-filled brush strokes. Using a verity of mediums, she uses her imagination when it comes to the process of creating her paintings. Whether it’s paint, color pencils, markers or a touch of pastels, Lynn has tried and combined them all to create her own style of landscapes and portraits with contrasting colors that draw you into the moment. Her inspirations come from modern art masters, Leroy Neiman and Andy Warhol, as well as the beautiful scenes that surrounds her home of Southampton. Her paintings depict life in a beautiful arrangement of color and form, cementing her belief that humans are connected to nature on spiritual level, and uses art to show her passion for life.

You can see more of her art on her website: http://www.lynnmara.com 

Her work has been included in numerous collections and exhibits, including  The Union League Club (New York, NY); Lois Richards Gallery (Greenwich, CT) and Genesis Gallery (Stamford, CT).

TFS: Have you always been around horses and art?

LM: Horses have been my special love, passion, and muse all my life. I had a horse and a pony growing up. We use to ride them down to the ocean after school and take them for a swim or gallop on the sand. Now, many of my nieces ride; including one (Lily Brown, Greenwich Ct.) who will show again this year in the Classic.

TFS: What’s your process?

LM: My husband was part of a syndicate for race horses so I spent a lot of time in Saratoga photographing and getting inspired from the scene there.

TFS: What inspires you?

LM: I have been painting since I was a child. At that time I attended private classes with the late artist Jane Doscher of Southampton. Both of my grandmothers were artists too, but very different genres, style and medium. Though I attended Marymount College, Va., most of what I have learned has been self-taught or through trial and error. My friends and family have been valuable critics and have supported me throughout my career.

TFS: Would you tell us what a typical day in your studio is like?

LM: My typical day begins at the crack of dawn with a 3 mile run, then attending daily Mass, and back home again to paint the day away! I am inspired by everything in nature. Painting is an expression of my joyful gratitude for everything in life. I thank God everyday for this gift that I never tire of! I paint nearly every day and often for 8 or more hours a day. (I love to cook too though so I always make time for family dinners and entertaining.)

I usually work on many paintings at once. My canvases or wood boards are large so I prepare the backgrounds and then return to the drier canvas where things just evolve. Sometimes I have a good idea of what I want to turn out ie. when I work from a photograph. Other times, in a more abstract work, the process truly just evolves over many, many layers of color, shape and texture.There are many happy accidents!

TFS: Any advice for other artists?

LM: To other artists, Be gentle on yourself. I offer sincere ENCOURAGEMENT. Art is a beautiful gift. Find a way to use it. You might just discover your purpose in life!

What is the one tool, in your studio or online, that is imperative for your success?

LM: The one tool: anything that imprints a great texture. I collect things that with texture will push my paintings to be their best. Resin is my new favorite medium to drench an entire painting in thick, high gloss before I call it finished.

TFS: Plans for the future?

LM: I’ll be doing some “pop ups” in the Hamptons this summer. I’m looking for a Gallery to show my work in the near future. In the meantime, people can always follow me on Instagram @lynnmara4 where I post new work frequently and announce anything newsworthy!

Thank you for letting me interview you, Lynn! Congrats on your success.