MEET THE ARTIST

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I'm enchanted by nature's endless presentation of fascinating color relationships. I photograph what inspires me, gather research images, or work in plein air to devise compositions. Landscapes, portraits, and illustrative paintings are built in layers to achieve a heightened sense of representation, and transcend reality.

Abstract works are fueled by my desire for invention. The paintings unfold organically into an infinite cycle of discoveries, rendered anew by the viewer’s own imagination. 

Painting the Cosmos is a body of work that delves into the mysteries of color, movement, light, and dark matter in the vast universe. Researching astrophysics and astronomy inspires abstract reflections of planets, nebulas, black holes and galaxies. The cosmic paintings are born from these observations, and sometimes, they are an exact replica from a vivid dream.

I use Rosco Off-Broadway Artist's Paint for large scale scenic backings and theatrical productions. In the art studio, I work with Golden Heavy Body Acrylics, and M. Graham Oil, Watercolor and Guache. Mediums are selected for a particular painting based on the surface textures they'll bring to a finished piece.

Collage plays a major role in my design process. I'm cutting, tearing, and layering images into one unified composition for both canvas and stage. Collage techniques produce a tactile experience when combining magazine clippings with fabric, watercolor, or acrylic mediums. These physical elements are assembled on a 2D surface for a completed product closely resembling a found objects sculpture. 

Digitally, the collage process is achieved by collecting the visual elements and bringing them together for further development in Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Sketch or Procreate. Here I'm free to experiment with re-interpretation of forms; alter their scale and transparency, grasp their impermanence, and experience depth perception in novel ways. 

Mary Jungels Goodyear is a Theatrical  Scene Designer & Painter.  She teaches Scenic Design, Scenographic Techniques, Scene Painting, & Multi-Media Rendering courses at Illinois State University‘s  School of Theatre, Dance, & Film.

Mary’s  recent scenic designs for ISU’s Mainstage productions include: The Addams Family, 2023; Hansel & Gretel, 2023; Rhinoceros, 2022, & Sueño, 2021. She was cast as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist in Bonnie's Misfits for Westhoff Theatre’s 2020 production of Ike Holter's Hit the Wall.

Mary has worked for Saint Lawrence University in Canton, New York as a scenic designer and artist in residence. She enjoys collaborating with local and regional musicians, and designing album covers and logos for Argosy Records. Mary is a published children’s book illustrator, and a professional studio artist working in oil, acrylic, and watercolor. 

Mary holds a Bachelor’s degree in Painting from Illinois State University, a Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design from the University of Oregon, and a Certificate of Completion from the Broadway Lighting Master Classes in New York.