Having relocated to Egg Harbor from Mequon in 2019, Mary K. Braza has successfully finished over 350 paintings since then.
In her own words, the retired attorney shared, “I dedicate about four days a week to painting. After attending to household chores, I usually begin painting around 10:30 or 11 in the morning, take a break, resume painting until 4, then unwind with a cocktail, marking the end of my creative day. By adhering to this routine, I can complete even a relatively large painting in just two to three days.”
For Mary, this is her version of retirement. She explained, “Transitioning from a busy work life, I find solace in maintaining a structured schedule and the discipline it entails.”
Initially envisioning retirement as a time for traveling across Europe and Asia with her husband, Jim, who also practiced law, their plans took a turn due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary shared, “With Europe off the table for the time being, we redirected our focus to exploring and hiking National Parks, ultimately settling in Door County.”
It was during this period that Mary delved into painting. Before retiring, she and a friend attended a painting class at a local community center to test the waters for her post-retirement pursuits. To her delight, she discovered a passion for painting that translated into prolific output.
Known for her role as a founder and co-chair of the Sports Industry Team at Foley & Lardner, a prominent law firm in Milwaukee, Mary collaborated with 40 attorneys on notable acquisitions, litigations, media agreements, antitrust matters, and the development of new sports facilities, as outlined on her LinkedIn profile.
Now, she channels that same energy and dedication into her artwork. Reflecting on her recent focus, she shared, “Last year, I aimed to work on larger pieces, creating many paintings around 4 feet by 3 feet in size.”
This shift was motivated by her inclination towards intricate and detailed painting styles. By embracing larger canvases, Mary challenged herself to adopt a more fluid and expressive painting approach.
Expressing her current artistic aspirations, Mary revealed, “I aim to integrate the newfound freedom and expression from larger works into smaller pieces.”
The transition to smaller artworks was inspired by her participation in the Peninsula School of Art’s small works exhibition, which imposed a size limit of 12 inches in any dimension. Embracing this challenge, Mary now strives to produce a painting daily, often focusing on small watercolors.
PenArt has played a pivotal role in Mary’s artistic journey, offering a diverse range of high-quality classes that have propelled her growth as a painter. While the Milwaukee area provided a solid foundation, PenArt’s intensive workshops and community of artists and instructors have enriched her experience, leading her to actively engage by joining the art school’s board.
Mary’s portfolio predominantly showcases Door County landscapes captured in oils, featuring scenes ranging from serene landscapes to vibrant depictions of local activities. Embracing a newfound confidence, she has begun incorporating human figures into her compositions to enhance the connection between viewers and her art.
Frequently drawing inspiration from their shared love for national parks, Mary and Jim embark on hiking adventures to capture scenes that later find their way into her paintings. As Jim delves into writing pursuits, Mary continues her artistic exploration by enrolling in drawing classes and engaging in workshops that spark her creativity.
Throughout her artistic endeavors, Mary has found mentors like Kari Anderson and Tom Nachreiner, whose guidance and techniques have shaped her approach to painting. From structured watercolor classes to experimental abstract workshops, Mary values the diverse learning experiences that have broadened her artistic horizons.