Page 10 - Harnett Life Fall 2018

Mary Ellen Yates – Brushstrokes

By Morgan Brown

Notable painters from the 16 and 17th century include Da a natural ability and aptitude for it. She has had formal
Vinci and Van Gogh, Michelangelo and Monet, Raphael training: a few university classes, various workshops, life
and Rembrandt, or The Old Masters, as they are often re- drawing classes, etc., but is self taught as well. “Reading
ferred; these artists are revered for their skills and technical books and educating yourself” can be just as beneficial as
abilities that were used to create some of the world’s most formal training, she noted.
recognizable pieces of artwork. Notable local oil painter
Mary Ellen Yates may one day join the ranks of these his- Yates said she has created artwork using other media such
torical figures – those who have helped inspire her creative as acrylic or watercolor paints, and sometimes charcoal,
style – based on her ability to bring to movement and life but gravitates toward oil paints as her primary medium.
into a completed work that was created by, in its simplest “The colors are so vibrant” and oil paints can be very for-
description, brushing paint onto a canvas. giving, she said. The brushwork used with oil paints is
unique because most artists favor allowing all layers of
Yates is a member of the Harnett Country Arts Council and paint to dry completely before adding new layers on. Yates
works locally as an artist, while also teaching fitness class- said there are drying mediums that can be used to speed
es at the Smithfield Aquatic Center. Having sold her first up the drying process, but letting the layers dry natural-
painting approximately 10 - 12 years ago, this could be ly is what she prefers. She said this “impasto” effect also
considered the start of her artistic career, but Yates said her drew her to working with oils. The ‘impasto’ technique
grandmother was a professional portrait artist, so it seems can be spotted in a painting where, within the thick layers
that this “genetic gift” had been passed down to her. She of paint, the brush strokes are clearly visible, adding a dis-
recalls drawing frequently in her childhood years, having tinctive texture that is not achievable if the artist is using a

Page 10 Harnett Life ~ Winter 2018