Cover Artist: Mary Singleton

WRITTEN BY: CAYMAN CLEVENGER

A horn blows in the distance, a ferry transports travelers across the churning waters of the Mississippi to the sleepy shores of Algiers point. Clovers spring forth from the ground, creating a lush green carpet enveloped by tropical plants and shielded from the bustling city just across the river by a wall of ligustrum.

This is the backdrop for Mary Singleton’s New Orleans home and studio. A carefully curated Zen

garden of pebbles, pavers, boxwoods and planters round out her picturesque botanical sanctuary. The flora that thrives in her personal spaces often takes center stage in her artwork, seamlessly transitioning from her home and surroundings onto her canvas.

Singleton’s work effortlessly intertwines her Louisiana roots and love for New Orleans’ lush flora with her own green thumb. She captures the essence of the city’s vibrant botanical landscape, gardens, parks and surrounding marshlands, paying vivid homage to the verdant splendor of her surroundings.

Singleton’s artistic journey has been defined by her ability to evolve and adapt as she explores myriad possibilities within her creative realm. Before embarking on her journey as a full-time artist, Singleton worked at Trader Joe’s, where she showcased her artistic talent by creating captivating blackboard art for the store. This experience allowed her to hone her skills and develop her unique style that eventually caught the attention of the art world.

Early in her career, Singleton focused on figurative work and portraiture. She then began imbuing her subject with a botanical backdrop that hinted at her deeper connection with nature. Recognizing the potential in these lush environments, she bravely dove into pieces focused on flora, fostering a newfound freedom and abstraction.

Her canvases teem with New Orleans’ abundant flora and pulsates with its infectious energy. Her brushstrokes expertly bring to life the lush philodendron, tropical palmettos and the mysterious, tangled interplay of man and nature.

Singleton finds her muse in the botanical splendor adorning the balconies and gardens of the Crescent City, skillfully weaving its essence into every stroke of her brush. This exploration of Singleton’s artistic journey reveals how her passion for plants and deep connection to her surroundings have shaped her work, transforming her into a rising star in the New Orleans art scene.

“New Orleans is a dynamic city that captivates your senses with its chaotic charm and invigorating energy. I draw inspiration from strolling through my neighborhood, absorbing the diverse paint colors, architecture, plant-life, and even the enchanting sound of the calliope playing in the evening,” Singleton said.

What Singleton describes as the city’s inherent transience also fuels her. “Nothing is permanent here; the ever-changing wind, rain and storms create a sense of chaotic movement that truly captures the essence of New Orleans for me,” she said. This profound connection allows Singleton to create art that encapsulates the lively color, characteristic movement and vibrant qualities of Louisiana’s most celebrated city.

Singleton’s distinctive style combines elements of Fauvism, Impressionism and German Expressionism, resulting in an intense and captivating visual language. Emphasizing the emotional impact of her subjects, she employs rich color combinations and expressive brushstrokes to create depth and dimension.

Her style, at times intensely colorful, emotional and expressive, is characterized by movement and a touch of chaos, indicative of a creator willing to relinquish control and embrace the unexpected.

For her botanicals, Singleton starts with a single leaf, typically tropical, that she believes has good movement and architectural quality. She works outward on the canvas in a circular fashion, allowing the movement of the flora to guide her. She blends a mixture of acrylic and latex paints, experimenting with negative space, bright colors, and enlivening textures to create compositions that are as tactile as they are captivating.

Claire Thriffiley, gallerist and owner of the Claire Elizabeth Gallery on Decatur Street, played a pivotal role in Singleton’s artistic journey. Thriffiley discovered Singleton’s unique botanical paintings and recognized their potential, providing her with her first solo exhibition and offering a prestigious platform to showcase her captivating art. Singleton said Thriffiley’s unwavering support and mentorship have been crucial in her growth and helped her navigate the challenges of becoming an established artist.

As Singleton’s star continues to rise, fans and collectors will soon have the opportunity to acquire limited edition digital prints, available exclusively on her website. Singleton’s captivating work can also be found at galleries in cities throughout the South, including Anne Connelly Fine Art in Baton Rouge and Claire Elizabeth Gallery in New Orleans.

Art enthusiasts can look forward to an upcoming solo show at the Claire Elizabeth Gallery opening July 1, where Singleton’s passion for New Orleans’ flourishing flora and captivating charm will undoubtedly mesmerize audiences and create new collectors.

Learn more at MarySingletonStudio.com.