MaryLou Andrews
Lover of people and painting
Biography
Biography
Though MaryLou Shuff Andrews spent her first 18 years in Illinois, she has been blessed to have rooted friendships in a number of states, from Wisconsin to Texas to the east coast. Early in her life she demonstrated a love for art and people, which has carved her life’s history. The combination of these two gifts from God led her into education and art. After college graduation she taught elementary education until 1993 when she was asked to fill a newly opened art position. Within a year and with her husband’s encouragement, she began to seriously create art. Her mentor, Eldon Faries, provided her with a strong understanding of watercolor and art principles, pushing her artistic growth, but also encouraged her in participating in exhibitions and continuous education. She has continued to study from nationally and internationally known painters: Judi Betts, Gerald Brommer, Mary Todd Beam, Shirley Sterling, Mike Bailey, John Salmimin, Kathleen Conover, Ryan Fox, among others.
MaryLou’s paintings have been accepted in and received ribbons in local, state, national and international exhibitions. Her work is in private and business collections across the U.S.
She is the co-president of the Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist (CBW), a signature member of Watercolor Art Society-Houston, a member of the Virginia Watercolor Society, Southside Artists Association, Suffolk Art League, Perquimans Art League, the National Watercolor Society, and American Watercolor Society. She also is the co-chair for the Virginia Watercolor Society’s 2021 Exhibition and Workshop. She continues to instill the love for art in young people, teaching with KEYS (Kingdom Education for Young Scholars), an umbrella school supporting home schooling families.
MaryLou holds three degrees: B.S., Bob Jones University (1969); and M.Ed., Clemson University (1973); Ed.S. in Art Education, Georgia State University. She is a retired art teacher with 45 years of experience, was recognized as Teacher of the Year in two school districts, served as Fulton County Mentor for district art teachers, National Board Certified Teacher from 2001 through 2021; a new resident to Virginia since April 2017.
When not painting, MaryLou enjoys her husband of 50+ years, their two children and their spouses, and their 9 grandchildren, who also love art!
Recent Awards
2022
2021
2020
Second Place and Wells Fargo Advisors Award, Come Sit with me. Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist Winter show, Norfolk,VA.
2019
Best in Show, Tug of War, Southside Artists Association Spring show, Chesapeake, VA.
Best in Show, Christina. Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist Spring Show, Virginia Beach, VA.
Award of Merit, All I Possess, Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist Fall show, Norfolk, VA.
Merit Award, Barred Rock Queen, Southside Artists Association Fall show. Chesapeake, VA.
Virginia Watercolor Society Annual Juried Exhibition. Christina. Lorton, VA.
Central Virginia Artist Guild Juried Exhibition, Christina Breeze. Charlottesville, VA.
2018
Honorable Mention, Newborn, Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist Spring show, Virginia Beach, VA.
People’s Choice, Party of Hen, Southside Artist Association Spring show, Chesapeake, VA.
Honorable Mention and Wells Fargo Choice Award. Party of Hen. Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist Fall show, Norfolk, VA.
Virginia Watercolor Society Annual Juried Exhibition, Party of Hen. Salem, VA.
2017
Best in Show, Tangled Roots. Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist. Spring Show, Norfolk, VA.
Best in Show, Come Sit with Me. Southside Artists Association Fall Show. Chesapeake, VA.
ANDREWS - Artist Statement
Every artist finds within a need to create. It is not a choice, it is something that grabs, shakes, and will not let go. My need to create finds its release from life experiences. I paint what stirs my soul, whether farm life, loving people, events that have influenced who I have become, breathtaking landscapes, or simple things such as way light contrasts with shadows. These warm my spirit and call me to create “for the praise of His glory.”
Together
CURRENT and Upcoming EXhibitionS
Virginia Watercolor Society 44th Annual Exhibition, Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center, 110 Westover Ave, Williamsburg, VA. Sept 16-Nov 2, 2023
Chesapeake Bay Watercolorists Fall Exhibition, Suffolk Art Gallery, 118 Bosley Ave, Suffolk, VA. Sept 16-Oct 20, 2023
2023 Virginia Artists Juried Exhibition, Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center, 4205 Victoria Blvd, Hampton, VA, Sept 16-Nov 11, 2023
2023 Mid-Atlantic Regional Watercolor Juried Exhibition,Kentlands Mansion Gallery, 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD. Oct 6, 2023-Jan 15, 2024
EVENTS & PRESS
“Texture in Watercolor” Presentation to Chesapeake Bay Watercolorists, July 9, 2023.
Juror for the Chesapeake Bay Art Association’s 58th Annual Ocean View Art Exhibition. October 2022
Alison Johnson, ‘Letting Paintbrush Take Over’ The Virginian Pilot, November 18, 2019.
“Painting outside the lines: a Portrait Demonstration” Presentation to Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist, March 2019.
Recent EXhibitionS (click on links to see work)
Watercolor Art Society-Houston’s 43rd International Watermedia Exhibition: ”Party of Hen” Watercolor Art Society-Houston
NWS Annual Member Exhibition 2020: “Christina”