Mary Rose O’Connell

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Welcome to my video library. These videos explore my process for painting landscape, seascape, and still life paintings. The fundamental principles involved in building a painting are repeated throughout each lesson. The design, drawing, value, color, and edge relationships within the artwork combine to make a strong composition.

It has been a pleasure to demonstrate, teach classes, share ideas, and host workshops throughout the years. Presenting lessons online is a new venture for me and I encourage your feedback and questions.

I look forward to sharing more videos in the months ahead. Approximately every two months I plan to present a new two hour live demonstration with questions and answers.  Additionally, I plan to post new instructional videos twice a month going forward, all of which will be added to the permanent library of videos on my page on Epiphany Fine Art.

Warm regards,
Mary Rose

Mary Rose O’Connell is best known for her dynamic oil paintings of the New England coast. Other genres she has mastered are her sensitive portrait, still life, and landscape paintings. She paints in her studio and en plein air in a representational style. Classically trained in the Boston School Tradition, her work shows a strong grounding in composition and design combined with the color and light of the 19th century Impressionists.
Along with being a national award-winning artist, Mary Rose was a past recipient of the Charles Family Foundation, Cape Ann Museum, Copley Society of Art Fellowship. Mary Rose is a juried artist member of the Copley Society of Art, the North Shore Arts Association, and the Rockport Art Association. She has exhibited with the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionists Society, and the Allied Artists of America.
Mary Rose instructs students in composition and design techniques using oil, acrylic, gouache, and drawing mediums. In addition to the technical aspects, the classes focus on color, value, and edge relationships within the paintings. She conducts workshops throughout the United States and in Europe.

Mary Rose O'Connell photo

If we haven’t yet covered a topic you’d like to see let us know and we’ll add it to the list  Thanks! Send us an email

Materials
Oil Materials List
Gouache Materials List
Mary Rose O'Connell oil painting
Mary Rose O'Connell flower painting
Kathy Anderson oil painting

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Free Videos

4 videos found
MRO-A Winter Landscape (part 1)
31:19
MRO-A Winter Landscape (part 1)
245views
Initially a design is created with structure lines. Color notes are added to compare the color and value relationships.
Mary Rose O'Connell winter landscape painting
28:02
MRO-A Winter Landscape (part 2)
47views
Continue to squint for the value relationships while applying five different color notes. As more color builds up start using softer brushes like sable or synthetic.
Mary Rose O'Connell winter landscape painting
34:54
MRO-A Winter Landscape (part 3)
58views
Adding more white with color brushed into it to create a sparkling light effect.
Mary Rose O'Connell photo
0:43
MRO-Introduction
132views
Mary Rose O'Connell welcomes you to her studio and new page on Epiphany Fine Art.

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Mary Rose O'Connell oil painting

painting by Mary Rose O’Connell

Silver Subscription Videos

Videos Added in the Past Three Months

10 videos found
reference photo of pink roses
32:12
MRO-Rose Garden
4views
Watch as Mary Rose demonstrates how to start a painting of a rose.
pet portrait by Mary Rose O'Connell
45:47
MRO-Portrait of Terry (part 1)
3views
Watch as Mary Rose takes a portrait of Terry, part boxer and part basset hound, from start to completion.
Oil portrait of a basset hound
36:17
MRO-Portrait of Terry (part 2)
3views
Watch as Mary Rose takes a portrait of Terry, part boxer and part basset hound, from start to completion.
MRO-How I Build a Painting
34:27
MRO-How I Build a Painting
4views
From planning the design through addressing value, color, and edge relationships this video will describe the process from beginning to completion.,
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 1)
22:55
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 1)
6views
How to mix and compare color and value relationships in a painting. Squinting down and naming edges as the colors meet.
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 1)
30:18
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 1)
3views
Initially, three oily colors are applied to the canvas. With a paper towel move aroung the paint and pull out the lights. Add more darks as needed. Continue to develop the composition and pay attention to the big value shapes.
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 2)
23:11
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 2)
4views
Continue to wipe out and add paint to keep the value relationships, edge quality and design heading toward a pleasing result. Keep the shapes interesting and avoid sameness. Take frequent breaks, use a mirror, and keep your objectivity. Stop before ...
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 3)
28:04
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 3)
4views
Finishing the painting. Continue to wipe out and add paint to keep the value relationships, edge quality and design heading toward a pleasing result. Keep the shapes interesting and avoid sameness. Take frequent breaks, use a mirror, and keep your ...
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 2)
9:06
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 2)
4views
How to mix and compare color and value relationships in a painting. Squinting down and naming edges as the colors meet.
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 3)
26:53
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 3)
2views
How to mix and compare color and value relationships in a painting. Squinting down and naming edges as the colors meet.

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Mary Rose O’Connell:

Archived Live Demos

1 video found
Mary Rose O'Connell seascape demo reference picture
1:53:11
MRO-Live Demo: Seascape Composition, Design, and Underpainting
5views
Please join Mary Rose for part 1 of this live oil painting seascape presentation as she demonstrates how to build a solid foundation for her composition, leading to a dynamic design. Attention is given to the relationship of design, drawing, value, ...

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Demo Reference Materials

Mary Rose O’Connell’s Materials List
Materials List
Mary Rose O’Connell’s Reference Images
Reference Images

Puppies, Kitties, and Birdies

2 videos found
pet portrait by Mary Rose O'Connell
45:47
MRO-Portrait of Terry (part 1)
3views
Watch as Mary Rose takes a portrait of Terry, part boxer and part basset hound, from start to completion.
Oil portrait of a basset hound
36:17
MRO-Portrait of Terry (part 2)
3views
Watch as Mary Rose takes a portrait of Terry, part boxer and part basset hound, from start to completion.

TO TOP ^

Mary Rose O’Connell
Puppies, Kitties, and Birdies

Seascapes

14 videos found
MRO-How I Build a Painting
34:27
MRO-How I Build a Painting
4views
From planning the design through addressing value, color, and edge relationships this video will describe the process from beginning to completion.,
MRO-Bass Rocks (part 1)
36:47
MRO-Bass Rocks (part 1)
5views
Today we are going to paint a plein air scene at Bass Rocks. Underpainting with Transparent red oxide and Gamsol (Odorless Mineral Spirits). This creates a blueprint for design, values, edge relationships. One bristle brush and Viva paper towels. The ...
MRO-Bass Rocks (part 2)
38:40
MRO-Bass Rocks (part 2)
5views
Today we are going to paint a plein air scene at Bass Rocks. Underpainting with Transparent red oxide and Gamsol (Odorless Mineral Spirits). This creates a blueprint for design, values, edge relationships. One bristle brush and Viva paper towels. The ...
MRO-Bass Rocks (part 3)
27:51
MRO-Bass Rocks (part 3)
4views
After taking a break form a painting that you have been working on it becomes clear what the nest step is. In this painting adding more color and opaque paint contributes to the overall effect. Using more paint and allowing it to fall gently off your ...
Oil painting by Mary Rose O'Connell
30:13
MRO-Breaking Surf (part 1)
5views
Part one: Block in and layout
Oil painting by Mary Rose O'Connell
38:45
MRO-Breaking Surf (part 2)
3views
Part two: As the painting develops care is taken to compare the value shapes, color temperature, drawing and edges.
Oil painting by Mary Rose O'Connell
28:18
MRO-Breaking Surf (part 3)
3views
Part three: Finishing the painting.
Seascape painting by Mary Rose O'Connell
23:17
MRO-Front Beach (part 1)
4views
Part one: We begin by creating an abstract design of value and color shapes, as well as edges. While keeping the design in the lead.
Seascape painting by Mary Rose O'Connell
26:02
MRO-Front Beach (part 2)
3views
Part two: As the painting develops care is taken to compare the value shapes, color temperature, drawing and edges.
Seascape painting by Mary Rose O'Connell
27:06
MRO-Front Beach (part 3)
3views
Part three: Continuing the development of the painting
Seascape painting by Mary Rose O'Connell
22:00
MRO-Front Beach (part 4)
3views
Part four: finishing the painting
MRO-Pemiquid Rocks (part 1)
42:14
MRO-Pemiquid Rocks (part 1)
4views
Today we are going to paint a plein air scene at Pemiquid rocks. A small pencil sketch is advisable to determine your design. I used structure lines without any details. The lines are an integral part of this dramatic composition. Start to sdd color ...
MRO-Pemiquid Rocks (part 2)
16:35
MRO-Pemiquid Rocks (part 2)
5views
Today we are going to paint a plein air scene at Pemiquid rocks. A small pencil sketch is advisable to determine your design. I used structure lines without any details. The lines are an integral part of this dramatic composition. Start to sdd color ...
MRO-Pemiquid Rocks (part 3)
39:45
MRO-Pemiquid Rocks (part 3)
5views
Today we are going to paint a plein air scene at Pemiquid rocks. A small pencil sketch is advisable to determine your design. I used structure lines without any details. The lines are an integral part of this dramatic composition. Start to sdd color ...

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Mary Rose O’Connell
Seascapes

Landscapes

5 videos found
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 1)
30:18
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 1)
3views
Initially, three oily colors are applied to the canvas. With a paper towel move aroung the paint and pull out the lights. Add more darks as needed. Continue to develop the composition and pay attention to the big value shapes.
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 2)
23:11
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 2)
4views
Continue to wipe out and add paint to keep the value relationships, edge quality and design heading toward a pleasing result. Keep the shapes interesting and avoid sameness. Take frequent breaks, use a mirror, and keep your objectivity. Stop before ...
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 3)
28:04
MRO-Along the Iron Fence (part 3)
4views
Finishing the painting. Continue to wipe out and add paint to keep the value relationships, edge quality and design heading toward a pleasing result. Keep the shapes interesting and avoid sameness. Take frequent breaks, use a mirror, and keep your ...
MRO-Snow Drifts (part 1)
37:28
MRO-Snow Drifts (part 1)
5views
Determine the horizon line and add a few structure lines to begin establishing the design. Add color noted to compare the value and color relationships within the painting. Be aware of the lightest light and darkest dark. What are the leading edges ...
MRO-Snow Drifts (part 2)
1:03:00
MRO-Snow Drifts (part 2)
4views
As the painting develops and the colors meet you should paint the edges as they are. Hard, soft or somewhere in between. Keep the most beautiful color and design in the area of the focal point.

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Mary Rose O’Connell
Landscapes

Still Life

7 videos found
reference photo of pink roses
32:12
MRO-Rose Garden
4views
Watch as Mary Rose demonstrates how to start a painting of a rose.
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 1)
22:55
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 1)
6views
How to mix and compare color and value relationships in a painting. Squinting down and naming edges as the colors meet.
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 2)
9:06
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 2)
4views
How to mix and compare color and value relationships in a painting. Squinting down and naming edges as the colors meet.
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 3)
26:53
MRO-Magnolia Color and Edges (part 3)
2views
How to mix and compare color and value relationships in a painting. Squinting down and naming edges as the colors meet.
MRO-Pumpkin (part 1)
26:10
MRO-Pumpkin (part 1)
4views
In this video I will show from start to finish how to paint a pumpkin in a still life. Use a slight neural green mixture with Gamsol (OMS) to quiet the white of the canvas. Using a darker color make structure lines to determine where the shapes are ...
MRO-Pumpkin (part 2)
28:43
MRO-Pumpkin (part 2)
3views
In this video I will show from start to finish how to paint a pumpkin in a still life. Use a slight neural green mixture with Gamsol (OMS) to quiet the white of the canvas. Using a darker color make structure lines to determine where the shapes are ...
MRO-Pumpkin (part 3)
45:29
MRO-Pumpkin (part 3)
4views
In this video I will show from start to finish how to paint a pumpkin in a still life. Use a slight neural green mixture with Gamsol (OMS) to quiet the white of the canvas. Using a darker color make structure lines to determine where the shapes are ...

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Mary Rose O’Connell
Still Lifes

Painting Winter

3 videos found
MRO-A Winter Landscape (part 1)
31:19
MRO-A Winter Landscape (part 1)
245views
Initially a design is created with structure lines. Color notes are added to compare the color and value relationships.
Mary Rose O'Connell winter landscape painting
28:02
MRO-A Winter Landscape (part 2)
47views
Continue to squint for the value relationships while applying five different color notes. As more color builds up start using softer brushes like sable or synthetic.
Mary Rose O'Connell winter landscape painting
34:54
MRO-A Winter Landscape (part 3)
58views
Adding more white with color brushed into it to create a sparkling light effect.

TO TOP ^

Mary Rose O’Connell
Painting Winter

Using Gouache for Sketching

5 videos found
MRO-A Basic Introduction to Designer Gouache
11:11
MRO-A Basic Introduction to Designer Gouache
7views
An intro to sketching with gouache.
MRO-Gouache Sketch: A Winter Landscape (part 3)
17:39
MRO-Gouache Sketch: A Winter Landscape (part 3)
3views
Block in to plan the design for a large scale oil painting
MRO-Gouache Sketch: Painting Snow (part 4)
42:40
MRO-Gouache Sketch: Painting Snow (part 4)
4views
The opaque quality of this medium allows for easy adjustments to improve the design plan
MRO-Gouache Sketch: Seascape 1 (part 1)
32:13
MRO-Gouache Sketch: Seascape 1 (part 1)
2views
Block in big color shapes for a pleasing design.
MRO-Gouache Sketch: Seascape 2 (part 2)
27:59
MRO-Gouache Sketch: Seascape 2 (part 2)
3views
Block in a dynamic design creating drama.

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Mary Rose O’Connell
Using Gouache

Short Videos

3 videos found
MRO-Color Charts and New Discoveries
7:46
MRO-Color Charts and New Discoveries
4views
How and why color charts are vital to your painting practice.
MRO-Values Do All the Work While Color Gets All the Credit
4:43
MRO-Values Do All the Work While Color Gets All the Credit
3views
Value charts, squinting down, and learning to see the relationships within the painting.
MRO-Varnishing: Bring Back the Rich Darks
8:31
MRO-Varnishing: Bring Back the Rich Darks
3views
Types of varnish, when to varnish and why.

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Mary Rose O’Connell
Short Videos