MARY ERICKSON preferres to work on location, in the tradition of painters since the French Impressionists, Mary travels extensively. She creates field studies (plein air) then returns to the studio to produce large paintings using the visual knowledge and critical information gathered in the field. Painting tours have taken her to Spain, Guatemala, Argentina, Ireland and throughout the United States. Whether solitary excursions (like scouring the coast of Maine for painting sites with her rescue dog, Maggie) or group efforts with other professionals or students, Mary believes these painting trips are essential to an artist's career and growth. Future trips are planned to Italy, France, Costa Rica, Mexico and New Zealand. Mary is a founding member of SPAA (Southern Plein Air Artists,) a member of The Group of Eight, and The Florida Four, all Southern based alliances that are intent on recording the scenery of the rapidly vanishing natural southern landscape. She is a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA). In addition to Artists for Conservation and the Society of Animal Artists, memberships include the Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionist Society. Mary has served on the board of Big Brothers / Big Sisters, and as an advisor to several national plein air events.