Mary Jill Lemieur

I’m Mary Jill Lemieur, a full-time artist residing in beautiful northern Michigan. After earning my BFA (graphic design and multi-disciplinary fine arts) I worked as a graphic designer for more than a decade, before embracing fine art and illustration.
Although my work has been exhibited in solo shows, group shows and galleries, I've found my true niche in commissioned work. I've painted hundreds of highly realistic portraits of people, places, animals and beloved pets. These commissions are my most challenging and important work: creating treasured art which has an emotional impact as well as one of beauty.
My paintings are created with oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache, egg tempera, and elaborate hand-painted digital media. My artistic intention is that my work will give the same sense of wonder and imagination I feel when I'm painting the natural beauty of Michigan landscapes, sunsets and wildlife!
I've illustrated a children's book called Pinky and the Green Bean Can Do Club written by Gene B. Symmonds. Currently I'm creating characters for a new kids' book series which is all about creativity and pets - two favorite subjects of mine! It's great fun collaborating with the authors to bring the stories and characters to life!
Finally, I enjoy being a visual artist-in-residence for MMA (Michigan Arts Access) where I work in schools (now zooming virtually!) integrating visual arts into the core curricula for students with disabilities. Our residencies explore the unlimited possibilities that art provides - with access to everyone. In my residencies I also guide students into an ongoing arts practice.