The heritage of New England decorative art has been a strong influence on the work of Mary McLean. Living just outside of Boston, she has experienced the beauty of early decorative art traditions…strokework tinware, bronzed furniture, gold leafed trays, stenciled walls, and primitive floorcloths. The work of these early settlers served as inspiration to create her own beautiful environment.

Although educated as a fine artist, Mary has been involved with Decorative Art since 1983. She began teaching in 1984 and opened the retail business, A Country Palette, in 1984. She received her Certified Decorative Artist award from the National society of Decorative Painters in 1991 and has taught at many national conventions. In addition, she teaches weekly classes in her home studio and travel teaches across the country for special seminars.

Mary's design focus ranges from still life, fruit, and flowers with an emphasis on realistic interpretation. Her work has been featured in The Decorative Painter, Paintworks, and Decorative Artist Workbook. Her design, "Glorious Fruit" was chosen as the introductory piece to the Fruits category in the Northlight book, The Best of Decorative Painting. Mary has also authored two books, Celebrations of Beauty, I and II. She has developed her own eight week program for introducing students to decorative painting with oils and her students remain the strongest inspiration to her creative endeavors.