About The Artist

Mary Baum (b. 1978) began painting in oil at an early age, nurtured by a supportive family environment. Growing up in Yorba Linda, California, she drew inspiration from the diverse local landscapes and the encouragement of her art educators. In 1996, Mary relocated to Tucson, Arizona to study at the University of Arizona, where she was mentored by renowned artists Bailey Doogan and Bart Morse. During this formative period, she deepened her understanding of the fundamental principles of art that continue to guide her work as a representational plein air artist.
 

Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics with a minor in Studio Art, merging her academic insights with her passion for visual storytelling. As Membership Director for the Sonoran Plein Air Painters, she contributes to the organization’s outreach efforts and actively supports its mission through social media engagement. In 2024, Mary’s talent was recognized at the 10th Annual Bisbee Plein Air Festival, where she received both First Place and the People’s Choice awards for her urban street scene work.
 

Now residing in Corona de Tucson, Arizona with her husband and two children, Mary continues to explore the expressive possibilities of painting en plein air. She finds continual inspiration in the textures, colors, and stunning beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Her work captures the fleeting interplay of light and shadow in the landscape, honoring both her classical education and her passion for painting outdoors.