KDH art correspondent Ayse Wilson caught up with longtime Southamptonite Lynn Mara who has become one of the East End’s most collectible artists. Lynn has been painting since she was a child. Growing up in the Hamptons, Lynn is strongly influenced by the beautiful backdrop that the East End provides her. Lynn’s paintings are also spiritually inspired which can be seen in the vibrant and colorful flowing forms in her work. Enjoy her KDHamptons Art Diary below:

KDHamptons: Can you tell KDHamptons.com a little bit about your background as an artist, where you studied, how you became a professional artist, who or what inspired you to paint?

Lynn Mara: Both of my grandmothers were artists too, but their subjects and medium was very different from mine. My earliest memories are of painting beside the (now late) artist and Southampton resident, Jane Doscher, who was my instructor. We painted for hours and hours in her studio on South Main Street. She opened a world of fun and expression for me. Mom was my biggest fan. Everyone needs encouragement. I graduated from Marymount University in Arlington Va. in 1982 but my technique is really self-taught. In my thirties, friend and Southampton artist, Jack Riggio (now also deceased), gave me some of his palette knives and challenged me to”bust out” – we shared a passion for vibrant color and the effects of thickly applied paint.

KDH: Your subject matter covers a lot of territory from portraits to landscapes to narratives and more. What would you say is your favorite subject matter?

LM: Horses are my favorite subject but they are not unlike the human subjects that I paint; both are very spiritual and each one tells a story. The horses speak to us of grace, strength, power, relationship and love without a single word. They are so romantic.

KDH: How does growing up in Southampton influence your work?

LM: Profoundly! My soul belongs to Southampton. I’m a native. It can’t be taken out of me. It is non-transferable, it can’t be purchased or stolen. All I have to do is close my eyes and I am there. It’s always with me.

KDH: Would you say there is a defining factor to art work produced in the East End?

LM: There is a defining factor for me that can only be described as spiritual. People talk about the light, the air quality, the smell – and that is all true. I conjure it up every time I think of home. But it’s the way of life, the very essence of that place that is so special and influential to me.

KDH: Much of your work is representational, but your flag series is a departure from that. What are the ideas behind that series?

LM: The flag is an iconic symbol. It evokes intense pride for me. It reminds us that we are “ONE”. I use it to portray our blessings, whether we’re winning or losing, at peace or war, relaxed or in need of sobering up. Each is only a momentary detail and not the whole picture. In the end, we need to remember that we are inextricably connected – and filled with hope. This is what she stands for.

KDH: Lynn Mara paintings are so vibrant and colorful! Do you ever have days when you feel like working in black and white?

LM: …even if I did, it’s my “singing voice” and I really can’t change it. I just have to be grateful for the one I have.

KDH: Do you have a favorite painting [if you were forced to choose one], where is it, and why do you love it?

LM: I do have a favorite… it’s here in my studio / gallery. It’s a large oil painting called “Sweet Apple Farm”. I love the colors, particularly the yellows, and the detail in it. It makes me very happy to look at. My youngest child is eating an apple in the background of this quintessential fall day in the Hamptons. He seems to be in his own little world. A worker is gathering bushels of beautiful varieties of apples in the foreground.

KDH: What are some of your favorite places, or things to do in the Hamptons that inspire you?

LM: I’m very old-fashioned. My favorite things include: seeing my nieces and nephews set up a lemonade / flower stand, clamming with my brother and sisters, making great dinners together, watching my nieces ride horses, gardening, and going to Peconic Beach Club or the “cut” at Flying Point Beach. My most favorite spot on earth is near the “National” at the end of Sebonac Inlet Road. I could paint that forever! Ralph Lauren, Mecox Gardens, Red Bar and of course, Topiaire are favorite retail haunts.

*Check out more of Lynn’s work at www.LynnMara.com or head over to Topiaire floral boutique on Jobs Lane in Southampton where select paintings are sold by Erin Meaney [Lynn’s sister!].