Mary Alayne Thomas creates mysterious, atmospheric paintings through complex layering of encaustic over watercolor. The resulting layers give a soft, dimensional depth to Thomas’ stylized images. Combined with her gentle creatures and aloof heroines, these translucent layers glow with inner light and call to mind the lure of faraway fairytales. She strives to capture those magical, ephemeral moments we all experience, real or imagined.

          Thomas was raised by two artists in the eclectic and artistic community of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has studied at the University of New Mexico and expanded her studies with personal tutors as well as plein air classes in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and Arles, France. The artist has exhibited her work across the United States, and is currently represented by galleries in Santa Fe, NM; Chicago, IL; Portland, OR; and Charlotte, NC. Mary Alayne Thomas now roams the endless forests of Portland, Oregon where she lives and works.