MARY HASTINGS

My name is Mary Hastings and I’m an artist in Roanoke, Virginia.

I find beauty in places that some might overlook—whether it’s a weathered warehouse, a rundown neighborhood, or an old farmhouse along a country road. While a manicured lawn in front of a grand Tudor mansion is undeniably beautiful, I’m more captivated by the worn, the quirky, and the lived-in. There’s a richness in imperfection that speaks to history and character. It’s disheartening when these unique places are demolished or paved over to make way for the shiny and new, erasing the very personality that makes them special. These spaces have stories and a soul that draws me in. 

My primary medium is oil paint. I paint scenes from my surroundings—often in Rockbridge County, Virginia, where I spend time observing the animals and landscape on my farm. Birds, with their vivid feathers and distinct personalities, are a particular focus of mine. I enjoy attempting to capture their personalities and highlighting the color variations reflected in their feathers. 

Growing up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I was surrounded by the influence of Southwestern art. Additionally, I am inspired by the works of Edward Hopper, John Singer Sargent, and Wayne Thiebaud, as well as many contemporary artists who challenge and inspire me.

My background in graphic design and marketing, with a degree from Eastern New Mexico University, shaped my early approach to visual art. After founding Hastings Design Corp. in 1992, I spent years working in design and marketing while continuing to draw and paint. In recent years, I have devoted more time to oil painting.

Through my work, I hope viewers can connect with the stories hidden in the places and creatures in my paintings.