Mary Whyte Honors Our Veterans

In 2010, Mary Whyte set out to paint 50 large-scale watercolor portraits of current day American military veterans of all ages and walks of life — one from every state. The resulting series, ‘WE THE PEOPLE: Portraits of Veterans in America,’ includes a Missouri dairy farmer, Rhode Island lobsterman, Pennsylvania science teacher, and South Carolina single mother, and 46 others.

“Counter Balance” (Joanie; Houston, Texas; Army, 2008-2016)

“When I undertook this project to paint the face of America, what began as an exercise to create 50 portraits turned into an all-consuming mission to uphold and honor the hidden heroes of our country,” says Whyte. “ ‘We the People’ is not only a tour across and through these vast United States, it is a tour through the heart and soul, the duty and the commitment of the people who protect not only our Constitution and our country but our very lives. We can only be deeply grateful, inspired, and humbled by all of them, and it’s my hope that ‘We the People’ gives rise to a greater sense of gratitude for our military, as well as to inspire people to reach for what is possible.”

Mary Whyte just announced she will be presenting at Realism Live November 11-13, 2021! 

“Flurries” (Dogie; Watrous, New Mexico; Navy, 1943-1946)

 

About Mary Whyte
Mary Whyte is an artist and author whose watercolor paintings have earned international recognition. Her works have been exhibited nationally as well as in China and have been featured in numerous publications stateside and in France, Germany, Russia, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan. Whyte is the author of two books published by The University of South Carolina Press — Working South: Paintings and Sketches by Mary Whyte and Down Bohicket Road: An Artist’s Journey. She is also the author of Alfreda’s World, Painting Portraits and Figures in Watercolor, An Artist’s Way of Seeing, and Watercolor for the Serious Beginner.

Whyte is the recipient of the Portrait Society of America’s Gold Medal and the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award, South Carolina’s highest honor in the arts.


6 COMMENTS

  1. Mary Whyte’s work has always captivated me…she surely hit the mark with her “We The People” series ! So absolutely amazing how she portrays not only the people, but the emotions accompanying them … I hope to see them at her show…and truly hope that she will publish them in a book!

  2. This preview of the works to be displayed are spectacular. ALl 3 touched me in unique ways especially “Counter Balance”. I spent my entire childhood as a military dependent and I am so grateful Mary has undertaken such a huge project. She has superbly delivered her intended message. I can’t wait to explore the many stories her portraits will tell and plan to share this post with my military brat friends all over the world.
    Thank you Mary. Parades honor our heroes momentarily,
    but when the last balloon has risen out of sight and the confetti streamers are pushed with brooms, the celebration is over. Your paintings will leave a lasting gut level reaction on all who view them. Civilians will thoughtfully consider the many nuances of what it’s like for our teachers, brothers, neighbors, doctors etc…when they are called to duty and must detach from the comfortably familiar Peacetime life of home. Bravo, Mary, I salute you!

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