In 1985 she began what she calls recreational painting. (Painting once a week in a class) By 1990 she had her own studio and began painting as often as possible.
Her initial interest in whales began in 1970 while she was a lead singer for a country/rock band. The musicians she performed with donated their services at several benefits to generate money for the Greenpeace Organization. She began painting whales in 1990 and has many in private collections as well as showing in several galleries.
Maureen was commissioned by the Springfield Creamery (home of the famous Nancy's Yogurt) in 1992 to paint a large oil on canvas mural of humpback whales. The finished piece was on 12 stretched canvas which brought the total size of the mural to 12' high and 38' long. That mural was destroyed in May of 1994 when the Springfield Creamery was destroyed by fire just five months after its dedication at a company party.
In more recent times Maureen has been busy painting Oregon landscapes, old missions and churches, and, of course, the ocean and whales so beloved to her.
For commissions or more information on Maureen's oil paintings she may be reached through the Emerald Art Center (541-726-8595) or Rickert Gallery on Bay Blvd. (503-265-5430).
Maureen Mannila
She Sings (Humpback Whales)
20x32, oil, $580.
Big Meadow/Mt. Washington
11x14, oil, $380.
Mt. Baldy Overlooking Springfield & Eugene, 16x24, oil, $380.
Little Buckaroos
11x14, oil, Sold
(will do commissions for your little buckaroos)