Contemporary Realistic Figurative Painter

MY WORK
People who view my work, often say that my work creates a story that reflects their own. Quite often that story is one of overcoming a struggle or peaceful nostalgia. 

I am Mays Mayhew and I create artwork that helps people immerse themselves in stories of overcoming and introspection. I spend a lot of time to render the figures realistically. The pairs are created to tell stories or narratives. Repetition causes dualities. -Dualities like the literal drawn image juxtapose with the untold story behind the work. I use graphite pencils as a medium for the hauntingly beautiful silver monochromic environment they create. My work is monochromatic because I love gray scales and two my brothers and son are color blind. Their color blindness makes it hard to distingue between two different colors. I want them to be able to see my art. 

MY STORY
I was born and raised on a beef and crop farm in Wisconsin. I was raised by a single dad with three older brothers and a younger sister. Everyone had to work very hard every day. Every day. My father also worked as an engineer who traveled internationally. Us five kids were alone a lot on the farm. He expected us to do our chores whether he was there or not. He hated TV so we never owned one. We weren't distracted by it. (I hate TV to this day and still don't have one). We all became quite independent. My rural background created a strong work-ethic.  

Mays is the blonde girl sticking her tongue out, posed with her siblings and calf, on the family farm.       

On the farm I was able to pursue what I loved - drawing and painting. So there was no hestsiation that I'd go to art school. In addition to studying under the infamous Richard Lazzaro, Carol Pylant and Dan Ramirez at UW Madison, I also studied art aboard in Italy. Thirty years later, I have not stopped learning about art. In the next thirty years I  hope to continue my practice and share my art with more people.

Today

I live in Aurora, IL with my husband and two kids. We live a very rich life of church, homeschooling, hiking, speed skating, and gardening. We also love to entertain so if you'd like a studio visit, please come. I hold annual Open Studio events every April and November. 

What is it that makes me a painter? I can't do without it. It's my everyday. I've always done it. I always will.

Starline Art Gallery, Harvard, IL 2019 (Mays with her son & daughter)

Solo Show at Water St. Studio, Batavia, IL 2022 (installation view)

Check out upcoming events

“When I saw what Mays had created for me and learned why she did it, tears came to my eyes. She does great work, has excellent craftsmanship, and professionalism. She creates more than a realistic-looking portrait.”   -Alexa S., Client, Wheeling, IL   

“Her VERY UNIQUE and mesmerizing technique coupled with her artistic vision and subject matter is sure to enthrall and intrigue you. Who knew what graphite could do in the hands of someone like Mays? Her imagery is impeccable and emits both dark & light moods as well as outstanding technicality.”    -Kendra Kett, Gallery Director, Blue Moon Gallery, IL

   

John Michael Kohler Art Center, Sheboygan, WI, 2022