A Picture Worth a Thousand Words
For San Diego Country Estates resident Mary Decker, art is more than paint on a canvas, it is expression, healing, and connection.
Local artist Mary Decker and her husband, Gary, have called the San Diego Country Estates home for more than 40 years. The couple built their home together, and today nearly every room is filled with Mary’s colorful wildlife paintings featuring horses, lions, eagles, birds, and other powerful animals.
“I love using a lot of color that’s not traditional,” Mary said.
Although she has drawn since childhood, Mary began painting with acrylics about five years ago. “It dries really fast,” she said with a smile.
Her inspiration often begins with an idea that sparks research before she ever picks up a brush. Horses remain one of her favorite subjects because of her background as a horse trainer.
“I have done lots of lions and horses, of course,” she said. “I love powerful animals. The expressions are so intense.”
For Mary, artwork has a unique way of speaking to people personally. One painting, a soldier sitting peacefully with his dog has deeply touched viewers.
“It can take someone back to a quiet time away from the chaos,” she said. “There is so much peace in it. It’s like it says, ‘We are okay.’”
Some paintings come together in only a day or two, while others take longer depending on inspiration. “It depends on how it’s flowing,” Mary explained.
She paints at a table near the kitchen in front of a window with natural lighting. Returning to art came during a difficult period in her life after health issues left her spending more time indoors.
“I needed to keep busy,” she said. “I couldn’t sit still.”
Mary credits her neighbors, Dave and Linda Kelly, for inspiring and encouraging her artistic journey. The Kellys, both artists themselves, built their home around the same time as the Deckers, and the families have shared decades of friendship. “They feel more like my brother and sister than neighbors,” Mary said.
Dave creates metal artwork, and both he and Linda serve as trusted critics for Mary’s paintings.
“I don’t sign and seal a painting until they’ve seen it,” she said. “Gary is always the first one to see it, and then Dave and Linda look at every painting to make sure it has reached its full potential. It’s such a blessing to have that support.”
Mary is also a member of the Foothills Art Association and has participated in the Ramona Open Studios Tour for the past three years. Two participating artists live in SDCE, while the remaining artists come from throughout the Ramona area.
“We have a blast, and we are a team at the Foothills Art Guild,” she said.
Mary paints with the group once a week while visitors stop by to admire the artwork.
Most of her paintings are sold through word of mouth, although she also shares her work on her Facebook page, “Mary Deckers Art.” She enjoys personally responding to those who compliment her artwork.
“When people take the time to compliment my work, it’s an honor,” she said. “I like to honor them back.”
Those interested in viewing Mary Decker’s artwork can text her at 760-310-7922.
Photos by Tiffany Pressler
