Mary Jean Ruhnke Artist

Connecting crows in my latest work.

Bringing in pieces of the outdoors in for this one.

Thank you very much!!

It sure does - so glad it was as juried in.

I traveled to see my painting “The Weight of Your Stillness” hang in a museum — the lone crow among bright landscapes, holding space for grief in a room full of life.

For people who adore crows - six crow babies hatched and are on my website! www.MaryJeanRuhnke.com

“Let’s see what constellations we can find,” thought Fox.

Bringing in some night pollinators among the huge white detura blooms.

🚨 LIMITED EDITION DROP 🚨
The next 10 orders will receive a FREE 9”x7” print of “Fall Dreaming” — professionally printed on Fine Art Velvet paper, signed and numbered by me. 🍂✨

This piece has never been released as a print. Buy any item from my website or Meta Shop to qualify.

The best thing to do after finishing a painting is to sit with it.

I watch the paint dry—literally & mentally.

In that stillness, the piece starts to speak.
Colors settle. Shapes shift meaning.
What felt finished starts to feel open again.

That’s where new ideas live—in the pause.

A special request came in for an exclusive limited edition run of prints for Flying Horse Gallery in Sisters, Oregon of “Moonlight Mischief”. Only ten 16”x20” prints will be available. $240 each. I’m embellishing them with variegated gold metal leaf.

The protective powers of a mother are on full display in “I’ll Shelter You”. #motherhood #arttherapy #fox #foxpainting

So peaceful. Looks like it will turn out splendid.

I fluctuate between small and large works. I really don’t have a go-to size. My brain gets bored so changing sizes helps keep me interested. Sometimes the small ones inspire larger versions. These are a few of my latest small works.

Subtle rainbow of colors in this adorable fox pup.

I’m one of the 55 artists who have been selected for A Vision of Nature: American Women Artists exhibition at the National Sporting Library & Museum in Virginia starting October 3, 2025. 55 exceptional works were chosen out of 531 impressive entries.

Thoughts of my children, taking a summer trip, and being fearless have been coming through in my latest small works.

“I’ll just be in your shadow,” said Kit.

New items are now available on my website! I’m also running a collector promotion - buy 2 get a 3rd free through the month of May. Applies to all items.

I’ve had to force myself to become a day creator. It’s been better for my family and health.

The melody to his song did come through my head as I wrote it.

Thank you!

Thank you for enjoying the details.

Great advice - I just did as I didn’t think this app allowed it. Thank you for connecting with me through my creations.

“The Weight Of Your Stillness” - a moment suspended in grief — a crow grieving the loss of its mate, unable to move forward from the place where its body rests. Devoted, the crow longs for time to stop. The stillness is heavy, the future seems blank.

Thank you!!

It was a healthy way to channel my grief. Thank you for seeing the care I placed into it.

I created this work with love - the love I couldn’t give to my fur babies that crossed over the rainbow bridge in April. Animals bring so much joy and life to the world. This is “Happy Poppy”.

She belongs among the wildflowers.

Working into the evening for a change. My creativity peaks at night. How about yours?