Photo by Cliff Grassmick

Mary Scrimgeour, a mixed media artist, works on a painting in her studio during the Open Studios Tour.

Mary Scrimgeour is a Boulder mixed media artist who participated in Boulder County's annual Open Studios event over the weekend. For the event, 125 local artists -- painters, sculptors, weavers, jewelry makers and more -- opened their studio doors to the public.

1. Why are you participating in Open Studios?

It's just a fabulously wonderful thing to do. It's great feedback and great to meet people who collect your work. I just love it. It's my sixth year to participate.

2. How would you describe your artwork?

I use oil and mixed media. It's contemporary and whimsical.

3. How long have you been painting?

Pretty much my whole life. I've always had a box of paints and a painting going. I went full-time in 1990. I just had to. I felt compelled to do it, like I didn't have a choice.4. Why oils?

I've always done oil, since high school. It's so forgiving and I like to build up layers. I can manipulate oil.

5. Where do you find inspiration for you pieces?

My father was an industrial designer who helped design one of the first spacesuits. He used to bring home drawings and blueprints. Those inspired a lot of the blimps and planes. And Leonardo da Vinci is a huge inspiration.

-- Amy Bounds,

Camera Staff Writer