Mary Deutschman (b.1937-2024)
- Metroparks Color, 30” x 36”
- River through Huntington Woods, 30” x 36”
- Park Shadows Metropark, 30” x 40”
- Metroparks Summer, 30” x 36”
- Metroparks and River Reflections, 24” x 48” (2007)
- Summer into Fall River, Diptych, each 30” x 36”
Materials: Oil on canvas
Location: Akron Campus, Ground Floor Hallway, Outside Radiology Department, Williams Tower
A Summa Health Acquisition
Acquired in 2012, these paintings are now an integral part of the Summa Health System Akron Campus Wayfinding Project. Their vibrant depictions of nature serve as visual landmarks, offering moments of tranquility and connection for visitors and staff alike.
About the Art and Artist
Mary Deutschman’s paintings celebrate the natural beauty of the Cleveland Metroparks across the changing seasons. With a distinctive style that blends abstraction and representation, she distills landscapes into bold areas of color framed by confident outlines. Her compositions frequently invite viewers into the scene, often leading the eye along a winding path or flowing river, as seen in Metroparks and River Reflections (2007).
Deutschman’s approach recalls the work of Post-Impressionist Paul Cézanne, particularly in her use of flattened perspectives and structured color fields. Yet, her work remains uniquely her own, characterized by an expressive use of color; deep blue riverbanks, rich purple shadows, and vibrant autumn foliage, alongside an acute sensitivity to the way light transforms natural spaces.
A lifelong artist, Deutschman began her creative journey as a fashion illustrator and designer before transitioning to painting. Inspired by travels to Paris, she immersed herself in the study of fine art, first independently and later under the guidance of accomplished mentors. Today, her process integrates both traditional sketching and digital tools, allowing her to explore and refine her compositions.
Through these Metroparks scenes, Deutschman captures both the serenity and energy of Ohio’s natural landscapes. The reflective surfaces of rivers, the play of light through trees, and the occasional presence of bikers or strollers remind us that these parks are not only picturesque but also vital spaces for recreation and renewal. The paintings evoke a sense of familiarity and appreciation for the landscapes many in our community cherish.
Where You Can See More of Her Work
Deutschman’s work can be found in numerous public and corporate collections, including the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland State University Law School, Baker & Hostetler Law Firm, Cleveland-Hopkins Airport, and the Cuyahoga County Administrative Headquarters. Since 2012, her paintings have also been featured throughout the Gordon Building at Crocker Park.
In addition to painting, Deutschman has authored instructional books, sharing her artistic insights with others.