FirtlMind Designs: Art by Mary Meehan Firtl

FirtlMind Designs: Art by Mary Meehan Firtl Design, Illustration, & Pastel Paintings. Having my primary work for many years in portraiture and figurative illustration, this was a life-changing move.

Many of my works are available for sale so feel free to inquire or discuss custom pet portraits or scenery special to you. Since 2006, when I returned to pastel artwork, I wanted to expand my experience in the medium and work on a variety of subject matter. Sharing the process of my art journey is a motivating experience and one I continue to carry through in the future. Hopefully viewing the star

ts and finishes opens up a better appreciation of the process of painting in soft pastels. In addition to creating art I also teach classes for those with some experience in the medium of soft pastels at the South Bend Museum of Art. Many of these works are available for purchase so please reach out!

A very early piece from 2006. Looking back at the twenty years as part of the Northern Indiana Pastel Society, it's fun ...
06/09/2026

A very early piece from 2006. Looking back at the twenty years as part of the Northern Indiana Pastel Society, it's fun to reflect on where I started and took a playful approach to a testing of black sanded paper.

Another great show to consider if you’re in the Plymouth area. I have a couple pieces in the NIA show.
06/07/2026

Another great show to consider if you’re in the Plymouth area. I have a couple pieces in the NIA show.

Done?
05/04/2026

Done?

Bluebell mood continues, though some weeds are taunting me to pick them beyond my table.
05/04/2026

Bluebell mood continues, though some weeds are taunting me to pick them beyond my table.

05/04/2026

Sun is out. Temps warmed up. Looks like a "Paint Day on the Patio" session in my future!

Still in progress adding my base colors using my pastel pencils. Relaxing to sit and just play with color.
04/29/2026

Still in progress adding my base colors using my pastel pencils. Relaxing to sit and just play with color.

In the works on the patio earlier. Sometimes a more-detailed painting is in order.
04/25/2026

In the works on the patio earlier. Sometimes a more-detailed painting is in order.

Last day of the Spring I Session at the South Bend Museum of Art with my wonderful group of artists. I think I finished ...
04/21/2026

Last day of the Spring I Session at the South Bend Museum of Art with my wonderful group of artists. I think I finished up this piece "The Path We Walk" today, but might need to let it sit a bit. My students (friends!) are so talented and kind and fun and supportive. Couldn't ask for a nicer group. Until next time pastelists, keep it dusty!

Abstract floral exercise in class today and during our critique we discussed how it’s hard to break your habit of wantin...
04/07/2026

Abstract floral exercise in class today and during our critique we discussed how it’s hard to break your habit of wanting to put in every detail. Some worked from their own reference while others used image options provided. A fun mix of styles and interpretations!

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120 South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
South Bend, IN
46601

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