Carol Koutnik's painting, "Auspice Maria" or "Under The Protection of Mary," brings together the many images which depict Mary, the mother of Jesus. The accompanying narrative says that the artwork reveals to people the world over "the Mary they turn to in countless numbers to find peace and understanding in a world besieged by the great lack thereof. This is the Mary who offered her only Son as the reconciliation of sin in a troubled world." Koutnik is a parishioner of Sacred Heart in Rockport.

Throughout her life Carol Koutnik has been blessed with the opportunity to travel and experience many of the world's cultures.

As a Catholic and a mother, wherever she traveled she was drawn to the indigenous images of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Intrigued by her universal appeal, Carol, an artist, now settled into a comfortable life in the serene bayfront community of Rockport, one day emptied her treasure trove of images of Mary onto her studio worktable seeking inspiration.

Spread out before her was a colorful quilt of the many and varied interpretations of Mary in photos, artist's prints, and holy cards.

She observed Mary crowned or veiled according to local traditions, sometimes holding her Beloved Son in her arms, sometimes solitary, arrayed with finery or the simplest of robes.

Mary the Comforter, Mary the Peacemaker, Mary the Life Giver, Mary the Protector - each image provoking for Carol memories of its origin, emotions of each initial encounter rising to awaken the artist's eye and enliven the artist's hand.

Soon she was at her easel translating eye and emotion onto awaiting canvas, images of Mary taking form before her.

Three revealed themselves quickly. Then nothing. For three months, she took her time before the canvas. Nothing. As word of her project spread among friends, she began to be visited by them one by one, each bringing their own favorite image of Mary, an image that had somehow touched their own lives in some special way. As the images arrived, uninvited but welcome, Carol began to paint again.

The many images haunted her waking and sleeping hours until each could take its own life on the canvas. The "quilt" took form, the images purposefully placed with an adept artist's eye for color and movement, the many faces of Mary gazing out with illuminated grace.

Carol's time in South Texas and visits to Mexico and Guatemala had forged for her a special affinity towards Our Lady of Guadalupe who took center stage on the canvas surrounded in vivid color by the favored images of her many friends which lends the piece a universal appeal that reaches beyond the artist's own preferences.

When the painting was finally completed Carol entitled it "Auspice Maria" or "Under The Protection of Mary." Perhaps the most unifying aspect of this inspiring work of art is the look of loving serenity which graces each individual portrait. This is the Mary that people the world over know and love, the Mary they turn to in countless numbers to find peace and understanding in a world besieged by the great lack thereof.

This is the Mary who offered her only Son as the reconciliation of sin in a troubled world. This is the Mary we pray to for intervention, for pacification, for hope, for peace. From this poignant painting, she gazes upon us with knowing eyes and an air of gentle serenity, speaking to us again as she has through the ages – "All is well, all is well, be at Peace, all is well."

Carol has complemented her studies at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Art Institute of San Antonio and other venues with a wealth of travel and teaching experience. She has twice taken groups of students to Guatemala for study and has enjoyed one-person and group shows in the US, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

Her published work, "Al Baha Sketchbook, A Journal in Saudi Arabia," chronicles through her art life and cultural explorations in this foreign and mysterious land. Recognized for her unique portrayals of Texas coastal scenes, she was selected as Rockport Center of the Arts 2005 Poster Artist.

Carol's work can be seen and purchased locally at Pilar in Corpus Christi and at Windway Gallery of Art in Rockport. Limited Edition giclee prints of "Auspice Maria" signed by the artist are also available through Tim Ernster at 361 557-1429. You can find photos of this and other paintings on Carol's website: www.carolkoutnik.com .

Tim Ernster, by profession a realtor in Rockport, is often inspired to write on the subjects of peace, personal transformation and creative expression.