Dr Mary McNaughton's experience with drawing and painting is extensive. While raising her children, she began her career by exhibiting paintings in oil and watercolor. She earned a B.A in Studio Art, a Master's in Design, and her PhD. in Applied Design Research at the University of Minnesota. Her emphasis throughout her studies has always been drawing. Dr, McNaughton has taught within the Minnesota Community College system and the University of Minnesota and its outreach programs for fifteen years. She currently researches and writes on the subject of drawing as seen in her book The Little Book of Drawing; a Friendly Approach as well as exhibiting her own work.