Where Does Inspiration Come From?

Where Does Inspiration Come From?

As an artist this is a question I'm asked on a regular basis.  The simple answer is that inspiration for most of my paintings come from my garden, places I've traveled to or perhaps a beautiful color palette.   Many of you know my love of the southwest, especially New Mexico.  Many, many of my paintings are inspired from visits to Santa Fe and the surrounding areas.

Message From The Heart

My newest painting, "Message From The Heart" was inspired by a heart that appeared on a canvas that I was preparing.  Initially this was to be an abstract piece, but as I was hand applying and blending the initial layers of paint a dominant heart appeared on the canvas.  Since I hadn't started out to paint a heart, I set the canvas away for a few days to think about whether I should keep the heart or paint over it.  

Comfy throw pillow from Fine Art America

I meditated on how to proceed and dreamt of an angel.  Then I kept seeing heart shapes in little every day things ....water droplets in the shape of a heart, my granddaughter's crayon heart drawing and more. You get the idea.  I HAD to keep the heart!  How many signs did I need to receive?

Fabulously fun Weekender Tote Bag from Fine Art Americe

I believe we could use a little message from the heart these days.  Angels are watching over us and they want us to find them.

 Wishing you many blessings friends, Mary

“When life seems darkest and we feel lost and alone, that’s when we are surrounded by angels who care for us. All we need to do is open our hearts to see them reaching out to us with love.”

— Unknown

Painting Angels

If you've been following my blog friends, you probably know I've only been painting for about a year now.  And. before this month not one angel on canvas.  If you've been to my home you will see angels and cherubs both inside and outside in my garden.  I am a believer in angels since learning about my very own guardian angel when I was a child.  I'm not sure why it took me so long to paint one.  Perhaps it was the anniversary of my dearest friend's birthday earlier this month that prompted my need to paint angels.  You see, my best friend in the world was called to heaven several years ago and I still miss her every day.

On Angel Wings, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas 

On Angel Wings was painted in memory of my sweet friend.  She was an angel in life, and no doubt is one now that she is in heaven.  

Prints of On Angel Wings are available through my Fine Art America shop. Simply click HERE to visit my shop for additional information on this painting.  It is available in prints, throw pillows, tote bags, shower curtains and MORE.  

Tranquility, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Tranquility is the second angel I've painted this month.  She is also available as prints and more through Fine Art America.  Click HERE for more information.  Very simple, sweet and monochromatic to fit all decors. 

The first angel I painted is Guardian Angel.  Her outstretched wings remind me that I am always protected.  You can find Guardian Angel at Fine Art America.  

Guardian Angel, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

STEAL OF THE MONTH is still going on through October 31.  The current high offer for these two colorful, fun paintings is only $45 ~ far below the retail value.

Mary's Garden 1 and 2, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

If you'd like to make an offer on these two paintings simply pop over to my "Steal of the Month" website page by clicking HERE.  Enter your offer and submit.  Some lucky person is going to have these lovely pieces for a steal!!  And, each month a new painting will be offered.

Thank you so much friends for following me and my work.  I love reading and answering your comments so please feel free to leave me one to let me know what you think of my artwork.  

Wishing you a great weekend to come.  Get out and enjoy the fall weather if you're lucky enough to live in an area with cooler temps and changing leaves.  

Blessings until next time,  Mary

“Here I stand at a crossroads, wondering which way I should go. I ask for a sign, but in my heart , I believe I already know. Intuition? Inspiration? No. My angel told me so. ”

— Pocket Prayers for Women Finding Angels

Only 140 Days Until Christmas

It's the first week of August and I still cannot figure out where the first half of 2015 has gone friends.  I have been unbelievably busy getting my new passion off the ground.  I can spend all day in my studio painting, but then forget I must market my work as well.  There aren't enough hours in the day.  I'll share what's new since my last newsletter.  

Dream Weaver, 12" x 12" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

"Dream Weaver" was a wonderful surprise for me.  I sat at my easel last week deciding what to paint.  My blue paints seemed to call out to be used, and with no plan my brushes went to work and the result is this lovely, sculptural abstract.  I hope you like it.  

"Sunset Over Sangre de Cristo Mountains"  10" x 20" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

I'm going through withdrawals from not visiting Santa Fe this summer so I just had to paint "Sunset Over Sangre de Cristo Mountains" as a reminder of how beautiful the mountains and sunsets are in New Mexico. The sunsets are truly magnificent.    

"Faith"  10" x 20" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

"Faith" was inspired by a birthday party at a dear friends's last week.  She asked me to instruct a painting party at her home for several of our close friends.  My sweet friend chose a cross she wanted everyone to paint (not this one).  I must say everyone did a beautiful job and I really enjoyed teaching them.  After that party I was inspired to paint "Faith" using a palette knife and my favorite colors, the colors of my soul. 

Mini paintings

I started a new line of mini paintings as well.  These will be framed with easel backs to make them perfect to place on your nightstand, bookcase or to brighten a garden window.  They also make wonderful gifts.

Thanks so much for taking time to view my latest offerings friends.  And remember, for each new painting there are also other products available with those images.  Tote bags, tee shirts, coffee mugs and much more.  Just visit my Fine Art America shop (click on FAA) to see all the new items.  

Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you again next week.  Thanks so much for your wonderful support and encouragement.  Blessings, Mary

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

— Philippians 4:13