Summer in Santa Fe

Hello friends. I’ve said this before but I can’t believe how quickly this year is moving. My 2022 goal was to do better communicating with my art blog. I have fallen behind again in that effort, but I am happy to report I have been creating this summer.

I have spent the past three months in my happy place, Santa Fe, NM. I’ve visited dozens of art galleries and museums, attended art fairs and met some amazing new artist friends. When I’m not doing these things I’m in my casita painting, seeing the beautiful sites, or spending precious time with good friends here in Santa Fe.

Residential home just off Canyon Road

I finished eight new paintings of varying sizes this visit. I look forward to getting them photographed and added to my website soon. Working on the logistics of getting them home now. Here are just a couple pics of a few of the paintings in progress.

abstracted landscapes in progress

watching paint dry

One of the most beautiful places in Northern New Mexico, in my humble opinion, is the area surrounding Rio Chama Valley near Ghost Ranch. Georgia O’Keeffe loved and lived in this area. I return every time I’m in Santa Fe. The area is beautiful in any season.

Cerro Pedernal from the entrance to Ghost Ranch

Rio Chama Overlook near Abiquiu

Thank you for following along on my journey friends. Your support truly means the world to me. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little visit to my happy place. If you’d like to view more of my artwork, please click the button below.

Dog Days of Summer

Dog Days of Summer

August is my least favorite month of the year. It’s the hottest and wettest month here in Florida. I don’t tolerate heat as well as I’ve gotten older. That is why I started spending part of the summer months in Santa Fe, NM. At 7,000 feet elevation with low humidity, Northern New Mexico is a great place to ride out summer.

I was lucky to spend the month of July in my happy place. I’d normally be there May through July, but with the current world situation it was not possible. But those brief days were just what I needed to recharge my soul. I’d been feeling a bit lost and scattered prior to this trip. Cancelled art exhibits, galleries closed or barely open and just general fear of the unknown have been difficult on my creative heart.

We spent most of our time taking day trips to explore the magical landscapes of the state. This meant lots of photos taken for use in future artwork. I even managed to crank out three small paintings while I was in Santa Fe. These are quick shots of the oil pastel paintings done in Santa Fe. I’ll be adding them to my website soon. Just need to get their camera ready shots done. In the meantime, please message me if you see one that speaks to you and I’m happy to hold it for you.

Oil pastel, 8 x 10 inches on paper

Oil pastel, 8 x 10 inches on paper

Oil pastel, 8 x 10 inches on paper

With school resuming and people going back to work, masks are important for everyone. I do have masks designed with my artwork through my Fine Art America shop. They’ve been getting great reviews from my collectors. To view my selection, simply click the image below.

Face masks by Mary Mirabal

It usually takes me a couple weeks to get back to normal after being gone. My cats missed me tremendously so they’ve required extra attention. I finally unpacked and got the house back in order. Now it’s time to get busy creating some new art. It’s a great time to add new art to your home. All orders ship free to you and I offer convenient, flexible payment plans.

Thank you so much for being fans, patrons and collectors of my art. Your support means the world to me, and I wouldn’t be here without your support.

Blessings from your artist friend, Mary



Doors and Windows

Doors and Windows

“Love unlocks doors and opens windows that weren’t even there before.”

— Mignon McLaughlin

I usually end my posts with a quote, but it seemed fitting to begin this one with this quote by Mignon McLaughlin. During my art retreat in Santa Fe this summer I created a few paintings that ended up starting a new series for me -- Door and Windows. The blue of the sky and cloud formations in New Mexico continue to mesmerize me. Even more so when I spent time outdoors painting.

Georgia O'Keeffe, 'In the Patio, 1948'

Inspired by works by Georgia O'Keeffe, who also had a fascination for doors; this new series flowed so effortlessly as if it was a story that had to be told. How often have you wondered what is behind a particular door or window? When I paint, it's with an abstracted view of what I see in life. Perhaps the door or window is just a glimpse of what my mind sees. I'll leave the final interpretation up to you. 

Here are my latest paintings in the Windows and Doors series started in Santa Fe. I hope you will enjoy them. 

New Beginnings, 12 x 12 inches, acrylic on canvas 

Soul Searching, 14 x 14 inches, acrylic on canvas

Two Worlds, 24 x 36 inches, acrylic on canvas

Portal, 24 x 36 inches, acrylic on canvas

This has been a very exciting series and a new direction for me to paint; and, I look forward to adding more windows and doors in the future. I'd love to know what you think of them. Just drop me a line or two in the comments.

I'll be showing these new paintings at my solo show next month at the Rialto Theatre in Tampa, FL. If you're local, I invite you to put September 28 on your calendar for the opening reception. The show runs September to October 28.

Thank you so much for being fans, patrons and collectors of my art. Your support means the world to me.

Blessings from your artist, Mary