Abstracted Landscapes

Abstracted Landscapes

I returned home from Santa Fe, NM two weeks ago and I’m still getting adjusted to Florida’s heat and humidity. I hadn’t realized how much it would affect me being gone three months. But, I’m all unpacked and got my studio back in order so I’ll be ready to start new paintings next week.

Purple Sky. oil and cold wax, 12 x 12 inches

I truly enjoyed getting to paint in Santa Fe, and one of the things that jumped out to me as I was unpacking my work was how many abstracted landscapes I painted this visit. It was obvious the landscape and terrain played a major role in forming my art. Everyday on my walks I could see mountains and blue skies. Then, when I traveled outside town on day trips other aspects of the countryside left lasting impressions on me.

I hope you will seeing these paintings and some of the places that inspired the art. All paintings are available on my website. If you see one that interests you, simply click the image for more information. And, as always, complimentary US shipping is included. And, don’t forget I offer convenient payment plans if you’d like to set one up.

One of the first paintings was “Walking on Sunshine”, inspired by a bunch of beautiful sunflowers i picked up at the local Trader Joe’s grocery store. Sunflowers are such happy flowers for me, and a staple growing wild throughout Santa Fe.

Walking on Sunshine, oil and cold wax, 12 x 12 inches

Sunflowers in Santa Fe. They were really coming into season as I was returning home.

Sunflowers along Canyon Road

And of course, the sunsets in Santa Fe and the surrounding areas are just breathtaking. To witness these magical sky paintings is a blessing.

Distant Dreams, oil and cold wax, 12 x 12 inches

The photo below was shot from the back seat of a car as I was traveling back to town from a day in funky little town of Madrid. Not bad from a moving car.

I’ve got some mini oil paintings that haven’t been added to my website. I need to get them photographed. They are wonderful little gems, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Stay tuned for those to be available soon.

What an amazing visit it was this summer. My historic, adobe casita off Canyon Road awaits for my return next year. I’m hoping to make another short weekend visit this Fall to see the leaves change.

Thank you for your continued support friends. If you know of someone who might enjoy my artwork, I would be honored if you shared this blog with them. And, if your friend makes a purchase from your referral, there will be a little something in it for you!!

May 2019 continue to brighten your lives with color.

Your artist friend, Mary



How Do You Know?

How Do You Know?

I was just asked this question again today, and it's a typical question most artists field whenever someone is viewing their art.... especially abstract art.  How do you know when you're finished? It really is a great question, but not one that's easy to answer. 

My paintings usually start with inspiration from a color palette or an emotion from a memory for example. In my head I revisit places I've been and recreate them on canvas as my mind sees them. Okay, are you still with me friends? It's difficult to verbalize how I paint. I primarily use my hands and just allow the paint to move around the canvas freely until forms or patterns emerge. Nothing is intentional, purely intuitive.  

This is my latest painting titled "Song of the Water". My husband and I are planning a trip back to Santa Fe next month and I've been thinking of all the places we've previously visited on past trips and remembered a particular beautiful waterfall. That memory inspired this painting.

Day 1 - applying the base layers

Day 1 was just about applying the initial layers of paint by hand and blending them to form the base of my painting. As I blend you can see the texture of the molding paste first layer pop out to form lines and ridges. 

Day 2 - the layers continue and become refined

Day 2 was all about the layering of additional colors. In the zone and singing to the music in my studio I instinctively add colors that speak to me and apply them either with my fingers or with a palette knife. At the end of this session I'm happy with the results and start to wonder, AM I FINISHED?

But wait, what I didn't take a picture of is the always awkward "middle stage" where you look at the piece on your easel and think "THIS IS CRAP". After pushing through that stage you find what you're looking for. That, after all your efforts, it did result in a painting that reflects your emotions.

After reaching my ending point for the second day and still undecided on whether to stop or continue on this piece I decided to sleep on it and look at it again with fresh eyes in the morning. Stepping away from a painting is so important to give you new perspective.

Day 3 - adding the finishing touches

The final day after reviewing where I'd stopped I knew this piece needed MORE. So of course I added more with some gold, a little turquoise and red. Somewhere I've read that every painting should include a bit of red. Well, it worked for this one. 

Song of the Water, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas 

So, how do you know when you're finished with a painting?  For me it is when I thoughtfully review my work and determine that nothing else I could add would improve it. If you don't listen to that little voice in your head you could easily wreck a beautiful painting.

Thank you for taking the time to follow my journey friends. I can't tell you what your support means to me. Feel free to comment on this post or send me a message anytime. I always love hearing from you.

Until next time, take care and blessings from your artist friend, Mary

“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing”

— John Muir

Follow Your Heart

Follow Your Heart

Many of you know I only began painting less than three years ago.  The more I share my art the more I'm asked "how" did I get started painting and more importantly "why"?  I'll answer the why question first.  My husband and I are lifetime art lovers, especially of Native American art.  I could do another blog just on that subject. But my love of art also extends to paintings and the talented artists who create them.   

For all of my adult life I was a wife, mother, career minded professional who never thought my two hands were capable of anything other than creating a loving home for my family and juggling a professional life. It wasn't until I was downsized from corporate America that I struggled to find myself.  I no longer had a career to define me. My children were grown and successful in their own careers. I knew starting over in a new job at this stage in my life was not what I wanted.  I wanted more ....something that would make my soul happy.  That's the answer to the "WHY" question. I needed something that would fill my heart and soul with joy. 

Reflections of the Soul, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Being idle isn't in my blood. I had to decide on a new path going forward. Having the luxury of time helped me truly look inside to realize what made me happy.  I'd been holding a little secret in my heart each time I enjoyed viewing a painting.  There was a little voice telling me "you can do this".  I kept pushing this voice down because surely this couldn't be true....I couldn't even draw a straight line.  So, the "HOW" question was answered by acknowledging that inner voice and making the decision to trust what it was saying.  I asked Santa for a paint set that Christmas and looked at it for several months before gathering the courage to actually put paint to canvas. It was then I realized what a beautiful gift I had been given. 

Discovering this passion has been a blessing.  Not only have I found my artistic style, but I've met so many wonderful, giving artist friends and mentors along the way.  I'm continuing to grow as an artist and push new boundaries for my art.  Last month I began teaching an abstract painting class at Old Hyde Park Art Center.  All part of expanding my wings and getting outside my comfort zone.  In this short new career I am extremely fortunate to be represented by Woodfield Fine Art in St. Petersburg, FL and Clayton Gray Home in Tampa.  Thank you Jim and Wendy for believing in me.

Shadow Dance, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

It is my hope my art will bring beauty and joy to our world.  And, to also be a reminder that it's NEVER to late to follow your heart. I was 55 when I began painting.  Every day I spend in my small studio is a true blessing and a way to allow my soul to sing. 

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement friends.  It means the world to me. For those collectors of my art, please know a little piece of my soul is part of each painting.  I paint the colors of my soul.

Blessings my friends, your artist Mary

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,”

— Confucius