Baby It's Hot!!!

I've been saying this to myself for weeks now, but I do live in Florida where it's hot pretty much year round. So what do you do when it's too hot to play outside? You stay in your air conditioned studio and paint what you're feeling. Introducing "Summer Solstice" friends. Hope you will enjoy it.

Summer Solstice, 20 x 24 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

This painting was partly inspired by the summer solstice this week and our recent trip to Santa Fe, NM. You could probably pick up on the southwestern colors used. While in Santa Fe we visited so many fabulous art galleries and museums. To say I was in heaven is an understatement. Santa Fe is an artists' town, and I felt very much at home. Can't wait to start planning our next trip.

While I was away Fine Art America came out with some awesome new products for my art. Can't wait to share with you. There's a new weekender bag and beach towels!!!! And more!!!!

Loving this new Weekender Bag.  Perfect for weekend getaways at the beach. — Loving this new Weekender Bag. Perfect for weekend getaways at the beach.

Then there's the new beach towels. So very cool!!! Traditional rectangular and round. Check 'em out below.

Traditional beach towel comes in two sizes

And now the groovy new round beach towel. How cool is this?

And, of course this design is also available on throw pillows, tote bags, Iphone and Galaxy phone cases, shower curtains, duvet covers and MORE.

I'm preparing for my first solo show event in September. Painting my little heart out and so excited. If you're in the area I'll be sharing more information as the event gets closer. I'd love to see you there.

Wherever your summer plans take you I hope you have a wonderful time making memories. Don't forget to wear a hat and sunscreen.

Blessings to all, Mary

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.
”

— John Lubbock

The official start of summer doesn't begin until this Sunday, but here in Florida the heat has been on for quite a while now. Cooling off at the beach is a great way to pass the time. After a recent day spent under my umbrella with toes in the sand I was inspired to create this summery, beach themed triptych. It combines all the elements of the I love about the beach. The sand, waves, clouds, sun, cool breeze and finding the occasional treasured sea glass bobble.

We are blessed to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the US here on the west coast of central Florida. And, I am blessed to live only 30 minutes from any number of them. It is a form of soul therapy for me.

Sun,  Sand and Sea Glass throw pillow by Fine Art America  For more information on this and other pillow designs simply click the pillow photo to visit my Fine Art America shop. — Sun, Sand and Sea Glass throw pillow by **Fine Art America** For more information on this and other pillow designs simply **click the pillow photo to visit my Fine Art America shop.**

I'm very proud to announce new items have been added to my product line. These include more home decor, fashion (tee shirts, children's clothes, leggings and more). Here's a sample of one of the beautiful 55" scarves available through RedBubble using my painting.

How many ways can you wear this scarf?  Think of the possibilities.    Just click on the photo for a more detailed description including care instructions. — How many ways can you wear this scarf? Think of the possibilities. Just **click on the photo for a more detailed description including care instructions.**

The print is visible on both sides of this large, square scarf. Many ways to wear this, including as a beach cover up.

One of the items is the children's onesie. They are simply adorable! I ordered one myself as a baby shower gift and I'm in love with them. They're my new "go to" gift for baby showers.

They come in sizes 3-24 months and 10 colors.  Also available through RedBubble. — They come in sizes 3-24 months and 10 colors. Also available through **RedBubble**.

Thank you so much for stopping by to visit with me friends. I hope you have enjoyed my new painting, and that it inspires you to visit the beach soon. The sand and surf are calling your name. Blessings ~ Mary

“Some beach somewhere, there’s a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair. Palm trees are growing, warm breezes blowing. I picture myself there, some beach somewhere.”

— Anonymous