Spring Beauty

Spring Beauty

Spring Beauty, mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas

Inspired by all the spring flowers blooming in the local nurseries I felt I must capture this feeling on canvas. I haven't painted florals in a while, but this one was inside my head waiting to come out. My own garden was in much need of some tender loving care, so after I finished this piece I actually started the spring clean up in my own backyard.  Amazing what inspires you to begin a task.

This painting began the usual way, with a textured canvas and acrylic paints. But, then I picked up some oil pastels from our local Blick art supplies store (I'd been swooning over them for a while). I painted the canvas with acrylic paints and applied the oil pastels over certain areas to really "pop" the piece.  

Base layers applied in acrylic

Final layers applied with oil pastels

So, now you can guess that I am in love with using oil pastels over acrylic. I love to experiment and play with new painting "tools". This is one I'm truly going to enjoy exploring. 

If you love this painting, the original is available along with reproductions on paper, canvas, and many other products. Here are just a few of the ways you can enjoy this painting in your home.  For more information on any of these products, just click on the image to visit my Fine Art America shop.

Thanks so much for taking time to view my art, and for your continued support friends. Until next time. 

Blessings my friends, your artist Mary

“There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to paint a rose, because before he can do so he has first to forget all the roses that were ever painted.”

— Henry Matisse

My January Challenge

I've embarked on a challenge this month to kick start the year.  It's the Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.  Trying hard not to get behind.  This challenge is about getting into the studio to try new things.  It's about painting more often.  It's about having fun and developing new skills.  I'll be sharing my daily works on Facebook.  I hope you'll follow the challenge with me.   

Day 1, "Latte" on canvas

Day 2, "Dandelions" 5 x 7 study on paper

The monthly "Deal of the Month" is back!  This month's piece is a sweet 6" x 6" paintings of red/orange poppies on gallery wrapped canvas.  If you're interested in learning more about the deal of the month, please click the tab to the left "Steal of the Month".  Here's a peek at this month's steal.

Steal of the Month:  Poppies, 6 x 6 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Hope your 2016 has started off well friends.  I am looking forward to the opportunities that await me.  Thank you for continuing the journey with me.   Blessings,  Mary

“Challenge yourself today, to improve, for a better tomorrow than yesterday.”

— Vikrmn, Guru with Guitar

"Blessings" a new painting by Mary Mirabal

With 2015 seemingly passing by so quickly, I found myself reflecting this week on the many blessings in my life.   Being able to create art is one of those blessings, so I was inspired to create this painting simply titled "Blessings".  Each of us face different challenges in this life, but when you actually take time to reflect and count your blessings your eyes become opened to all the gifts you've already received.  For me my faith, family, friends and health are the most precious.

For instance, my wonderful hubby of nearly 36 years reminded me this week that Tuesday was the 40th anniversary of our first date.  I had not even remembered this fact.  He earned brownie points for that!  Then, don't even get me started on our three sweet grandchildren.   Oh, and our two beautiful children who gave us our grands are pretty special too.  

This painting can be reproduced on pillows, coffee mugs, tote bags, framed art prints, clocks and more.  Simply click the photo for more information on these products.  

I hope you find time in your busy days to "stop and smell the roses" friends.  Every day we are given to spend with loved ones IS truly a blessing.  Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend to come.  Thanks so much for taking time to visit me.  Blessings ~ Mary 

“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness... all the good things.”

— Maya Angelou