Welcome 2021

Welcome 2021

I can’t believe we are already halfway through the first month of 2021. Anyone else out there who still has their Christmas tree up? All other holiday decorations have been stored away, but I’m finding some comfort in having a Christmas tree still lighting our home. I hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday season. Only 345 more days till Christmas!!

The landscape of 2021 is still unkown, but I am optimistic we will continue to slowly get back to a new normal with vaccines rolling out and people getting back to work. I’m excited about getting back into my studio to create new artwork. My mind is filled with flowers and floral inspired art at the moment. Don’t be suprised if you start seeing some coming out soon.

Spring Anticipation, oil and wax on artboard

Spring Anticipation

Spring Anticipation is a painting I started several months ago and just finished last week. It has a beautiful Spring like feel to it. It would compliment many decor situations, including a nursery or child’s room. And, it would make a fabulous one of a kind Valentine’s Day gift. If you’d like more information on this artwork, simply click on the images above.

For more art suggestions please visit my onine gallery below.

Thank you so much for being a fan of my artwork. I truly appreciate your love and support. You help make my dream a reality. Wishing you many wonderful adventures in 2021!!

Blessings from your artist friend, Mary

Happy Holidays from Mary Mirabal Art

Happy Holidays from Mary Mirabal Art

As 2018 comes to a close and I count my many blessings, I want you to know you are included in that count. What an amazing year it has been, and your continued friendship and support has been a big part of my success and happiness.

I continue to learn and grow as an artist. Broadening my horizons and getting outside my comfort zone have resulted in some different and beautiful new art this year. Thanks for continuing to cheer me on in this pursuit.

Here are just a couple of my latest paintings which you may not have seen. If you’d like more info on either painting, simply click on the images.

Paradise Lost, 36 x 36 acrylic on canvas

Paradise Lost was created as a tribute to honor all those who lost their lives, homes and more in the tragic wildfires that have ravaged California recently. The events have touched me deeply, and I felt the need to convey my thoughts on canvas.

Connections, 36 x 36 acrylic on canvas

Connections was created to embrace the way each of us, and the entire universe, are connected in ways we may never fully understand. From the tiniest creature to the vastness of the heavens.

Our home is decorated for Christmas, and I am fondly recalling memories of Christmases past as a young child. We’re looking forward to celebrating the holidays with our children and now four grandchildren. Christmas was always magical for me, and I hope my grandchildren will feel the same as they grow up.

If you’re like me, you’re already making plans for 2019. I have two solo exhibits I’m excited about. One in February and the other in November. At least I know I’ll be busy at the beginning and end of 2019. I still have a few of my 2019 calendars left if you need a last minute gift idea. They’re really beautiful and practical. I’ll hand sign each one.

Just click the button below to see more on the calendars. Once they’re gone you’ll have to wait for 2020!

Thank you so much for being such wonderful fans, collectors and friends. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and all the best in the coming year!

Blessings from your artist friend, Mary

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ”

— Norman Vincent Peale

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