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.

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.

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

Spring Beauty

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.

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