Where Does Inspiration Come From?

Where Does Inspiration Come From?

As an artist this is a question I'm asked on a regular basis.  The simple answer is that inspiration for most of my paintings come from my garden, places I've traveled to or perhaps a beautiful color palette.   Many of you know my love of the southwest, especially New Mexico.  Many, many of my paintings are inspired from visits to Santa Fe and the surrounding areas.

Message From The Heart

Message From The Heart

My newest painting, "Message From The Heart" was inspired by a heart that appeared on a canvas that I was preparing.  Initially this was to be an abstract piece, but as I was hand applying and blending the initial layers of paint a dominant heart appeared on the canvas.  Since I hadn't started out to paint a heart, I set the canvas away for a few days to think about whether I should keep the heart or paint over it.  

Comfy throw pillow from Fine Art America

Comfy throw pillow from Fine Art America

I meditated on how to proceed and dreamt of an angel.  Then I kept seeing heart shapes in little every day things ....water droplets in the shape of a heart, my granddaughter's crayon heart drawing and more. You get the idea.  I HAD to keep the heart!  How many signs did I need to receive?

Fabulously fun Weekender Tote Bag from Fine Art Americe

Fabulously fun Weekender Tote Bag from Fine Art Americe

I believe we could use a little message from the heart these days.  Angels are watching over us and they want us to find them.

 Wishing you many blessings friends, Mary

“When life seems darkest and we feel lost and alone, that’s when we are surrounded by angels who care for us. All we need to do is open our hearts to see them reaching out to us with love.”
— Unknown

Baby It's Hot!!!

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

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

Traditional beach towel comes in two sizes

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

Round beach towel 

Round beach towel 

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