Autumn Is In The Air

Autumn Is In The Air

Autumn's Splendor, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

My favorite time of year is fast approaching, at least according the the calendar.  Fall officially arrives on September 22; however, for those of us in Florida we have to make our own type of fall as our temps won't stop dropping until December or January if we're lucky.  And, to enjoy the fall foliage we travel up north or drool over the many photos on Pinterest and other websites.  

I grew up in southern Maryland and go through withdrawals this time every year.  It doesn't matter that I've lived in Florida for 41 years.  Once the fall season is in your blood you never outgrow it.  

One of the ways I get into the fall spirit is to paint.  "Autumn Splendor" is just one of several fall themed paintings in my studio.  This painting symbolizes all the wonderful beauty of the season: The cool, crisp air and the vibrantly colored leaves.  

Last week was an exciting week for me with my first SOLO SHOW!!!  It was held at a quaint, cafe called The Bunker in Ybor City (historic part of Tampa).  So many of my friends were there I was overjoyed.  And, I sold three paintings that night.  Here's a few photos from the evening.

I'm now looking forward to preparing for my next solo show in January 2017.  It will be a larger show so I'll need to get painting.  In the meantime, I'll have a small pop up shop at Pottery Barn, Hyde Park Tampa on October 22.  Stay tuned for more info as the date gets closer.

Thanks so much for all your warm wishes and heart felt support friends. Please do share my website with your art loving friends.  

Wishing you all a beautiful and blessed Autumn season.  Blessings, Mary

“When autumn dulls the summer skies,
And paler sunshine softly lies
Upon the brown and fallow lands:—
As fairy artists come in bands
To paint with brushes dipped with frost:—
They pay with gold, for verdure lost...”

— V.O. Wallingford (b.1876), "The Cottonwood Trees"

Pinch Me, I think I'm Dreaming

Pinch Me, I think I'm Dreaming

Just a little over two years ago I found my true passion ....painting.  I'm a 50 something wife, grandmother and now artist.  I only began my artist journey a couple years ago after retiring from the corporate world.  With no prior art training I had this burning desire to paint and time to pursue my dream.  

With dozens of exhibitions and shows under my belt during the past year I now have my first of two solo shows coming up and I am so excited.  The first will be September 15, 2016 at The Bunker in Ybor City.  The second is at the historic Rialto Theatre in Tampa in January 2017.  

I have been busy selecting the paintings to exhibit for The Bunker show and getting them ready for hanging (i.e. making sure they're varnished, signed and wired for hanging).  I have to thank my husband for taking care of all the wiring duties.  He'll also be assisting me with hanging the first show.  He truly supports my art and I am so very grateful for that!

I am so excited with all the new products available through my Fine Art America shop.  In addition to the throw pillow, duvet covers, shower curtains and tote bags they now have fabulous beach towels, weekender bags, carry-all pouches and much more. Dozens of designs to choose from.  Here's just a sampling friends.  

If you'd like more information on any of these products, simply visit my Fine Art America shop by click here.  And, these items make wonderful gifts for friends and family!

I am so blessed to be able to paint every day and have such wonderful fans and collectors all over the country. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement as I continue my journey to "paint the colors of my soul".  I still feel like I am dreaming!!

Wishing you all the best my friends,  Mary

“If you have an impulse to do something, and it’s not totally irresponsible, why not do it? It might be just the journey you’ve always needed.”

— Timothy Hutton, actor

Mary Mirabal Art Goes Live

Mary Mirabal Art Goes Live

What an exciting week it's been friends!!  I was so honored to be featured on our local WTSP Studio 10 Live morning show this week to talk about how I became a painter and show a few pieces of my art.  Most people who know me know I'm NOT a morning person, so to be at the studio dressed, makeup and hair ready by 8 a.m. was my only real challenge.  Thank goodness I have a dear friend from high school, Anneliese Meier, who graciously picked me up in her SUV and carted three paintings and three easels to the studio.  And, I must also thank my fellow artist friends Elizabeth Fontaine-Barr and Heather Rippert for loaning me their easels. I have the best friends! 

Hosts Stephanie Webb and Michael Clayton were delightful and made me feel so at ease from the moment I sat down.  Here's the video from the show.

The second awesome thing to happen this week was a feature on my art in Alive TampaBay, an online magazine.  Just click the photo below to read the article. 

I'm still busy preparing for my first solo show at The Bunker in Tampa, FL. The show runs from September 12 to October 9 with an opening reception on September 15.  If you're in the area, please consider this your invitation. It will be a fun evening of art, wine and entertainment.

There are several new artworks in my shop friends. Hope you take a moment to check them out.  Here are just a few ....

Thank you to my fans and collectors for all your support.  If you are enjoying my art, please share or tell a friend.  I would be most grateful.  

Wishing you a great August and let's meet up again soon. And remember, I'm on Facebook daily at www.facebook.com/marymirabalart  

Blessings to you, Mary

“As long as we dare to dream and don’t get in the way of ourselves, anything is possible—there’s truly no end to where our dreams can take us.”

— Hillary Swank, actress