Hello Spring

Hello Spring

Daisies on Parade no 1

March is almost over and today is the first day of Spring. Either 2017 is really in a hurry to be over or it's just me. I've been so busy these first three months of the year and I just want to share a little of what is going on in my life.  

After starting the year out with a solo show at the historic Rialto Theatre in January I've been painting non-stop preparing for my next show in April at Red Door Gallery no. 5 in Tampa.  I'm so lucky to be sharing this show with my good friend and artist, Elizabeth Fontaine-Barr. The show's title is Color Chemistry and it couldn't be a more perfect fit for us. If you're in town I invite you out to see us on Friday, April 7.  Please visit my Facebook page for more details.   

If you are not a regular on Facebook you may be missing out on some of my new artwork. I apologize that it's been a while since my last blog. I'll share a few of the new pieces with you. 

Small Blessings no. 2, 10" x 10" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Desert Varnish, 20" x 24" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Peaceful Journey, 20" x 20" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Oh, and did I mention I accept commissions? I'm currently starting work on two commission pieces and can't wait to see my collectors reactions when I present them with their finished pieces.

If you're on Instagram I invite you to follow me at mbmirabal.  I share daily and  love interacting with my followers.  

Well, I should get back to work my friends.  Thanks for visiting with me and please feel free to leave comments. I love reading them and always respond. Have a wonderful Spring and please feel free to share my site with your art loving friends. 

“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love.”

— Sitting Bull

Blessings my friends, your artist Mary

Follow Your Heart

Follow Your Heart

Many of you know I only began painting less than three years ago.  The more I share my art the more I'm asked "how" did I get started painting and more importantly "why"?  I'll answer the why question first.  My husband and I are lifetime art lovers, especially of Native American art.  I could do another blog just on that subject. But my love of art also extends to paintings and the talented artists who create them.   

For all of my adult life I was a wife, mother, career minded professional who never thought my two hands were capable of anything other than creating a loving home for my family and juggling a professional life. It wasn't until I was downsized from corporate America that I struggled to find myself.  I no longer had a career to define me. My children were grown and successful in their own careers. I knew starting over in a new job at this stage in my life was not what I wanted.  I wanted more ....something that would make my soul happy.  That's the answer to the "WHY" question. I needed something that would fill my heart and soul with joy. 

Reflections of the Soul, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Being idle isn't in my blood. I had to decide on a new path going forward. Having the luxury of time helped me truly look inside to realize what made me happy.  I'd been holding a little secret in my heart each time I enjoyed viewing a painting.  There was a little voice telling me "you can do this".  I kept pushing this voice down because surely this couldn't be true....I couldn't even draw a straight line.  So, the "HOW" question was answered by acknowledging that inner voice and making the decision to trust what it was saying.  I asked Santa for a paint set that Christmas and looked at it for several months before gathering the courage to actually put paint to canvas. It was then I realized what a beautiful gift I had been given. 

Discovering this passion has been a blessing.  Not only have I found my artistic style, but I've met so many wonderful, giving artist friends and mentors along the way.  I'm continuing to grow as an artist and push new boundaries for my art.  Last month I began teaching an abstract painting class at Old Hyde Park Art Center.  All part of expanding my wings and getting outside my comfort zone.  In this short new career I am extremely fortunate to be represented by Woodfield Fine Art in St. Petersburg, FL and Clayton Gray Home in Tampa.  Thank you Jim and Wendy for believing in me.

Shadow Dance, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

It is my hope my art will bring beauty and joy to our world.  And, to also be a reminder that it's NEVER to late to follow your heart. I was 55 when I began painting.  Every day I spend in my small studio is a true blessing and a way to allow my soul to sing. 

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement friends.  It means the world to me. For those collectors of my art, please know a little piece of my soul is part of each painting.  I paint the colors of my soul.

Blessings my friends, your artist Mary

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,”

— Confucius

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Where did 2016 go? It was just a blur for me friends ....so focused on getting my art career going. I am so happy to say that dream did come true, and I'm so excited to see what the coming year will bring.  This year I found my love of abstract painting. I can't tell you the joy creating abstract art gives me. I am able to express myself through colors, shapes and design. I hope this body of work resonates with you friends.

I am so grateful for your ongoing support and encouragement.  As a way to say thanks I'm giving away two of my 2017 Mary Mirabal Art calendars.  Mark down all your important dates in this lovely calendar. To enter the drawing just comment on this post by scrolling to the bottom of this post and click on "Comment".  Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're one of the lucky winners.  Two lucky readers will be randomly selected on January 3 so don't forget to comment.

These calendars also make great gifts and are available through my Zazzle shop.  Just click here to visit.  You can choose from three sizes.

However you celebrate the New Year, please be safe and remember to count your blessings.  Happy New Year friends.  Cheers, Mary

“Every New Year we dream of a better world for us and ours. This Year let us take up the onus to make the world a better place for you, me and everyone else.”

— Unknown