I Left My Heart in Santa Fe

I Left My Heart In Santa Fe

It happens just about every year in June or July. The hubby and I pack up our bags and head to Santa Fe, aka my "happy place". This year was probably the most special of the dozens and dozens of trips we've taken over the past 20+ years. We were able to stay for two weeks in a quaint, charming adobe casita off Canyon Road, the perfect place to stay in town. You can start gallery hopping as soon as you walk out your door.

Our home away from home

Of course we did the usual things one does while on vacation, we visited almost every art gallery, museum and boutique we could squeeze into a day. We ate, and ate and ate some some. Took a wonderful night sky tour outside of town which was simply amazing and awe inspiring. Visited Georgia O'Keeffe country and - of course - her museum. I even had a private one day painting workshop with award winning artist, and author Nancy Reyner. I can't wait to try out my new paint flinging skills!!

And, of course beautiful flowers everywhere you looked. I'm particularly drawn to old fashioned hollyhocks and they grow like weeds in Santa Fe. They even inspired a painting done on an earlier visit, Hollyhocks and Blue Sky.  

Hollyhocks and Blue Sky, acrylic on canvas

Hollyhocks and Blue Sky is a 12" x 12" acrylic on canvas (unframed). Just send me a message if you are interested as it is not listed on my website. 

Below is the first painting inspired from this summer's trip. Titled Celestial Choir no. 1. I was so moved by our night sky tour that this painting was born. I hope you'll enjoy it. I'm just in the finishing stages of a companion piece to go along with this one. Simply click on the image below for more information.

Celestial Choir no. 1, 12" x 12" acrylic on canvas (framed)

Thank you all for being part of my journey. Your support means the world to me and for those who are collectors of my art, you also have a peace of my soul. I do paint the colors of my soul. I invite you to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. And, please do visit my website if you haven't stopped by in a while. 

Have a relaxed and fun summer my friends. Let's talk again soon.  Your artist friend, Mary

“How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat.
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget”

— Eagles, Hotel California

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing all mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers and all women who are blessed to be a role model in a child's life a very happy Mother's Day. You do make a difference in the lives you touch.

I am so happy to announce my association with VIDA & Co.  I have signed on with VIDA to design custom fashion and accessories with my artwork. VIDA is a global partnership of co-creators, from a designer in Paris, to a producer in Karachi, and a consumer in San Francisco.  I am so proud to be one of their newest designers. I hope you'll take a look at my collection, and please feel free to share this friends. I'm adding new designs with each new painting, so please check back often.

VIDA is offering a special Mother's Day Event that last through midnight May 14 PST. Please take $20 off your order with code: LOVEMYMOM  Simply click the photo below to visit my VIDA shop collection.

In my collection you'll find sheer wraps, tops, handbags and scarves. All are custom made to order with 100% satisfaction guaranteed.  

Just a sampling of the fashion accessories available with my artwork.

Thank you for visiting and for your support friends. I hope you'll take a moment to visit my new VIDA shop. And, don't forgot to take advantage of the Mother's Day $20 credit. You won't be disappointed!!

Wishing you all the best till next time, your artist friend Mary

“When your mother asks, “Do you want a piece of advice?” it’s a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.”

— Erma Bombeck

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