A Dream Written Down

In just 32 short days I'll be arriving in Santa Fe, NM to paint the dream I've had for the past year. What began as a "wouldn't it be nice" little dream last summer is now becoming reality. All that remains is figuring out the logistics for shipping my art supplies, confirming appointments with galleries and boarding the plane. I am excited and nervous both at the same time.

March was a busy month creating new small artwork for April's First Friday in the Heights event at Cleanse Apothecary in Tampa. I haven't even had time to add all the new work to my website. I'll also have three artworks at Scarfone-Hartley Gallery at the University of Tampa for Las Damas de Artes annual Sunday in the Arts event this weekend.

In between I try to find time to design new items for my VIDA fashion collection. There are some lovely new items for Spring, especially the modal silk scarves. I'm just in love with these scarves. You can wear them as a wrap or tie them in multiple ways. This is just one of my new designs along with the painting that inspired the fashion.

Visit My Gallery

I'm working on new paintings, and hope to get them finished and ready for my website before I head off to Santa Fe for May and June. I treasure the time I get to actually paint in my studio versus the business side of art. Working on finding more creative time is a new goal.

Speaking of being more creative, I took off last week to focus on my garden. I've neglected it so badly the past year. It's still very much a work in progress, but I am very happy I was able to bring some whimsy back by replanting my fairy gardens like this one.

I hope Spring finds your neck of the woods soon friends. Here in sunny Florida it's in full swing, blooms, pollen and birds.

Thank you so much for being fans, patrons and collectors of my art. Your support means the world to me.

Blessings from your artist, 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.”

— Hilary Swank, actress

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