Doors and Windows

Doors and Windows

“Love unlocks doors and opens windows that weren’t even there before.”

— Mignon McLaughlin

I usually end my posts with a quote, but it seemed fitting to begin this one with this quote by Mignon McLaughlin. During my art retreat in Santa Fe this summer I created a few paintings that ended up starting a new series for me -- Door and Windows. The blue of the sky and cloud formations in New Mexico continue to mesmerize me. Even more so when I spent time outdoors painting.

Georgia O'Keeffe, 'In the Patio, 1948'

Inspired by works by Georgia O'Keeffe, who also had a fascination for doors; this new series flowed so effortlessly as if it was a story that had to be told. How often have you wondered what is behind a particular door or window? When I paint, it's with an abstracted view of what I see in life. Perhaps the door or window is just a glimpse of what my mind sees. I'll leave the final interpretation up to you. 

Here are my latest paintings in the Windows and Doors series started in Santa Fe. I hope you will enjoy them. 

New Beginnings, 12 x 12 inches, acrylic on canvas 

Soul Searching, 14 x 14 inches, acrylic on canvas

Two Worlds, 24 x 36 inches, acrylic on canvas

Portal, 24 x 36 inches, acrylic on canvas

This has been a very exciting series and a new direction for me to paint; and, I look forward to adding more windows and doors in the future. I'd love to know what you think of them. Just drop me a line or two in the comments.

I'll be showing these new paintings at my solo show next month at the Rialto Theatre in Tampa, FL. If you're local, I invite you to put September 28 on your calendar for the opening reception. The show runs September to October 28.

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

 

Two Months in Santa Fe

Two Months In Santa Fe

I arrived in Santa Fe, NM (aka My Happy Place) at the beginning of May ready to paint, network with other artists, find a gallery to represent me and enjoy the arts and culture of The City Different. After getting settled in to my little casita, I began painting, participated in the annual Canyon Road Spring Art Festival by painting live at Acosta-Strong Fine Art and dropped off a painting for a group show at Metallo Gallery in the quaint and quirky small town of Madrid, NM. Not too bad for my first week in Santa Fe.

Live painting at Acosta-Strong Fine Art 

What a treat is was to get to paint with three other amazing artists from this gallery. They were all so gracious and I loved being introduced as their "visiting guest artist". After I came down from that high it was time to meet with the galleries who agreed to see my art. The first one was a polite "no thank you" but the second one was a huge YES!!! I came in toting two bags filled with art and I'm happy to say the Turquoise Butterfly Gallery took all 11 pieces of my art. 

After celebrating that victory I got back to painting and was able to complete five new paintings. I've just finished adding them to my website. Please click here to visit my website.

Sacred Start, 12" x 12" acrylic on canvas

There's a reason Santa Fe is the third largest art market in the country. With more than 100 fine art galleries and artist studios in one short mile, Canyon Road offers an incredibly diverse array of artwork by established and emerging artists. As a collector, whether you prefer art that is contemporary, abstract, modern, expressionistic, traditional, western or Native American, it’s all here. 

And, of course no trip to Santa Fe would be complete without a visit to the Georgia O'Keeffe museum and her home and studio in Abiquiu. O'Keeffe is my muse so I never miss an opportunity to visit these places. I could write an entire blog on how much her life and work inspires me.

I'm preparing for a solo show in Tampa at the Rialto Theatre in September so I'll be painting all summer. And, with all the inspiration collected from my trip those paintings should burst onto the canvases. I'll share more on this as it gets closer. If you're local I hope you will come out to join me.

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

“I had this desire and interest in painting to want to do my own things.”

— Georgia O'Keeffe

I'm Off to the Land of Enchantment

I'm Off to The Land of Enchantment

Gosh what an fun, exciting month this has been friends. My trip to Santa Fe, NM is just around the corner. I leave on May 4 for my two month painting residency. I will paint in the city and region that inspires my art. I've also been invited to do live painting on Canyon Road, the premiere art destination in Santa Fe. I can't tell you what a dream this is and how excited I will be to share my experience with you. 

I've never been gone for more than two weeks, so planning for two months away is a bit of a challenge for me. Just figuring out which art supplies and tools to pack and ship is enough to keep me up at night. Thankfully there's a wonderful art supply store in town for anything I forget.

I have managed to do some painting this month, exhibit in shows and sell some art. A very successful month in my book. Here are a few of the new paintings that I've just added to my website. The companion piece for Fire and Ice sold before the paint was even dry.  

Fire and Ice | 20 x 20 inches | acrylic on canvas

New to my online shop are a series of framed originals (painting are all 8 x 8 inches) and would look beautiful individually or as a set. 

And, last but not least, new designs are available in my VIDA collection. If you haven't had an opportunity to see my fashion collection, I invite you to pop over to check out the new Winter Whispers silky soft modal scarf and matching sheer wrap. Just click the photo below to visit my VIDA shop.

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

“Everything you can imagine is real.”

— Pablo Picasso