Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day friends. I’m still trying to wrap my head around how quickly this year is moving. Trips around the sun seem to move faster after you pass 60. I’ve already fallen behind my goal to stay in touch via newsletter and I apologize. I’m still working on better communications skills.

It has been a busy time in my studio and I’m happy to share I’ll have some beautiful new artwork available for you soon. I’ll share a few work in progress peeks for now. Spring colors have taken over my palette. Hope you’ll enjoy them too.

Do you enjoy listening to podcasts? Do you have a favorite podcast? I’m happy to say I was a guest this week on my friend Bunny Terry’s Lifesaving Gratitude podcast. Hope you’ll give it a listen friends and subscribe to the Lifesaving Gratitude podcast. Bunny invited me to tell the story of how I became an artist. Just click below to

"Our lives truly can be a work of art, and no one knows that better than our guest on this episode, Mary Mirabal. Mary took the brave and inspiring step to become an artist in her 50’s after a long career in a completely different field. By following her passion, Mary has found joy and excitement (and a new favorite city!) that she might never have known before. With the support of her husband and family, Mary is following her dream and turning her life into the master piece it should be! We love Mary and we know you will too.”

I want to thank Bunny for inviting me to participate. This is the first time I’ve been a guest…which was somewhat scary as I’m much more comfortable creating the art instead of talking about it. Thankfully, Bunny made it so easy and I had a great time.

I’ll keep this communique short and sweet. Thank you so much for your continued support and friendship. My life is so blessed because of collectors, fans and friends like you. Please feel free to contact me anytime you have questions about my artwork. Just hit this button below to reach me.

A mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go. —Unknown

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

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

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