Celebrating Southwest Style

August is winding down and the festivities from Indian Market in Santa Fe have ended.  I thought this might be a wonderful time to share some of my Southwest inspired art with you.  If you've been following my website and blog, you know how much I love Santa Fe.  Many of my art pieces were inspired by the numerous trips to the area over the years.  

Canyon's Chorus, 12" x 9" acrylic on wrapped canvas

Canyon's Chorus, 12" x 9" acrylic on wrapped canvas

"Canyon's Chorus" was inspired by our 2014 trip to Santa Fe and the Northern New Mexico area.  I'm always taken back by the beauty of the canyons, especially in and around Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch, where Georgia O'Keeffe made her homes.  

Santa Fe Adobe, 12" x 12" acrylic on wrapped canvas

Santa Fe Adobe, 12" x 12" acrylic on wrapped canvas

The architecture in Santa Fe is simple, natural and romantic, unlike any other place I've visited. We stayed in a small, adobe styled "casita" during our visit.  Our one bedroom casita was perfection down to it's wood burning fireplace.  This painting was inspired by the beautiful adobe homes we passed on our daily walks in the Canyon Road area.

Turquoise Door, 12" x 12" on gallery wrapped canvas

Turquoise Door, 12" x 12" on gallery wrapped canvas

I am obsessed with the color turquoise, turquoise stones and Santa Fe.  Of course I had to paint an abstract with a turquoise door.  When I began this painting it was NOT with the intent of it being this subject.  But halfway through the process I saw a door forming and knew it was calling to be turquoise.

"Faith"  10" x 20" on gallery wrapped canvas

"Faith"  10" x 20" on gallery wrapped canvas

We enjoy collecting unique crosses from New Mexico, Mexico and Central America and have them displayed on our walls.  I was inspired to paint "Faith" after a friend had a painting party for her birthday and asked me to help instruct the painting session.  My friend wanted everyone to paint a cross.  I must say we all had a great time and the Holy Spirit was with me when I created this one. 

I hope you've enjoyed seeing a few of my southwest inspired paintings friends.  Not too bad coming from a Florida girl who yearns to live in Santa Fe.

Thank you for taking time to visit.  I love reading your posts and comments so please feel free to leave one.  And don't forget to tell your friends about me please.  Wishing you a wonderful weekend and week to come my friends.

Blessings, Mary

“Like the grasses showing tender faces to each other,
thus should we do,
for this was the wish of the Grandfathers of the World.
”
— Black Elk










Talisman

Do you keep a rabbit's foot or other symbol of good luck friends?  Perhaps you have a pressed four leaf clover from a day in the park.  A talisman is an object which is believed to contain certain magical or protective properties which would provide good luck for the possessor or possibly offer protection from evil or harm. 

Talisman, 20" x 20" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Talisman, 20" x 20" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

My husband and I have been collectors of Native American art for 20+ years, and love learning the stories behind the art.  Our affection for this art can be found in every room of our home as our "addiction" grew.        

Turquoise is one of the oldest protection talismans, and was also known as a symbol of wealth in many ancient cultures. Strength, protection from harm, psychic sensitivity and connection to the spirit world can all be associated with the resplendent turquoise gemstone.  

Many of my paintings include the color turquoise.  I am naturally drawn to this color whenever I pick up a paint brush, and in this painting the colors leap unto the canvas in layers upon layers of blues and turquoise.  

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.  Thank you for taking time to visit friends.  ~~Mary

Talisman art pillow by Fine Art AmericaSimply click the photo above for more information on sizes and other pattern options.

Talisman art pillow by Fine Art America

Simply click the photo above for more information on sizes and other pattern options.

“Legend has it that the Native American Indians danced and rejoiced when the rains came. Their tears of joy mixed with the rain and seeped into Mother Earth to become Turquoise.”
— http://www.indians.org/articles/turquoise.html