My January Challenge

I've embarked on a challenge this month to kick start the year.  It's the Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.  Trying hard not to get behind.  This challenge is about getting into the studio to try new things.  It's about painting more often.  It's about having fun and developing new skills.  I'll be sharing my daily works on Facebook.  I hope you'll follow the challenge with me.   

Day 1, "Latte" on canvas

Day 2, "Dandelions" 5 x 7 study on paper

The monthly "Deal of the Month" is back!  This month's piece is a sweet 6" x 6" paintings of red/orange poppies on gallery wrapped canvas.  If you're interested in learning more about the deal of the month, please click the tab to the left "Steal of the Month".  Here's a peek at this month's steal.

Steal of the Month:  Poppies, 6 x 6 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Hope your 2016 has started off well friends.  I am looking forward to the opportunities that await me.  Thank you for continuing the journey with me.   Blessings,  Mary

“Challenge yourself today, to improve, for a better tomorrow than yesterday.”

— Vikrmn, Guru with Guitar

Welcome 2016

Happy New Year friends!  I am not one for making New Year's resolutions because I know I won't keep them.  Instead, I would like to make a list of my art goals for 2016.  This past year was my first year as a full time artist, and I want to thank you all for being part of this journey.  I cannot explain the joy I feel when I'm creating.  I love playing with paint palettes, new textures and experimenting with different techniques.  

For 2016 I am hoping to expose my art to more people.  I would like to have a gallery represent me.  This is huge for me and will likely be my most difficult challenge.  Other goals include showing in at least one MAJOR art show in 2016 and having my art in a few shops.  

My latest works are a triptych of positive affirmations.  I think "Fly" is particularly appropriate for my 2016 goals.  These pieces were inspired by a beautiful sheet of wrapping paper found at my friend's paperie and shop.  Just a little reminder of how important the "little" things in life truly are.

Fly, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas.  Shown here as a framed print.

Joy, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas.  6" x 6" mixed media.

Zen, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas.  6" x 6" mixed media.

Below you can see the wrapping paper and one of the stages of the creation process.  Isn't this wrapping paper fun?  

I'd love to hear what your New Year's resolutions or goals are friends.  Or, any comment you'd like to share.  All that share a comment below will be entered into a drawing for my 2016 art calendar.  Who doesn't need a calendar?  

2016 Mary Mirabal Art Calendar

“Each New Year, we have before us a brand new book containing 365 blank pages. Let us fill them with all the forgotten things from last year—the words we forgot to say, the love we forgot to show, and the charity we forgot to offer.”

— Peggy Toney Horton

Wishing you all the Joy of the Season!

Dear friends,

With all the hustle and bustle going on this time of year, I wanted to take time to thank you for being part of my journey this past year.  Never in my 50+ years could I have imagined I would have taken up painting at this stage in my life.  Crazy as it seems to many people, it is a passion that must have been dormant in my soul all these years.  I am especially grateful to have found this gift and even more grateful to a husband who encourages me to use my gift. And,  I am blessed to have wonderful fans and collectors who support me too.

Messenger, 16 x 20 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas  

I've always been a big believer in the magic of Christmas.  Growing up in a large family, Christmas was the most special time of the year as a child. Always believe in your dreams, and keep dreaming.  It keeps the magic alive.

From my family to yours, I wish you a most blessed and joyful Christmas and Happy New Year. I'm looking forward to 2016 and all the possibilities life holds.  I hope you'll continue on the journey with me my friends.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays -
May your New Year bring joy and happiness!

Blessings, Mary

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

— Norman Vincent Peale