Dog Days of Summer

August 12, 2020

Dog Days of Summer

August is my least favorite month of the year. It’s the hottest and wettest month here in Florida. I don’t tolerate heat as well as I’ve gotten older. That is why I started spending part of the summer months in Santa Fe, NM. At 7,000 feet elevation with low humidity, Northern New Mexico is a great place to ride out summer.

I was lucky to spend the month of July in my happy place. I’d normally be there May through July, but with the current world situation it was not possible. But those brief days were just what I needed to recharge my soul. I’d been feeling a bit lost and scattered prior to this trip. Cancelled art exhibits, galleries closed or barely open and just general fear of the unknown have been difficult on my creative heart.

We spent most of our time taking day trips to explore the magical landscapes of the state. This meant lots of photos taken for use in future artwork. I even managed to crank out three small paintings while I was in Santa Fe. These are quick shots of the oil pastel paintings done in Santa Fe. I’ll be adding them to my website soon. Just need to get their camera ready shots done. In the meantime, please message me if you see one that speaks to you and I’m happy to hold it for you.

With school resuming and people going back to work, masks are important for everyone. I do have masks designed with my artwork through my Fine Art America shop. They’ve been getting great reviews from my collectors. To view my selection, simply click the image below.

It usually takes me a couple weeks to get back to normal after being gone. My cats missed me tremendously so they’ve required extra attention. I finally unpacked and got the house back in order. Now it’s time to get busy creating some new art. It’s a great time to add new art to your home. All orders ship free to you and I offer convenient, flexible payment plans.

Thank you so much for being fans, patrons and collectors of my art. Your support means the world to me, and I wouldn’t be here without your support.

Blessings from your artist friend, Mary

A Dream Written Down

April 2, 2018

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

Wishing You a Wonderful Thanksgiving

November 22, 2017

My wish for you and your family is a safe and Happy Thanksgiving friends. I am so very grateful for your love and support. I'm blessed to have you with me on my journey as an artist.

“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year because it reminds us to give thanks and to count our blessings. Suddenly, so many things become so little when we realize how blessed and lucky we are.”

— Joyce Giraud