Spring Beauty

Spring Beauty

Spring Beauty, mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas

Spring Beauty, mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas

Inspired by all the spring flowers blooming in the local nurseries I felt I must capture this feeling on canvas. I haven't painted florals in a while, but this one was inside my head waiting to come out. My own garden was in much need of some tender loving care, so after I finished this piece I actually started the spring clean up in my own backyard.  Amazing what inspires you to begin a task.

This painting began the usual way, with a textured canvas and acrylic paints. But, then I picked up some oil pastels from our local Blick art supplies store (I'd been swooning over them for a while). I painted the canvas with acrylic paints and applied the oil pastels over certain areas to really "pop" the piece.  

Base layers applied in acrylic

Base layers applied in acrylic

Final layers applied with oil pastels

Final layers applied with oil pastels

So, now you can guess that I am in love with using oil pastels over acrylic. I love to experiment and play with new painting "tools". This is one I'm truly going to enjoy exploring. 

If you love this painting, the original is available along with reproductions on paper, canvas, and many other products. Here are just a few of the ways you can enjoy this painting in your home.  For more information on any of these products, just click on the image to visit my Fine Art America shop.

Thanks so much for taking time to view my art, and for your continued support friends. Until next time. 

Blessings my friends, your artist Mary

There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to paint a rose, because before he can do so he has first to forget all the roses that were ever painted.
— Henry Matisse

 

 

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 1, "Latte" on canvas

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

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

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