Happy New Year!!!

Where did 2016 go? It was just a blur for me friends ....so focused on getting my art career going. I am so happy to say that dream did come true, and I'm so excited to see what the coming year will bring. This year I found my love of abstract painting. I can't tell you the joy creating abstract art gives me. I am able to express myself through colors, shapes and design. I hope this body of work resonates with you friends.

I am so grateful for your ongoing support and encouragement. As a way to say thanks I'm giving away two of my 2017 Mary Mirabal Art calendars. Mark down all your important dates in this lovely calendar. To enter the drawing just comment on this post by scrolling to the bottom of this post and click on "Comment". Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're one of the lucky winners. Two lucky readers will be randomly selected on January 3 so don't forget to comment.

These calendars also make great gifts and are available through my Zazzle shop. Just click here to visit. You can choose from three sizes.

However you celebrate the New Year, please be safe and remember to count your blessings. Happy New Year friends. Cheers, Mary

“Every New Year we dream of a better world for us and ours. This Year let us take up the onus to make the world a better place for you, me and everyone else.”

— Unknown

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

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

Zen, 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?

“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