Sun, Sand and Sea Glass

The official start of summer doesn't begin until this Sunday, but here in Florida the heat has been on for quite a while now.  Cooling off at the beach is a great way to pass the time.  After a recent day spent under my umbrella with toes in the sand I was inspired to create this summery, beach themed triptych.  It combines all the elements of the I love about the beach.  The sand, waves, clouds, sun, cool breeze and finding the occasional treasured sea glass bobble.

We are blessed to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the US here on the west coast of central Florida.  And, I am blessed to live only 30 minutes from any number of them.  It is a form of soul therapy for me.

Sun,  Sand and Sea Glass throw pillow by Fine Art America  For more information on this and other pillow designs simply click the pillow photo to visit my Fine Art America shop.

I'm very proud to announce new items have been added to my product line.  These include more home decor, fashion (tee shirts, children's clothes, leggings and more).  Here's a sample of one of the beautiful 55" scarves available through RedBubble using my painting.

How many ways can you wear this scarf?  Think of the possibilities.    Just click on the photo for a more detailed description including care instructions.

The print is visible on both sides of this large, square scarf.  Many ways to wear this, including as a beach cover up.  

One of the items is the children's onesie.  They are simply adorable!  I ordered one myself as a baby shower gift and I'm in love with them. They're my new "go to" gift for baby showers.  

They come in sizes 3-24 months and 10 colors.  Also available through RedBubble.

Thank you so much for stopping by to visit with me friends.  I hope you have enjoyed my new painting, and that it inspires you to visit the beach soon.  The sand and surf are calling your name.  Blessings ~ Mary

“Some beach somewhere, there’s a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair. Palm trees are growing, warm breezes blowing. I picture myself there, some beach somewhere.”

— Anonymous

The Dance, A New Painting Inspired by My Granddaughter

I had the most delightful Saturday last weekend friends.  My beautiful, precious five year old granddaughter was dancing in her second recital.  What proud grandparents her Nano and Gigi were.  She danced her little heart out to "Twist and Shout".  Just happens to be one of our favorite songs too (we're huge Beatles fans). 

After the recital was over and the children were all dismissed Bella came running to us and jumped in my arms.  She was so happy and excited about performing.  She looked like a princess in her tutu and tights.  Not a shy child by any stretch of the imagination.  I was so inspired I wanted to capture the moment by creating a painting with Bella's favorite colors, of course.

I had even more fun this week finding new products to add to my shop.  I am pleased to preview one of the newest items, fashion scarves.  As most women know, you can't have too many shoes or scarves.  There's also tee shirts, children's tees and infant onesies, and a host of other goodies.  You can find them all by clicking the link under the scarf photo.

Click here for more information on this scarf and others available through my shop through Red Bubble.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention I had my first public showing of a small sampling of my art work last Friday.  Clayton Gray Home here in Tampa, FL hosted their monthly First Friday event and invited ME to bring in a few paintings to introduce to their customers.  What a fun evening we had, and I even sold a couple paintings.  

Wendy Garraty, owner of Clayton Gray Home, is shown below with me.  I'm the brunette on the left in case you didn't see my photo on the "About Mary" page.

Me at my first public showing at Clayton Gray Home's First Friday event.

Thank you all for stopping by to visit me.  I hope you'll take some time to view the other paintings I have available.  Several new ones have been added since the last post.  Your support means the world to me.  If you like my art, please consider sharing it with your friends.  A referral to a friend means you REALLY like my work .  Until next week, take care and be well friends.  Blessings ~~ Mary 

“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”

— Martha Graham

The Humble Hummingbird

I've had a fascination with hummingbirds since my first visit to New Mexico decades ago.   City life in Florida doesn't afford much opportunity to see these glorious, beautiful creatures.  I was blessed about a year ago with a hummer sighting in my back garden.  The visit lasted only a couple days, no doubt on his migration back to parts unknown.  But in the 40 years I've lived in my Florida home, this was the first time I'd ever seen a hummingbird in my garden.  You can't imagine my excitement!  

Hummingbird in Mary's garden

The above photo is not great as I was using my cell phone and zooming in from my about 25 feet away so I wouldn't scare the little guy.  He was snacking from my Fire Spike plant.  He came to visit the garden in the mornings and I was so lucky to get this shot.  

Click this photo for  more details on this fluffy, comfy pillow.  Available in several sizes.  

“Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and to savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.”

— unknown source

Thanks so much for taking time to visit me friends.  I welcome your comments so please feel free to post one.  If you are lucky enough to see hummingbirds, remember to savor the moment and celebrate life.  

Wishing you many blessings ~~ Mary