Monday, December 26, 2016

Southwestern Landscape Art Pillows Now Available

Art Pillow, Southwestern Landscape Painting
Original painting details:
Lush Two, 12 x 16 inches, Acrylic on Canvas.
Copyright 2008 Mary Gravelle.
I'm having so much fun seeing how my landscape paintings look as pillows.

I have made three of my Silver City, New Mexico landscape paintings available as art pillows. They are Dawn's Light, Lush 2, and Delightfully Serene.

Check them out on my art website. Add some beauty to your home. They will look equally great on your couch or bed. Or perhaps you can think of another place to put them.

Art Pillow, Southwestern Landscape Painting
Original painting details:
Dawn's Light (Dawn on Boston Hill),
28 x 22 inches, Acrylic on Canvas.
Copyright 2007 Mary Gravelle.
Art Pillow, Southwestern Landscape Painting
Original painting details:
Delightfully Serene, 12 x 16 inches, Acrylic on Canvas.
Copyright 2007 Mary Gravelle.

All Three Art Pillows, Southwestern Landscape Painting – Which is your favorite?
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.

About the Author


Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other services are Sedona Art Hikes and Wisdom Painting.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below. 

Until Next Week
  • Appreciate art
  • Buy art
  • Create art






Monday, December 19, 2016

Greeting Cards Are Now Available

Cathedral Rock Pilgrimage
I have added 5 x 7 greeting cards of my painting images to my offerings. This is a great way to begin collecting my art. Stick them in 5 x 7 inch frames. There you go, instant, affordable art! Priced at $4.75 each card or $16 for a 4-pack, they make great gifts too. They come with envelope and cellophane sleeve.

Below are the images currently available. I will be changing them up. If you see some you like, grab them now as they might not be available next you shop.

Shop Now 5 x 7 Inch Greeting Cards

Hidden Staircase

New Day

Sit

Secret Slick Rock View

May the Vortex Be With You

Walking In Paradise

Beyond Zona's Window – Shows the Back

About the Author


Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other services are Sedona Art Hikes and Wisdom Painting.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below. 

Until Next Week
  • Appreciate art
  • Buy art
  • Create art

Monday, December 5, 2016

Prints Available for Hidden Staircase Painting

Hidden Staircase
12 x 24 inches
Acrylic on MDF
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.
Due to a few requests, I have made my latest painting available as prints and greeting cards.

I'm offering a 5 x 7 inch greeting card with envelope. Also available for purchase is 5 x 10 inch print and a 9 x 18 inch print. The original size of the painting is 12 x 24 inches. The original is available. You can order the print in three different ways: matte paper, gloss stretched canvas, and a high gloss aluminum print.

Order now in time for the holidays.

Now available: prints and greeting cards of Hidden Staircase.



About the Author


Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other services are Sedona Art Hikes and Wisdom Painting.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below. 

Until Next Week
  • Appreciate art
  • Buy art
  • Create art



Monday, November 28, 2016

New Painting Hidden Staircase

Hidden Staircase, 12 x 24 inches, Acrylic on MDF
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle
Four trips to the arch at Fay Canyon and this painting is complete. There is one small detail I might add, but other than that, it's done.

I created a video of the fourth painting session for your enjoyment.

This painting was a joy to paint. The painting process unfolded in an abstract subject matter for this acrylic landscape painting.

The wall of ruins, according to a local man who has lived in Sedona for 30 years, was manmade a few years ago. It's been there since I moved to Sedona 2.5 years ago. I never knew the difference. I thought it was an ancient ruins and reveled in that idea. The spot up under the arch is quite lovely energetically. The trees give it a feeling of being an oasis.

The first three times up there, I enjoyed the peacefulness of being alone. Painting in solitude is wonderful.

I was late getting up the morning of the fourth visit. It was the week of Thanksgiving so there were many tourists. The local man I mentioned earlier who burst my ancient ruin dream bubble was there. Still, it was enjoyable. I waited until they all left before setting up to paint.

Below are my process photos and the video. Enjoy. Drop me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

The painting is available for sale on my art website.


Fay Canyon, trail up to the arch.

Fay Canyon, under the arch with the man-made ruins.




About the Author


Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other services are Sedona Art Hikes and Wisdom Painting.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below. 

Until Next Week
  • Appreciate art
  • Buy art
  • Create art

Monday, November 21, 2016

Paintings for Sale

Southwestern Paintings for Sale

The following paintings are currently for sale and looking to fulfill their destiny by finding their forever home. Is it yours? Do any of these paintings seem to be calling your name? If so, follow the purchase link. Or contact me for further information, phone (928) 254-8709, email Mary@MaryFineArt.com.

They were all painted en plein air at a location in Sedona, Arizona USA. Celebrate the spirit and energy of the land. Bring home Sedona.

Eden, 9 x 12 inches, unframed, Acrylic on Wood.
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.


Welcome to Sedona, 12 x 24 inches, Acrylic on MDF.Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.

About the Author




Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other services are Sedona Art Hikes and Wisdom Painting.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below. 

Until Next Week
  • Appreciate art
  • Buy art
  • Create art

Monday, November 14, 2016

Finished Airport Mesa En Plein Air Painting

Welcome to Sedona, 12 x 24 inches, Acrylic on MDF.
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.
Sitting against a magical huge pine tree.
Finished! The en plein air painting, a Sedona landscape, from the location at Airport Mesa, Brewer Trail in Sedona is now complete. It took me four visits to the site and a little bit of studio time to finish it up.

This is one of my favorite views in Sedona. Almost a 360-degree view, it is split into two spectacular 180-degree views from each side. The view I chose for this painting looks out toward Village of Oak Creek. From here you can see from left to right, as shown in my painting: Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, and Cathedral Rock, among other rock formations. The other 180-degree view overlooks West Sedona.

The Southwestern landscape painting was painted in acrylic on MDF. It measures 12 x 24 inch, a size and format in which I am beginning to adore painting. It suits the Sedona landscape well with its expansive views of the red rocks.

What a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors by painting the beauty before me. Bring home a piece of Sedona.http://maryfineart.com/shop/welcome-to-sedona-landscape-painting/

About the Author

Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other websites and work are: Sedona Art Hikes and Wisdom Painting for Self-Discovery.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries about this en plein air acrylic landscape painting, Welcome to Sedona, can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Sir Kitty

Until Next Week

  • Appreciate art
  • Buy art
  • Create art





Monday, November 7, 2016

Feeling the Vibe of the Sedona Landscape

In Process at Fay Canyon, Sedona, AZ
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle
Out and about last week, painting on the land, excited and jazzed, I noticed that if I allow my paintings to flow, surprises show up on the canvas. I love this! Since total accuracy is not important to me when painting a scene I am enthralled with, I happily allow this to happen.

All three paintings, still in process, painted last week on site in various locations, had an intuitive surprise for me. Each one is close to completion, but you can see their state below. I hope to finish them up during this week so I can show you how they end up in the coming weeks.

I feel a newfound joy of painting out on the land that I have not felt in a long time. I love painting abstract and other expressions, but none has brought me as much joy as I have felt this past week. It has energized me. There are new expressions on the horizon. Stay tuned.

I have also been revamping my art website, MaryFineArt.com, to showcase the art in a more focused manner. Hop on over and check it out.



In Process at Airport Mesa Vortex, Brewer Trailhead, Sedona, AZ
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle

In Process at Cathedral Rock, Sedona, AZ
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle

What do you think of the new direction? Do you paint outside? Do you like to buy art that has been painted outside?

Here are two paintings that were painted on location and are varnished and ready for sale. Go to my website for purchase details.
Eden, 9 x 12 inches, Acrylic on Wood.Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle. Painted on location.Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona.

Century Plant Flirtation, 12 x 24 inches, Acrylic on Wood.Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.

This photo will give you an idea of size.
Painted on location, varnished and ready for sale.
TOP: Century Plant Flirtation, 12 x 24 inches, Acrylic on Wood
BOTTOM: Eden, 9 x 12 inches, Acrylic on WoodBoth Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle


About the Author

Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other websites and work are: Wisdom Painting for Self-Discovery, Igniting Your Intentions, Sedona Art Hikes.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries about this en plein air acrylic landscape painting can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Sir Kitty

Until Next Week

  • Appreciate art
  • Buy art
  • Create art

Monday, October 31, 2016

The Joys of Painting Outside

And this is where my morning painting ended up at Airport Mesa.
I have a few things I want to do to finish it up.
I'm loving painting outside more and more. It's the one thing that manages to get me out of bed early excited to start the day. The thought of going somewhere beautiful to paint really thrills me. I'm in the right place for it in Sedona where beauty abounds.

A really fun day is when I paint in the morning and in the late afternoon at different locations. That's what I did this past week.

The photo in the center of this post is at sunset at Red Rock Crossing with a wonderful view of the iconic Cathedral Rock. A blank board awaits the touch of paint.

Airport Mesa, Brewer Trail, Sedona, Arizona
Plein air painting.
I went to Airport Mesa for my morning painting session. The photo to the right was my view of Sedona looking toward my hood in the Village of Oak Creek. The road you see is the Red Rock Scenic Byway.

So far, I've gone three times to each location this past week to paint on each painting. This is not your typical way of plein air painting. I have not built up my speed yet to complete them in one sitting.

I've come to enjoy a 12 x 24 inch format. It lends itself well to an expansive landscape like Sedona.

Sunset at Cathedral Rock in Sedona,
blank board waiting for painting to begin.

My acrylic en plein air set up.
My plein air setup is still using my acrylic paints. I feel comfortable now with this set up after all these months of trying to figure out the logistics of plein air painting.

I need to figure out my set up for oil paints. I have dragged them out of the closet so I'm getting close to the conversion from acrylic to oil paints in alignment with doing my small part in saving the planet... lol... grandiose? I don't know what impact my converting from acrylic to oil will make on the larger environment, but at least, I will feel better knowing that I'm doing what I can in my own small way.

Below are a few other photos for your enjoyment.

As always, I love to hear from you. Leave a comment below. Share this post.

Cathedral Rock. This is where the painting
is at this stage. I still have work to do.


About the Author


Braylee Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other websites and work are: Wisdom Painting for Self-Discovery, Igniting Your Intentions, Sedona Art Hikes.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries about this en plein air acrylic landscape painting can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Sir Kitty

Until Next Week

  • Appreciate art
  • Buy art
  • Create art












Monday, October 24, 2016

Oil Painting is Non Toxic

Oil Painting Studio Set Up
As evidenced in my previous blog posts, I am searching for non toxic ways to create my art. Non toxic for me means not only non toxic to me and my studio process, but also for the environment.

Last month, I delved into this issue with these blog posts:

I discovered, much to my horror, that my beloved acrylic paints are petroleum based. Since I signed petitions to stop the North Dakota pipeline, the issue of our heavy reliance on the oil industry has peaked. As an artist interested in protecting the environment, I search for answers and alternatives to my practice of making art.

Sun Fire, 9 x 12 x 0.75 inches, Acrylic on Canvas.
Copyright 2008 Mary Gravelle.
This past week, I attended a lecture by Scott Gellatly, Technical Support Representative at Gamblin. His presentation was fantastic, assuring me that using Gamblin oil colors is safe for the artist and environmentally safe as well. You can read a great article on their website about studio safety.

Gamblin oil paints are made with linseed oil, which is derived from the flax plant. They also use safflower oil in the making of some of their colors. All paints are made from the same pigments. Oil paints use plant oils as the binder whereas acrylic paints, according to an email received from Gamblin Oil Colors, use "emulsions of plastics derived from petroleum." This is not okay with me.

Passage, Oil on Masonite, 16 x 20 inches.
Copyright 2006 Mary Gravelle.
Now the question arises, "How much petroleum does the art supply industry actually use in the production of acrylic paints and other media?" Should we as artists care? I think so, if we care about the environment. I have to believe that many do. With all the oil spills that have harmed and killed wildlife on the Gulf Coast, we had better care and become activists for the place we call home, Earth. If the North Dakota pipeline is successful, which I would have to think it will be with all the pressure from the oil industry, our country is in danger of much more harm being done from our dependence on petroleum.

As one artist, can I really make a difference? I don't know. But, I must try. I must be true to what I think is the right thing to do. I might not be totally ready to switch to oil paints but I'm close. There are more issues to discuss like oil painting mediums.

As I become more aware of this issue, I'll write more. Stay tuned...

What do you think about any of this?

About the Author


Braylee Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other websites and work are: Wisdom Painting for Self-Discovery, Igniting Your Intentions, Sedona Art Hikes.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries about this en plein air acrylic landscape painting can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Sir Kitty

Until Next Week

  • Appreciate art
  • Buy art
  • Create art



Monday, October 17, 2016

Plein Air Demo During Sedona Plein Air Festival by Michael Chesley Johnson

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist  Michael Chesley Johnson at the Sedona Arts Center.
Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist
Michael Chesley Johnson
at the Sedona Arts Center.
I was absolutely fascinated and enthralled by watching artist, Michael Chelsey Johnson paint with pastels and complete a painting in two hours!

Drawing and filling spaces were the beginning strategies. Then, a spray of 70% rubbing alcohol to set the chalk pastel before continuing presented some lovely and exciting accidental drips.

He then proceeded to work on the painting as he narrated his painting process. I learned about not painting the horizontal striations in the Sedona mountains. He explained to, instead, focus on shape and line, shadows and highlights to create the essence of the mountain. Thanks for that tip! These mountains still have me cringing when I try to paint them.

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist  Michael Chesley Johnson at the Sedona Arts Center.
Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist 
Michael Chesley Johnson
at the Sedona Arts Center.
It was such a joy to watch his process and see all those beautiful colorful pastel sticks. This is something I might want to try. I've never considered myself much of a drawing artist, but he made it look easy as he confided a few tricks along the way.

I hope you enjoy the photos of his process.

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist  Michael Chesley Johnson at the Sedona Arts Center.
Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist 
Michael Chesley Johnson
at the Sedona Arts Center.
Sketching and filling in spaces.

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist  Michael Chesley Johnson at the Sedona Arts Center.
Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist 
Michael Chesley Johnson
at the Sedona Arts Center.

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist  Michael Chesley Johnson at the Sedona Arts Center.
Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist 
Michael Chesley Johnson
at the Sedona Arts Center.

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist  Michael Chesley Johnson at the Sedona Arts Center.
Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist 
Michael Chesley Johnson
at the Sedona Arts Center.

About the Author


Braylee Rush
aka Mary Gravelle
Braylee Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other websites and work are: Wisdom Painting for Self-Discovery, Igniting Your Intentions, Sedona Art Hikes.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries about this en plein air acrylic landscape painting can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Sir Kitty

Until Next Week

  • Appreciate art
  • Buy art
  • Create art