Wonder how to mix color?

Go to this website for some color mixing fun:

http://mrl.nyu.edu/~perlin/experiments/colorgame/

Thank you, Fran, for letting me know about this.

Great Articles for Artists

Great article on advice for artists. Check it out.

http://ericrhoads.blogs.com/artist_marketing/2008/12/the-most-repeated-advice.html

And another great article for years-end .... let go and create anew...

http://artbizcoach.com/newsletter/2008/12/looseends/

Mastering Digital Images

Check out this great article on mastering digital imaging for your fine art and crafts. Every artist needs to know this!

Article: Master Your Digital Images

Transforming Your Art Career

Here's an interesting article for us artists.

Transforming Art into a More Lucrative Career Choice

Numerical Painting Series

Now that I'm done with all 9 paintings from this series, I wish I had spent a few minutes everyday writing down my thoughts throughout the process. It was a very powerful painting series for me, which I did not realize until after completing number 9. The series was well received. I sold one painting, Number 2: The Presence of the Other. I'll write more later and post more pictures. Pictured here are Number 4 and Number 5 as displayed at the College Avenue Collection during Weekend at the Galleries, Silver City, New Mexico

Number 2 Painting is Complete

Here is the final Number 2 painting. Numbers 2 thru 4 are now complete. I'm working on Number 5. The remaining painting panels for # 6 thru 9 have been prepped and are ready. Less than two weeks to go. Hope I make it!

Refinement in the Push / Pull

I know I'm getting to the final version of my painting when I'm doing really small and fine adjustments. Refinement in the push / pull is what I call it when I add a little, take a little away and keep at that small adjustment stage for awhile until the painting and me relaxes into a peaceful state. It's all a balancing act at this point. Number 3 and Number 4 paintings are both winding down ..... yeah

Number 2 Painting in Progress

What a glorious day of painting. I was not quite sure where this painting was headed. I think I've made good progress today.

Newsletter: Wisdom & Art Inspirations Issue 5

The 2008 Edition, Issue 5, August has been published. Click here to read about The Law of Opposites, Want vs. Desire, Paintings in Progress, Kids Painting.

New Landscape Painting in Progress

I began a new landscape painting, 12" x 24", of a scene I can see out the window of a temporary studio at my house sitting job in White Signal, New Mexico. I'm busy with my abstract numerical series, but just had to paint the phenomenal view before me.

Number One Painting in a Series Might be Complete

I think I have completed Number 1 in a numerical series of 9 numbers. I'll let it sit and incubate while I continue the series. What do you think? Does it look complete to you?

Great Article on Art Website Tips

I just came across some good tips for designing art websites. Check it out here:
http://www.artcalendar.com/article.asp?ID=138

The Pelican -- Watercolors of San Carlos, Mexico

I just arrived home after a week in San Carlos, Mexico where vacation highlights included animals of dolphins, sea lions, and a very friendly pelican. I had my watercolors with me on the day of the pelican encounter. My friend, Miriam, captured his astute attention when she moved to sit on the edge of the water. He swooped to her side as if worried for her safety. Watercolor is not one of my best mediums, so I hope I managed to capture the energy and essence of this funny and caring bird.

New Painting Series--1st Painting-in-Progress

I have begun a new painting series, which needs to be completed for Weekend at the Galleries here in Silver City during Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 10-13, 2008.

I revert back to my abstract work. This series came in a dream and I am attempting to stay true to the vision while remaining immersed in the openess of creative process. Here are the three stages so far. The painting is still in process.

The last photo is my test sample that I did a few months ago:

I'm using the acrylic encaustic process that I learned back in March from Nancy Reyner of Santa Fe. I'll share the final painting when it is complete.

Pictures from Open Studio Weekend at Mary's Fine Art

Open Studio Weekend, Aug. 8-10, 2008

Chair-ity Auction

I painted a chair as a donation for our local Chair-ity Auction to benefit the historic downtown Silco Theatre. Each year, artists are given black director's chairs to paint or decorate in their unique style. This year, mine is called "Midnight at the Oasis".

Newsletter Just Published: 2008 Edition Issue 4: July--Freedom, New Paintings, and More

In this issue: Freedom; New Paintings: Keep it Light, The Guardian, Lush 2, Sweet Energy; Silver City Treasure--Jean Eisenhower & Rattlesnake Fire; LOVE T-shirts; Wisdom Painting Workshop for Self-Discovery July 26.
Link to Newsletter

Preparing Painting Panels for Abstract Series

Today, I sanded my two painting boards that finally came together after months of working at getting the materials. Silver City just does not have the goods I need to make these boards. Finally, I found Woodworker's Source in Tucson through a friend. That has solved my needs for now.

New Painting: Golden Boy 50

I've been busy creating and not posting to my blog. Here is my latest painting. It was painted as a gift for a friend who just turned 50. He loves Harley Davidson motorcycles. Recently, he proudly purchased white wall tires for it. I recently house/dog sat for them in Tucson, AZ where they have a wonderful view of the sunset.

The Early Morning Club

The article copied below came through my email yesterday from The Painter's Keys in the Robert Genn Twice-Weekly Letter. The idea from it was to begin painting as soon as you wake up -- before the tea pot boils, before you brush your teeth, before breakfast, blah blah blah ..... WELL!!! I did it this morning. I LOVE it. This will be my new routine. It puts my committment where it needs to be -- with painting. That is my work. I begin when I awake. The rest of the day will take care of itself. Hope you enjoy the article. Please let me know your thoughts.

"The Early Morning Club"
June 3, 2008 Dear Mary, Inspiration and motivation--how do you find it, where does it come from, how do you maintain it? Rankled by time and money considerations to say nothing of non-supportive others, some folks find it a tough order. Like a lot of life's struggles, the solution might just be a simple one. As many know, I'm a believer in effective habits and bold pump-priming. Right now I'm working with some painters in what we call "The Early Morning Club." It's very much like a prayer breakfast, except there's no prayer and no breakfast. Active in several time zones, we meet virtually. People can start and stop when they wish, but frequent non-attendance can result in excommunication. If you'd care to join, here you go:
The minute you awaken, proceed like a zombie to your studio. Before your kettle has boiled, before you have checked your email, squeeze out and prepare your palette. Still in your jammies? Pajama painting is still not against the law. No matter how bleary or unwashed, start now--it's the imperative of drying palettes. Don't know what to paint? Doesn't matter. Start anyway--bold, expressive, blocks of forms and colours are preferable to lines.
Our Patron Saint is Goethe: "Boldness has genius, power and magic. Engage, and the mind grows heated. Begin, and the work will be completed."
Unless disabled, members generally stand during meetings. Dancing, jazzercise and even yoga are also encouraged--we are a cult known for exercising the cardio as well as the creative. Some of us sing nonsense or speak in tongues. We have yet to choose our anthem. "Land of Hope and Glory" and "La Marseillaise" have been put forward.
As the easel-dance progresses, ideas and motifs form and give clues to further directions. Like Boy Scout badges, stuff accumulates. As well as experiencing stimulation and excitement, members begin to feel a beautiful calmness, a connection with all of history's dawnworkers, and the welcome procession of creative joy. Simply speaking, this miracle of private process is further understood, honed and mastered. The break for ablutions and breakfast comes a bit later. The meetings are well worth attending. Membership is free.
Best regards,
Robert PS: "Rest not! Life is sweeping by; go dare before you die. Something mighty and sublime, leave behind to conquer time." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

New on Zazzle.com

My daisy paint splat design is now available on two new ladies t-shirts on zazzle.com/maryart. Check it out. Buy one for you and a friend.

Daisy Paint Splat Lavendar T-Shirt - Customizedbymaryart
Get this custom shirt at Zazzle

How to Sponsor Artists

Now here is a great article on how you can help an artist out. Insights you may not have thought of before are here. Link to article

May Issue of Wisdom and Art Inspirations

In this issue:
--Beauty is You
--Feel Better--Look at Landscape Paintings
--26 Top Marketing Tips for Fine Artists
--Daisy Paint Splat Design on CafePress. com
--Silver City Treasure: Motavenda Melchizedek
--Wisdom Painting Schedule for June & July

You can view it here:
May Issue: Wisdom & Art Inspirations

Landscape Paintings Make You Feel Better

(Copied by permission from Painting Blog by Nancy Reyner)
The Healing Power of Landscape Paintings
I recently found an uplifting and interesting tidbit for those of us who enjoy painting landscapes. According to Dr. John Diamond, in his 1979 book Your Body Doesn't Lie, when a person looks at a landscape painting it will raise their level of well being, balance their right and left brain hemispheres and increase their life energy. The book describes Dr. Diamond’s research and practice for Behavioral Kinesiology (BK), which uses muscle testing from Kinesiology to test for factors in the environment that raise and lower a person’s energy or life force. He muscle tested patients for music, electronic devices, picture symbols, food, just about everything, as well as paintings. He found that a photograph of a landscape or an actual view of a landscape did not come close to the life giving qualities from a landscape painting (!)

Here is a quote (p. 76 in Dr. Diamond’s book) “…The results are not nearly so satisfactory with line drawings or with photographs. Looking at a beautiful scene in nature may or may not be as effective, depending on the ability of the viewer to abstract certain qualities from it, which is, after all, what a good painter has already done for us. I have found that if people take an “energy break” every so often – just to recite a verse or two of poetry or to look at a picture postcard of a painting, stress and tension will be considerably reduced……and the Life Energy will be high…”

How cool is that?

Fantastic Article on Artists Seeking Gallery Representation

Artist, Lynn Dunham, has just published a fantastic article "Top 26 Marketing Checklist for Fine Artists". This article is full of helpful information for any artist that is on a quest to acquire gallery representation. I will be referring to it for my own use for sure. Check it out here: Top 26 Marketing Checklist

Art Ramblings ...

Last week I dreamed another painting series, more abstracts. Now I have about 20 paintings to complete. I wonder if I will continue with the southwest landscape paintings? Can I fit them into the abstract series -- doing an abstract and doing a landscape at the same time?

I'm pleased with the two paintings I just completed. They are southwest landscapes with a twist. I've painted frames onto the canvas around the landscape giving it a window view effect. I painted datura flowers at the corners. This was an idea I had in the beginning stages of my landscape painting. I'm tickled that I finally gave myself permission to paint it.

I wonder if I will stay in Silver City? I just don't seem to be "finding my people". I'm really wanting to build community here with like-minded people and artists. I wonder if there are any like-minded people here in which to build community? Am I just plain weird or what? There seems to be more competive spirit here than I had originally thought. That does not help in building commaderie.

Okay ... I need to get back to work on my website.

The Place to Be Painting up on CafePress.com

Mugs, pillows, t-shirts, greeting cards, prints, magnets, buttons, and more have been added to my cafepress.com/maryart online store. All these are being printed with my southwest landscape scene painting, The Place to Be. This is an orange colored southwest scene of the desert, sky, and pathway leading into the mountains. The original painting has been sold.

New Design on my Cafepress.com/maryart Store

Check out my new designs Just for Fun for kids, adults, teens, and home. Let me know what you think.

DVD Movie Review of Mary Cassatt: A Brush with Independence

Mary Cassatt's art as well as her life is very inspiring especially for the female artist. I was quite intrigued with her story as it unfolded on this DVD. Born an American, Mary Cassatt was a very independent woman and artist, a real trailblazer. She went to France alone before she turned 21 as she felt an importance in being trained in Europe where the "real" art was happening. The way she went about acquiring her art skills and building her artistic career and reputation is really inspiring for me. Her art is touching to view. Her colors, rich. The movie itself is a little dry and yet interesting and visually appealing. Mary Cassatt's story is worthy of hearing. Her art is worthy of seeing. I recommend this DVD.

DVD--Alex Grey: The Healing Power of Sacred Art

I recently watched my 2nd Alex Grey DVD ordered from NetFlix, ARTMind: The Healing Power of Sacred Art.

It was a little more difficult to watch than the House of Sacred Mirrors DVD. He was talking a lot; however, I truly enjoyed it. It just took me a little longer to absorb it. I watched it twice so I could soak up his message and write down notes. Alex speaks very well with a fantastic vocabulary and extensive knowledge of life and sacred art. Of special interest to me was his sharing with us of the artists who have inspired him. I found this to be truly helpful. I will research those artists for further inspiration in my own art.

New Artists Street Marketplace in Silver City

I attended the 2nd meeting of the new artists marketplace today. The turnout was disappointing. Plans and details are moving along, however. We are all set for May 3 or May 10 opening.

I wonder if I fit into this venue. They might be adding flea market and recycling stuff. This is okay; however, for a fine artist, not a good fit. People will be looking for bargains. My art is not going to be marked at bargain prices--good and fair prices, not bargain prices. I value what I do and want to send the right message for me and other artists.

Painting Photo Gallery on MySpace

I have uploaded all but one of my southwestern landscape paintings to Mary's Fine Art Photo Albums at MySpace. Check it out. Post your comments on the paintings.

Mary's Fine Art is on MySpace

Check out my new website space at MySpace:

Mary's Fine Art on MySpace

Three More Paintings Have Been Added to my ImageKind.com Gallery

I have added three paintings to my ImageKind.com gallery which sells my paintings as prints, framed prints, and prints on canvas.

Simplicity, Serenity, and The Enlightening (pictured in order below)






Go there Now: Mary's Fine Art on ImageKind.com

Buy Massive Size Prints

Massive size prints, 60" x 44" and smaller are now available for the following southwestern landscape paintings on ImageKind.com:

Lush
The Meditation
Mauvelous
Gold

Encaustic Continues to be Fun

Wed., March 12, 2008--I was so tired today. I had tons of work to get done. It was a very social day so I didn’t get a whole lot accomplished in the studio. By the time I was ready to work it was 7:30 pm. I did some work on three encaustic pieces which continues to be fun. I feel much better now. Isn’t it amazing how refreshing doing art can be?

Artist Studio Visit

I visited the studio of Cass Shaw today. She has a studio above Isaac's right next to Anne Simonsen, who is moving out. I ran into Cass at the local coffee shop and she invited me to her studio. I love her work. She is doing oil abstract paintings using dots. The result is intriguing. I love visiting other artist's studios. I find it so inspiring to see their process and work station. Cass has a beautiful and spacious studio which is well organized. She is using a simple wall hanging device of nailing a 2" x 4" to the wall and then hangs her paintings from it. Neat idea which I think I will try in my own studio. Thank you, Cass, for the tour.

Arts & Cultural District Designation Update

Last night we celebrated the designation of our town, along with Las Vegas, being designated as an Arts & Cultural Destination in New Mexico. This is a really big deal in our small town. About 20 representatives from around the country are here right now interviewing people in the town about how to capitalize on this designation. I talked to four of the team members (John, Rich, Jennifer, and a guy from D.C.--sorry I forgot your name) to put my two cents into the mix. I also discovered a few new resources and avenues for my art. New Mexico is actually artist-friendly. It was a good night. Rich gave me button with our new logo so I could strut it around town today. Tomorrow at lunchtime, they will present a summary of their findings to whoever is interested enough to show up. That would be me!

Encaustic Painting: Earth Light

This abstract encaustic painting by me, Mary A. Gravelle was inspired by a photograph I took of a sunset sky in Oracle, Arizona. The original painting is 8” x 10”. The colors of brown, orange, ivory, gold, yellow, and ivory are unbelievable and real. The southwestern sky in Arizona and New Mexico never ceases to amaze me in its unique cloud formations and color. This abstract painting was created in layers using acrylic paints and mediums to achieve a luminous effect. The final encaustic acrylic painting looks more like a cave where you can see light through it.
Purchase prints of this painting on ImageKind.com. Click on the button below. You will have many options for matting, framing, and printing on canvas.

My Art Hero: Marc Horowitz

The question -- is it art, is it comedy, is it performance, is it just plain crazy arises around the art of Marc Horowitz. I read the article today and watched his "National Dinner Tour" YouTube video which is linked in the article. This guy blows away any preconceived notion of how creative we can be. He IS CREATIVITY at its core. He gives everyone permission to just go out and follow through with creative ideas, to follow through with your creative thought. If for nothing else than pure curiosity. My kudos to this young man who has had the guts to follow his heart.

Marc Horowitz article

Encaustic Painting using Acrylics

This is the first enacaustic painting that I have finished using the techniques from a workshop I took a few weeks ago: Encaustic Effects with Acrylic. It was facilitated by Nancy Reyner, author of Acrylic Revolution.

I used a pouring and embedding technique. I'm still experimenting with all of the other pieces we did in the workshop. I think this one is complete and need to sign it.

This is a highly addicting process for me. I have a landscape painting in process and need to get back to that!

I wonder where this process will take me. Visit Nancy's website for more information on her workshops and book: www.nancyreyner.com.

New Painting: The Meditation

The Meditation, 9" x 12", Acrylic on Canvas

The Meditation is painted from a scene of a sunset I saw while hiking Boston Hill of Silver City, New Mexico. It shows a green and yellow sky with maroon mountains in the foreground and navy blue land sprawling out into the horizon. The mountains seen off in the distance are shades of purple, blue, and green. The sunset has cast its golden glow upon the mountains.

You can purchase the original for $206 by emailing me at info@marysfineart.com or calling me at (575) 956-7315 to arrange the details.

Alternatively, you can purchase prints of this painting at:

CafePress.com--Framed prints, posters, magnets, buttons, coffee mugs, pillows, tile coasters, and more.

New Painting: Sun Fire

Sun Fire, 9" x 12", Acrylic on Canvas

A beautiful sun is setting upon the mountains in Wind Canyon, Silver City, New Mexico. A painting of a sunset, mountains, sky in bold dark colors of navy blue, dark green, purple, and and orange. This painting is from a sunset I saw while visiting a friend's house. Nature continues to be my muse and inspiration.

You can purchase the original for $206 by emailing me at info@marysfineart.com or calling me at (575) 956-7315 to arrange the details.

Alternatively, you can purchase prints of this painting in two places:

ImageKind.com--Framed and matted prints, prints on canvas, and greeting cards.


CafePress.com--Framed prints, posters, magnets, buttons, coffee mugs, pillows, tile coasters, and more.

Art and Cultural District

Silver City has just been awarded a designation as a New Mexico Art and Cultural District. This is really exciting news as this designation has been held by our larger towns of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos. I attended our Chamber of Commerce meeting today to learn more. We are in the very early stages so there was not much information to be shared. I voiced my opinion and challenge that we Silver City local artists need to be valued by our community as we move forward with this project.

So Cute!

Well, I think this design is so cute. I just created another online store at cafepress.com called It's My Time. Isn't that a great title? It reminds me that my time is my own time, or at least to seize control of it in that way. I think it is also a cute design for expecting mothers. Check it out at http://www.cafepress.com/itsmytime.