Sir Kitty at Home -- Process 4

Paint, paint, and more painting! Will I ever get Sir Kitty's look right -- eyes, thought I had them, then changed them.... nose and mouth are looking strange here....aye! What a challenge. I'll just keep painting until I get it right!

Sir Kitty at Home -- Process 3

This painting is progressing along. Painting a cat in the landscape is new territory for me. I think he is turning out okay so far. Have more work to do. Enjoy!

New Painting -- Spirit House

Spirit House, 24" x 24", mixed-media on wood

I just finished this painting a couple of weeks ago. It is a thrilling painting for me as it is very different than anything I have done to date.

A friend gave me the aspen leaves that inspired the whole thing. I added found objects that have been with me for years: stones, wood, metal, and feathers. The spirit house in the right top corner began as a double photocopy of a previous painting. The circular texture is made by pressing an empty masking tape roll into acrylic medium.

A "Goddess" tree gifted me with the spirit house floor and roof pieces of wood. Anyone out there in Silver City, New Mexico might know this tree. She sits behind the turquoise benches on Boston Hill.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this painting.

New Painting in Progress -- Sir Kitty at Home

Sir Kitty at Home, 36" x 60", acrylic on canvas
Process photos

I'm excited to be painting on this canvas finally! The image is a scene outside my studio window. Sir Kitty sits in front of the landscape. He actually sits inside the studio window looking out wishing he was there!

Magic of Chaco Canyon, New Mexico

I recently visited Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico. This is my expression of the magic I felt in the land and ancient sites.

The scene shown here is what I saw from my campsite. An amazing cloud formation surprised us on one day with pink, blue, and green colors.

Magic of Chaco Canyon, mixed-media on wood panel, 12" x 12", $225

Call Mary at (575) 956-7315 to purchase.

Tips for Survival as an Artist

Great advice from a professional artist:

Part One Set goals and write them down!, Work hard, Study, Tenacity, Thrift

Part Two Identify Your Market, Fair Pricing, Diversification, Dependability, Develop a Support System

Pictured above, Magical, Acrylic on Wood Panel, 48" x 36", by Mary Gravelle, $2,800. To purchase call Mary at (575) 956-7315 or email info@marysfineart.com

Video--Sustainable Practice: Artists Defining a New Model, a panel discussion

An important video for artists from NYFA. I gleaned some new ideas on ingenious ways to expand my art audience.

Ideas from the video:
1. Apartment Shows
2. Renting storefronts to do portraits
3. My idea that was sparked: Artist Studio Tours.

Let me know what you think. What ideas did it generate for you?

Shown above: Desert Arteries, 24" x 48", Acrylic on Wood Panel, $2,200. To purchase call Mary at (575) 956-7315 or email: info@marysfineart.com

New Term: Vanitas Painting

I had never heard of this term before so I had to click on its meaning:

Vanitas Painting

Here's the short of it from About.com:

A vanitas painting, while possibly containing lovely objects, always included some reference to man's mortality - most often a human skull (with or without other bones), but also by way of burning candles, soap bubbles or decaying flowers. It was meant not only to be a work of art, but also to carry an important moral message: Trivial pleasures of life are abruptly and permanently wiped out by death, so don't get too carried away during your earthly time, Bub.

The above is NOT a vanitas painting. Pictured above is: Number 9: Freedom from Earth's Restrictions by Mary Gravelle, 24" x 24", mixed media, framed, $1,100. For purchase information, call 575-956-7315 or email info@marysfineart.com. Link to buy it online.

Should Artists Lower Their Price in this Market?

Pricing is always an issue for artists. In times like these, it is tempting to lower prices in hopes that we will sell our work more easily. These two articles talk specifically about Free; however, they have sparked my thoughts on pricing and how not to "sell out" our integrity. What do you think? Are you lowering your prices? Are you giving stuff away for free? Or are you finding ways to add value? I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Too Much Free by Seth Godin

The New Free by Kate

Pictured above: Astral Travel by Mary Gravelle, 8" x 10", Mixed Media, Framed. $300. Call 575-956-7315 to purchase or go online at Mary's Fine Art.com

More Circle Painting-in-process

Oy! Not sure I have improved this painting. I wish I had never painted the yellow over the green!

Abstract Circle Painting in Process

I don't know where this painting will end up. I'm attempting to paint the circle as light source with a glowing effect.

The top painting is where it is right now. The bottom painting is where was after about 8-10 changes to it.

Whoa ... Great Article for Artists on the Principles of Visual Reality

Great information for any artist on Perspective, Focus, and Nature of Light:
http://www.geocities.com/~jlhagan/advanced/chapter5.htm

Pictured here: Number 6: High-Minded by Mary A. Gravelle, 24" x 24", Mixed-Media on wood.

Where is the Artist-of-Today Headed?

I was talking with an artist friend last night after a delicious meal he had prepared of goat wrapped in banana leaves. Yum.

Anyway, as we were talking about the history of art as he showed me photos of ancient ruins, I wondered what the artist of today is doing that's new. What are the ideas and methods that the artist-of-today is intrigued by. Where are the artists gathering to talk about new trends. Does the artist-of-today have anything new to say or a new way to say it?

My friend and I reminisced about the impressionists artists and how they gathered in coffee houses and bars to talk art. And what about the abstract expressionists and how they gathered and talked about that movement? We became a little jealous because it seems that the artist-of-today has nothing like that going on. No new movements, no new messages.

So, where do you think the artist-of-today is headed? Are there any artistic movements out there that one can jump onto and get enthralled by?

Where is your art taking you these days?

Do You Twitter?

I have just been learning about Twitter and have been up and running for a couple of weeks. I have been wondering and curious how all of this works and whether it is really a worthwhile venture.

Here is an article that I saw today on the subject of Twitter for artists:
Article: Twitter + Art
Article: What is Twitter?
Visit and Follow me on Twitter
Join Twitter

Feb. 2009 Newsletter Now Available on the Web

Wisdom & Art Inspirations Newsletter: Feb. 2009

In this Issue: Gallery Rep, Show at Deming Arts Council, Create a Beautiful 2009

Link to newsletter: Feb. 2009 Wisdom & Art Inspirations

Webinar: Getting into Galleries

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your career! From ArtCalendar.com

Our newest webinar is titled "Getting into Galleries." In this session, you will learn about the things to consider when trying to get a gallery to represent your artwork. Paul Dorrell, owner of the Leopold Gallery, will explain:

* How to select and approach the right galleries.
* The best techniques to get into the gallery of your choice.
* What to do once your work is in a gallery.
* The pay structure.
* And much more!

Watch any webinar for only $9.95!
» LEARN MORE AND REGISTER NOW >

ArtScuttlebutt.com - FREE Online Artist Community

Artist Interview--Positive Influence

This is a really good article about an artist who creates art to inspire others.

http://www.examiner.com/x-2694-Austin-Art--Museum-Examiner~y2009m2d14-Artist-Interview-Holli-Bonacquisti

Just in case, the link does not work, here it is:
Artist Interview: Holli Bonacquisti

February 14, 11:53 AM
by Gabrielle Faust, Austin Art & Museum Examiner

What was the moment in your life that caused you to follow your passion of becoming an artist?

I always knew I was an artist. For me, it was never a choice, it is who I am. It is why I am here.

Do you have an academic background in your chosen media or are you self-taught?

I was fortunate enough to be brought up in an artistic family. Both of my grandparents were artists and I learned through observing them create. As I grew older, I was accepted in an advanced art program in my high school and later studied architecture in college taking numerous drawing and painting classes.

What is your inspiration for your work?

The moment one of the pieces of artwork touched someone to the point of tears from the strong emotion of happiness when viewing the art.

How has your work evolved over the years?

I first started out painting using a very loose free style to express my inner torn emotions growing up. As time progressed, I started noticing inner connections of beauty in the world that exists. My first concentration deals with the interconnection of the beauty of women and guitars. Just as the music comes from the inside of the instrument, so does the beauty come from the inside of oneself. My artwork today, express quite the same path using representation of people, trees, and butterflies all coming together to form the overall consciousness of our society.

Does your work have a particular message? If so, how have you seen the public interpret your work?

Artists always have their own intentions of a piece of work, and the best part is when I sit back and let people tell me how they relate or see themselves in my work. One of my favorite art quotes comes from the book The picture of Dorian Grey when Oscar Wilde describes the goal of art, “The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is art’s aim.” When I create a piece of work, I put my entire soul into each piece. My particular focus exists as an expression of the beauty found in all life which helps all life grow and prosper.

What has been your experience working with galleries and exhibit spaces?

My favorite aspect about any art venue is that art is given the opportunity to be loved and appreciated.

What is your favorite aspect of being an artist?

The ability to affect life in a positive way.

What is your professional goal? Where would you like to see your work represented in the future?

I am living as an artist and will continue throughout my life. My goal is to be able to continue to have a positive impact on the world and bring happiness to those that experience the art.

Do you have a favorite piece in your portfolio/studio? What is it about this piece that makes it special and how does it represent you as an artist?

My lastest art piece is always my favorite because of the reflection created of life in the most recent present moment.

Do you have any advice to upcoming and emerging artists?

When I first began my art career path, I had a hard time getting to the next level of showing my work. Art is like any other career, you have to start at the bottom and work your way up. I had this preconceived idea that someone was just going to discover my art and the rest would be history. After a long journey, I finally discovered that it takes a lot of hardwork and do not be afraid to hang your work in restaurants, booths, and shops. All exposure is good exposure. The purpose is for others to be able to experience the art… so it has to be out there in the world for all to see!!!!

Where can people learn more about your work?

My artwork is on display at www.illoh.com. Also visit often for the lastest art events and shows!!!

Completed Square Painting

Title: Square Light, 40" x 40", Acrylic on Birch Plywood

Well ... this is where this painting ended up. I was not able to paint the vision from my dream. So, this is my challenge -- to paint geometric shapes as light source. Hmmmm.... how to do this?

Press Release: Abstract Art Show at Deming Arts Council (DAC)

I will be showing my abstract paintings in Deming, New Mexico during Feb. 2009. The artist reception is on Feb. 8 from 1-3 pm. Please join in the celebration. The abstract works are from my Triangle series, Number series, and misc. acrylic encaustic works.

Press Release in The Deming Headlight:
Area artists featured at DAC (Deming Arts Council)
Author: Matt Robinson Headlight Staff
Article ID: 11577323
Date: January 29, 2009
Publication: Deming Headlight (NM)

The latest exhibit at the Deming Arts Council, 100 S. Gold Ave., aims to please art fans of many tastes. Mary Gravelle, an abstract artist based in Silver City will join local Carol Ruebush, a potter. The show will begin Tuesday, Feb. 3 and will run through Wednesday, Feb. 25. A reception will be held for the public from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8.

Art for Love, New Look at the Art Market of 2009

This could be good news for those of us that are creating art out of love and passion. Thanks to Beth Sax for this link:

Video on Art Market 2009/Art for Love

Geometric Abstract Painting Series--Square

I have begun a new painting series using geometric shapes. The vision came to me in subsequent dreams while I was creating the Numbers Series. The idea is that the geometric shapes are glowing light shapes. It has been challenging to get that effect. Here is the one I'm working on right now, The Square. Work to do yet ???? ........