Here you will read my art notes where I share latest paintings and musings. I welcome your comments. Published Mondays by 7 pm (Mountain Std Time), typically at 5:30 pm MST. Send Mail
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
NEW! Essence of You Paintings... Hurry -- Limited Time Opportunity!
EXCLUSIVE holiday invitation to learn more about the Essence of You Painting. Don't miss out on this introductory limited time opportunity.
- Do you sometimes forget who you truly are?
- Do the circumstances of life at times blind you to your true self?
- Are you aching to remember your greatness?
- Do you thirst for the knowledge of self?
- Do you need something inspiring to look at to remind you that you are okay, that there is more to life than what is presenting itself to you right now?
- Is the environment around you dull and lifeless?
- Would you like to see a glimpse of your true essence?
- Would you like to read a message that is meant for only you?
If you did answer Yes to any of these, then the Essence of You painting might be for you.
I invite you to Schedule a Free Discovery Phone or Skype Session to find out if the Essence of You Painting is for you and learn more about this limited time offer. Hurry, you must schedule your Discovery Session by Dec. 31 when the offer expires.
Please call me at: (575) 956-7315
Or Email me: info@marysfineart.comWeb page: Essence of You Painting
E.S.S.E.N.C.E. of You
- This painting is a unique gift to self or someone else that you hold dear to your heart.
Is it Time to Treat Yourself? |
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Special Offer: 50% Off Coupon on Fine Art Giclee Prints
Special offer. Coupon for 50% off; Limited Time: thru 12/15/10; Limited Number: First Five People Only! Use Coupon Code: MXGVXS. OFFER good on Fine Art Giclee Prints.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Living with Art
People who come visit me always comment on my colorful artwork. They tell me that the vibe is great in my place. I believe part of that is the art.
Yesterday, I cleaned my living room and rearranged the art on the walls. It has changed the energy up and feels good.
Do you have artwork that you have not hung yet? Isn't it time?
Do you need art to hang? Click on my SHOP tab on my Facebook Fan Page and shop to your heart's content!
Don't know where to start? Give me a call for your free art consultation.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
DISOVER Flamenco / Gypsy Life Inspired Art
I'm still looking for submissions to the Flamenco/ Gypsy Juried Art Show, deadline, Nov. 19. Go to Mary's Fine Art for more information.
If you are wondering what flamenco / gypsy life inspired art looks like, here a some links from google images to help you out:
flamenco paintings
flamenco art
flamenco dancing
flamenco dancing cartoon
flamenco dancing paintings
flamenco dancing dress
flamenco dancing in spain
Gypsy costume
gypsy lifestyle
gypsy life
gypsy art
Make up your own search and make your own discoveries..
Image here: © Mary A. Gravelle, Bird Woman, 20 x 16 inches, mixed media on canvas board, framed, for sale. For purchase information, contact Mary at (575) 956-7315 or email info @marysfineart.com
If you are wondering what flamenco / gypsy life inspired art looks like, here a some links from google images to help you out:
flamenco paintings
flamenco art
flamenco dancing
flamenco dancing cartoon
flamenco dancing paintings
flamenco dancing dress
flamenco dancing in spain
Gypsy costume
gypsy lifestyle
gypsy life
gypsy art
Make up your own search and make your own discoveries..
Image here: © Mary A. Gravelle, Bird Woman, 20 x 16 inches, mixed media on canvas board, framed, for sale. For purchase information, contact Mary at (575) 956-7315 or email info @marysfineart.com
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Discover How the Artist / Gallery Relationship Really Works
I just came across this great article that explains in detail the gallery / artist relationship. Artists, listen up! This is good.
Link to article: Artist / Gallery Relationship
Shown here: © Mary A. Gravelle, Purple Mountains Majesty, 36 x 30 inches, acrylic on canvas, available at Tatiana Maria Gallery, Silver City, New Mexico. Contact Tatiana at (575) 534-0779 for details of purchase.
Link to article: Artist / Gallery Relationship
Shown here: © Mary A. Gravelle, Purple Mountains Majesty, 36 x 30 inches, acrylic on canvas, available at Tatiana Maria Gallery, Silver City, New Mexico. Contact Tatiana at (575) 534-0779 for details of purchase.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Treat Yourself to a Blank Wall Makeover
If you have a blank wall somewhere in your home, you may be feeling slightly down and depressed. Especially, if your blank wall happens to be an entryway into your home or the first thing you see upon entering any room in your house. According to Feng Shui expert, Nancy SanPietro in her book, Feng Shui: Harmony by Design, blank walls "can be very oppressive and give you a constant message of 'no hope regarding your future and personal dreams..... also minimizes and limits one's opportunities in life."
Hanging a painting such as the one pictured here can have uplifting and magical results. You will feel happier when you have something to look at that is pleasing to your eye and gives you a sense of wonder and joy.
Go to my online store now where you can order fine art Giclee prints at a fraction of the cost of one of my originals. Or, if you have to have an original, contact me at info@marysfineart.com now.
Pictured here: © Mary A. Gravelle, Magical, acrylic on wood panel, 48 x 36 inches. Original is for sale.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Japanese Tropics Print -- 40% OFF SALE -- Now thru Nov. 15, 2010
40% OFF SALE -- Now thru Nov. 15, 2010. Selected sizes: 8 x 7 inch, 12 x 10 inch, 24 x 20 inch. Digital image created in Corel Painter II. It has a Japanese tropical flair. Created in blue, green, teal, orange, and red. Others think it looks Australian aboriginal. What do you think? I think it looks like an Andy Goldsworthy river creation with blossoms floating on the water.
© Mary A. Gravelle, Japanese Tropics, digital.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Gypsy Life Art
Awesome Tattoo image by Sam Phillips.
Here is an idea of what can be created for the upcoming Flamenco / Gypsy Juried Art Show. The deadline for sending your images and application is Nov. 16. Get your creations going and completed in time!
Here is an idea of what can be created for the upcoming Flamenco / Gypsy Juried Art Show. The deadline for sending your images and application is Nov. 16. Get your creations going and completed in time!
Two dimensional artwork and jewelry can be submitted for consideration. See details on my website.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Five-Day Sale on The Place to Be Fine Art Print
FIVE-DAY SALE 40% OFF NOV.1 THRU NOV. 5. The Place to Be fine art print. Selected sizes: 8 x 16 inch Regular Price is $244.00, Sale Price is $146.00; 12 x 24 inch regular price is $382.00, Sale Price is $229.00. Begin your collection now of Mary Gravelle's colorful southwest landscapes. SALE ENDS November 5. Don't miss out on this opportunity to uplift a wall in your home or office at a great price! The regular prices will revert back on Nov. 6, so get it now!
© Mary A. Gravelle, The Place to Be, 12 x 24 inches, acrylic on canvas. Image may not be reproduced without prior consent. Original is SOLD. Available only in fine art prints.
© Mary A. Gravelle, The Place to Be, 12 x 24 inches, acrylic on canvas. Image may not be reproduced without prior consent. Original is SOLD. Available only in fine art prints.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
CALL FOR ARTISTS -- Flamenco / Gypsy Juried Art Show
CALL FOR ARTISTS: FLAMENCO / GYPSY JURIED ART SHOW. Show will be held on December 4, 2010 during FamencoFest! The hottest event to hit the Silver City scene! 2D artwork and jewelry with the theme of Flamenco and Gypsy life will be accepted for consideration. Be part of the buzz ... DEADLINE: November 16, 2010. More information can be found at http://www.MarysFineArt.com. phone: (575) 956-7315.
So ... what is flamenco and gypsy art? Go to Google Images and search on flamenco art or flamenco dancing or gypsy art or gypsy life or flamenco life. That is what I did and came up with some luscious images.
Website link to this image: http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Flamenco-Posters_i6377960_.htm
So ... what is flamenco and gypsy art? Go to Google Images and search on flamenco art or flamenco dancing or gypsy art or gypsy life or flamenco life. That is what I did and came up with some luscious images.
Website link to this image: http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Flamenco-Posters_i6377960_.htm
Below is: Flamenco by Cris Vector
Web Link
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Artist Reception Photos from Weekend at the Galleries, October 9, 2010
Photos I took at last night's event, Artist reception for Mary A. Gravelle and others at Tatiana Maria Gallery in Silver City, New Mexico, have been uploaded to my Facebook Fan Page.
Image shown here: © 2010 Mary A. Gravelle, "Sir Kitty at Home", 36 x 60 inches, acrylic on canvas. Inquiries call Tatiana at (575) 388-4426.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Artists' Reception for Mary Gravelle at Weekend at the Galleries
Oct. 8, 2010 -- Come see me this weekend at Weekend at the Galleries.
Saturday, October 9 · 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Artist Reception:
Tatiana Maria Gallery
305/307 N. Bullard
Silver City, NM
Showing vibrant southwest landscapes by Mary Gravelle. New Mexico cloudscapes in oil by Dan Boldman, art glass abstract by Steve & PJ Robowski. Gallery exclusive line of Spanish primitive furniture. See the gallery's continuing offerings of fine native American jewelry, fetishes, and pottery.
Painting shown here: © 2010 Mary A. Gravelle, Sir Kitty at Home, detail.
For more information on paintings by Mary Gravelle, go to her website, Mary's Fine Art.
Saturday, October 9 · 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Artist Reception:
Tatiana Maria Gallery
305/307 N. Bullard
Silver City, NM
Showing vibrant southwest landscapes by Mary Gravelle. New Mexico cloudscapes in oil by Dan Boldman, art glass abstract by Steve & PJ Robowski. Gallery exclusive line of Spanish primitive furniture. See the gallery's continuing offerings of fine native American jewelry, fetishes, and pottery.
Painting shown here: © 2010 Mary A. Gravelle, Sir Kitty at Home, detail.
For more information on paintings by Mary Gravelle, go to her website, Mary's Fine Art.
Monday, October 4, 2010
October 2010 Wisdom and Art Newsletter has been published!
In this Issue: Inspiration from a Topiary Artist, Paintings by Mary A. Gravelle: Sweet Energy and The Guardian, Dream Journal, Wisdom Painting. Read it.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Inspiration from a Topiary Artist
I just finished watching the movie, A Man Named Pearl, on Netflix. The entire movie is filled with inspiration, upliftment, and hope. Here is the description of the movie from Netflix:
A Man Named Pearl
2006 G 78 minutes
Angered by white residents' racist comments that he wouldn't "keep up his yard," Pearl Fryar teaches himself topiary sculpture and becomes the first African American in his Bishopville, S.C., neighborhood to win the coveted "yard of the month" award. This acclaimed documentary traces Fryar's inspiring story, as he grows into a legendary horticulturist, welcoming thousands of tourists eager to catch a glimpse of his stunning works of art.
Cast: Pearl Fryar Director:Scott Galloway, Brent Pierson Genres:Documentary, Social & Cultural Documentaries, Biographical Documentaries, African-American Documentaries, Gardening This movie is: Sentimental, InspiringFormat: DVD and streaming
Yes, this movie is both sentimental and inspiring. It will touch a place deep inside you, a yearning for self-expression and soul-growth. From an artist's viewpoint, it will help you question your own art. What are you creating? Why are you creating what you are creating? Are you passionate about your creation? Is your creation positive and uplifting for others? What are you offering others through your art? Do you create art that makes others feel good when they view it? Peace, Love, and Goodwill: these are the words that Pearl carved into his landscape. These are the words that he lives by. His artwork has become a community treasure and commodity. One man has resurrected an entire community through his dedication, passion, and commitment to his art and God.
How can you be the inspiration for others around you through your art?
A Man Named Pearl
2006 G 78 minutes
Angered by white residents' racist comments that he wouldn't "keep up his yard," Pearl Fryar teaches himself topiary sculpture and becomes the first African American in his Bishopville, S.C., neighborhood to win the coveted "yard of the month" award. This acclaimed documentary traces Fryar's inspiring story, as he grows into a legendary horticulturist, welcoming thousands of tourists eager to catch a glimpse of his stunning works of art.
Cast: Pearl Fryar Director:Scott Galloway, Brent Pierson Genres:Documentary, Social & Cultural Documentaries, Biographical Documentaries, African-American Documentaries, Gardening This movie is: Sentimental, InspiringFormat: DVD and streaming
Yes, this movie is both sentimental and inspiring. It will touch a place deep inside you, a yearning for self-expression and soul-growth. From an artist's viewpoint, it will help you question your own art. What are you creating? Why are you creating what you are creating? Are you passionate about your creation? Is your creation positive and uplifting for others? What are you offering others through your art? Do you create art that makes others feel good when they view it? Peace, Love, and Goodwill: these are the words that Pearl carved into his landscape. These are the words that he lives by. His artwork has become a community treasure and commodity. One man has resurrected an entire community through his dedication, passion, and commitment to his art and God.
How can you be the inspiration for others around you through your art?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Wisdom & Art Inspirations Newsletter -- September 2010
This month's issue of the Wisdom & Art Inspirations Newsletter has been published. In this issue: Inspiration at 84, Wisdom Painting, Sir Kitty Painting, Mata Ortiz Digital Print. Check it out!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Mary's Fine Art Website Gets a New Look
Sep 8, 2010 -- New Look
A new header banner has been created by incorporating the "Purple Mountains Majesty southwestern landscape painting. The sidebar went away thus streamlining the look. Also, check out the About page as I have added my artist bio and resume. And don't forget to go the Workshops page and register for Wisdom Painting coming up Sep. 19.
A new header banner has been created by incorporating the "Purple Mountains Majesty southwestern landscape painting. The sidebar went away thus streamlining the look. Also, check out the About page as I have added my artist bio and resume. And don't forget to go the Workshops page and register for Wisdom Painting coming up Sep. 19.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Signing Your Art Matters
In preparation to signing the completed painting, Sir Kitty at Home, I did some research on signing my painting. I usually sign it with my symbol and my first name in the lower right hand corner. Last year, I stopped putting the date on my paintings. Here are some good articles I came across:
http://www.artbusiness.com/signart.html
http://painting.about.com/cs/careerdevelopment/a/signpainting.htm
http://blog.art-tistics.com/?p=163
After reading these articles, I will continue signing in the same manner as I have been, my symbol, my first name. In addition, I will sign my full name and add the date completed on the back. And maybe add the title, although, sometimes the title changes.
Pictured here: Purple Mountains Majesty, 34 x 30 x 1.5 inches, acrylic on canvas, $1,175. Available at Tatiana Maria Gallery, 305 N. Bullard Street, Silver City, New Mexico, (575) 388-4426.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Sir Kitty at Home -- Painting in process -- July 24, 2010
I'm still painting .... I am happier than I was the last time I posted about this painting. I'm still not happy that I painted Sir Kitty over with Black. The painting was almost finished. Painting him black threw the entire color scheme off. So, now I'm busy recreating the color scheme. Or should I try to paint him blue again?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Treat Your Art Like it Belongs in a Museum
I came across this article today and thought it a good idea to share it. It's about treating your art with the utmost respect that it deserves. Treat your art like it belongs in a museum and it just might make in into a museum one day.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sir Kitty Painting -- Still in Process
I just restarted this painting again yesterday. This is why I like to finish paintings in the time period when I begin them. My energy and painting style changes over time.
I have been through six months of life experience, painting other paintings, and looking at other people's art. This changes the energetics of painting.
I'm not sure if I have killed this painting at this point (top photo).
As you can see I have toned down the foreground color. I repainted the two mountains on the left and toned down the orange mountain in the mid-ground on the left. And I painted Sir Kitty over with black, since he is a black cat. I took the path away underneath Sir Kitty in favor of making the entire foreground his playground.
From looking at these two paintings on the screen now, it appears that the current version of this painting places the emphasis on Sir Kitty and kind of holds the eye there. I think I should paint the path back in.
I will keep painting and hopefully resolve this painting without totally changing its dynamics, which I most likely have already done.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
New to the "Cats" Gallery: Sir Kitty with Hibiscus Painting
If you like cat stuff, you'll love this new image in the "Cats" gallery. Order the greeting card, canvas print, framed print, or just plain print. You will be delighted.
Sir Kitty with Hibiscus Painting -- Buy Now!
Sir Kitty with Hibiscus Painting -- Buy Now!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Update and Uplift your Interior with Color -- Yellow and Green
I can't think of a better way to enliven your interior space than with a new colorful print. And Four Directions, a digitally created image, is just the best choice. Here is a snippet from an article on Color Trends for 2010 that will bring this case to point.
Yellows and Greens
Both yellow and green will be great colors to work with if you're planning a remodel in 2010. Yellow brings a vibrancy like no other while green is calming and soothing. Combined they can make quite a statement. Just be careful not to overstimulate the yellow. Use yellow in a kitchen, it can stimulate and motivate and even aid in digestion. Meanwhile, using green in a bedroom can create a calming, earthy escape."
Four Directions Fine Art Print: Buy Now!
You can purchase this colorful giclee fine art print in sizes from 8" square to 40" square. Buy multiples and group them. Or buy a single large print for a bold statement. BUY NOW!
Yellows and Greens
Both yellow and green will be great colors to work with if you're planning a remodel in 2010. Yellow brings a vibrancy like no other while green is calming and soothing. Combined they can make quite a statement. Just be careful not to overstimulate the yellow. Use yellow in a kitchen, it can stimulate and motivate and even aid in digestion. Meanwhile, using green in a bedroom can create a calming, earthy escape."
Four Directions Fine Art Print: Buy Now!
You can purchase this colorful giclee fine art print in sizes from 8" square to 40" square. Buy multiples and group them. Or buy a single large print for a bold statement. BUY NOW!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Wisdom and Art Inspirations -- July 2010 Issue
The Wisdom and Art Inspirations newsletter has just been published. Check it out. Feel free to subscribe.
Artwork pictured here:
Seventh Heaven, Mixed media on wood, 24 x 24 inches
Original: $900
Giclee prints online, price varies according to size.
Now Showing at Mimbres Region Arts Council, Silver City, New Mexico
Digital, Mixed-Media, Printmaking
Now showing through Sep. 16, 2010
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Mimbres Region Arts Council
1201 Pope (at Wells Fargo Bank)
Location: Silver City, New Mexico
ph: (575) 538-2505
web: http://www.mimbresarts.org/
Artist, Mary A. Gravelle
ph: (575) 956-7315
email: info@marysfineart.com
web: MarysFineArt.com
Digital
The digital images have been created on the computer with design software of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Corel Painter II. The images at the show are fine art giclee prints that will last a lifetime and more.
Mixed-media
These paintings have been created from found objects, acrylic paint, and acrylic mediums. They have been painted on a foundation of wood and depict a sense of place.
Printmaking
The prints in this show are collagraph prints. I made the printing plates by glueing on various objects such as lace, cut-out cardboard shapes, washers, etc. Then, I coated the plate with gesso. The plate was then inked and a piece of fine quality print paper placed on top and sent through the printing press.
Most of the pieces (all the digital images) can be ordered as fine art giclee prints from my online store. The giclee prints here are of superb quality. I especially love the gallery-wrapped canvas. They come wrapped around 1.5" stretcher bars and are wired for instant hanging. They are beautiful.
I feel really good about this show. The best seller so far is "Light Force", a powerful tree image that was digitally created in Corel Painter II. It can be ordered as a fine art giclee print in many different sizes.
MRAC Show on Mary's Fine Art online store.
More about the show.
Now showing through Sep. 16, 2010
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Mimbres Region Arts Council
1201 Pope (at Wells Fargo Bank)
Location: Silver City, New Mexico
ph: (575) 538-2505
web: http://www.mimbresarts.org/
Artist, Mary A. Gravelle
ph: (575) 956-7315
email: info@marysfineart.com
web: MarysFineArt.com
Digital
The digital images have been created on the computer with design software of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Corel Painter II. The images at the show are fine art giclee prints that will last a lifetime and more.
Mixed-media
These paintings have been created from found objects, acrylic paint, and acrylic mediums. They have been painted on a foundation of wood and depict a sense of place.
Printmaking
The prints in this show are collagraph prints. I made the printing plates by glueing on various objects such as lace, cut-out cardboard shapes, washers, etc. Then, I coated the plate with gesso. The plate was then inked and a piece of fine quality print paper placed on top and sent through the printing press.
Most of the pieces (all the digital images) can be ordered as fine art giclee prints from my online store. The giclee prints here are of superb quality. I especially love the gallery-wrapped canvas. They come wrapped around 1.5" stretcher bars and are wired for instant hanging. They are beautiful.
I feel really good about this show. The best seller so far is "Light Force", a powerful tree image that was digitally created in Corel Painter II. It can be ordered as a fine art giclee print in many different sizes.
MRAC Show on Mary's Fine Art online store.
More about the show.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Inspiring Art Nouveau Website & Images
If you love art nouveau, check out this artist: EmilyBalivet
Image: Raku Wall Art by Mary A. Gravelle. Native Dancer, 9-1/4 x 11 inches, ceramic, $75.00. Contact Mary Gravelle to purchase. phone: (575) 956-7315 or email: info@marysfineart.com
Friday, June 25, 2010
New Raku Ceramics Artwork--Mysteries of the Unknown
Thursday, June 24, 2010
New Raku Ceramics Artwork
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
SOLD -- Water and Copper
SOLD today at Tatiana Maria Gallery in Silver City, New Mexico: Water and Copper, mixed-media painting by Mary A. Gravelle. The original has now been sold, but you can still own a giclee print of Water and Copper. Buy now!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Herb & Dorothy -- Wonderful Movie for Artists
Herb and Dorothy Vogel were the quintessential art collectors. I enjoyed this movie tremendously on many levels. From an artist standpoint, I wish I had more collectors like Herb and Dorothy out there interested in my work. If they liked an artist's work, they followed them, made friends with them, and collected their work over the years. This is a MUST SEE for every artist out there. I also think as artists, we could be better at collecting other artist's works. I rented the movie last night from Netflix in the Play Now mode.
On another level, they were married for over 40 years (maybe still are?). They are each other's best friend and love hanging out together and going to art events everyday.
Very extraordinary ordinary folks. You gotta love 'em!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Artists -- Free Slide Show on Pricing your Work
Pricing one's artwork is always a struggle. This is a wonderful free slideshow on pricing for the artist. I found it very helpful.
Image here: Red Hibiscus by Mary A. Gravelle
Mary Gravelle is Featured Artist on ImageKind.com
I just received news that I am a featured artist on ImageKind.com today. Go right to my store on ImageKind.com.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
New Digital Image
This is my latest digitally created image, created in Illustrator. Gorgeous, high-quality fine art prints may be purchased on my website. Try getting it printed on canvas, glossy finish, with gallery wrap. I just got my Four Directions digital image printed in this way and it is awesome! It even comes with a wire on the back for immediate hanging.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Plein Aire Contest, Friend's 3rd Place
A friend and fellow artist just took 3rd Place in a Plein Air contest in Delaware with this painting. Isn't this painting delightful?
His note: "The painting that won 3rd Place in the Rehoboth Art League's "Paint Out" -plein air contest - on Sunday. Raymond
"Pine Stand at Gordon's Pond"
24 by 30 inches, acrylic on panel."
You can view his bio and other paintings on FineArtAmerica.com.
His note: "The painting that won 3rd Place in the Rehoboth Art League's "Paint Out" -plein air contest - on Sunday. Raymond
"Pine Stand at Gordon's Pond"
24 by 30 inches, acrylic on panel."
You can view his bio and other paintings on FineArtAmerica.com.
Friday, April 2, 2010
My Painting is on the Cover of Desert Exposure!
A friend emailed me this morning congratulating me on the Cover. I emailed back, "What cover?" I had no idea. Then, I saw it by chance. What a great surprise! Check it out here: http://desertexposure.com/201004/
The article inside is here: http://desertexposure.com/201004/201004_gravelle.php
The article inside is here: http://desertexposure.com/201004/201004_gravelle.php
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Mata Ortiz, Mexico
I went to Mata Ortiz, Mexico last week over Spring Break with my clay class.
There were 12 of us all together. We took 2 short workshops on Monday.
It was my first time to visit Mata Ortiz. The story is amazing. Their
pots are amazing, too. Check out Mata Ortiz gallery online.
Photos:
Gray pots -- Student pots (ollas) just before they were fired. Three of us chose to do "black on black" pots -- they belong to: left to right: Dottie, Mary (me), Rosie. The potters in Mata Ortiz fire their pots right in their own yard! You can see a wire wheel underneath our pots. This was placed on top of a large flat, round metal piece. The pots were covered with a metal container, then sand was used to seal the edge. Wood was leaned against this container. Using lots of kerosene (cannot remember the actual lighter fluid they used) and a match, the fire was coaxed into being. The fire burned for 15-20 minutes. Then the pots were cooled down by brushing away the coals and sand. Eventually the lid was taken off and the pots were taken out and allowed to cool.
Photo by Teresa Ali-Olivas
People: When you visit Mata Ortiz, you buy pots! You can buy pots at the place you stay as the potters in town are allowed to bring their pots in for view. Or you can go visit the potters in their homes / studios and purchase direct. Here, Rosie and I have purchased pots from the Ortiz family. Rosie's pot was a black on black she purchased from the father. He invented a technique of using graphite on the pot to create the black color. Rosie love the black on black look and wanted to buy from the person who invented this technique. I fell in love with the pot made by his son, Tati. The young potters are moving beyond the traditional colors of black and red. They are experimenting with chemically treated colors like blue, gray, and green which this pot sports. I love the oriental feeling of the design which is also non-traditional Mata Ortiz. The potters of Mata Ortiz are constantly innovating new shapes and techniques. LEFT to RIGHT: Me, Tati's mother, and Rosie.
Photo by Teresa Ali-Olivas
Crosses & Stepple: I asked fellow traveler, Teresa Ali-Olivas to take this shot since I did not bring my camera.
Have you been to Mata Ortiz? What was your experience?
Friday, March 12, 2010
Great Article for your website -- Building Great Landing Pages
I found this wonderful article this morning with very useful information for improving my website landing pages. If you build your own site, check out this article:
How to Create a KILLER Landing Page
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sir Kitty at Home -- Process 6
Monday, January 25, 2010
Making Art
I love this definition from "Seth's Blog"
Making art
My definition of art contains three elements:
1. Art is made by a human being.
2. Art is created to have an impact, to change someone else.
3. Art is a gift. You can sell the souvenir, the canvas, the recording... but the idea itself is free, and the generosity is a critical part of making art.
By my definition, most art has nothing to do with oil paint or marble. Art is what we we're doing when we do our best work.
Subscribe to Seth's Blog
Making art
My definition of art contains three elements:
1. Art is made by a human being.
2. Art is created to have an impact, to change someone else.
3. Art is a gift. You can sell the souvenir, the canvas, the recording... but the idea itself is free, and the generosity is a critical part of making art.
By my definition, most art has nothing to do with oil paint or marble. Art is what we we're doing when we do our best work.
Subscribe to Seth's Blog
Monday, January 18, 2010
Social Networking -- Great Article!
I ran across this article to share on the top 7 social networking sites for your business:
It's always good to narrow the choices when online.
IMAGE: Painting by Mary Gravelle, Of the Sea, acrylic on cardboard, 8" x 10", framed, $265.00. To inquire, Email: info@marysfineart.com or Phone: (575) 956-7315.
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