In Process Painting – Waters of Birth

First in process after a fews days
of pouring and then overnight drying.

I began a new painting last week. Right now it looks like a sequel to the Transmutation painting finished before it.

This one is looking like "Waters of Birth". We'll see how it shapes up. Below are in-process photos of this experimental painting.

I love experimenting with watered down acrylic paints. For this one, the canvas was laid on the table. I poured the liquid paint on it and let it sit overnight and repeated for several days until it felt ready to be placed on an easel to paint.

What do you think?

In Process painting is now ready for the easel.

Paints and brushes at the table with the painting on easel.

This is where it is right now after yesterday's
painting session. It is beginning to shape up.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle (Mary Rae Rush)
About the author: Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.

Sir Kitty

My Art Notes: Making Big Art in Small Spaces

My Art Notes: Making Big Art in Small Spaces: Reorganizing and cleaning by studio. I think it needed it. Do you have a small studio in which you are creating? Do you think you need a...

Making Big Art in Small Spaces

Reorganizing and cleaning my studio.
I think it needed it.

Do you have a small studio in which you are creating? Do you think you need a large space to create large paintings? Are you not creating because you are waiting for that large studio space? What size do you consider large?

I have been moving around since May 2012 and finally feel fairly settled in Sedona. I have been praying for a larger living space that would include a spacious, light-filled studio. Alas, after living in this small studio apartment for 1.5 years, I have no idea when that will happen. I have been making do.

It's actually not as hard as one might believe to create and paint in a small space. You just have to get creative and live the artist's life. What that means is surrendering to the fact that you will live, eat, and breathe your art. There is nowhere to put things away. It all has to stay out in open view. You have to live with the mess of your art supplies being seen in plain sight. This takes organization to the max and a new mindset.

Relocated my art supplies to a
shelving unit leaving my
tabletop free.

If your visitor's find this arrangement not so savory, they need not enter. Make no excuses. Your space is a sacred creative container. Anyone who does not understand this needs to stay away. Meet up with them in other places.

Inspired by last week's completed abstract expressionist painting, Transmutation, I undertook a reorganization of my studio. It's time to create!

My paintings and blank canvases are in storage about a half hour away from Sedona in Cottonwood, Arizona. The space is too crowded and too far away for me to get to my blank canvases easily. This had to change immediately, especially after my excitement of creating more large abstract paintings.

I spent the good share of Friday splitting my 10 x 10 foot storage unit into two 5 x 5 foot storage units. One of these units is now in Sedona. It contains my paintings for sale and my blank canvases. Phew! This feels fantastic.

Aha! Room for a blank canvas.

Saturday and Sunday I spent cleaning and reorganizing my space. My art studio area benefitted by a shelving unit that I brought out of storage. This allowed me to get art supplies off my table top. I have room for a 36 x 48 inch blank canvas! I'm so excited.

Relocating my studio spaces over the years has me comfortable in setting up my art studio anywhere. I also know that I love having my paints and other supplies in a shelving unit and close at hand.

Do you have your art space organization down to a science? Do you know how to arrange it so it makes creating art a breeze? Is your space large or small? How can you organize for either size? What size of art do you like to create? Can you accommodate that size no matter what size your studio or living space?

Talk to me about your thoughts and how you create in your studio space.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle (Mary Rae Rush)

Sir Kitty

About the author: Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.

Newest Painting–Transmutation

Transmutation, Acrylic on Paper,
36 x 48 inches.
Copyright 2015 Mary Gravelle.

My latest painting is an acrylic abstract painting. It became an action painting after I laid out a large piece of paper on the floor. Using diluted, liquid acrylic paints and a large brush, I had a blast allowing the paint and brush to flow across the page as my body gave way to the movement.

This painting might seem a departure from my normal style, however, I felt like I was returning to my roots.

When I began painting, before attending art school, I painted large abstract paintings on paper. I fell in love with Stonehenge paper at the time with the two deckled edges. The smooth, almost cushy surface of the cotton rag paper delighted my senses and seemed to take the paint with ease without buckling.

The paper I used for this current painting was a mixed-media paper I purchased from The Art Store in Prescott, AZ. While it feels sumptuous, it did buckle a teeny bit under the soaking of the water and gel medium diluted acrylic paint. It looks fine.

I don't know if I love this painting, but I love the process. It's a painting that is fun to look at up close because of the layering of color, shape, and expressive, overlapping brush strokes causing variations in texture and color.

I can't wait to start the next one!

This painting is available for sale.

Flat Stanley, my painting assistant.

I had a couple of painting assistants during this project, Flat Stanley and Sir Kitty. Flat Stanley is part of a literacy program who came to visit me from Florida where my niece lives. Her son, Aidan, is part of the Flat Stanley project for literacy at school.

Flat Stanley, my painting assistant,
gazes at the immensity of the painting
before him. 

Sir Kitty is more accustomed to painting with me and gives me pointers along the way. :-)

Sir Kitty advises me on my next move.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle (Mary Rae Rush)

Sir Kitty

About the author: Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.

Now Showing at Karma Cafe Sedona

Spirit House, Mixed-Media on Wood,
24 x 24 inches greets you as you walk
into the cafe.

I'm happy to announce that a collection of my mixed-media paintings is now showing, as of today, at Karma Cafe in Sedona.

The light-filled, spacious space is perfect for showcasing my art. Come on out and take a look at my collection along with other local artists. And, of course, enjoy the food! Tell them Mary sent you!

This is what their website says,

Karma Cafe of Sedona Restaurant with Full Bar & Gift Shop is a dining experience for the whole family. Serving a variety of fine food.  We offer a fun, casual atmosphere.

Head to the dining room on the right to see
this wall with my mixed-media and
acrylic paintings.

Head to the dining room on the right to see
this wall, to your right, with my mixed-media
and acrylic paintings.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle (Mary Rae Rush)

The handsome, Sir Kitty. Meow.

About the author: Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.

Do You Love Instagram?

This is what my account looks like the computer screen.

Follow me on Instagram.

I love Instagram. The content is beautifully visual and of high-quality. I'm following people from all over the world. This allows me access into new lifestyles, ways of life, and new worlds.

I upload a new image everyday, mostly my artwork, such as my acrylic landscape paintings along with my mixed-media abstract paintings.

Sometimes, I will upload a beautiful nature scene that awes me. Or, I might do like many people do and upload a photo of my beloved pet, Sir Kitty. I focus on my art and what inspires me in the moment.

The Format

The image format is square. The disadvantage of that format for showcasing art is that for artwork that is not square, people don't see the entire image.

I played around with options for showing my entire image in photoshop but found the results unsatisfactory, see the 3rd image below. The white space between the images create unwanted space. The square format looks great when images are side by side. It gives a uniform look to the exhibit. Hopefully folks will visit my website to see the full images.

Your Account

Do you have an Instagram account? Let me know what it is so I can follow you. I recommend opening an account if you don't. No, I receive no money for recommending this to you.

Some of my daily uploads of art and Sir Kitty.

Uploads of art, Sir Kitty, and what inspires me in the moment.

My Account

In case you don't know, it is a mobile app, but you can also go to Instagram.com on your computer. You can look me up by "mary fine art" in the Explore function.

See you on Instagram!

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle (Mary Rae Rush)

The handsome, Sir Kitty. Meow.

About the author: Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.

Who Are You and Why Are You Reading My Art Blog

Commissioned mailbox being installed
by its new owner.

It's all about you!

Who are you? I really want to know who is reading my art blog. Are you an artist, a collector, a curious person, a wannabe artist or collector, a friend, colleague, or who?

Why are you reading my art blog? Especially when in between art projects, it is a challenge to come up with fresh content. So, if I know why you are reading my art blog, I might know better what to write about.

Happy art collector in front of her painting.
New Dawn, Acrylic on Canvas,
16 x 22 inches, Copyright 2007 Mary Gravelle.

What do you want to read about? If you do read my art blog, what do you wish I would write about, write more about, and write less about?

I have committed to writing my art blog once a week, on Monday. Is that too often, not often enough? What is your preference for time frame? Is Monday a good day, or is there a better day for you to read my blog?

I want to hear from you! Post your comment below. Or send me an email to Mary@MaryFineArt.com.

Enjoy other people enjoying my art. That's YOU!

Folks enjoying an art opening in 2008 of my landscape paintings.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle (Braylee Rush)

The handsome, Sir Kitty. Meow.

About the author: Braylee Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.

Sedona Art Hikes

The Sedona Art Hikes logo as it stands now in black
and white.

Coming January 2016! I am happy to announce that my new art business venture, Sedona Art Hikes, will be seeking hikers who want to create art out on the red rocks of Sedona's amazing landscape.

This venture has required a lot of background and foundational work this year.

The first step was acquiring the Red Rock Ranger Outfitters Hiking Permit. That was a major big deal with many hoops to jump through to get it. I waited a year just to apply. The U.S. Forest service here in Sedona had not opened up this opportunity in eight years. I was one out of 18 to win the permit from the 40 applicants.

The second step was that I applied for a Chase Mission MainStreet small business grant to help fund this new venture within my art business. I procured the 250 votes needed to be in the running for the $100,000 grant, which I did not get. I will work on funding ideas very soon!

One of the wilderness sites I will be taking art hikers.

I am also tickled that Sedona Art Hikes is featured on the Sedona Verde Valley GeoTourism website that is sponsored by National Geographic. To get listed on this tourism website is exciting. That means that people will be able to find me when looking for things to do in Sedona.

My next steps are meeting with the Red Rock Ranger representative to go over my proposal and then wait for them to do their land reports. I will be getting CPR and First Aid training next month.

Tomorrow, I will attend a meeting with local Concierge personnel to introduce my business so they can begin telling visitors about it.

I am delighted beyond measure to imagine how much fun this business will be. If you plan a trip to Sedona, book a Sedona Art Hikes experience.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle (Braylee Rush)

The handsome, Sir Kitty. Meow.

About the author: Braylee Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.

Creativity Helps You Think Differently

It's a Beautiful Day to Sit Outside, Acrylic on Wood,
12 x 12 inches, Copyright 2015 Mary Gravelle (Mary Rae Rush)

Creativity is devalued in our society. It gets a bad rap for being a soft asset less meaningful and important than math and science.

I think one issue is that we need to separate creativity from art. The generalized belief that creativity=art is wherein lies a problem.

Creativity is simply another way of thinking and problem solving. It is just as important as critical thinking, where the right brain finally gets a break and its due recognition.

I think as artists, we might have been blessed with a deeper sense of our creativity, which is innate to everyone of us. It can be taught through a way of discovery and practice.

Even though Artists in general might be born with a heavier emphasis on right brain activity, they can also benefit by educating themselves in creativity.

Once one realizes their creative power (their creativity), every other subject and facet of life will be enhanced.

Open the Door, Let the Light in,
Chalk Pastel on Paper,
Copyright 1995 Mary Gravelle.

Art can be the conduit for creativity. But, making art as the way to arriving at one's creativity is not the only pathway to creativity. Many more avenues are available such as doing things differently, juxtaposing two completely different ideas against each other, or doing something you have never done before. All these activities open the mind and can lead us to think and live more creatively.

Is creativity important to you? Do you think creativity should be better valued in our society? What are your thoughts about creativity and creativity vs. art?

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

The handsome, Sir Kitty. Meow.

Mary Rae Rush with one of her large abstract paintings.

About the author: Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.

Her art can be viewed on her website.

Fresh off the Easel

It's a Beautiful Day to Sit Outside
Acrylic on Wood, 12 x 12 inches
Copyright 2015 Mary Gravelle

I just finished my newest painting, It's a Beautiful Day to Sit Outside, Acrylic on Wood, 12 x 12 inches.

Last week the Sedona Plein Air Festival inspired me to paint this scene. I have been enjoying looking at it outside my window and wanting to paint it all summer.

I have been wanting to paint it all summer!

After coming home last week after the Plein Air Festival event at L'Auberge, I could not contain my aspiration any longer. I looked out my window while painting. So, it's a painting from life, not a photograph.

Visiting from Florida, Flat Stanley, became my painting student and assistant. I think he might have been a partial muse and influenced this painting somewhat. What do you think?

Flat Stanley with our finished painting.

It's been fun hanging with Flat Stanley, who arrived last week. He is a school project from my niece's son, Aidan. They are learning about reading and writing. Flat Stanley will travel the country visiting different friends and relatives. I was the first stop, being in Sedona, Arizona. You can find out more about the Flat Stanley Project for Literacy on their website. Or go to the main website.

Below are some process photos of this painting. Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Flat Stanley and I prepare for painting. 

Flat Stanley makes his first painting gestures.

The underpainting is finished.

The painting is coming together. Flat Stanley is super excited!

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

The handsome, Sir Kitty. Meow.

Mary Rae Rush with one of her large abstract paintings.

About the author: Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.

Her art can be viewed on her website.

Get Outside and Paint

Bruce Gomez painting at the Sedona Plein Air Festival
on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015. 

Sedona Plein Air Festival

The Sedona Plein Air Festival began on Saturday. It's the first plein air festival I have ever attended. The experience has me energized to the max.

Get Outside!

If you are an artist, or just love to paint, get outside! The fall season right now in many locations in the U. S. makes for the perfect weather to get outside and paint. Think of the beauty that awaits to envelop you, the crisp cool air hitting your cheeks, and the wind that brings fresh new air.

Sedona Challenge

Sedona is such a beautiful location. The mountains, full of striations, have intimidated me, holding me back from delving too deeply into painting them. Watching the plein air painters meet this challenge has given me new hope. It also inspires me to get outside more often and paint.

I did get outside to tackle one of the famous rock formations here in Sedona, Cathedral Rock. My outside setup was very simple for the painting plein air session of Pilgrimage, below. I threw about four colors of liquid paint into a plastic bag, popped that into another bag along with paper towels and plastic and my brushes. I painted on the ground since my easel had another painting on it that I didn't want to disturb. It worked out fine.

I started this painting outdoors and finished it in the studio.
Pilgrimage, 12 x 12 inches, Acrylic on Wood.
Copyright 2015 Mary Gravelle (Braylee Rush).

One of the two women painting plein air
at the 11th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival.

Plein Air Festival Inspiration

I leave you with photos from the Sedona Plein Air Festival to inspire you to get outside and try painting en plein air. What are you waiting for? Pack up your art materials and get out there! Even if it's only your backyard, do it.

As you look at the photos, notice how the painters have set themselves up for painting outside. Notice their easels, packs, palettes, brushes, paper towels, umbrellas, seats, and more. Make a list of gear that would help you create outdoors. Make do with what you have right now. Add to your gear as your budget allows.

Guerilla Painter has all kinds of plein air gear to inspire you and help you make your painting experience a delight.

Let me know how it goes.

Betty Carr, one of two women painting at this year's
Sedona Plein Air Festival.

Jim Wodark in the front gave a free painting demonstration
this morning.

Could you paint with all this commotion going on?

Charlie Hunter from Vermont painted
outside of the Sedona Arts Center.
He had a unique style from the other painters
that I really loved.

Jim Wodark

Gamblin Paint winner of the plein air painting
session on Saturday.

Braylee Rush (Mary Gravelle)

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

The handsome, Sir Kitty. Meow.

Do you paint outside? Do you wish you could paint outside? Have you attended Plein Air Festivals? Please comment below and start the conversation.



About the author: Braylee Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.