Most Visited Print This Week

The most visited print this week to my online print store was Flower Light. It is actually a photograph of a detail of a larger painting, Blossoming, which is not available as a print yet.

Flower Light would look fabulous in the acrylic print option, in the largest size, 40 x 30 inches. Imagine it in a room where you want a contemporary look. Or, if you like a framed print, consider framing in a white frame with a thin white mat of 1-1.5 inches so you can see more of the image.


Sorry, I was unable to upload a photo for this post from the computer I am using at this time. Click on the above links to see it. The full painting, Blossoming is pictured behind me in the below photo.

Mary Rush Gravelle, Artist

Until Next Week

• Create art

• Appreciate art

• Buy art


I would love to hear your comments on this article, please leave one if you feel inspired.


About the author: Mary Rush Gravelle is an artist who resides in Cottonwood, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty. Find her work and daily comments on her facebook page. Her art can be seen on her website, maryfineart.com. She can be contacted via email at: mary@maryfineart.com.

Pink Painting Number Two -- Auction Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Lush 2, Acrylic on Canvas, 12 x 16 x .75 inches
Copyright Mary A. Gravelle
Value: $385.00 Opening bid:  $150.00

Details

From now through October 31, 2013, I will be auctioning some of my original paintings that have a dominant color pink in them. 25 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. My goal is to raise $1,000.00, enough to help 10 women in need receive free mammograms.

So, for example, if you pay $1,000 for a painting, you receive an original painting that will deliver beauty for your eyes and joy for your heart that will last beyond your lifetime. And I get to donate $250, enough for 2.5 mammograms. Or, I can donate the $250 in your name so you get the deduction! Good deal? Yes.

Current Painting up for Auction

The second painting is shown here, Lush 2, 12 x 16 x .75 inches, Acrylic on Canvas, Copyright 2008 Mary A. Gravelle. The retail value is $385.00. Starting bid is $150.00. Shipping cost is additional, estimated at $50, you will pay actual shipping cost. Bid deadline is 7:00 pm PST, Tuesday, October 22, 2013.

Three ways to a bid,

1. Place a comment below on this blog article to place your bid.

2. Or place your bid on my facebook page.

3. Or send me an email to mary@maryfineart.com.

Highest bid wins. Winner will be notified by Wednesday, October 23, before Noon.

Pink Painting Auction Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

From now through October 31, 2013, I will be auctioning some of my original paintings that have a dominant color pink in them.

25 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

My goal is to raise $1,000.00, enough to help 10 women in need receive free mammograms.

So, for example, if you pay $1,000 for a painting, you receive an original painting that will deliver beauty for your eyes and joy for your heart that will last beyond your lifetime. And I get to donate $250, enough for 2.5 mammograms. Good deal? Yes.

The first painting is shown here, Purple Mountains Majesty, 36 x 30 (approximately), Acrylic on Canvas, Copyright 2008 Mary A. Gravelle. The retail value is $1,200. Starting bid is $500.00. Shipping cost is additional, estimated at $200, you will pay actual shipping cost. 

Bid deadline is 7:00 pm PST, Sunday, October 20, 2013. To bid, place a comment below on this blog article to place your bid. Highest bid wins. Winner will be notified by Monday, October 21, before Noon.

Photo Shoot: Flamenco Rehearsal

Group Shot, photography, 4000 x 3000 pixels, 180 ppi.
©2013 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Last night, my friend, Barbara Schuessler, aka "La Flamencista", enlisted my help in photographing her rehearsal for a Flamenco dance performance. I'm not sure if my photographs do her work or her dancers justice, however, today I will share a few photos from last night's session. Perhaps, I'll share more next week. Enjoy.

La Flamencista, photography,
3000 x 4000 pixels, 180 ppi.
©2013 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Gloria with her Camera, photography,
3000 x 4000 pixels, 180 ppi.
©2013 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Whisper, photography, 4000 x 3000 pixels, 180 ppi.
©2013 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Contact Me

Until Next Week

• Create art 
• Appreciate art 
• Buy art 

Do you Have Something to Say? Comments are welcome, click on the "comments" link below. If it says, "no comments", be the first one to leave a comment.

Mixed Media In Progress Stage Four

Mixed Media Project

I am happier with the pieces this week as they progress forward. They go through a process of subtraction and addition several times before they get a coat of acrylic medium to set that layer and prepare for the next stage.

Mixed Media in Pink
Stage 4, 8 x 8 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
©2012 Mary Rush Gravelle

Canvas One: Pink

A shock of turquoise was a surprise at the end of this stage. I think it added some needed excitement to the color scheme that was leaning toward monochromatic.

Mixed Media in Red
Stage 4, 8 x 8 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
©2012 Mary Rush Gravelle

Canvas Two: Red

I am much happier with this piece this week. It is beginning to take on an integrated look. It might be done. We'll see what happens.

Mixed Media in Dark Red
Stage 4, 8 x 8 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
©2012 Mary Rush Gravelle

Canvas Three: Dark Red

This work is becoming more unified. I'm really liking the way the texture is looking. Notice that the pink plastic piece relocated itself. It came off during part of the subtraction process.

Until Next Week

Create something, appreciate something, and consider buying someone's art (maybe mine?).

Do you Have Something to Say?

Comments are welcome.



Contact Me

One Small Act

©2012 Mary A. Gravelle
One Small Act: Wrapped Yucca (after Christo)
Photograph Montage, 12 x 30 inches
Framed to 12 ¼ x 30 ¼ inches.

One Small Act:

Wrapped Yucca (after Christo)

by Mary Gravelle

Buy this! I just ordered it so I could submit it to the student show at WNMU. I need to pre-sell it. The resale price is $250. I'll let the first person to say "yes" have it for $225. If you require shipment, you will be responsible for the shipping cost.

Pay upfront. If it gets accepted into the show, you will be able to have it after the show. If it does not get accepted, you can have it next week.

About this photograph.

I had not realized that the fire on Boston Hill hit so close to a favorite hiking trail. I had not hiked there after the fire until last week. I was shocked at the devastation I saw along the trail. The timing coincided with my photography assignment of doing a performance. I decided to act out a "Christo" moment by wrapping a burnt cactus thereby restoring color that had been lost to the fire.

Other print/frame options available here: http://mary-gravelle.artistwebsites.com/featured/one-small-act-wrapped-yucca-after-christo-mary-gravelle.html

Use this link to contact me: http://www.contactify.com/b83af

Coffee Pot Theory of the Creative Process: Part 2

Use this link to contact me.

Coffee Pot Theory of the Creative Process.
©2004-2011 Mary Rush Gravelle

Last week I introduced you to my Coffee Pot Theory of the Creative Process. This is a process that came to me in 2004. I called it a theory because it was something that I was thinking about as a possibility in outlining the creative process. Creativity is a rascal that does not want to be tied down. It is a free spirit. But, what if we can get a handle on the process of creativity? Wouldn’t that make life a little easier? Wouldn’t it help us create if we knew the process?

This theory was published in 2004 in the ARTistic FX magazine in Hartford, Connecticut. The magazine is no longer online, otherwise I would give you the link. I will reproduce it here on this blog for you over several weeks so you can take it in, or drink it in!

Beginning of article:

Published 2004 in the ARTistic FX magazine

“DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR NEXT CUP OF COFFEE HOLDS THE SECRET TO THE CREATIVE PROCESS?

We are the Coffee Generation, judging by the many different coffee establishments. Why do we love our coffee so much? Does the idea of drinking a cup of coffee conjure up the scene in your mind of being jolted from your sleepy-headed state and revving your feet into action? It certainly does for me.

Let’s think about the act of drinking that cup of coffee as metaphor for the creative process. Think of the head as the beginning of the process and the feet as a completion of our process. Coffee wakes our head so our feet can get moving.

Now, let’s compare Coffee with Ideas. Ideas come into our minds so our feet can bring them out into the world in some form. We begin with an idea and find ourselves immersed in a process of making it happen.” [This is much like placing the coffee grounds and water into the pot and then letting the process take over to make that cup of coffee].

“Let’s begin with the old-fashioned method: the percolator coffee pot. How does it make coffee? The percolator takes its time heating the water and then takes more time sending the water upward only to come back down over the coffee grounds. Then, the water seeps over the grounds, and the fresh aroma of coffee fills the kitchen as the coffee makes its way into the pot with a final brew. [Let’s compare this process with the creative process].

1^st Stage: Yahoo!

This is the moment in time when an idea arrives in your wondering mind, ‘Hmm… I have an idea,' you might say to yourself. This is the very exciting stage when you salivate at the very prospect of pursuing this idea. It’s like the first kiss, so savory delicious you can hardly contain your jazzed-up emotion over it.

2^nd Stage: Ouch!

Featured artwork: Landscape of the Mind
Abstract photograph. © Mary Rush Gravelle.
Purchase a print.

Your idea takes a nosedive after running it through your Reality Checking System. ‘It’ll never work. What was I thinking anyway?” is what you might be saying at this stage. You ramble on, “There are no new ideas, anyway.” You doubt everything about yourself and this idea: its feasibility, your skill level, your thinking abilities, blah, blah, blah, etc. Your acrimonious remarks continue. Pragmatism rules. The Critic takes over.”

End of partial article

So, think about these two beginning stages of this theory. Run them through your own creative process and see if it fits. I’ll continue this next week unfolding the final stages to the creative process.

Coffee Pot Theory of the Creative Process

Coffee Pot Theory of the Creative Process.

©2004-2011 Mary Rush Gravelle

Part One: Introduction

Years ago I thought about the creative process quite a bit. As a result my intuition played along and gifted me with many ideas. The creative process was revealed to me in several ways.

One of these was a process that I developed (along with the Muse) which called itself “Coffee Pot Theory of the Creative Process”. After I wrote it up and talked about it in one of my creativity workshops I realized that the idea of the coffee pot was a dated one. Some of the younger people in the audience did not know what a percolator-type coffee pot was. Ouch. Did I feel old at that point? Oh yeah!

But anyway, I think the idea is still relevant. So if you do not know what a percolator-type coffee pot is, look at my illustration. That’s what it looks like. Sometimes they are electric. The simplest ones are heated on the stove. The water comes up from the bottom through a tube and falls onto the coffee grounds. See the links at the bottom of this article for more information.

I’ll talk more about the process in subsequent blog entries. Let’s start a conversation. What do you think about the stages of the creative process that I have outlined here in theory?

About the Percolator Coffee Pot -- the parts and the process.

Reviews on the Percolator Coffee Pot -- they make excellent coffee!

Percolator Coffee Pot at Target

Buy My Painting, Light Force, at Huge Savings -- This Weekend Only!

Light Force, Digital Media
©2010 Mary A. Gravelle
Giclee print on Canvas, 28 x 36 x 1.5 inches

Watch this short video (less than 6 min) on how to place your bid for my painting, Light Force. This weekend only!






Please share this with your friends.

Essence Painting in Process

Essence of Mary Alice Rush. Stage One

Stage 2. Tree branches filled out.
Rainbow whited out.

First of all, for those who have been reading my blog, you most likely see that I changed the look. I hope you like the change. Let me know.

In January I received a spirit message to create Essence of You paintings. This idea backfired on me at that time.

I have decided to paint the Essence of Me and discover the process for painting the Essence of You (i.e. someone else).

I'm using my birth name in the title of this painting since I believe that my true essence has not changed. I was most likely born with it. And you were born with your true essence intact too.

The Being on upper right of the painting is from an Igniting drawing I did 9/20/06. When I was figuring out what my essence might look like, she popped into my head that she is my essence.

That is all I would like to say at this time about my essence. I would like to hear your comments and ideas on the idea of Essence paintings. Do you think you would consider commissioning me to do an Essence of YOU painting for you with your input? Or would you prefer to hire me as a Painting Guide to help you paint your own Essence painting?

Stage 3. Left column and its foot rounded out.

Maybe I Will Get my Book Written Now that I Have a Design Started

Hi all,

I began writing a book of my six-week workshop, Igniting Your Intentions™in 2005. My my, how time flies.

Now that I am in graphic design class, one of our assignments is to design a book cover. This gives me the perfect opportunity to begin again.

The image on the left is my first go at designing the book jacket cover. The book itself will be another design project.

I'll keep you posted as the design evolves. I welcome your comments and feedback.

Have a creative day,
Mary

What is the social function of art? Part One.

‎"In a decaying society, art, if it is truthful, must also reflect decay and, unless it wants to break faith with its social function, art must show the world as changeable and help to change it." -- Ernst Fischer


My friend, Jean Eisenhower, posted the above quote on her Facebook wall.


Do you agree or disagree with what Fischer is saying here? I disagree. Below, I will begin an attempt to support that stance. I would love to hear what you think about the above quote.


My opinion is that the social function of art is to uplift, enlighten, and inspire. I hope that my art is able to do that for others. I want to create beauty so that the viewer will be reminded of the beauty that is all around them, if only for one fleeting moment. A sight of beauty can touch one so deeply and penetrate through layers of discord. A glimpse of beauty can heal our aching and longing for a better world. And hopefully, inspire action to create a better world.


I recently watched the movie, Local Color, about the director's encounter with Russian painter, Nikolai Seroff. Seroff's strong opinion throughout the movie validated my own experience of thinking about art. He also thought that art's purpose was to uplift mankind. In the movie, we get to see another opposing opinion through many heated discussions between a friend of Seroff's and himself. The director is an 18 year old at the time of his encounter with Seroff so most of what Seroff was philosophizing about was a little over his head at the time. I think every artist should see this movie.  It is thought provoking and teaches some of Seroff's painting techniques. Most of the discussions were about the differing opinions of the value of representational art vs. abstract expressionistic art.  Whether an artist paints representational or abstractly does not matter to me. I think what one can gather from the movie is more about the heart of art and what the artist is trying to convey with his art. Just listening to the trailer for this movie is inspiring: http://www.localcolormovie.com/. You can read a blog post that I enjoyed reading about the movie here: http://ericmerrell.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/local-color-the-movie/.


Stay tuned as I unfold further thoughts on this subject. Please join the conversation. I would love to hear your ideas.


Pictured above: © Mary A. Gravelle, Oh the Possibilities, 12 x 16 inches, acrylic on canvas, original is sold. Fine art prints can be purchased.

Video on Essence of You Painting

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.com

Web 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?

December Newsletter is Published

December Newsletter

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.

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.

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.

Only One Day Left

Only one day left on my Five Day Sale of selected print sizes of The Place to Be.

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.