New Painting - Seclusion

Final painting completed this week: Seclusion, 36 x 60 x 1.5 inches,
Oil on Canvas, Copyright 2017 Mary Gravelle aka MaryRae Rush

I completed my newest painting this past week.

I love this painting. I have been experimenting with painting with tools other than brushes to get the painting started, finishing it off with brushes as needed in more detailed areas.

I like the finished areas juxtaposed with the lesser evolved areas on this painting. I also love surprises that show up when I allow the painting to be what it wants to be, like the blue shape lower right.

What do you think? What do you like about this painting?

Below are in-process shots. Enjoy. Please leave a comment below.

Photo reference credit goes to Nick's Nature Pics Blog. He graciously permitted me to use his photo of the Turkey Vulture as reference while painting. Thanks, Nick!

Seclusion in-process photo of the under layer.

Seclusion in-process photo of the under layer detail.

About the Author

Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other services are Sedona Art Hikes, Fluid Expressions Workshop for Empowerment, Igniting Your Intentions, and Wisdom Painting.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries can be made via email to MaryRaeStudios@gmail.com.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below. 

My assistant, Sir Kitty

Vibrant Painting For Your Home or Office – Red Subtlety Triptych Yellow Red Purple

Left to Right:
Red Subtlety on Yellow, Red Subtlety on Red
and Red Subtlety on Purple

Triptych Painting: Vibrant, Energetic Impact for Home or Office

For the interest of art lovers and art collectors, I will explain my process and theory behind this triptych.

Idea

This was the last in a series of triangle paintings. The idea behind this triptych was to see if I could "bury" the triangle.

Theory

If I paint over the triangle with enough layers, the triangle shape will disappear.

Process

I began with painting each panel a different color for the background with the idea of being a graduated value from light to dark. The first panel was painted yellow; the second, red; and the last panel, purple. Then I used the same three colors on all panels for the top layers.

I made many stencils out of oaktag, which was leftover from my dress designing days. I drew various triangle sizes, differentiating them from solid to outlined. I then cut them out with an x-acto knife. 

Vibrant and energetic impact to your home or office.

Paintings - Tryptych

Acrylic and Oil on Oak Panels

Each panel measures: 48L x 24W x 3D inches

Hung together with 6 inches apart, they measure:

48L x 84W x 3D inches

Silver City, New Mexico

I worked with all three panels laid down on a table surface, painting the same color on each panel as I progressed. I laid selected stencils on top of the panels and proceeded to paint thinned-down acrylic washes over the panels. With the thinned acrylic paint, I wanted the background color to show or shine through, thus giving me the graduated colors of panels with the final product. Where the stencils lay, it would leave its shape behind. I proceeded in this fashion alternating yellow, red, and purple layers over various stencils. I kept at it until I could barely recognize the triangle shape as part of the composition. 

At the end of the process, I realized that it was next to impossible to entirely "bury" the triangle. It is a part of me as it is part of the infinite.

Red Subtlety on Yellow

Red Subtlety on Red

Red Subtlety on Purple

These handsome panels are made of oak wood construction (my own construction), each panel measures 48 x 24 x 3 inches. Hanging them six inches apart, gives a full wall width of 84 inches x 48 inches tall x 3 inches deep.

The final painting result is a non-objective, monotone effect. They have a rich luster. They are painted with acrylic. I completed them with final oil glaze layer. They make a vibrant and energetic impact to your home or office.

Red Subtlety Triptych on Yellow, Red, Purple

For inquiries, please contact me, Mary Rae, at MaryRaeStudios@gmail.com.

About the Author

Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other services are Sedona Art Hikes, Fluid Expressions Workshop for Empowerment, Igniting Your Intentions, and Wisdom Painting.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries can be made via email to MaryRaeStudios@gmail.com.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below. 

My assistant, Sir Kitty

Paintings for Sale

Southwestern Paintings for Sale

The following paintings are currently for sale and looking to fulfill their destiny by finding their forever home. Is it yours? Do any of these paintings seem to be calling your name? If so, follow the purchase link. Or contact me for further information, phone (928) 254-8709, email Mary@MaryFineArt.com.

They were all painted en plein air at a location in Sedona, Arizona USA. Celebrate the spirit and energy of the land. Bring home Sedona.

Eden, 9 x 12 inches, unframed, Acrylic on Wood.
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.

Century Plant Flirtation, 12 x 24 inches, Framed, Acrylic on Wood.

Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.

Welcome to Sedona, 12 x 24 inches, Acrylic on MDF.Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.

About the Author

Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other services are Sedona Art Hikes and Wisdom Painting.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below. 

Until Next Week

• Appreciate art
• Buy art
• Create art

Two of My Favorite Landscape Paintings Available at the Welcome Center

Magical, 48 x 46 x 3 inches, Acrylic on Wood.
Copyright 2006 Mary Gravelle.
$1,800. Inquiries Mary@MaryFineArt.com

Two Landscape Paintings Now Showing at the Sedona Village Welcome Center

Two of my favorite landscape paintings are now available for purchase at the Sedona Village Welcome Center. 25% of the proceeds goes back to the Welcome Center to help pay operating expenses.

Both paintings are scenes of Oracle, Arizona, painted on gorgeous oak panel boxes that I built with three inch inside frames. They have a great presence having the three inch depth between the painting and the wall.

Magical

The first one is called Magical. It happened one day while housesitting during my first month in the Southwest. My new best friend, Doug, was visiting the amazing land that the house sat on where I was housesitting. A double rainbow appeared to be sitting in front of the mountains. Coming from Connecticut, I had never witnessed such a magical sight. I was in awe.

Me: Mary Gravelle (Braylee Rush)
with the first double rainbow I saw in Arizona.
It was sitting in front of the mountain!

Paradise, 48 x 36 x 3 inches, Acrylic on Wood.
Copyright 2006 Mary Gravelle.
$1,800. Inquires: Mary@MaryFineArt.com

Paradise

The second painting is from a scene while hiking. It looked like Paradise to me at the time. It was a lush-looking scene at sunset.

Would You Like to Own These Paintings?

If you would like to own either of these paintings, or both, please email me at Mary@MaryFineArt.com. They both sell for $1,800 with 25% commission ($450) going to the Welcome Center. Shipping cost is additional.

Are You Ready to Buy Art?

Are you ready to bring one or more of my paintings to your home or office? Email me at Mary@MaryFineArt.com

Tips for Purchasing Fine Art

When it comes to purchasing fine art, buy a piece that you love. If you connect strongly with a work of art, go ahead and consider purchasing it. The joy and happiness that this original work of art will give you will be immeasurable.

Imagine a space in your home or office where it might fit. And ask yourself some questions such as:

Why do I like this piece?

What does it remind me of?

How do these colors make me feel?

Overall, how does this piece make me feel?

What location or room would this piece fit into?

Would it make a great gift for someone special?

About the Author

Braylee Rush

Braylee Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other websites and work are: Wisdom Painting for Self-Discovery, Igniting Your Intentions, Sedona Art Hikes, and Silver Graphic Design.

Contact her today with commissions or requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries about this en plein air acrylic landscape painting can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Sir Kitty

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

En plein-air painting:  Eden, Cathedral Rock, 

9 x 12 inches, Acrylic on Wood,

Copyright 2016 Braylee Rush/Mary Gravelle

8 Tips on Collecting Fine Art

As an artist, it is integral to my art career to gather collectors and patrons of my art.
As in any business, it becomes important to not only locate customers–for artists that would be art patrons and collectors–but to educate them as well. Collecting fine art might be easier than you think.

Follow along as I give you some tips that I think will make your fine art collecting a meaningful experience. Whether you are purchasing fine art in person or online, I think these tips will apply. I will be referring to painting in my tips, as that is my medium of choice. But, you can substitute work of art for painting, if you want.

Tip #1: Take Your Time

The first tip in collecting Fine Art is to take your time. Once you purchase a painting, you will live with it for a long time. So, take your time in selecting just the right pieces. They will become your friends over time and offer you enjoyment for many years to come.


Crystalline Energy and the Blooming Century Plant,
Acrylic on Birch panel, 12 x 24 inches, en plein air,
copyright Mary Gravelle.

Tip #2: Go Where There is Art

Go to museums, galleries, artist’s studios, browse online galleries and artist’s websites, and anywhere else where they show and sell art. As in Tip #1, take your time looking at different paintings. Begin to get a feeling for what style of painting you like.
My collectors have bought my art online, from my studio, from my home, from galleries, and hopefully not dark alleys… lol. The point is that you can find and buy art anywhere there is art. Don’t limit yourself to the typical experience of purchasing only at fine art galleries.


Walking in Paradise, en plein air, 11 x 15 inches,
acrylic on canvas, copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.

Tip #3: Allow Your Tastes to Grow

Taste is acquired over time. Just as you may have started drinking Boones Farm wine in your teenage years, you have most likely graduated to fine wines over time. It’s the same with your taste in paintings. Once you begin collecting, you will become more sophisticated about what you like in a painting. But, don’t let that stop you. Dive right in and begin to experience making the purchase and enjoying what you have bought. It’s a process that can be fun. You will delight in how your taste in painting changes once you get the hang of it.


Waters of Birth, 36 x 48 x 1.5 inches, Acrylic on Canvas,
Copyright Braylee Rush / Mary Gravelle.

Tip #4: Learn How to Appreciate Art: Curiosity is Key

As an art patron, appreciator, or collector, stand before a work of art in your home, a gallery, museum, the artist’s studio, or an online art gallery or website. Pick out one painting.

Let yourself become curious about that painting. Imagine yourself being taken into the painting and becoming part of it, ala Alice in Wonderland. Where is the painting taking you? What is happening to your thoughts? What is happening in your body? Are certain areas of your body, such as your gut, or head, uneasy or tingling? Or maybe parts of your body feel joyous and delighted. Are certain emotions arising? Allow your curiosity about the painting to open you up to what it might have for you. Your Curiosity is the key to understanding or at least appreciating the painting.

Summer’s Song
Acrylic on Canvas
60 x 36 x 1.0 inches
©2008 Mary Rush Gravelle.
In private collection.

Tip #5: Do You Love It?

When it comes to purchasing fine art, buy a piece that you love. If you connect strongly with a work of art, go ahead and consider purchasing it. The joy and happiness that this original painting will give you will prove to be immeasurable and priceless.
One collector found one of my paintings online. Her and her husband had just inherited a small amount of money and wanted to use part of it to purchase a southwestern landscape painting. They made it a fun adventure while drinking wine one night as they googled “southwestern landscape paintings.” They found one of mine that they fell in love with. They contacted me, I shipped it, and as they told me, “made them smile.”

In Situ. Cherry Tree Promise, 36 x 24 inches, Acrylic on Canvas

Copyright Braylee Rush / Mary Gravelle

Tip #6: Ask Yourself Questions

Listed below are some questions that you might ask yourself.

• Why do I like this painting?
• What does it remind me of?
• How do these colors make me feel?
• Overall, how does this painting make me feel?
• Would it make a great gift for someone special?

Tip #7: Imagine Living With It

Either physically or in your mind, peruse your home or office. What room or space could you imagine it fitting into or adding some sort of ambiance or atmosphere?
Paintings add energy to your space. From the questions above, what kind of energy does this painting give off for you? Which area of your home would benefit from that type of energy? Imagine in your mind’s eye, the painting hanging where you think it would be a perfect fit. If that excites you, get out a measuring tape and measure your space to the dimensions of the painting. You might need to rearrange furniture to create just the perfect place for it.

Tip #8: Allow Art to Fulfill Its Destiny

If you connect to a certain painting, allow it to fulfill its destiny of energizing your space. Allow the painting to be in service to you. Paintings can soothe or instill passion or anything in-between

Once I have completed a painting, I wish for it to fulfill its destiny by finding the right buyer, someone who will appreciate it and give it a good home.
Serenity, 24 x 48 inches, Oil on Wood, in private collection.
One of my collectors has several of my paintings. She is in the medical field and travels with her job every 13 weeks, sometimes staying as long as a year. She has been collecting my art since 2006. You can imagine how many times she has moved into a new home, taking my paintings with her. She tells me how much joy they bring her every time she moves. She carefully wraps them in a moving blanket and off they go to her new home.

Summary

Paintings have much power to fulfilling your long lasting joy. They will become your friends. So, get out there–look at some art, appreciate art, and buy art! It’s easier than you think.

I would love to hear from you. Make a comment on this blog article, or go to my Contact page.

Become a Patron of My Art

I have made it easy for collectors and patrons to support me and my art via the platform, Patreon. Here is a YouTube Video where I explain the four reasons why you might want to do that.

https://youtu.be/LBgdkNvBjZM

Further Reading

Now that I have shared my tips, there is a great article on theInvaluable website that will enlighten you even more.

About the Author

Braylee Rush is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her art and other work can be found at:
Art Website,
Art Blog,
Sedona Art Hikes,
Wisdom Painting for Self-Discovery,
Igniting Your Intentions.

It's Easy to Become a Patron of My Art

Waters of Birth, Acrylic on Canvas, 36 x 48 x 1.5 inches,
copyright 2016 Mary Rae Rush

It's easy to be a patron of my art. You sponsor my work with a monthly amount that you set and receive rewards. You can begin with as little as $1. That's right, $1 gets you the title, Art Patron. Of course, I will accept larger amounts too. :-) Begin Now.

Now that I have set non-negotiable studio hours, I need to allow myself to be supported to create art.

About Me

I love painting.  I have a driving force within me that strongly urges me to paint, it won't let go of me... lol. I have to paint! This is why I have recently committed to non-negotiable studio time in which to paint.


While I'm busy painting, I also need to be busy bringing home the bacon, well, maybe bringing home the lettuce as I have gone vegetarian. That's where you come in. I could really use your support in helping me live the artist's dream of creating everyday. Although, this is something I am doing now and have to do anyway, it sure would be easier if I could pay the bills, fill up my gas tank, and eat while I'm creating, not to mention have money to simply enjoy myself doing whatever I want to do just for fun with friends, family, and other members of my community. And, I seriously need to move into a larger living space with a studio. Right now I'm living in a one room studio apartment, which is stretching at its seams as I create more paintings.

My Current Creative Urge

The urge inside is to create large abstract paintings. I can paint 3-4 of these each month, as each one takes 1-2 weeks to create.


I also paint landscapes from my own photographs and en plein air. My media of choice is acrylic. I create digital works as well, which I enjoy.

What I Want and My Offer

Sooooo.... what I'm thinking... wouldn't it be lovely if I could find folks–patrons and collectors–who would just Love to help me keep on creating and living the artist's dream? A monthly recurring money stream is what I'm talking about here.


What I will offer is a combination of in-process photos of my painting process, videos of my process, the photos of completed paintings, and I will paint original paintings for you at a discount for pre-buying. All of this will be offered at different Reward levels. Of course, you can donate anything you like, you don't have to follow my reward system if that doesn't work for you.

Go to my Patreon page and get started being a fine Patron of my art.

How Patreon Helps You to Help Me

Patreon is like an ongoing Kickstarter. Instead of supporting one product, you sponsor me, and my work, with a monthly amount that you set yourself, or take advantage of my Rewards I have created with you in mind.


The rewards start as low as 1$ per month - and the rewards are ongoing, too! You get to see artwork sooner than anyone else, in-process photos and videos before I share them anywhere else, greeting cards, discounts on originals, prints, and commissions. I will create a video of any painting you commission or pay for as a Reward that will be for your eyes only. No one else will see this video of my process unless you show it to them. Go to my Patreon Page to see the rewards to and pick yours!


You can cancel, downgrade, or upgrade your support at any time. All charges to your account are made on the 1st of each month. If you're still unsure how the financial aspect works, here's the link to
Patreon's FAQ.

Go to my Patreon page and get started being a fine Patron of my art.

In-process photo of my painting, In a Galaxy Far Far Away, 36 x 48 x 1.5 inches, copyright 2016 Mary Rae Rush.




In-process photo of my painting, Guarded Secrets, 36 x 48 x 1.5 inches, copyright 2016 Mary Rae Rush.

Go to my Patreon page and get started being a fine Patron of my art.

4 Reasons to Become a Patron of My Art

1. Share in my success as an artist

You can totally take part of the credit for my success as an artist by becoming a patron of my art. Art Patron is a title of distinction. This shows that you are someone in the know, someone who appreciates art and culture. This shows that you are a well-rounded individual, one that cares about the finer aspects in life, the subtleties, and the higher pursuits.

2. Feel Good

Feel good that you helped advance me closer to my artistic goals and visions.

3. Be Part of My Inner Art Circle

Join my inner circle to:


       a. Be the first to know what I’m working on.


       b. Access insider information and behind-the-scenes activity.


       c. Get first access to in-process videos.


       d. Have first buyer rights to my new work.

4. The Pleasure Principle

Derive pleasure from pursuing your appreciation of the arts in a deeper and more meaningful way than merely looking at art in a gallery or museum. Your patronage art donation is supplying the art world with my own unique vision and expression through the art that I create. Share in the excitement that you are helping to bring this unique expression out into the world. Take pride in supporting the arts that you appreciate so much.

Go to my Patreon page and get started being a fine Patron of my art.

In-process photo of my painting, In a Galaxy Far Far Away, 36 x 48 x 1.5 inches, copyright 2016 Mary Rae Rush.

I also love sharing and writing about my art on my blog.

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. Her art can be seen on her website.

Sir Kitty

Go to my Patreon page and get started being a fine Patron of my art.

Tips for Collecting Art

A great article, reposted from my friend and photographer, Robert Medina Cook: Ten things to remember when starting to collect art!

http://art-collecting.com/article1.htm

Do you have any tips for the art collector? Feel free to post your comment below.

Pictured at left: A New Dawn, acrylic on canvas, 28 x 22 inches, © Mary A. Gravelle. Original has been sold. Giclee prints on paper or canvas can purchased here: http://mary-gravelle.artistwebsites.com/featured/dawn-mary-gravelle.html

Where does art belong?

I just watched this movie, The Art of the Steal, on netflix.

Description:

The Art of the Steal

2009NR 101 minutes

A gripping tale of intrigue and mystery in the art world, this film traces the history of the Barnes collection of Post-Impressionist paintings, which was worth billions and became the subject of a power struggle after the 1951 death of the owner. Dr. Albert Barnes collected 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes, 59 Matisses, 46 Picassos and many other valuable paintings. But the political wrangling over the collection eventually led to its division.

Questions: Where does art belong? Does it belong in a museum or in private collections or both? Should an art collector's wishes be granted after death and according to the will? Or should the art, especially in the case of great art as was the Barnes Collection, belong to the public after the death of the collector? Should the art collection become the property of the rich and powerful and even that of charitable organizations?