Four Oil Paintings 12 x 24

Four Oil Paintings Completed 12 x 24

O
il paintings drying

Needing painting boards one day, I walked into Home Depot in Cottonwood, Arizona. Perusing the wood section, I walked past 1/2 inch, 1/4, inch, and 1/8 inch sheets of oak and birch, which I have loved using in the past. I might be getting lazy since I looked at them, thought about the frame I would need to build around them for strength, and kept walking.

Oil paintings drying

I landed in front of MDF. Hmmm... ??? I've used MDF before. I kind of liked the smooth surface. I decided I would buy that. It wouldn't need to be built into a painting panel. I figured I would buy decorative frames after I finished the paintings. I bought a sheet and had them cut it into 12 x 24 inch sized surfaces to paint on. I've discovered over the years that I like this size, as it's well suited for landscape paintings.

Since switching from acrylics to oils, I researched how to prepare the boards for painting with oil. The easiest method I ran across was to paint a thin layer of oil paint and let it dry. Easy enough.

I enjoy the freedom of painting with a palette knife. So, I that's what I used with each of these abstract oil paintings. They are freestyle paintings, each one is unique.

Which one do you like best?

Emerald City, 12 x 24 inches, Oil on MDF.

Desert Landscape, 12 x 24 inches, Oil on MDF

Fire Mountain, 12 x 24 inches, Oil on MDF

Emergence, 12 x 24 inches
Oil on MDF

Until Next Time

• Buy Art
• Appreciate Art
• Make Art

Thoughts? Which Painting Do You Like Best?

Please comment below. I love hearing from you!

About the Author, Artist Mary Rae Rush

Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle)

Mary Rae lives in Camp Verde, Arizona with her loyal assistant, Sir Kitty. Visit her websites for more information.

Websites

• Igniting Your Intentions (INTENTivity)
• Art website

To follow my work, catch me on social media:

• Instagram-my art
• Instagram-INTENTivity
• Facebook: My Art Biz page
• Facebook: INTENTivity Biz page
• Facebook: INTENTivity Intro Group

Here is Your Chance to See One of Sedona's Most Unique Homes along with My Abstract Art

Damian Bruno, Listing Agent of
Sedona Dome Home
My art is showing while the home is for sale

In July, I wrote about the open house as a great venue for artists to showcase their art. Now, the community gets a second chance to attend another open house to see one of Sedona's most unique homes, a dome home. And, you have another chance to see a collection of my abstract art hanging in this wonderful home.

My Abstract art in the Green Living Room which has a water feature.

Sedona Dome Home. This area was used a home school by
the builder and owner of the home.
Three of my small mixed media pieces fit the space perfectly.

You can watch several videos of the creation of this dome home on YouTube. Just google Sedona Dome Home and you'll find all sorts of videos from the building of it to the family of five that lived there while home schooling their three daughters. It's an intriguing story.

Here's the video invitation from Danielle Giann, partner listing agent.

Here's what Damian Bruno, the listing realtor, Coldwell Banker First Affiliate, of the home has to say:

Please Join Us for the Sedona Dome Home "Xanadu" Community Open House - August 21st from 12-5pm. Please RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1871678656390719/

One of Sedona's most famous structures and now you can see the inside. Held by Damian Bruno and Danielle Giann Coldwell Banker First Affiliate along with Omar Kenney of Bay Equity Home Loans and Michelle Murie of Lawyers Title.

Live Music from Doc who will be playing acoustic guitar on the properties stage. Come meet local artist Braylee Rush of Mary's Fine Art and see her works on display!  

Free Food provided! Mary's Fine Art on Display!  

Come join us for a preview inside one of Sedona's most unique properties the Dome Home!
http://www.sedonarealestateagents.com/

New Day mixed media painting plays with the
delightful light coming in through the skylight of
this master bedroom.
New Day, Mixed Media on Wood, 12 x 12 inches.
Copyright 2015 Mary Gravelle.

Come on out!

Please leave a comment on your thoughts of artists showing their art at open houses.

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.

New Work in Process – Acrylic Landscape Painting

Work in Process, Stage 3
Cathedral Rock Viewed from Bell Rock with Century Plant.
12 x 12 inches, Acrylic on Wood.
Copyright 2015 Mary Gravelle. All Rights Reserved.

I hiked up to Bell Rock last week with paints and a piece of wood. I scouted the best spot to sit with a view that intrigued me.

A towering budding century plant enchanted me as I caught a glimpse of Cathedral Rock in the distance providing me with enough inspiration to begin.

Still a work in process, yesterday, it began its communication by redirecting my paint brushes and colors in a slightly new direction. I wonder where it will end up? Stay tuned.

Work in Process, Stage 2.
Cathedral Rock Viewed from
Bell Rock with Century Plant.
12 x 12 inches, Acrylic on Wood.
Copyright 2015 Mary Gravelle.
All Rights Reserved.

Work in Process, Stage 1

Cathedral Rock Viewed from

Bell Rock with Century Plant.

12 x 12 inches, Acrylic on Wood.

Copyright 2015 Mary Gravelle.

All Rights Reserved.

I Have a Dream and Need Your Support

https://www.missionmainstreetgrants.com/b/49929

I have a dream for my art, publishing a book, and creating a new art hikes business. I could really use your support.

https://www.missionmainstreetgrants.com/b/49929

I need 250 votes by June 19. I have applied for a small business grant through Chase Bank. In order to move to the next step in this process, all applicants are required to attain 250 votes. If I don't get those votes, my application and all the work I did on it will be tossed out.

https://www.missionmainstreetgrants.com/b/49929

Please, if you could take about 30 seconds to vote that would be awesome. You will need to be logged into Facebook. They are not saving, sharing, using your information in any way except for vote collection purposes. I won't even know if you voted unless you tell me.

https://www.missionmainstreetgrants.com/b/49929

Come on, please, help support an artist with a dream. I would support yours in a heartbeat. I'm not asking for money, only a simple click and vote. Thank you in advance.

Watch this short video (1:40) for more information and a bit of inspiration while you are viewing.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle (Brianna Rush)

The handsome, Sir Kitty. Meow.

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

Pillows and Duvet Covers from My Art

Passion Pillow Square

I find this concept thrilling that my artwork can be made into pillows and duvet covers. What fun! Imagine the redecorating possibilities? Buy the pillows, duvet cover, and a matching print for your wall. Voila, instant re-do.

I have been busy with my online print shop to make some of my artwork available as pillows and duvet covers. Some of my images are too small to covert into the duvet covers. Most of my images can be made into pillows. If you see an image that unavailable as a pillow, just ask me to make it available.

Is it time to spruce up your place. Go to my online print shop and get your redecorating on!

Here are a couple of the images that I have completed so far. Let me know if there is a favorite image that you would like to see in a pillow or duvet. We can make that happen! Email mary@maryfineart.com.

Passion Gallery Wrapped Canvas with Black Sides

Passion Pillow Rectangle

Esoteric Duvet Cover

Esoteric Pillow Rectangle

Esoteric Pillow Square

Esoteric Acrylic Print

Sample room with Esoteric Decor

Credits for the sample room image minus the decor and color: Designed by Freepik

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle
(Brianna Rush)

Sir Kitty

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

New Work in Process See its Beginning Stage

I finally laid some paint down on one of the three pieces of wood I have been lovingly preparing.

Yesterday, I worked with two layers. I was not sure how the texture I applied underneath would work out. It's looking like a landscape painting at this point. We'll see what happens as it progresses.

I really love the process of experimenting with process. The experiment on this painting is laying down the texture in the foundational stages.

The texture experiment was combining spackling (the stuff used to fill nail holes on the wall) with gel medium. I wondered if it would be like light molding paste. I think it has very similar texture. It is less absorbent. I painted gesso over it so the absorbency left somewhat, which I like.

The process part is putting paint on and then taking some of it off and repeating the process. It gives the painting a sort of worn feeling producing less predictable outcomes. I like that process and also love the results.

What do you think so far?

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle
(Brianna Rush)

Sir Kitty

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

Coffee Pot Theory of the Creative Process: Part 3

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

@2004-2011 Mary Rush Gravelle
This process may not be shared for professional gain.
Please obtain written consent. All rights reserved.
You may share it for consideration in the way I have set forth in the article.
Please share only by giving full credit as follows:
"A creative process developed by Mary Rush Gravelle."

Last week I explained Stages One and Two of my creative process: Coffee Pot Theory of the Creative Process. Today we will finish up with the remaining three stages. I have used the word “idea” throughout but you might also consider interchanging it with “project” because I think that the process is the same for any creative endeavor. No matter if you are an artist, writer, musician, businessperson, layperson, or another kind of person (;-0), this process applies.

Original article was published in 2004 in the ARTistic FX magazine in Hartford, Connecticut.

3^rd Stage: Revival

If the idea has managed to survive to this point that means that you have a newfound hope for the probability of your idea. You revive it and ask, “How can I make it happen?” You might research other ideas that are similar or ask others for advice. You might also enlist the help of an expert in the field of your idea. You begin to grapple with how to bring it forth. Possibilities exist.

4^th Stage: Shaping

Now that you have given your idea a reason for living, you move into action by organizing your thoughts. “Okay, I think it’ll work” is what you say now. You plan your strategy and feel confident that it can be done.

Featured artwork.
Snow Window, Photograph. ©2011 Mary Rush Gravelle
Purchase a print here:
http://mary-gravelle.artistwebsites.com/featured/snow-window-mary-gravelle.html

5^th Stage: Yippee!

You have given shape and form to your idea, and it is now a livable and breathable thing. “What a great idea!” you declare. You have moved through all the stages of moaning, groaning, crying, and laughing. Now it is time to celebrate because the idea has been made manifest into the real world.

Summary:

Although a coffee lover, I realize that I feel the same buzz from creating something new as I feel from drinking my coffee. 

Run my Theory through your own creative process, and see if it fits the way you create. I would love to hear your comments.

Wall Artists Need Walls

Exhibit in 2007 of paintings by Mary A. Gravelle
College Avenue Collection,
Silver City, New Mexico

This might sound like a strange idea but it is one that has come across my radar screen recently.

A friend told me that she never wants to pay rent or make house payments again. She wants to live in a tent or a yurt.  Another friend told me he never wants to own anything again, especially a house and property. And then a married couple told me that they had no wall space left to hang art. I guess I have been taking walls for granted. I never really thought about the implications of my art making requiring wall space. But it does. I’m a painter and my art hangs on a wall. That makes me a wall artist. Most wall artists are referred to as muralists who actually paint on a wall. For purposes of this article, I refer to anyone who makes art that hangs on a wall.

So, this has me wondering about my career as an artist. If people don’t have walls, where will my art hang? I could begin doing sculpture that stands alone. I could create environmental art like Andy Goldsmith. I could do sand painting that disappears with the wind or rain. I could do performance art. I could make any other kind of art that does not require wall space. But I love to paint.

Then this past week a magical thing happened on my way to my favorite hiking trail. I decided to take a different driving route. Instead of taking my normal left hand turn, I kept driving down the road all the way to the end. Much to my amazement it went up the mountain where a beautiful housing development of sorts had been created. Obviously these were people with enough money to build such beautiful homes on beautiful land with amazing views. Well, I’ll tell you, these people have walls and are most likely proud of those walls. So now my challenge is how to get my art up on those walls. I think walls will be around for a while. So my worries are over.

Have you had insights on wall issues as an artist? What are they? How have you reconciled them?

Earth Day Special Promotion: The Goddess Watches Canvas Print

Time limited offer of Mary Gravelle's newest creation: The Goddess Watches. Get it now for the ridiculous price of $88 for a 16 x 20 inch gallery wrapped canvas print. Unbelievable. Only two days left. Only 24 prints remaining. Snatch up this deal now! Sizing and pricing will not be available again.

About this work by the artist, Mary Gravelle:

One of my favorite trees on a local hiking trail. I feel compelled lately to photograph her from every angle. 

I wonder if she is okay. Last year someone carved into her stomach a love sentiment. I think it wounded her. But, in her dignity and grace, she stands tall. Her beauty is evident. Her presence is awe inspiring. 

She guards the turquoise benches for anyone whom might need to rest on their journey. She offers a respite from the busy life that most of us think we have. Our rushed attempts at living a full life are laughed at by her. She remains still and enjoys her life, perhaps more than we do. 

I love this Goddess tree and feel so grateful that I get to visit her whenever I want. I hope that this digitally enhanced image of her does her justice. I pray for her safety. Amen. So it is. It is written this day of April 20, 2011. She lives.

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.

Promoting Your Art Exhibit

This is great blog article (part 1 of 3) from Alyson B Stanfield on promoting your art exhibit. Here's the first paragraph.


"Artists often write to me just as they’re ramping up their promotional efforts a month or two out from their exhibit opening or special event. They’re looking for help. I can help, but they’ve really waited too long. If you know you have an event, exhibit, class, gallery talk, or workshop coming up, don’t put off your marketing. Start your promotions right now."


Read More ….


Image at left: Purple Mountains Majesty, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 34 inches, © Mary A. Gravelle, available at Tatiana Maria Gallery, 305 & 307 N. Bullard, Silver City, New Mexico. Call Tatiana at (575) 388-4426.Silver City, New Mexico (575) 

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?