The Gift of the Landscape - New Southwestern Landscape Painting of Camp Verde, Arizona

The Gift of the Landscape
Oil on Canvas, 14 x 7 x 0.75 inches
Copyright 2017 Mary Gravelle

This painting was painted en plein air. The location is near the old salt mine in Camp Verde, Arizona. It's still winter here so the landscape is mostly brown and tan. The mountains in the distance are green and blue. The clouds were in the shape of angels. I think the cloud that I painted ended up looking like a rabbit. That makes sense since I have had an encounter with rabbits and their baby bunny nest in my garage with a dirt floor this week.

It's always a pleasure to paint outdoors. I'm still working out the details of painting in oils versus acrylics. I had just gotten the hang of painting outdoors with acrylics so they didn't dry too fast while I was working. With oil paints, it is the opposite. The painting will still be wet when I leave. More logistics to figure out. Also, I seem to be one messy painter getting paint on my clothes, hands, and hat, not to mention my equipment. I hear that baby wipes work great so I will give them a try next time to keep myself as tidy as possible. :-)

I loved this view of the landscape with the way the curves of the mountains were situated. I was facing the sun, but the visor on my hat kept the sun from my eyes. This is probably the first plein air painting that I finished in one outing. Yay! This is a small painting, 14 x 7 inches. I love it.

It will be available for sale as soon as it dries and I varnish it. I'm thinking 2-3 weeks for this one. If you want to purchase it beforehand, let me know via email at Mary@MaryFineArt.com. I would love to reserve it for you.

Below is a photo from the scene on location.

Painting on location near the old salt mine in Camp Verde, Arizona
The Gift of the Landscape
Oil on Canvas, 14 x 7 x 0.75 inches
Copyright 2017 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

Southwestern Landscape Art Pillows Now Available

Art Pillow, Southwestern Landscape Painting
Original painting details:
Lush Two, 12 x 16 inches, Acrylic on Canvas.
Copyright 2008 Mary Gravelle.

I'm having so much fun seeing how my landscape paintings look as pillows.

I have made three of my Silver City, New Mexico landscape paintings available as art pillows. They are Dawn's Light, Lush 2, and Delightfully Serene.

Check them out on my art website. Add some beauty to your home. They will look equally great on your couch or bed. Or perhaps you can think of another place to put them.

Art Pillow, Southwestern Landscape Painting
Original painting details:
Dawn's Light (Dawn on Boston Hill),
28 x 22 inches, Acrylic on Canvas.
Copyright 2007 Mary Gravelle.

Art Pillow, Southwestern Landscape Painting
Original painting details:
Delightfully Serene, 12 x 16 inches, Acrylic on Canvas.
Copyright 2007 Mary Gravelle.

All Three Art Pillows, Southwestern Landscape Painting – Which is your favorite?
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

Greeting Cards Are Now Available

Cathedral Rock Pilgrimage

I have added 5 x 7 greeting cards of my painting images to my offerings. This is a great way to begin collecting my art. Stick them in 5 x 7 inch frames. There you go, instant, affordable art! Priced at $4.75 each card or $16 for a 4-pack, they make great gifts too. They come with envelope and cellophane sleeve.

Below are the images currently available. I will be changing them up. If you see some you like, grab them now as they might not be available next you shop.

Shop Now 5 x 7 Inch Greeting Cards

Hidden Staircase

New Day

Sit

Secret Slick Rock View

May the Vortex Be With You

Walking In Paradise

Beyond Zona's Window – Shows the Back

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

Prints Available for Hidden Staircase Painting

Hidden Staircase
12 x 24 inches
Acrylic on MDF
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.

Due to a few requests, I have made my latest painting available as prints and greeting cards.

I'm offering a 5 x 7 inch greeting card with envelope. Also available for purchase is 5 x 10 inch print and a 9 x 18 inch print. The original size of the painting is 12 x 24 inches. The original is available. You can order the print in three different ways: matte paper, gloss stretched canvas, and a high gloss aluminum print.

Order now in time for the holidays.

Now available: prints and greeting cards of Hidden Staircase.



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

New Painting Hidden Staircase

Hidden Staircase, 12 x 24 inches, Acrylic on MDF
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle

Four trips to the arch at Fay Canyon and this painting is complete. There is one small detail I might add, but other than that, it's done.

I created a video of the fourth painting session for your enjoyment.

This painting was a joy to paint. The painting process unfolded in an abstract subject matter for this acrylic landscape painting.

The wall of ruins, according to a local man who has lived in Sedona for 30 years, was manmade a few years ago. It's been there since I moved to Sedona 2.5 years ago. I never knew the difference. I thought it was an ancient ruins and reveled in that idea. The spot up under the arch is quite lovely energetically. The trees give it a feeling of being an oasis.

The first three times up there, I enjoyed the peacefulness of being alone. Painting in solitude is wonderful.

I was late getting up the morning of the fourth visit. It was the week of Thanksgiving so there were many tourists. The local man I mentioned earlier who burst my ancient ruin dream bubble was there. Still, it was enjoyable. I waited until they all left before setting up to paint.

Below are my process photos and the video. Enjoy. Drop me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

The painting is available for sale on my art website.

Fay Canyon, trail up to the arch.

Fay Canyon, under the arch with the man-made ruins.

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

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

Finished Airport Mesa En Plein Air Painting

Welcome to Sedona, 12 x 24 inches, Acrylic on MDF.
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.
Sitting against a magical huge pine tree.

Finished! The en plein air painting, a Sedona landscape, from the location at Airport Mesa, Brewer Trail in Sedona is now complete. It took me four visits to the site and a little bit of studio time to finish it up.

This is one of my favorite views in Sedona. Almost a 360-degree view, it is split into two spectacular 180-degree views from each side. The view I chose for this painting looks out toward Village of Oak Creek. From here you can see from left to right, as shown in my painting: Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, and Cathedral Rock, among other rock formations. The other 180-degree view overlooks West Sedona.

The Southwestern landscape painting was painted in acrylic on MDF. It measures 12 x 24 inch, a size and format in which I am beginning to adore painting. It suits the Sedona landscape well with its expansive views of the red rocks.

What a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors by painting the beauty before me. Bring home a piece of Sedona.http://maryfineart.com/shop/welcome-to-sedona-landscape-painting/

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 websites and work are: Sedona Art Hikes and Wisdom Painting for Self-Discovery.

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 about this en plein air acrylic landscape painting, Welcome to Sedona, 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

• Appreciate art
• Buy art
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Feeling the Vibe of the Sedona Landscape

In Process at Fay Canyon, Sedona, AZ
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle

Out and about last week, painting on the land, excited and jazzed, I noticed that if I allow my paintings to flow, surprises show up on the canvas. I love this! Since total accuracy is not important to me when painting a scene I am enthralled with, I happily allow this to happen.

All three paintings, still in process, painted last week on site in various locations, had an intuitive surprise for me. Each one is close to completion, but you can see their state below. I hope to finish them up during this week so I can show you how they end up in the coming weeks.

I feel a newfound joy of painting out on the land that I have not felt in a long time. I love painting abstract and other expressions, but none has brought me as much joy as I have felt this past week. It has energized me. There are new expressions on the horizon. Stay tuned.

I have also been revamping my art website, MaryFineArt.com, to showcase the art in a more focused manner. Hop on over and check it out.

In Process at Airport Mesa Vortex, Brewer Trailhead, Sedona, AZ
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle

In Process at Cathedral Rock, Sedona, AZ
Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle

What do you think of the new direction? Do you paint outside? Do you like to buy art that has been painted outside?

Here are two paintings that were painted on location and are varnished and ready for sale. Go to my website for purchase details.

Eden, 9 x 12 inches, Acrylic on Wood.Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle. Painted on location.Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona.

Century Plant Flirtation, 12 x 24 inches, Acrylic on Wood.Copyright 2016 Mary Gravelle.

This photo will give you an idea of size.
Painted on location, varnished and ready for sale.
TOP: Century Plant Flirtation, 12 x 24 inches, Acrylic on Wood
BOTTOM: Eden, 9 x 12 inches, Acrylic on WoodBoth 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 websites and work are: Wisdom Painting for Self-Discovery, Igniting Your Intentions, Sedona Art Hikes.

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 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

• 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

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.

The Completed Paintings in the Studio Views

Gold and Delicious, 54 inch triangle, Oil on Canvas.
Copyright Mary Gravelle.
Original painting is for sale.

As I was writing about my art studio setups over the past several weeks, I became aware that most of the photographs contained paintings-in-process. So, this week and perhaps over the next few weeks, I'll post the final paintings along with the studio set up.

Vernon, CT 2004

From my first post, Studio Setups Past and Present, the first studio set up I shared with you was from my basement in Connecticut in 2004. The final painting was from my triangle series, Seeking the Truth of the Triangle. This painting was a "female" triangle titled, Gold and Delicious.

Studio Set Up, 2004. Still Life.
Gold and Delicious painting-in-process.

Oracle, AZ 2006

Passage, 16 x 20 inches, Oil on Masonite.
Copyright Mary Gravelle.
Original painting is not for sale.

Studio set up at Rancho Linda Vista.
Oracle, AZ. "Passage"
painting-in-process.

In 2006, my first studio painting experience in the southwest was a two-week stay as artist-in-residence at Rancho Linda Vista Artists' Ranch in Oracle, Arizona. The painting to the left is the result of that visit. It turns out to be a transitional painting from abstract to the landscape. At the time I had never painted a landscape and had no interest in it. That was until I began a mutual love affair with the land of Oracle, Arizona.

Studio set up while painting
"Paradise".

Paradise, 36 x 48 inches,
Acrylic on Wood. Copyright Mary Gravelle.
Original painting is for sale.

Oracle, AZ 2007

After the landscape of Oracle, Arizona just absolutely wowed me, I had to paint it! The photo that was in the first blog post about my studio setup showed the eighth in a series of paintings of the southwestern landscape of Oracle, Arizona.

Collect My Art

If you want to buy a painting from me, contact me at mary@maryfineart.com to discuss the details. Thanks!

Until Next Week

Brianna Rush (Mary Rush Gravelle)

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Sir Kitty

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