Posts

What's New, Pussycat?

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What's New, Pussycat?  oil, 8 x 6", $199 Well, I'll tell you some of what's new...I took down my old website and put up a new e-commerce site at the same address: originalartbymary.com . It will only have my paintings. Prints, greeting cards, digital downloads and some small paintings will be at my Etsy Etsy store. However, Rome wasn't built in a day, so I will be working to put my artwork up, as I have been so busy with my galleries (and convalescing from an injury) that I had let my Etsy store go fallow. Other than that, life has been good and I earnestly intend to keep my nose to the grindstone. I'll keep you posted! Mary

Pencil Portrait Sketches At February 11, 2017 Art Walk

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Spanish Rose

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Spanish Rose, 16x12", oil, available I took fourth place for my entry of "Spanish Rose" last Friday's opening at the University Club. I was very surprised as the competition was stiff. So many great pieces! So, if you have the chance, come out and see the show. It runs through April 22nd. Location: The University Club of Phoenix 39 Monte Vista Road Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Exhibition hours: Monday – Friday 9-11 AM and 2-4 PM

Black Magic Woman

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Black Magic Woman, 16x12", oil, available on Etsy "Black Magic Woman", is from a live painting session with our lovely model, Mia. She sat the entire session (morning and afternoon) with her beautiful 'bewitching' smile. I am so happy with the light and color on this piece, it practically glows in the dark! If you are in Phoenix this Friday, come to the opening of the Portrait Artists Of Arizona show at the University Club. I have three pieces in the show. Location: The University Club of Phoenix 39 Monte Vista Road Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Opening Reception: Friday, March 11, 2016 5:30 – 7:30 PM Awards Presentation: 6:30 PM Exhibition hours: Monday – Friday 9-11 AM and 2-4 PM Click here to go to my Etsy shop.

Red Teapot with Mug & Apple

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Red Teapot with Mug & Apple, 8x10" oil, Available This is the third time that I have painted this scenario. Each time I think it improves.

Alluring

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Alluring, 6x12" oil,  Available This little sweetie, Marcel, belongs to my good friend. Like her mom, she is very curious, smart and adorable! The painting is for sale at my  Etsy  shop and comes framed and ships for free within the continental USA. I haven't posted lately because I have been painting up a storm and also back in July of last year I became one of the exhibiting artists at the Village Gallery in the Village of Oak Creek, AZ. I have made a line of affordable prints and greeting cards that I sell there, along with my original paintings, which I will be getting up on my Etsy site, as well. I have also been doing a little teaching, exhibiting in shows and doing commission pieces. I have been busier than ever...now, if I could just be pampered like this kitty, I'd have it made!

Autumn Kitty

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Autumn Kitty, 10x8", oil,  Available I was feeling pretty low and thought a colorful friend would brighten my day.

Shooting Star

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Shooting Star, 12x16", oil,  Available This is a piece that I have entered into the Sedona Visual Artists' Coalition Show "Blue". The concept began to formulate with a former blog entry of  mine  of almost three years ago. This one is actually a study for a piece that is 38x52" that I hope to have finished sometime next year. I am honored that my art was chosen for the front page of the show flyer. If you are in the area, please come out to see the exhibit.

Pensacola Portrait Workshop

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Hope , oil, 14x11",  Available I could not of asked for a better group of students at my workshop hosted by Blue Morning Gallery of Pensacola, FL. Hope was an excellent model and sat for us the first two days and then the students worked from a photo that I provided on the third day. The time just flew by so quickly! I have found for myself, that I rarely have time to finish a portrait from life in a couple of hours. I usually will finish from reference photos that I take during the session. That is why I like to incorporate both working from life and photos in my workshops.

Portrait of Eleanor

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Eleanor, 16x20", oil, SOLD Well, I am off to Pensacola, FL to teach my portrait workshop. I look forward to working with a new group of students and having fun interacting with them!

Maine Coon Cat Buddies

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Maine Coon Cat Buddies , 8x10", oil, SOLD I love all animals (and people), but I really have a connection to cats. We got our first from my uncle when I was a toddler. Most of my adult life I've had cats and dogs and an occasional bird, rabbit and squirrel (rescue). I became an artist because of my love of horses. I am available to do commission pet portraits, contact me if you are interested.

Atop Schnebly Hill

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Atop Schnebly Hill, 6x8, oil SOLD I love going up Schnebly Hill and enjoying the many gorgeous views, but it is about the worst road in the country! I guess it's to keep tourists away unless they are taking one of the many jeep tours that go up there.

Path to Higher Ground

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Path to Higher Ground , 9x12, oil,  Available  I liked how the cool shadows played off of the warm light on the parched grass.

Pastel Green Pepper

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Green Pepper , 6x6", pastel, $99 I am offering this piece complete with frame on Etsy. It will look great in the kitchen hanging on a wall or displayed on a small easel. Click to buy on Etsy

School Daze

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School Daze , 12x16", oil, SOLD I had to bribe this little guy with lots of goodies at the breaks to get him to keep still.

Red Pepper On Plate

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Red Pepper On Plate , 5x7, oil,  Available I used a photo of my previously sold painting, ' Red Pepper Salute ', to make a new and improved version.

His Love

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His Love , 7x5", oil SOLD My portrait workshop is just a few weeks away in Pensacola, FL. I thought I'd switch gears and do some portraits. I am getting excited about teaching a class, again. I have been doing some private teaching since I have been in Arizona, but I miss all of my many students back in Michigan.

Backyard Rock Art

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Backyard Rock Art , 6x4, oil,  Available My husband stacked some rocks in the yard a couple of years ago. It reminds me of a torso with a head and hat. I think it's cute and I absolutely love the evening lighting. This painting was done 'plein air' over two evenings as the light was changing so quickly.

White Cup, Blue Plate

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White Cup, Blue Plate , oil, 6.25 x 4.25",  Available This little study was done in my studio on a sample from SourceTek of their Claessens #13 Oil Primed Linen Fine Weave Panel mounted to Baltic Birch. It's an interesting surface and quite different than I usually work on. You can find them at  https://www.canvaspanels.com .

By The Roadside

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By The Roadside , oil, 6x8",  Available  Old tree by the roadside in northern California.

Clouds Over Sedona

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Clouds Over Sedona, oil, 6x8",  Available Afternoon clouds building up for a rain. It's monsoon season and we have been getting plenty of rain.

The Art of Portraiture Workshop

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Oregon Fog

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Oregon Fog , oil, 7x5",  Available Driving up to Oregon a few years ago, we hit rain and fog and I started to snap photos as my husband drove. I have been wanting to paint this scene ever since I took the photo. I am going to try "the Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge" and this is my first entry. I have a lot going on this month, including leaving at the end of the month to teach a portrait workshop in Pensacola, FL. I will do my best!

Women Making Faces Portrait Show - Marjorie West

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Marjorie West, 24x30" Oil, On Loan from Collection of Mr. and Mrs.Dennis West  Margie West World Traveler - Volunteer Margie West and I share common roots, as we were both born and raised in Michigan. When Margie moved to Scottsdale, she became a buyer for Paddock Pools and then worked as vice president of procurement for Southwest Ambulance. Upon moving to Sedona, she spent 17 years at the Sedona Fire Department before retiring. When my husband and I decided to find a winter home in the Sedona area, we bought the house next door to Margie and her husband, 'Cap', in Oak Creek Valley. Margie is the chair person for the Welcoming Committee and the first neighbor we officially met. She is one of the reasons why we decided to go back to MI and sell our home and become full time residents of Arizona. Margie also works as a volunteer for the Care Committee. She exemplifies a person with a caring heart but she is much, much more. She is witty, smart, sharp as a tack, a wo

Women Making Faces Portrait Show - Rabbi Alicia Magal

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Rabbi Alicia Magal,  36 x 24" Oil, On Loan from the Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Magal Rabbi Alicia Magal Religious Leader – Author - Philanthropist Rabbi Alicia Magal’s outstanding communication skills are invaluable to a diverse congregation. She leads the congregation with love, creativity, sensitivity and on-going interfaith community outreach. It is her mission to "bring sparks of holiness and joy to the study of Torah”. This year's Philanthropist of the Year award recipient is Rabbi Alicia Magal of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley. The Philanthropist of the Year Award recognizes individuals who consistently commit time and financial assistance to worthy community causes and nonprofits. Rabbi Magal offers opportunities to explore cultural traditions and connect with people of diverse faiths in Sedona and the Verde Valley.

Women Making Faces Portrait Show - Holly Underwood M.D.

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Hollis Underwood M.D,  16 x 20" Oil, On Loan from the Collection of Dr. Underwood Hollis Underwood M.D. Honor Health Scottsdale Hollis (Holly) Underwood M.D., is currently on staff as an Internal Medicine provider at Honor Health Scottsdale. She came to Arizona in May 1994. After a 6 yr appointment in the department of Community Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, she became President of Sonoran Health Specialists, Inc., in February 2000 where she developed and crafted her expertise in Integrative Wellness and Anti-Aging medicine. Dr Underwood served on several boards and organizations including the Center for Women’s Health, Vibetree Foundation and Planned Parenthood. She is a contributing author for The African American Woman's Guide to Heart Health and is also active in several organizations including The Links, Inc.,The National Association of Professional Women and The American Association of Anti Aging Medicine. My lifelong interest in the medical field

Women Making Faces Portrait Show - Kimberly McWaters

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Kimberly McWaters, oil, 36x24", On Loan from the Collection of Mr. & Mrs. McWaters Kim McWaters Technical Institute – Chairman & CEO Kim McWaters is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Technical Institute Inc., the nation’s leading provider of training for students seeking careers as automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine and collision repair technicians.  McWaters was named Chief Executive Officer in 2003 and led UTI to a successful public offering. McWaters has been a member of the UTI Board for ten years and was named Chairman in 2013. She sits on the Penske Automotive Group Board, the nation’s second largest automotive retailer. In 2014, McWaters was appointed to the Mini Mobile Board, the leading storage company in the nation. She is an active member of the community with a passion for supporting women and children. McWaters has served on the Boards of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix and Fresh Start Women’s Foundation for more tha

Women Making Faces Portrait Show - Beverly Butler Damore

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Portrait Of Beverly Damore , oil,  20 x 16" ,  On Loan from the Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Damore Beverly Butler Damore St. Mary's Food Bank - President & CEO Beverly Butler Damore is active in the community, serving as a member of the St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance Board of Directors for six years before joining the staff as Director of Community Relations and Marketing, later serving as Chief Operations Officer and now serving in her fourth year as President & CEO. She is a founding partner of the Phoenix-based corporate communications company Option II Advisors, which specializes in public relations, Web site orchestration, management consulting, community relations, fundraising, and event coordination. Previously, Ms. Damore worked for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and while there, was named co-Interim Chief Executive Officer while also serving as the organization's Chief Operating Officer. Beverly's community involvement began as a rep

Women Making Faces Portrait Show

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It has been over a year that I have been working on this show and finally this Friday is the opening. I will have five portraits of my chosen subjects and my self portrait, making a total of six from me. It's been quite a journey and I hope that any of you who are in the area will check it out. There will be approximately 55 portraits exhibited from a variety of artists, all original paintings.

Holding Onto The Dogs

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Hay Rolls, oil, 5x7" $109 Sometimes, I don't realize how badly I have painted a piece until later. This is usually not only a piece that does not sell, but also one that starts to make me cringe whenever I look at it. I rarely destroy them, because I believe in trying to learn from my mistakes, and believe it or not, sometimes it takes me a while before I figure out what went wrong! Holding on to the dogs, at least for a while, keeps me humble, too. Eventually, the day comes when as a warm up, I decide to paint over the piece. Sometimes, I sand it down and do something totally different. Other times, I repaint and make the needed improvements to the original painting. Then, this time, I kept the theme, and even the location, but changed the view to something I like better. Here is the original painting: Both images are from an afternoon as the clouds were building in the heat. The first was as a storm was coming in and has more edge to it. The end result is a calme