Gilbert Visual Art League Show and Sale

5x7 painting for the GVAL 2014 fundraiser

 

I just finished this little painting for the GVAL fundraiser.

Such fun to paint.  Thanks Elaine G., a friend from Iowa, for permission

to use the photo!  If you're in the area on Nov. 15th, come to

downtown Gilbert, AZ to purchase from the GVAL members.

Check my website under EVENTS for more info!

http://www.maryopat.com

Life is Art, Paint Your Dreams!!

"Desert Path" Plein Ait Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"Desert Path" Plein Air Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

12" x 9" Oil on Wood Panel $135

 

This is one of paintings I began in a recent outdoor workshop.
I set up my French easel in the backyard yesterday and I plan on taking
advantage of the beautiful fall weather here.  I want to finish up the
other plein air paintings I started in the workshop within the next
two weeks.  It's Monday....have a great week!

 

"Wild Fire" Vintage Car Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Wild Fire" Vintage Car Oil Painting

by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x 14" Oil on Canvas

 

I finished this vintage car close up today.  This Buick is number 5

in a series. 

 

I've also been working on a portrait and will share it with

my painting group on Tuesday for critique.  It's the first portrait for

the "Women Making Faces" project I've finished.  It's a collaborative

effort with 12 female artists participating.  I won't be sharing photos of

the portraits until next summer, but trust me, I'm working on it! 

 

On My Easel

Here is what I worked on today. Another of the close up

vintage car series.  I'll let it dry before I put on the final

touches. 

 

If you happen to be in the area tomorrow, Oct. 18th, come on out to the

Superstition Mountain Museum for Art on the Patio.  You never know

who will turn up there or what you'll see for sale.  Along with artists and crafters,

there are usually homemade jams and salsas, homemade fudge, lots of jewelry

and of course the gift shop inside the museum is open.  Check out the

directions and more about the museum http://www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org
The old west buildings and the trails are open (and free) and the
view of the mountains is spectacular!
 

Plein Air Workshop Day 2

Our friend Donna and her husband happened to be in the area on

Friday and Donna took a photo of me and also one of Becky and

my friend Bev, who was also taking the workshop. 

 

Day 1 of the Becky Joy Workshop

Becky Joy giving a demonstration at the Superstition Mountains.

 

I took this photo of Becky Joy at the workshop today.  The day started out

cloudy and the rain came down pretty steadily in the morning.  We were under

a canopy and the fog made for some beautiful cloud formations.  I think my painting

of the mountains turned out pretty good.  My rendition of a Palo Verde tree, however,

leaves something to be desired!  I'll take photos of my paintings in the unfinished

state at the end of the workshop.  Tomorrow we're changing locations.  We'll

be traveling a little closer Saguaro Lake.  I think I have the Plein Air bug!

Look for some of the finished paintings on my web site soon.

http://www.maryopat.com



GVAL Artist of the Month!

 

Thank you GVAL members for voting my painting "Twilight's Edge" the

Artist of the Month award at the October Gilbert Visual Art League meeting.

This painting is for sale on my website http://www.maryopat.com

 

The presentation for the October meeting was by Karen O'Hanlon.  Karen studied her

craft once a week for five years with a Japanese artist.  She travels to Japan to buy the papers

used to make her kimono art.  Karen shows her work in many shows throughout the

U.S. and will be at the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale.  You can check her art out here .

Thank you Karen!

 

My Coolidge Museum Visit

I attended a reception at the Coolidge Museum last night.  I met a lot of

really wonderful people who are very proud of their town and

the progressive plans they have for making Coolidge a destination

for visitors.  I happened to find a photo of Reed on the internet, who fought in WWII and

can probably tell you about every item on display at the museum.  I really enjoyed visiting

with him and hearing stories of years gone by.  If you happen to be in the Coolidge area,

be sure to visit the museum and say hello to Reed. 

He has 91 years worth of history to share!