Saturday, March 28, 2015

A Happy Surprise!

 
I was happy to win a ribbon at the GVAL 12th Annual Juried Fine Art
Show and Sale for my painting "Their Legacy".  We had 95 pieces of art
this year and the level of talent was amazing!  I'm proud to be part of this
organization and thrilled to have so many good friends among the members.
 
Thanks to everyone who helped to make the event a success!
 
Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams! 

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Stop on this Saturday's Studio Tour

 
Art Museum at Casa Grande
319 West 3rd St.
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
 
I'm happy to be showing and selling my paintings at the
 Casa Grande Art Museum on Saturday, March 21.  I've been
invited to take part in the Casa Grande Studio Tour 2015.
Their will be over 30 participating artists in 5 different
locations in town.  A variety of art and craft will be available.  I
hope you can join us there!
 
  The history of the building and grounds are interesting.  I'm looking forward to
a little exploring on Saturday.  I'm hoping that I can find more
information about the Kratzka family and their involvement in the community.
 
Here is an excerpt from the museum's website. 

 
The museum is in the house built by Gus Kratzka in 1929 as the family residence and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  It has a rusticated concrete exterior and includes several features that made the summer heat more bearable for the retired baker and his wife.  The house was purchased and opened as The Casa Grande Art Museum by the Friends of the Arts, Inc. in 1987.  the Friends of the Arts have lovingly restored the building, funded in part, by grants administrated by the City of Casa Grande.  The Sculpture Garden, which surrounds the house, is filled with works by Arizona artists, donated by A. Thomas Cole, founding member of the Friends of the Arts, Inc..
 
 

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

I Continue to "Wade into the Water's"

 
I just moved, deleted and added categories to my website.  The category I added was E-MAIL NEWSLETTER.  Yikes!

I think I made a commitment to my art business in at least a C+ sort of way two years ago when I purchased a tent and the necessary equipment for outdoor shows, developed a website as well as this blog, and began to take workshops to improve my painting.  The 100 or so oil paintings I've done in the last two years shows at least a C+ effort, I think.

I remember in one of my college classes (Human Growth and Learning II), the professor offered to let us contract for our grade.  On the first day of class, we were handed a list of grades with
projects we needed to complete to qualify for each one.  I was the one sitting in the back row with my mouth open in disbelief.  We can choose what grade we want?  I'm going for the A+!

I don't remember the exact amount of work I was expected to do for the A+...scrap that...she didn't think anyone deserved an A+...the highest grade offered was an A.  I do remember the feeling when I had my one-on-one with that professor and turned in my contract for the expected A.  It was a little like this morning when I decided to commit to a newsletter, a little dread, a little excitement, and a little of that "What did I just do?" feeling.

Well that college professor gave me an A- (she never liked me!!).  I could have slacked and gone for the easy C+, just like I can continue to give my art business a C+ effort, but I'm all in now.  I'm "wading into the waters" up to my neck! 

Thank you, friend, for reading my blog and supporting me.  I'm redoubling my efforts to share my art and connect with others in my field.  If you have a website, blog, newsletter, or Face Book business page, I'd like to keep up with your progress too!   Please contact me by e-mail through my website or sign up for my newsletter at http://www.maryopat.com.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

Saturday, March 7, 2015

"MG" Vintage Auto Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 
"MG" Vintage Auto Oil Painting by
Arizona Artist Mary Opat
 
14" x 11" Oil on Stretched Linen
 
I just finished this red MG today.  I'm adding it to my vintage auto series.  It
will be framed in a black drop-in frame and is available for sale on my
website http://www.maryopat.com  Please keep the close up vintage car photos coming!
The thing that ties all of the vintage series together is the reflection details and the size
of the paintings.  I enjoy the process and will continue to add to the series.  All but one
have sold, so I need to get busy!  Have a wonderful day!
 
Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!
 

Thursday, March 5, 2015

"Rythm in Blues" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 
"Rhythm in Blues" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by
Arizona Artist Mary Opat
 
14" x 18" Oil on Linen $395

 
I call this painting Rhythm in Blues...( she has rhythm and she's wearing blue!)
I really hope you enjoy these figurative paintings.  I'm planning on
doing a small series of young people engaging in a variety of activities.
This painting is available for purchase on my website