Day 3 girl on horse

Here's what I'm working on after day 3.  I'll put it away for a few

days to get a fresh perspective on it before I finish it.  Please visit

Contemporary Fine Art International to view or purchase my work.

http://www.maryopat.com 

day 2 girl on horse

I was able to get a few hours to paint today.  At the end of

day 2 both the horse and rider look a little scary! To see some of my

finished work, follow this link:http://www.maryopat.com

Thanks for visiting my blog!

 

Day one Horse and Rider Portrait

I started this 16" x 20" portrait yesterday of a little girl and her

Arabian horse.  I got most of it blocked in on the first day.  I like the way the

jacket turned out just using a few strokes and leaving it...something I'm

getting better at!  I'll post the progression of this one so check back. 

Thanks for visiting.  You can see more of my work at

http://www.maryopat.com

"Two Women with Baskets" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Two Women with Baskets"  Contemporary Figurative Oil

Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

16" x 20" Oil on Canvas

 

Please follow this link to see or purchase my

paintings:http://www.maryopat.com 

Thank you for visiting my blog!

 

Another great presenter at the GVAL Meeting

Bruce Marion gave a demo at last night at the Gilbert Visual

Arts League September meeting.  I'm so excited to be joining a few of my

friends in November at one of his workshops. You may see some crazy good

paintings from me in the near future!  I snagged this photo of

Bruce from the internet.  Another great meeting with good friends

and learning at GVAL.  If you live in this area of

Arizona come join us!  Here are links to GVAL and to

the site where I display and sell my art work.  Thanks for visiting.

http://www.gval.org

http://www.maryopat.com

 

 

Wildlife Mural

Mural at the Cresco Wildlife Club  8.5' x 35'

 

One of my good friends from Cresco, Iowa sent these photos to me

of a mural I painted several years ago.  The photos remind

me not only of the fun I had painting the mural, but also of the

fun times at the events hosted there and friends I won't forget.

September "Pick of the Month" from Mary Opat

John and Elli Milan

 

It's September already?  Where did the summer go!

This month I'd like to feature the web site of my friends

John and Elli Milan.  They are both artists here in the east valley and

in addition to producing beautiful, colorful paintings, they

teach art classes in their studio.  You can check out their

artwork and class schedule by following this link:

http://www.milanartanddesign.com
find my work at http://www.maryopat.com
thanks for visiting my blog!
 

Portrait of Payton and her Horse

 

Portrait of Payton and Her Horse by

Arizona Portrait Artist Mary Opat

 

I've put the final touches on this one.  I hope she likes it!

You can view more of my work at http://www.maryopat.com

Commissions are welcome.  Thanks for visiting my web site. 

 

Progression Painting days 3 and 4

This was a short painting day.  I feel that the paint needs to dry

before finishing Payton's face and putting in the final shadows

and highlights.  View some of my finished paintings at

http://www.maryopat.com and thanks for visiting my blog page!

Day 4 and I'm pretty close to finished.  As always, I need
to step away for awhile and look with fresh eyes. 
Happy Tuesday!

 

progression days 1 and 2

I decided to post my progress on this day by day.  This is

day one.  Pretty rough, but I'm happy with the composition so far.
If you start to recognize the darling little girl in this painting at
some point, don't tell, it's going to be a surprise for her!

It's the end of day 2 and I've started some detail work.
Time sure flies when you're having fun!

"Goose, Goose, Duck! " Contemporary Water Scene by Arizona Oil Painter Mary Opat

"Goose, Goose, Duck!" Original Landscape Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

14" x 11" Oil on Canvas

 

I took the photo used in this painting in Davenport, IA while

visiting my sister, Pam.  I was amused when I realized that

the geese were swimming in the opposite direction and

it reminded me of the game we played as children, Duck, duck, goose.

To view or purchase my paintings, please follow this link:

http://www.cfai.co/maryopat http://www.maryopat.com
Thanks for visiting my blog page!

"Boat Houses on the Mississippi" Contemporary Landscape River Scene by Arizona Oil Painter Mary Opat

"Boat Houses on the Mississippi"

 River Scene by Arizona Oil Painter Mary Opat

This painting was inspired by a photo taken by my niece and
wonderful photographer, Kristin.  The photo was cropped and the colors were
changed a little to resemble late afternoon lighting.
 

Please follow this link to view more of my work:

http://www.maryopat.com

 

 

"Off to the Fair" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Off to the Fair" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting

by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x 14" Oil on Canvas 

 

Thank you for visiting my blogsite.  The inspiration for

this painting was from another photo by Galen Frysinger. 

The paintings I'm working on today are both Mississippi River scenes.

It's been awhile since I've painted water and it's a nice change. 
 

You can view more of my work at http://www.maryopat.com

 

 

Horse and Owner Contemporary Equine and Figurartive Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

Horse and Owner Contemporary Equine and Figurative Oil Painting

by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

14" x 18" Oil on Canvas

 

Here is example of pet and portrait combinations.  Please click here

to view more of my work http://www.maryopat.com

Commissioned work is welcomed.  Thank you for visiting my site! 

 

August pick of the month

This month check out the wonderful art of Jean Turner Smith.   She

paints in oil, pastel and watercolor and is a master of all.

You can visit her site by following this link:

http://www.jeanturnersmith.com 

"Freedom" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Freedom" Contemporary Equine Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

20" x 16" Oil on Canvas $450.00

 

 To view more of my work, please

follow this link http://www.maryopat.com .  Thanks for

visiting my blog!

"Sandie" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Sandie" Contemporary Horse Portrait by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat 

 

14" x 18" Oil on Canvas

 

I've decided to paint a series of horses and this is the first one.  I was going

to try for a loose effect, but I think it goes against my nature. 

Maybe the next one!  This painting has been SOLD.
Visit http://www.maryopat.com to

see more of my work.

"Red Skirts" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Skirts" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

14" x 18" Oil on Canvas  $395.00

 

Here's another painting that was started on Tuesday.  It kind of fits with

 my last few figurative paintings of ladies with brightly colored clothing.

I'll put it aside for a few days and make changes after looking at it with fresh eyes.

Inspiration was from another photo taken by "World Traveler Gailen Frysinger.

Please visit http://www.maryopat.com to see more of my work. 

I'll be adding more paintings soon.

Gilbert Art Benches

I have decided to "throw my hat in ring" with other local artists

to create one of many art benches for downtown Gilbert.  An

application process is submitted by the artist. Local business owners

and organizations have the opportunity to select an artist and

will have an input on the design.  The benches will be

a tactile and practical way to bring more art to the downtown area.

The number of benches will depend on how many sponsors

participate. I'll make updates if I'm chosen.  Stayed tuned!

 

 

Art on display

Art at Cholewka Law Office

 

Today I made a trip to the great town of Gilbert to hang a few of

my paintings at the Cholewka Law Office.  The two paintings

on the outside are mine and the painting in the middle is by Barb J.

We placed about a dozen pieces today.  Thank you to the folks at the

law office for being so supportive of GVAL.  After we hung the

paintings we went upstairs to Art Intersection to view the

artwork currently on display.  Art Intersection is a wonderful

addition to Gilbert.  Its nice to have so much local support

for area artists.

 

 

"Three Little Pigs" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

I couldn't resist painting these little pigs today.  I'll have to wait until the painting

dries before I finish the final details.  The photo used in this painting was
taken from a magazine and won't be for sale. Check out some of my recent work at

http://www.maryopat.com  I'm also on Face Book at

Mary Opat Art

"Perfect Peach" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Perfect Peach"  Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings

by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

12" x 12" Oil Painting on Canvas

 

This painting was inspired by another photo taken in Antigua, Guatemala
 by Galen Frysinger, "World Traveler".  Please visit this link:

http://www.maryopat.com to view or purchase more of my work.

This one will be framed and available soon. Thank you for

visiting my site!

"Patience" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Patience" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by
Arizona Artist Mary Opat

20" x 16" Oil on Canvas
 

Here is a painting that I did over the weekend.  I may look at it for awhile

and make some changes.  I'm starting another painting today with a similar

theme.  It will be a sun-filled painting.  Thanks, Anita for the name suggestion!
To view or purchase my work, please visit this link:

http://www.maryopat.com

my paintings are also on my Face Book page Mary Opat Art

 

"Blanket in Love" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

" Blanket in Love" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

16" x 20" Original Oil Painting on Canvas

 

I just finished this oil painting today using a photo reference.
Photo credit to Galen Frysinger.

Please visit http://www.maryopat.com for prices

or to see more of my work.  I'm off to start on another

painting.  It will be a colorful one!

 

Sunset Painting

9" x 12" Oil on Panel

 

Here is a small painting on panel that I finished today.

I'll be adding it to my web sites soon.  I'll need to come
up with a name for it first.  Any suggestions
are always welcome!  To view more

of my paintings or purchase, please follow this

link: http://www.maryopat.com

 

July "Blog of the Month"

Check out Janet Clark's blog Pink n Teal.  She paints with frosting to make the most

amazing artistic cakes.  She also happens to be a wonderful person

and my niece!  http://www.pinknteal.blogspot.com

 

 

"Spring Thaw" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

12" x 9" Oil on Panel

 

Here is another small painting on panel.  I'm working on six

paintings on panel that are a little looser in style and

that will be available for purchase at the art shows in the fall.

I started this one in a workshop and finished it today.   To purchase or

view my paintings, please follow this link:

http:www.maryopat.com

"Portrait of Alexis" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

12"x12" Oil on Canvas

 

I've been working on this portrait of my Granddaughter

Alexis for the past few days.  I may make some changes

to it after it dries, but for now I think I'd better

put my brush down.  I sometimes don't know when to quit!

 

You can view my other work by following this link:

http://www.maryopat.com

Gallery Show

Today several members of the Gilbert Visual Art League

met at the Arizona Art Alliance Gallery to set up our 2 week show.

It was my first trip to the gallery and I was amazed at the quality 

and variety of the artwork.  If you happen to be in the area, check

out the gallery at the Pavilions at Talking Stick. 

"Street Reflections #3 and #4" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

12"x12" Oil on Paper "Street Reflections #3

 

12"x12" Oil on Paper "Street Reflections #4"

Numbers 3 and 4 in a series of subtractive paintings.

To view more of my work follow this link:

http://www.maryopat.com

"Street Reflections #1 and #2" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

12"x12" Oil on Paper "Street Reflections #1

 

These are the first of a series of four subtractive paintings.  The process

involved prepping a special paper with modeling paste and then painting

a layer of cadmium yellow deep and letting it dry.  A layer of

burnt umber was applied to cover completely and then wiped away

in some places revealing the gold color underneath.  The white lights and

green/red reflections were added last. 

 

 

12"x12" Oil on Paper "Street Reflections #2

 

To view or purchase my work, please follow thi link:

http://www.maryopat.com

"Mountain Air" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

9 x 12 Oil on Panel

 

Nice to look at when it's 110 degrees outside!

Please visit this link to view or purchase my work. 

http://www.maryopat.com

"Portrait" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

This was painted from a photo using oil paint on canvas.

Please follow this link to view more of my work:
http://www.maryopat.com

June pick for "Art Blog of the Month"

PAINTING BY BARBARA JANECKA

Check out Barbara Janecka's site.  Her use of bright colors blows me away!

Barb works in several mediums including oils, and oil pastels.  

So meet my friend Barb and check out her great art by following this link:  

http:www.barbarajanecka.blogspot.com

"Portrait" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

This is a portrait that I started a couple of days ago and finished this morning.  

I actually had trouble painting from the same photo earlier, so I trashed that one and started over. 

 The painting has a lot of texture in the sweater that I can't seem to capture in the photo.  I

really need to figure out how to get more accurate photos of my work!
To view or purchase my work, follow this link:
http://www.cfai.co/maryopat

"Shades of Blue" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary OIpat

Here is a painting that hangs in my living room.  I painted it from a photo taken in

Greece by world traveler Galen Frysinger.  If you're curious about life in other

countries, I recommend you check out his website.  It's a well organized site and

easy to navigate.  You'll not only see thousands photos, but also learn

about the history of cities and countries throughout the world.

Here is a link.....enjoy!  http://www.galenfrysinger.com
check out more of my paintings at http://www.maryopat.com

Mary's Pick for "Art Blog of the Month"

At the beginning of each month I'm going offer a link (with permission, of course), to a blog published by one of my friends or relatives.  It may be a personal blog site or a web site from a local business or organization I'm familiar with that supports the arts.  So I'm urging my friends to keep those sites updated!  Look for the first link on June 1st.

"River Walk" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

This painting is of the River Walk in San Antonio.  Several members of my family and I 

were able to get together to celebrate Phil's graduation and the beginning of his 

career in the Air Force a few years ago.  We have a family joke that "in San Antonio, all roads

lead to the Alamo".  It seemed that whenever we took a wrong turn, we ended up 

at the Alamo and River Walk, so we just went with THAT plan!
To view some of my recent work, follow this link!
http://www.maryopat.com  

Pieces of My Past

Here is my favorite easel, the one that Grandpa Noonan made for me years ago 

when I was in high school.  Dad had just bought me my first set of paints and

a roll of canvas.  The easel is on my "painting table".  It's a table also made by Grandpa

 which once served as a small kitchen table in their home.  

I put together a new "big girl" easel today.  Only had a few parts left over!

"Plein-Air Study" Contemporary Landscape and Figurative Oil Paintings by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

10" x 10" Original Oil Painting

This is a study I painted in the gardens at East Side Gallery on
April 21st.  It was a wonderful relaxing day with
good friends surrounded by nature.  I tried to
capture the colors and textures of the plants in the
foreground and decided to accentuate the sculptural quality
by eliminating the plants in the background.  You can check
out more of my work by clicking on the following link:
http://www.maryopat.com

Scottsdale Artist School Workshop

April 30th through May 2nd five members of the Gilbert Visual Art League 

attended a landscape workshop by Dick Heichberger called "Landscape Painting 

from Photographs".  Below is an example of the many unfinished quick studies I did

from reference photographs.  Jean, Bev, Barb, Jen and I were apparently 

so into his method of painting that we forgot to take a group photo!
I'll be finishing this painting and offering it next fall in the local art shows.  To see

more of my work, follow this link to:http://www.maryopat.com

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

A photo of the  Gilbert Leadership Class XXI cutting the ribbon at the 

dedication ceremony.  There was quite a crowd attending with speeches and cake. 

 I was given twenty seven beautiful roses which represented one rose from each 

of the Leadership Class members.  

Gilbert, AZ Mural
Panoramic View

To see or purchase my oil paintings, please follow this link:
http://www.maryopat.com