Sunday, May 25, 2014

On My Easel

 
I worked on this one again today.  I'll finish up and post it to my web site
tomorrow.  I hope you're all having a good Memorial Day weekend.
Remember our fallen soldiers and stay safe.  Thanks for visiting
my blog site.  Check out my finished paintings at http://www.maryopat.com

Saturday, May 24, 2014

On My Easel


This is the painting I started today.  I got the block-in done and
will finish and post it on my web page in a couple of days.  It's a
16" x 20" oil on canvas.  Visit my web site to see my finished
paintings and for purchase information  at http://www.maryopat.com
 Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day!



"I See You" Contemporary Equine Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"I See You"  Contemporary Equine Oil Painting by
Arizona Artist Mary Opat
 
7" x 5" Oil on Panel
 
This little painting was fun to do.  I used a photo that
I found on the web site Paint My Photo.  The original
photographer is Janina Suuronen and she called it "Spanish Eyes".
Please visit my web site at http://www.maryopat.com to
see more of my work or to purchase.  Thanks for visiting!

Friday, May 16, 2014

"Blue Door 2" Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Blue Door 2" Still Life Oil Painting by
Arizona Artist Mary Opat
 
11" x 14" Oil on Canvas
 
I'm still having some problems getting the colors to show
up correctly when I photograph my paintings and post them.  The San Tan
Artists are planning a photo workshop next month, so I hope to get some tips
that will help with this!  Thanks for visiting!  Check out more paintings

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Artists Helping Artists: Selling Your Art On-Line with Leslie Saeta Online Radio | BlogTalkRadio

Artists Helping Artists: Selling Your Art On-Line with Leslie Saeta Online Radio | BlogTalkRadio



My friend Bev shared this radio blog with me and I'd like to pass it on to my artist friends.  I like to grab a cup of coffee or tea and listen while I paint....Just click on the link above.....enjoy!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Progression Painting Day 2

I was able to paint for a few hours this morning.  I'll give this one a day
to dry and then I'll make needed changes and finish it up before the
end of the week.  To visit my web site, please follow this link,http://www.maryopat.com
 and thank you for visiting my blog site!


On My Easel

Here's what I'm working on today.  This is phase one, a few hours in.  It's
a 16" x 20" oil on canvas.  I'm going to try to post the progression on this one.
I'm hoping, with this commitment in writing, that I'll finish it by
the end of the week!  I finished "Tangerine Explosion", and will be
adding it to my web site later today.  http://www.maryopat.com
Thank you for visiting my blog site!
 

Monday, May 12, 2014

"Tangerine Explosion"


A work in progress.  This is what I'm working on today.  It's a 16" x 20"
oil painting and I should be able to finish up tomorrow.  I've never
painted an over sized flower and I'm finding the detail in the petals
really interesting to paint.  This one happens to be painted from a photo.  I have such
beautiful flowers from Mother's Day, so when I finish this one I'm going to
work on one or two paintings from my fresh flowers!  This one is
called "Tangerine Explosion".  To view more of my work or to
make a purchase, please visit http://www.maryopat.com 
Thanks for visiting my blog site!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

My frame storage/drying rack solution

I was waiting for the sun to come up this morning so my north
window would shed some light on my canvas and decided to take a photo
of my finished storage wall.  My favorite part is the adjustable peg board
drying rack for works in progress and my favorite art totes.  Given enough time,
 I may collect more workshop tools than painting tools! 

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

GVAL Artist of the Month Award!

 
I was pretty happy (thus, the big grin) to get the
Artist of the Month ribbon at the Gilbert Visual Art
League meeting last week for my painting
"Yellow Bird Dancer".  I feel very lucky to be
able to meet with and learn from this very
talented group of artists.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Upcoming Workshop

I signed up for a plein air workshop today and am really looking forward to
it.  Becky Joy paints the most amazing landscapes.  She teaches workshops
in Italy, France, Ireland, and all across the U.S., so I feel very lucky that
she's teaching right here in the Valley this fall!  Check out Becky's website:
 
Painting by Becky Joy
 
Gilbert Visual Art League had Becky as a presenter last fall.  If you live in the area,
visit the Celebration of Fine Art at Scottsdale in the spring to
see her amazing work in person!


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

"Delilah's Duck" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Delilah's Duck"  Contemporary Figurative Oil
Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat
 
11" x 14" Oil on Canvas
 
I started with a red background on this painting hoping to bring out the greens.
To view more of my work or to purchase, please
visit http://www.maryopat.com  Thanks for visiting my
blog site!

"Blue Door" Contemporary Oil Painting by Arizona Artist mary Opat

"Blue Door" Contemporary Oil Painting by
Arizona Artist Mary Opat
 
8" x 10" Oil on Panel
 
To view more or to purchase any of my paintings, please
follow this link: http://www.maryopat.com and
thank you for visiting my blog site!

April 23rd, 2014

This morning I packed up and mailed off one of the first paintings I completed
since my decision last year to retire from the "regular paycheck world"
 as I like to call it, and concentrate on making and selling my art. 

 As I was carefully bubble-wrapping it and taping the
box shut I had a few thoughts about my journey so far.  I've learned so much from
the workshops and classes I've taken.  Much of what I've learned has been incorporated
into my paintings, and just as importantly, much has been rejected.  Often it's the part
that we reject that makes our art our own.  The world would be pretty boring
if we all painted the same! 
 
 Once a week I paint with a wonderful group of friends including
Jean Smith, our very wonderful instructor.  I'm amazed at the talent
of my friends as we work in our own style of painting in various mediums. 
 My world has become richer and far more colorful since I began
following my passion.  I'm grateful for my family, friends, and every
day that I'm allowed to live among them! 
 
 
 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Dedication at Page Commons

 
The dedication of the restored planter boxes and garden
mural took place early this morning.  Here are a few photos of the
Gilbert Leadership Class XXII and the residents of Page Commons
enjoying refreshments after the ribbon cutting. Go to my
website to see more photos http://www.maryopat.com 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

"Pink Hat" Portrait Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 
"Pink Hat" Portrait Oil Painting by
Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 
I decided to take an earlier painting and change the background
to make it a little more interesting and here's the result.  I
think the space is filled more evenly now and the peachy colors
bring out the skin tone a little more.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Gilbert mural at Page Commons




 
The 6' x 51' Gilbert Leadership Class XXII mural is finally finished!
I'll clean it and seal it with varnish and leave it for the residents of
Page Commons to enjoy.  The vegetables in the raised planter beds
are doing great and everyone is excited to get in there and garden.
I had fun visiting with the residents who came by when I was
painting and made some new friends in the Leadership Class.  This
was such a good experience.  Now back to my studio!

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Gilbert Leadership Class XXII Work Day

Here are a few more of the terrific members of the
Gilbert Leadership Class XXII working on the mural.  There
were 8 members assigned to paint at a time and they pretty
well stayed with it all day. 
Here's what was going on behind the blue tarp!  Eight existing planter
boxes were equipped with an automatic watering system and then filled
with garden soil.  The members planted hundreds of vegetables and
flower plants and then brought in additional rock for the surrounding
area.  It was a day well spent and I'm sure there are some aching muscles
today!  Tomorrow my real work begins on the mural.  I'll report back
in two weeks when (hopefully) I'm finished.

Gilbert Leadership Class XXII Work Day

Seven a.m. Saturday morning, I'm set up and ready to go.  The leadership class
 had a perfect day to work on the mural and to fill the planters with
vegetables and flowers.
 
Here are a few of the Gilbert Leadership Class XXII working on the
Mural.  A tarp separated the painting area from the garden area
to prevent dust and garden soil from landing on our painting surface.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

GVAL 11th Annual Fine Art Show People's Choice Award Winner!

Congratulations to Bev Koldon, the  People's Choice
award winner at the GVAL 11th Annual Fine Art Show and Sale
for the second year in a row!  I'm always happy
when one of my good friends wins an award...way to go Bev!

Friday, March 28, 2014

Commissioned Still Life

Here's an 8" x 10" still life I just finished for a client
who recently purchased a similar painting from me. 
 
Today I'm busy working up a painting that I hope will turn
into a large mural on a building In downtown Gilbert. Fingers crossed!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Mural at Page Commons


Here is the beginning of the new 6' x 51' mural in Gilbert.  April 5th
will be the day that members of the Leadership Class work to
fill in some of the painting and plant the vegetables in the raised beds.  Stay tuned!!
It will be fun to see the progression.


Saturday, March 15, 2014

More Photos of Day Trip, March 14th

 Our next stop was at Tumacoacori National Historical Park.
This Mission was established in 1691 and is part of a National Park.
There is a museum on the grounds and many ruins to see. 
We spent much of the day at Tubac.  Tubac is a small village, rich in history,
and today it has over 80 shops and art galleries.  This is a photo
inside Clay Hands.  I had to have a piece of pottery made by one of the
40 artists who sell their work at this shop!  

Day Trip with Dorothy March 14th


 
 
I had a terrific day driving south with my friend and good neighbor
Dorothy yesterday.  I took a lot of photos for future paintings. 
 Here are three photos of the San Xavier Mission south of Tucson. 
The mission has such an interesting history
and beautiful artwork..and they make fry bread in the courtyard!
 






Monday, March 10, 2014

Artists in Action show at the Queen Creek Olive Mill

I hope you can join us for the last of the season's art show at
the Queen Creek Olive Mill.  Many of the artists are going to
be showing the process they use to create their art.  I'm especially
looking forward to demonstrations by the glass and gourd artists.
Since it's the end of the season, I'm trying to make way for
new paintings, so I'll be reducing all of my art by 25% for
Sunday March 16th!   Hope to see you there!


Wednesday, March 5, 2014

"Yellow Bird Dancer" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Yellow Bird Dancer" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting
by Arizona Artist Mary Opat
 
16" x 20" Oil on Canvas
 
I took the photograph used as reference for this painting at
the Superstition Mountain Museum where this dancer and his family
were performing.  It was a real treat for me and I hope to
see them perform again soon.  To view more of my
paintings or to purchase, please follow this link:

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Casa Grande Fine Art Explosion

Join me and my friends at Casa Grande for the Fine Art Explosion on
March 8th and 9th.  I'm excited to be taking a few brand new paintings
to show (which I'll be photographing and posting soon).  It's been crazy
busy around here with all of the events going on before the summer heat
hits!

Monday, February 17, 2014

Gilbert Leadership Class Mural

I'm now working on the final design for a new public
mural in Gilbert.  This one will be painted on a 6' x 51' concrete
pad and will be a joint effort with the 27 members of this year's
Leadership Class.  This should be a fun project once it gets under way.
At least it looks like there will be a little shade on the area this time!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

"Sky on Fire" Original Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Sky on Fire" Original Oil Painting by
Arizona Artist Mary Opat
 
11" x 14" Oil on Canvas
 
Thank you for stopping by my blog site!  To view
more of my work or to purchase, please follow

Monday, February 10, 2014

Olive Mill Show Sunday Feb. 16th

Here is a sample of some of the artist's work that will be available
at the Olive Mill.  We have some new members with wonderful
original art.  I hope to see you there!  Queen Creek Olive Mill 25062 S. Meridian Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
 

Thursday, February 6, 2014

"Mojave Muleskinner" Original Figurative Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat


"Mojave Muleskinner" Original Figurative Oil Painting by
Arizona Artist Mary Opat 
 
16"x20" Oil on Canvas

I took a photo of "Tumbleweed" at the Superstition Mountain Museum
and asked permission to paint a portrait of him.  You may see
more western themed paintings in the future.  I'm currently working on
an Apache Dancer, also at the Museum that day.
 
To purchase or view my art, please follow this link:
http://www.maryopat.com  Thank you for visiting my website.  If you're
in the area, check my web site to find out where I'll be showing next.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Art on the Patio

I was blessed to be able to spend my Saturday at the
Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum today.  I met
some wonderful people and was able to enjoy this view of the
mountains while selling my artwork and making new contacts.
 
If you're in my area in the east valley, join me and the San Tan
 Artists on Feb. 16th at the Queen Creek Olive Mill for
a fun day with great art, great food, and great wine!

Friday, January 31, 2014

A Wonderful Day with my Art Buddies

I joined friends to tour the new Temple in Gilbert yesterday.  The beauty of the
interior was amazing.  Photos don't do it justice, so if you get a chance to tour
before it's "off limits" to us non-Mormons, do it!  Of course, we all studied the
huge paintings inside and marveled at the crystal chandeliers.  Pictured are
Sharan, Donna, myself, Judy, JoAnn, Ann, Stevie, and Barb.  Bev and Jean joined
us later for a delicious lunch at Sharan's house.  I'm afraid I'm not getting much
painting done lately.  The weather is fantastic this time of year, so I'm taking
advantage of the area's activities.  Summer and full time painting
will come soon enough!

Monday, January 27, 2014

Superstition Mountain Museum Heritage Days

I had a great time at the Superstition Mountain Museum during Heritage Days.  I got some terrific photos for future paintings and the view of the mountain and surrounding area is beautiful.
Next year I plan on joining the vendors there and selling my art.
One of the Apache dancers doing
a traditional dance
 

One of the Muleskinners who posed for my future paintings.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Website Update


I've taken some time to add a category to my website.  If you're in the
area, follow this link to check out the events I'll be taking part in through March. 
 I love to have friends and family stop by to visit during the art shows. 
 I'm working on some larger acrylic abstract pieces right now and will be
posting pics of them soon.  Thanks for visiting my blog!
 
 
 
 
 


Sunday, January 12, 2014

PAOA Studio Session

Portrait Artists of Arizona Studio Session Model
 
Here is a photo of our model posed for the painting
session yesterday in Scottsdale.  It was great seeing familiar faces
and meeting new people there.  Whenever artists gather together you can
be sure to find camaraderie and a willingness to share information.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

"Blue Vase with Orange Flowers" Original Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Blue Vase with Orange Flowers Original Still Life Oil Painting
by Arizona Artist Mary Opat
 
14" x 11" Oil on Canvas
 
Here is another painting of flowers.  I used a palette knife
on the petals to give them some texture.  To view to purchase
my paintings, please visit: http://www.maryopat.com

"Blue Bowl with Apples and Orange" Original Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat




"Blue Bowl with Apples and Orange" Original Still Life
Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat
 
11" x 14" Oil on Canvas
 
To check out more of my
work or purchase online, please visit : http://www.maryopat.com
If you're in the area, stop by the downtown Chandler next
Friday evening, Jan. 17th between 6 and 10 p.m.  I'll be there along
with other area artists and a few of my talented friends.