On My Easel

 

This is the painting I'm currently working on.  I'll need to put

it on the shelf to dry for a few days before I finish it up.  Too late

to start another one today.  May you be happy and healthy this weekend!

"Lake Powell" Landscape Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

 

This scene is of Lake Powell, the second largest man made

reservoir in the United States.  Lake Powell is part of the

Colorado River and extends from southern Utah into northern

Arizona.  In this painting, I wanted to capture the flatness of the cliffs and

the deep color of the shadows.  The warm colors of the rocks makes a

good back drop for the crystal blue water.  You can follow this link

to see some of my other painting http://www.maryopat.com

Have a wonderful day!

 

Mary's Rantings

Wow! Facebook has changed!  I'm not talking about the logarithms or the fact that you need to pay for a boost to get your product "out there".  I'm talking about the fact that when I first started using it, the main purpose was to keep up with friends and family.  I love seeing photos of my extended family and of the friends I left behind when I moved here from the Midwest, as well as posts from my friends here in AZ.  What I don't love are the political and religious views that are way too prevalent on my page now.  I know...I know...it's like the T.V....if you don't like it, turn it off!

I try to skip over the obvious plugs for the lefty liberals and the righty conservatives, but it's getting harder.  Since when did everyone decide to push the views of others without doing some research first?  And since when are my friends and family opposed to the basic human rights of others?

 There are good people out there who have other ways of believing and living.  The only way we'll have peace on earth is if all of us on this planet are peaceful and loving.  It can work....we just need to get to the tipping point.

OK, I'm done ranting.  I know I'm not even close to perfect, none of us are, so maybe I can cut people little more slack in 2016.  I'll try to ignore the inappropriate posts, or at least not make snarky comments :-) .  I'm going to try very hard not to jam up your newsfeed with political garbage or religious views.  My views are my own and I'll try not to force them on anyone else. 

Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year,
and may we have Peace on Earth!

On My Easel

I started this 16" x 20" oil painting today.  I hope to work on it again

tomorrow.  I noticed the I need to cool an area to make it recede a little.

It's nice to be working a little larger after having painted

several small 5x7 paintings recently.  I love to paint water and I'm hoping

it turns out like the picture in my mind!  Have a wonderful weekend! 

"South of the Border" Contemporary Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"South of the Border" Contemporary Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

16" x 20" Oil on Canvas

 

This is one of the paintings I decided to tweak a little.  I'm fortunate to

be able to learn from my peers on a weekly basis and I try to apply the knowledge

 to my paintings.  My time spent painting at Jean's on Tuesdays has been invaluable. 

She is a terrific instructor and friend. Our little group feels like family to me.  Check

Jean's web page at http://www.jeanturnersmith.com. 

 

To see more of my paintings or to purchase, please visit me at

http://www.maryopat.com

 

 



"Yellow Ribbon" Contemporary Still Life by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Yellow Ribbon" Contemporary Still Life by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x 14" Oil on Panel

 

This started out as a study in folded fabric.  It has quite a bit

of texture that isn't evident in the photo.  To purchase or view any

of my paintings, please click HERE

 

I would be happy to visit with you about custom paintings and

portraits.  Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams! 

January 1st is approaching!

 

Traditionally, we view January 1st as a fresh start.  It's the beginning of a new year and seems like a good time to improve upon what has been our past plan of action.  I have only one thing on my list for next year..."Do better".  It can apply to everything we do all year long.  No need to list "diet, exercise, get along with relatives, write that novel", etc.  Just "Do Better"! 

The ending of the old year seems more important to me.  It's the end of the tax season and a good time to look back on what you've accomplished in the past twelve months.    I have a few unfinished canvases that I'll sand down and gesso over.  I hate waste, so they'll go on the shelf with my new canvases and be used again.

I also have a few finished paintings that I'll tweak before the end of the year.  Some paintings that looked finished to me less than a year ago are lacking those little highlights or splashes of color that bring a painting alive.

The most important things, of course, are not things at all.  They're the loved ones in our lives.  How have we treated them in the past twelve months.  Have we made new friends and had fun with our old ones?  Have we made time for our children, grandchildren, parents and siblings? 

As 2014 ends, I hope you have had a wonderful, productive year.  I know I've had blessings in the past year too numerous to mention.  Here's hoping you have a Happy Holiday Season and we all "Do Better" in 2015!

With Love,
Mary













 

"Good Night Irene"

 

I had to smile when I heard the band at my last art venue singing "Good Night Irene".  It's a song my Grandpa used to sing and some of my brothers occasionally entertain us with at family functions.  A song from the past can evoke memories and warm fuzzy feelings (or not so warm) instantly.  I know that art can do the same thing.

Spending the day at an art venue can be pleasurable.  Yesterday was one of those days in Arizona with blue skies and the perfect temperature.  I had my good friend Bonnie to share my canopy with.  Between her beautiful jewelry and my oil paintings we brought in our share of customers.

After several hours the interaction between myself and customers can become rote courtesies.  When I heard "Good Night Irene" I decided to try to make a connection to my customers based on the painting they were drawn to.  If hearing that song could bring warm memories of family gatherings to me, why not see if I could connect to my customers on a more personal level?

The results were amazing.  I don't think it resulted in more sales, but it made my day so much more interesting!  A lady attracted to my car series owns three cars that she's entered in shows.  She gave me leads in case I want to show my paintings at some local car shows.  I made friends with a couple of locals that are decorating their apartment and were drawn to my plein air paintings.  We had an interesting conversation about Sedona and the "spiritual vortex" of some southwestern regions.

I've been told that narrowing my painting to one theme and one style could more easily result in a successful career.  Galleries generally want an artist to be consistent.  I have a feeling that restricting my creative efforts to one style or subject matter may have turned away that nice lady who liked my cottage painting.  I wouldn't have seen the smile on her face when she showed me a photo of her grandchildren standing in her Michigan garden.  Art, like life, is about sharing.

I'm going to see if I can talk my brothers into singing "Good Night Irene" when I go home to Iowa for Thanksgiving.  Maybe I'll snap a photo of them and paint a warm fuzzy feeling to hang on my wall!

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!
http://www.maryopat.com

"Sunflowers" Original Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Sunflowers" Original Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

7" x 5" Oil on Panel

 

This is a 7x5 study I did for a larger painting.  To see more of my work

or to purchase, please go to http://www.maryopat.com  A big thank you

to the members of the Gilbert Visual Art League who made

the opening reception of the Members Show such a big success!

"When Life Gives You Lemons" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"When Life Gives You Lemons" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

7" x 5" Oil on Canvas

 

To view or purchase my work, please visit me at

http://www.maryopat.com

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

 

"Sugar Bowl" Still life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Sugar Bowl" Still Life Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

7" x 5" Oil on Panel

 

This little painting was done as a study in reflections.  It's one of the

paintings being donated to the GVAL 5x7 benefit show and sale on

Nov. 15th in Gilbert.  For more information about the event, go to the

events page on my web site at http://www.maryopat.com

Have a wonderful week!

"The Rocks" Contemporary Landscape Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"The Rocks" Contemporary Landscape Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

7" x 5" Oil on Panel

 

This small painting is full of texture.  To view more of my paintings

or to purchase, please follow this link to my web site

http://www.maryopat.com  I paint commissions including portraits.

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

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!

Workshop studies

Here are the studies I painted at the Chris Saper workshop on Saturday in Scottsdale.

Chris is a wonderful instructor and I got some really valuable tips, especially concerning

the use of color in portrait painting. Two of the portraits from her book,

 Classic Portrait Painting in Oils Keys to Mastering Diverse Skin Tones

were on display at the workshop.  Being able to get up close to see all of

the colors and brush work was great. In my opinion, it's impossible to fully appreciate art

unless you see it in person. 

 

If you're interested in painting portraits, Chris Saper has some free instructional

videos.  Check out this link and enter your e-mail address to receive free

instruction and her newsletter.   Enjoy!

http://www.artistsnetwork.com/portrait-painting

 

"Sky Blues" Vintage Car Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"Sky Blues" Vintage Car Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x 14" Oil on Canvas

 

This is the number 4 in a series of vintage car close ups featuring

chrome.  To purchase this painting or any of my works, please

click on this link http://www.maryopat.com.  Thanks for stopping by. 

 

Life is Art, Paint your Dreams!

"Car Show Reflections" Vintage Car Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Car Show Reflections" Vintage Car Oil Painting by

 Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x 14" Oil on Canvas

 

This is the third in small series of vintage cars.  To view or purchase

any of my paintings, please visit my web site at:

http://www.maryopat.com  I will be adding more vintage

car paintings soon.  I also take commissions for custom

paintings.  Have a great day!

On My Easel

Here are the two paintings that I worked on today.  The chrome has some

interesting reflections.  So far I just have the base colors finished.  I'll finish

these up next week and post them to my website http://www.maryopat.com

 

I'm excited for the big game tomorrow...Iowa Hawkeyes (Univ. of Iowa)  vs.

Iowa Cyclones ( Iowa State).  The schools fight for a pig trophy each year.

If you live in Iowa, or are a transplant, like me, you have to pick a side and

wear your colors proud!  Have a great weekend!!  Go Hawks!!!

"Red Rider" Vintage Car Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"Red Rider" Vintage Car Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x 14" Oil on Canvas $275

 

This is the second in a fun series of vintage car close ups.  To purchase

or view any of my paintings, please follow this link

http://www.maryopat  Have some fun today!!!

On My Easel

 

I started this painting this morning.  It's the third in a series of

vintage cars.   I have the base colors pretty well blocked in.

Lot's of chrome on this one!  See my finished paintings at http://www.maryopat.com

I should be able to post this as a finished painting by the end of this week.  I'm off

to finish #2 and begin #4. 

Have a marvelous Monday!

 

"Sky Rider" Vintage Car Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Sky Rider" Vintage Car Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x 14" Oil on Canvas

 

This is the first of a series of vintage car detail paintings.  My goal is a series

of at least six 11x14s in September.  I can't talk now....better get to work!

To purchase or view any of my work follow this link to my web site.

http://www.maryopat.com

 

Life is Art, Paint your Dreams!

 



CFAI August 2014 Artist Showdown 3rd place winner!

Contemporary Fine Art International

 Artist Showdown 3rd Place August 2014 Figurative Competition

"Blanket in Love" 16" x 20" Oil on Canvas

 

I was excited to find out that my entry into the CFAI August

Competition won third place.  Here's a link to see the 1st and 2nd place winners.

I've just started to enter online painting competitions.  Most of the competitions

have hundreds of entries and not much chance of winning.  The ones I enter

are free, so there really isn't a down side!  To view more of my

paintings, or to purchase, follow this link to my website:

http://www.maryopat.com

 

Life is Art, Paint your Dreams!

Are You Chief Cook and Bottle Washer in Your Art Business?

Most of the artists I know are responsible for every aspect of their business.  Purchasing raw materials, inventory, hours and hours creating, marketing, sales, shipping, delivery and sales satisfaction are just a few of the steps involved in getting the painting to the customer.  It can feel a little lonely out there when you're trying to break into the business.  I've been fortunate to have found help in the book "Starving" to Successful, by Jason Horejs, owner of Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale. 

Jason has been offering free instruction videos aimed at helping artists be successful in marketing their art.  The podcasts are in the format of live chats where the audience has submitted questions in real time.  I recently received an e-mail announcing that the video archive is now available to view.  The best news for us "starving artists" is that it's free!  I want to share the link with my friends out there.  Happy viewing!

Life is Art Paint Your Dreams!

Mary
 http://www.maryopat.com

WARM OR COOL? Ultramarine Blue vs Thalo Blue ... | Sharon Hicks - Blog

FINALLY.......someone who understands BLUE!!! 

A couple of years ago I was introduced to the idea that ultramarine blue is a warmer blue and phthalo blue is cooler.  If you're not an artist, you're probably thinking that they both have to be cool colors, or you're thinking, "What does it matter?".  I was very confused because not only was I taught in college that ultramarine was cooler, but I observe it when I compare the two side by side. 

Today I happened to read an article from Brush Buzz, which comes to me via e-mail six days a week.  I'm including a link to the original blog by Sharon Hicks.  Her theory makes complete sense to me and restores my faith in my old friend Dr. Joseph Adams, now deceased, who I learned so much from while at CMSU.  If you happen to be an artist, ( and we all are in some capacity), then you might fine it interesting. 

WARM OR COOL? Ultramarine Blue vs Thalo Blue ... | Sharon Hicks - Blog

Life is art, paint your dreams!

"Lilac Breasted Roller" Contemporary Wildlife Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Lilac Breasted Roller" Contemporary Wildlife Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

7" x 5" Oil on Linen Panel $85.00

 

This is a small colorful painting that can be purchased by visiting my

web site at http://www.maryopat.com

 

Life is art, paint your dreams!

 

"Blue Door 5" Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Blue Door 5" Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

5" X 7" Oil on Linen Panel

 

This is another small painting in the blue door series.

To view more of my paintings, or to purchase, please

visit my web site http://www.maryopat.com

Kudos to my GVAL friends!

Good things have been happening!  This weekend I attended an art gallery reception in Chandler where my friends Marsha Blumm and Sandy Wilderman had wonderful pieces showing at the Vision Gallery http://www.visiongallery.org.  I ran in to several other artists I know and the art was terrific, but as with most shows, no photos were allowed.

Ann Wallace, who is home in Bellingham, WA for the summer, received honorable mention for her landscape at the NW Landscape Intimate Show.  Congratulations Ann!  Check out more of Ann's paintings at http://www.annhwallace.blogspot.com 

Women Making Faces

I'm really excited to be part of an upcoming exhibition called "Women Making Faces".  The plan is for twelve Arizona female portrait artists to paint a total of 60 portraits of notable Arizona women.  They are going to be hanging in the Chandler Center for the Arts along with the subjects' biographies.  Part of the deal is that the twelve portrait artists need to have our self portraits hanging in the gallery with those notable women as well.  There's something about painting myself that's making me dread this task.  Maybe it's the lighting over my bathroom vanity, but I look SO much better in my mirror than I do in photographs!  How many lines can I leave out before I'm unrecognizable?  Anyway, as soon as I get brave enough to take a serious set of photographs, I'll start sharing the progress on my self portrait.  I'm afraid I'll need to keep the other 5 portraits under wrap until the show next year!

"Blue Door 4" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Blue Door 4" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

5" x 7" Oil on Linen Panel

 

This is another small painting in the blue door series.  To view

or purchase any of my paintings, please follow this link:

http://www.maryopat.com .  Thank you for stopping by!

"Blue Door 3" Small Contemporary Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Blue Door 3" Small Contemporary Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

5" x 7" Oil on Linen Panel

 

Here is another small painting in my Blue Door series.  I used a

palette knife on much of it, so it has a lot of texture.  To purchase

or view any of my paintings, please follow this link.

http://www.maryopat.com  Have a nice day!

FASO Featured Artist

I was so happy (and a little surprised) last week to see an article about me in the FineArtViews newsletter by Carrie Turner (editor of FineArtViews).  I was a FASO featured artist and also a staff pick from the Daily Art Show by Brian Sherwin (editor of The Art Edge)!  Good things seem to be happening all at once.

 Soon the weather will cool off and the art show season will begin.  I'm working hard to build up an inventory of new paintings, keep my website updated, and send in those show entries and jury fees before the deadlines.  I'm going to include a link to the articles I mentioned.  Both FineArtViews and BrushBuzz can be requested free of charge and come daily to your e-mail address.  There is a lot of good information for artists or anyone in the creative field.  Life is Art, Paint Your Dreams!

 http://faso.com/fineartviews/78308/faso-feature-artists-artist-mary-opat

 http://faso.com/fineartviews/78307/staff-picks-from-the-faso-daily-art-show-ann-hanson-mary-opat-jennah-c

A Useful Book for my Artist Friends

I ordered a book recently and I've found it to be very helpful.  It walked me through the process of writing my artist statement, bio, and resume.  It's called Art-Write: The Writing Guide for Visual Artists by Vicki Krohn Amorose.   I ordered the online version.  http://www.artwritebook.com   In it, you'll find helpful information, along with words and phases that will aid you in marketing and writing about your art. 

As someone new to the art world, I'm amazed at how much time and effort goes into making and selling art.  It's an exciting and interesting business to be in.  Never the same day, never a dull moment! 

If a book, blog, or online video has been helpful to you, I'd love to hear about it and share it with the rest of my friends.  Happy painting!

Life is Art, Paint Your Dreams
http://www.maryopat.com

"Sweet Liberty" Contemporary Portrait Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Sweet Liberty" Contemporary Portrait by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

12" x 12" Oil on Canvas

 

Please follow this link to view my finish work or for

purchase information.  http://www.maryopat.com

Commissioned portraits are welcomed and appreciated.
Have a wonderful day.

 

"Conference Call" Contemporary Seascape Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Conference Call" Contemporary Seascape Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

12" x 6" Oil on Panel

 

This small painting looks great in a black frame.  To purchase

any of my paintings or to find out where I'll be showing my work,

please follow this link: http://www.maryopat.com

Have a great summer day!

 

On My Easel

I started this 12" x 12" painting yesterday.  If it turns out, it will

be my entry into the Constitution Week art show in Gilbert.  It needs

a day or so to dry before I can work on it.  The mixed media look is

new for me.  I used a copy of the actual US Constitution, tore a couple

of the corners off, and applied it right to the canvas.  I'll post it to my web site

in a few days (if it turns out!).

"Twilight's Edge" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Twilight's Edge" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

16" x 20" Original Oil on Canvas

 

To view more of my work or to purchase, please follow

this link http://www.maryopat.com  Have a wonderful day, and

thanks for dropping by my blog site!

On My Easel

I'm almost done with this painting.  It needs some drying time

before I can finish.  No title yet...let me know if you have any

suggestions!  To see my finished work, follow this link

 http://www.maryopat.com

Thank you for visiting my blog site!

On My Easel

I'm back from my visit to Iowa and started this painting

yesterday.  It's a photo of a man from Indonesia that

I found on the Paint My Photo website.  The block-in is finished

and I'll be able to make some progress on it tomorrow.  I'm headed out

to a one day workshop with my painting buddies today.

Blessings to you! 

http://www.maryopat.com

Do You Have Something to Say?

"Red Skirts" Sold

 

When I declared that I was planning an art blog to round out my on-line presence, my niece, Lisa, said, "Do you have anything to say"?  I wasn't sure.  Don't all artists have something to tell the world through their art?  But am I an artist, or just someone who has the ability to paint?  At what point does the craft person stop and the artist begin?

 I do know that as painters, artists, and everything in between, we are continually learning while seeking out the best way to convey what we want to present to the world.  It's a way of life that has no required retirement date, and the richness of experience is equal to the time and effort invested.

So do I have anything to say?  I think we all do.  And the best time to begin is always in the present!

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

Mary
http://www.maryopat.com

"Cactus Flower" Contemporary still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Cactus Flower" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

5" x 7" Oil on Panel

 

To view my paintings, or to purchase, please visit

http://www.maryopat.com

The Value of Quiet Time

I know that meditation is good for the mind, soul, and body.  I've read about it in a hundred books.  For me, it's easier said than done.  Like so many of my friends who have been on the 9 to 5 treadmill for years, being your own boss and working from home can be both a blessing and a curse.  The luxury of being able to create art when the mood strikes is wonderful.  Waiting for the mood to strike can be dreadful. 

That's where quiet time comes in.  After scurrying around cleaning an already clean house, re-checking e-mail, and ticking off the to-do list, (a casualty of so many years on that treadmill), the only thing left is to sit quietly and contemplate.  Quiet time clears the mind and makes way for new ideas.  An idea for a side line business or a totally new way to paint can suddenly pop into your head when the distractions are missing.  Suddenly, in the wake of a new idea, the heart quickens and life becomes a little more exciting.

Life is Art, paint your dreams!

Mary
http://www.maryopat.com

"Green Pears" Contemporary Still Life by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Green Pears" Contemporary still Life by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

5" x 7" Oil on Panel

 

Please follow this link to view or purchase my paintings

http://www.maryopat.com and thank you for visiting

my blog!

Congrats to Stevie Denny "GVAL Artist of the Year"

This is my friend Stevie at the Gilbert Visual Art League spring social

with her "Artist of the Year" ribbon and gift card.  Stevie's another wonderful

artist that I'm so lucky to know here in sunny AZ!  Check out some of Stevie's

beautiful paintings by following this link http://www.steviedennyart.com

Little Bobber

"Little Bobber" Wildlife Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

12" x 12" Oil on Canvas

 

This little grebe is just bobbing along on a lazy summer day.

To view more of my paintings or to purchase any of my work,

please follow this link: http://www.maryopat.com

Happy Summer!

 

 

"Ballerina" Figurative Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Ballerina" Figurative Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

16" x 20" Oil on Canvas

 

The original photo used for reference was taken by Freda Austin Nichols.

To view more of my work or to purchase any of my

paintings, please follow this link http://www.maryopat.com

Thanks for dropping by!



"Cat Eyes" Pet Portrait Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Cat Eyes" Pet Portrait Oil Painting

 by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

7"x5" Oil on panel

 

To view more of my work or to purchase any of my

paintings, please follow this link: http://www.maryopat.com

Thanks for visiting my blog site.  Have a joyous day!

 

All Art Arizona 2014

 

Art Intersection in Gilbert, AZ  put on a very nice reception on May 31st for the

opening of the All Art Arizona 2014 show.  I was pleased to see

that work from four fellow members of the Gilbert Visual Art League were also included

in the show, which will be on display until July 26th.

 

I'd like to pass on a link to a website that some of my creative friends

may be interested in.  Check it out!  http://www.skinnyartist.com

Thanks for visiting my blog site....have a Wonderful Wednesday!