Open letter for all artists reprinted with permission from Joe Paquet

  I happened upon this newsletter this morning and am reprinting it with permission.  As I'm fairly new to art marketing, I'm always looking for a way to spend as much time as I want with family and friends and create art when the spirit strikes.  If the marketing could somehow happen magically in the background, that would be super!  This seems to put things in perspective and reinforces my faith in the painter that I someday might become.

Joe Paquet's work can be seen and the original newsletter read by following this link http://www.joepaquet.com



Open letter for all artists

  Almost every artist I speak to these days has a profound tale of woe to spin.  The common complaint: bad economy=lack of sales= “Whaa happened?”  For those of us who make our living and put food on our family table, it doesn’t really matter what happened so much as what we can do to adjust.  In our moments of panic, rash and destructive choices are made to turn a buck… we diminish ourselves and often do untold damage to careers which have taken a long time to build.

  For so very long galleries were the way:  the omniscient ones, and for a very long time most of them did a fine job of it.  But in the end they were only merchants.  No one knows better than you when you are on the right path.  Rainer Maria Rilke says, “A work of art is good if it has sprung from necessity.”  The need to say something is a far cry from the need to be heard.  There is art and there is product and they are rarely the same thing.  Walking out of the final Harry Potter movie last week I was struck by something larger than the film.  It was the fact that Ms. Rowling built this thing, this idea from thin air, moved words around in a personal way, created a world which had not existed and turned it into a very real thing.  That is what we get to do everyday - create.  We can construct what has never existed, bring something to the world and shape it with our own hearts and hands.  It’s a gift we have which is east to lose sight of.

 What to do about it?  Innovation, Resilience, Perseverance, and Faith 

 Innovation - Change your plan; create your own opportunities to teach or sell your own work. - More is not better; better is better.  Make an effort to improve on both vision and craft. - A good website which represents you elegantly and truthfully with new content on a monthly basis. - If you want to be remarked about - be remarkable. - Quality is a habit.

 Resilience -  If you haven’t already, learn to take a hit and get back up.  Nothing works like it used to, and when it does change it will be different than before.  Get used to the idea and turn to yourself.  It’s your life, make better choices - don’t be a victim.

 Perseverance - Like Karma, the artist’s life has it’s own organic path if you let it unfold naturally.  Work ethic, love of the job, proximity and opportunity all play a role in developing a life in art.  Be clear about these and adjust your life to maximize your gifts. 

Faith - Now for the most important and, ironically, counter-intuitive part of it all:  Belief in yourself.  Read your art history - every artist has wrestled with this one.  I have always believed that humility and hubris must walk hand-in-hand; you must have humility to receive the world, yet have the ego to face a blank canvas and believe that you can add something to it.  Make a conscious choice to surround yourself with authentic words, music and art to remind you of what is possible.  Above all surround yourself with those who love and believe in you and are willing to hold up a mirror.  In every weak moment of my life my wife Natalie has been there to hand my words back to me.  Growth is always on the edge of uncomfortably.  Be grateful, be humble, be open and create without fear.

 - Joe Paquet

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! 

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..

 

 

 

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!

"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!

 

"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

http://www.maryopat.com

"Sweet Ride" Vintage Car Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Sweet Ride" Vintage Car Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

14" x 11" Oil on Stretched Linen

 

Here is another painting in my series of 14" x 11" oil paintings

featuring vintage cars.  Yesterday I started a painting of an

old red GM.  I'll be posting it to my web site http://www.maryopat.com

next week.  Let me know if there is a favorite car from your past.  I'd

love to have a close up photo of your vintage car with it's story.

 

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

On My Easel

 

On My Easel  11" x 14" Blue '57 Chevy ?

 

I finally got back to this painting.  I'll let it dry before I put the final details

in place.  It's one of the close up vintage car series.  I've sold all but one finished

 painting (Sky Blues) in the series and I'll concentrate on getting a few more

 painted in the next month or so.  Thanks to my friends and family for being

so supportive of me.

 

Art is Life...Paint Your Dreams!

 

 



Appreciate the Angels in Your Life

 

"Debbie's Day" Seascape Oil Painting by Figurative

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

24" x 18" x 1.5" Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

 

This painting was done from a photo I took on my first trip to

Huntington Beach.  My good friend Debbie and I took a three

day road trip.  Debbie and Dale had moved from California to Michigan years

before, due a job transfer.  Debbie disliked the cold winters, so Dale bought her

a house in Arizona.  Lucky for me, it was just a few houses down the street.  Debbie

wanted to revisit the place they once lived and hoped to retire to, so off we

went to California.

 

Debbie and I had the comfortable kind of friendship I love.  No calling ahead needed,

just pop over for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.  We started a dinner night with

a few of the neighbors, taking turns one night each week to cook dinner for the

group.  I envied her relationship with Dale.  They had been best friends since

they were eight years old.  Dale was happy to have Debbie spend the winters in

the sun while he stayed in Michigan to work.  She was a life saver for me.  I

had just suffered a terrible loss a month before I moved to a new state.  Debbie was one

of the first real friends I made in my new home.

 

Debbie lost her life to cancer just months after we said goodbye that first season.

She and Dale were on a trip to Italy when she noticed some problems   By the

time they got back to the states and got a diagnosis, her brain cancer was

inoperable and she only lasted a couple of months.  She passed in her home in

Michigan among her family and friends.

 

I always thought of her as an angel while she was alive and I definitely

think of her as an angel now.  I never saw her without a smile.  I painted

the scene from the beach that day and called it  "Debbie's Day" in her memory. 

 

Appreciate the Angels in your life.

Myself and Debbie on her last day in Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Well Spent

 

 

"Conference Call"

12" x 6" Oil on Panel

Yesterday I joined some wonderful people for an arts and crafts faire at a warm and welcoming home in Tempe.  The weather almost kept me from going.  Three solid days of rain in Arizona tend to dampen the spirits a little...and on Super Bowl weekend!

A few of the vendors had cancelled by the time I arrived.  The rain stopped and my friend Bonnie and I decided to set up our displays in the courtyard under the cover of a deep overhang.  Our hosts helped us with the electrical for lighting and started a fire in the outdoor fire pit. 

The traffic was a little slow, but that gave us more time to visit with our guests and fellow vendors.  Around 7 p.m. our hosts invited us in for spaghetti, salads and crusty garlic bread.  We continued to get to know each other and exchange ideas over a delicious meal. 

At the end of the day, not many sales were made.  On a purely monetary level that may seem to some like a failure, or at the very least a waste of time.  I came away feeling more energized and with a greater feeling of community.  Every person I spoke with inspired me in a different way. 

Today is Super Bowl Sunday.  It will be a day of watching the game with my family and friends, nachos and chicken wings, and maybe a cold one (or two).  I hope we can all remember to enjoy the day, wherever we may be.  Take real joy in the people that surround you, start a new project, plan a trip.  Like someone once wrote, "Be good to yourself...You won't earn a ribbon for suffering."

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

http://www.maryopat.com

"Their Legacy" Portrait in Oil by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"Their Legacy"  Portrait in Oil by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x14" Oil on Stretched Linen

 

I really like how this one turned out.  For purchase information or

to view some of my other paintings, please follow this link

to my website http://www.maryopat.com

 

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

 

On My Easel

I got a chance to work on this one again today.  I'm almost

finished with it and should be posting it to my website later

this week http://www.maryopat.com

 

It's one of those paintings that just didn't give me any trouble.

It's funny how once and awhile you can fight a painting

from start to finish, but this one cooperated!

On My Easel Day 26

 

 

 I started this today.  He'll have a colorful beaded

headband when I'm finished.  It's an 11" x 14" on

stretched linen.  This one is going together fast, but I'll

need to let it dry just a little before I continue.  I

think it's going to be one of my favorites! 

day 22 of the 30 in 30 challenge

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 22" Mural Idea

 

24" x 12" Oil on Masonite Panel

 

This is a composite of three reference photos for possible future public mural

in Gilbert.  I worked on it today, making some changes to the sky and water reflections.

It's not a finished painting, and the actual mural would have a couple of

major changes.  It was a fun piece to do though. 

http://www.maryopat.com

 

Make someone smile today!

"Getting Out There", the Good and the Bad

 

I can't believe it's been almost two years since I started posting my paintings for sale.  First on Fine Art America and Contemporary Fine Art International, and then on my own website http://www.maryopat.com.  I started with just a few paintings, knowing that they were far from being even close to the professional level.

The thing is, as with any endeavor, you can jump in and learn as you go, or spend years and years preparing for your dream to begin.  I imagine that after awhile putting off becomes a habit that's hard to break.  Procrastination and the need for perfection takes over and that dream gets shoved further and further down the road. 

Looking back at the first few paintings I posted for sale, I can see mistakes galore, depending on whose wisdom I'm currently following.  It's easy to get discouraged when you come away from an art show without a sale, or when your paintings are turned away during the jury process.  The thing I feel the most successful at is choosing the right teachers on this wild journey. My knowledge about art has increased more in the last two years than I could have imagined. 

So, as the two-year mark draws close, I'm thanking my friends and family who check out my blog from time to time.  My view count will go over the 9,000 mark.  In my haste, I made some not-so-perfect paintings, but I'm not sorry I "got out there" with my work.  You've got to start sometime, and for all of us, the road ahead grows a little shorter each day while the road behind grows longer!

Live is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 21" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"Delihla's Duck" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x 14" Oil on Stretched Canvas

 

On day 21 of the 30 day challenge, I worked on this little

painting of my grand-niece, Delihla.  The photo that I used for

reference had dead grass and the color seemed a little washed out

compared to the saturated color in her clothing.  The first time I worked on it,

I think I over-compensated and the duck got lost in the colorful weeds.

I hope this is a good compromise.   I'll be letting it dry for a couple of

weeks before I varnish and send it off to Maegan.

Check out my paintings at http://www.maryopat.com

 

Thanks for stopping by!

"Sailboats Resting" Watercolor by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"Sailboats Resting" Watercolor by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

12" x 16" Watercolor on Paper

 

This is the first watercolor painting for me (that I finished, anyway)

 since I took a workshop in 2006.  It's so relaxing working with water colors

and I think this was a good practice piece.  My aim is to do more for

practice and then take a workshop from my favorite watercolor artist,

Andy Evansen.  You can check out his paintings at

http://www.andyevansen.com

 

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

 

 

 

The Subject of Subjects

 

Oil on Paper

SOLD

 

I was talking to my friend Dianne yesterday and the subject of subjects came up.  I didn’t exactly have an epiphany…more like an insight or a little nudge toward reality.

The galleries and art gurus would have us believe that the only way to success as visual artists is to create a collection of one subject matter in one style that is recognizable to our collectors.  That advice has worked well for many successful artists.  I can spout off the names of at least ten contemporary artists whose work I recognize without the benefit of seeing their signature.  That is the aim of most artists, myself included.

Getting to that point is easier said than done.  How do we focus on only one subject matter until we’ve explored many?  I think the real question isn’t whether or not we should settle into one groove, but where are we on this journey and what is our definition of success?

For me, success is painting what makes me happy at the moment and having the freedom to share it.  Exploring is the first part of my amazing journey into the art world.  The rules can come later.  I think I’ll meander for a bit.

Life is Art…Paint Your Dreams!  

http://www.maryopat.com

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 13" Contemporary Still Life by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 13"  Contemporary Still Life by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

7" x 5" Oil on Canvas Panel

 

I'm not quite ready to post this one to my website.  It needs a few tweaks and my

signature.  I'm thinking of hanging it on a wall at my house instead.  It

reminds me of our canoeing, tubing, and kayaking trips down the Iowa River

through the beautiful cliffs in northeastern Iowa.  I'll have to admit, the water in

the river was a little greener than this, but the wildlife, including the eagles, was a

big plus!

"Sun Bathed Greece" Contemporary Seascape Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"Sun Bathed Greece" Contemporary Seascape Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x 14" Oil on Stretched Canvas

 

I decided to paint a scene from Greece that I really love.  I had previously

 painted this scene on a 16" x 20" canvas.  I feel that the original is too

precise and what I call "picky".  

Since I wanted to get this one done before I lost the natural daylight in

my studio, I wasn't able to overwork it...that's a good thing!  I hope

you get the feeling of the sun and the smell of the ocean breeze when you

look at this.

 

Life is Art...Paint You Dream!

 

http://www.maryopat.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 12" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"30 in 30 Day 12" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

7" x 5" Oil on Linen Panel

 

Today I painted a single lemon.  Thanks to Les and Jen for supplying

a bag of them fresh off your trees!  I've also started a painting of a group of

lemons in my favorite blue bowl.  Stay tuned for that one...probably day

16 or 17 on a little larger canvas.  Check out more of my paintings on my

website http://www.maryopat.com

 

Have a wonderful week!

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 11" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 11" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona artist Mary Opat

 

5" x7" Oil in Linen Panel

 

This small pomegranate painting was made a lot easier by incorporating

Magenta into my pallet.  It's a Lucas brand color that's new to me. 

I have a feeling I'll be using it on flowers in the future :-)   See more of my

work by following this link to my web site http://www.maryopat.com.

 

Have a blessed day!

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 10" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 10"  Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

7" x 5" Oil on Linen Panel

 

Another pepper for day 10 of Leslie Saeta's 30 day challenge.  I notice some

unwanted reflections in the photo caused by light from the window in my

studio hitting the brush strokes.  It's so difficult to get good photos of

paintings.  Camera's don't do them justice.  I suppose all painters

faces those problems.  No time for photoshop right now!

 

I'm going to Jerome tomorrow, so I'm sure there will be plenty of photo

ops for future paintings.  Have a good weekend :-)

 

 

 

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 9" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 9"  Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

5" x 7" Oil on Linen Panel

 

This little painting is just right in the kitchen or on a book shelf.  To find

purchase information or to view my other available paintings, please visit

my website at http://www.maryopat.com

 

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 8" Contemporary Landscape Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 8" Contemporary Landscape Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

16" x 20" Oil on Stretched Canvas

 

Day 8 already...time sure flies when you're super busy!  I started this

sunset yesterday and finished it this morning.  It has my favorite combination

of colors in it, aqua and orange.  This painting is available on my

website at http://www.maryopat.com during the month of January for

25% off the regular price.  Of course, as with all of my paintings, the price

includes taxes and shipping. 

 

Make something great today!

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 7" Contemporary Landscape Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 7"  Contemporary Landscape Oil Painting

 by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

16" x 20" Oil on Stretched Canvas

 

I really enjoyed painting this snow scene at twilight.  If anyone is

interested in purchasing any of my paintings, contact me and I'll take

25% off during the challenge.  Just follow this link http://www.maryopat.com

 

Have another great day!

 

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 6" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 6" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

5" x 7" Oil on Linen Panel $85 minus 25%

 

This small oil painting is available for purchase.  All of the paintings

on my web site include tax and shipping in the price.  I'm also offering a 25% discount

on all of the paintings on my web site during the 30 day challenge!

http://www.maryopat.com

 

Have a creative day!

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 5" Pet Portrait Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 5" Pet Portrait Oil Painting by

 Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

12" x 12" Oil on Stretched Canvas

 

This is day 5 of the 30 day challenge.  I enjoyed painting this one.

He has such a cute look on his face...looking on from inside a horse

stall.  Please follow this link to purchase or for information about any

of my paintings or commission work http://www.maryopat.com

 

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams! 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 4" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 4" Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting

by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

11" x 14" Oil on Stretched Canvas

 

This car painting was started a couple weeks ago and I just finished it

up this morning.  It's one of the close up auto series.  I have several more

in the planning stages.  Friends have been e-mailing photos of their

"babies" to me and I'm so grateful!  A few of the first car paintings have gone

to good homes!   I'll be framing this one later this week.  It can be purchased

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

Spread your smile around today :-)

 

 

On My Easel

 

I started this painting today of a dog in a horse stable.  I'll need to

let it dry for a couple of days before I finish it, so it will probably be day 5 or 6 on

the "30 in 30 day" challenge.  I really like the expression on his face and I think it

will make a nice little 12" x 12" painting.  Check back later!

 

I would love to do a portrait for you!  Check out my web site for more

information at http://www.maryopat.com

"30 in 30 Challenge Day 3" Contemporary Landscape Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"30 in 30 Day Challenge Day 3" Contemporary Landscape Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

20" x 16" Oil on Stretched Canvas

 

Here is the finished painting for day 3 of the 30 paintings in 30 days

challenge.  I prepared two 12" x 12" canvases this morning.  Now to

decide on what to paint on them!   

 

To find purchase information on this painting or any of my work, please

go to my web site at http://www.maryopat.com

On my Easel

 

I was able to get a good start on this 20" x 16" painting today.  I'm still

making some changes on the composition.  I'll finish it up tomorrow and post it

as Day 3 on the 30 in 30 Challenge.  Hawkeye fans...keep your chin up...there's

always next year :-(

 

30 in 30 Challenge Day 2

 

 

Here is my painting for the second day of the challenge.  I enjoyed using

a pallet knife on this 5" x 7" painting.  The geraniums in the window look so warm and welcoming.  It makes me want to take a trip to Europe!  To purchase or check out other paintings, please follow this link to my web site.

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

30 in 30 Challenge Day 1

 

Here is my first 30 in 30 Challenge for day 1.  Every day I'll be painting

and I hope posting the finished painting for the first 30 days in January. 

This is a 7" x 5" oil painting on a linen panel.  I used a pallet knife for

 a good part of it.  A knife gives old walls a nice texture and is just plain fun to use!

 

Check this and other paintings out on my website at

http://www.maryopat.com

Have a great Jan 1st!



The End of a Great Year!

Well here it is, the end of 2014.  Looking back on the year, all of my memories fall into the good or great categories.  Don't worry, I'll spare you the details! 

I'm starting off this year with the 30 in 30 challenge.  Thirty paintings in thirty days!  I'm planning to post a new painting each day in January.  It's a challenge that is taking place in 23 countries by over 800 artists.  The results will be posted at the end of the challenge.  Some of my friends tested the waters earlier this year with a 30 in 30 and survived.  I may not actually get 30 done, but I'm going to give it a try.

I hope your memories of 2014 also fall into the good and great categories.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2015! 

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

 

I decided to call this one simply "Playground".  I hope the viewer

gets a feeling from the painting.  It's meaning is open to interpretation.

 

 16" x 20" Oil on Stretched Canvas $435

 

Check out my web site for purchase information or to

view more of my paintings at http://www.maryopat.com

Have a great day!

 

 

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

 

"Prospector" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

 

9" x 12" Oil on Panel

 

The reference photo for this painting was taken by a friend.  I decided to post it on my

web site but it won't be for sale.  I have several photos of men and women dressed in

old west costume.  I may decide to do a little series of them in the coming months!

Check out some of my recent paintings and those that have "gone to good homes"

at http://www.maryopat.com

On My Easel

 

I started this painting today.  A friend e-mailed the photo to me and

I still need to ask the make and model, but I find the reflections of the palm

trees on the car pretty interesting.  I know the photo was taken in Arizona.  The

rough block-in is finished and I'm finished for the day!  I also worked on a

little commissioned figurative piece today.  I'll be posting both finished

paintings before the end of the week on my web site

http://www.maryopat.com  Have great week!

On My Easel

 

I got a chance to work on this painting today.  I'm looking forward

to the days growing a little longer now.  I'm in the habit of working in natural

daylight in my north studio (bedroom), and the setting sun seems to take

me by surprise most days.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas...I know

I did!  I'm truly blessed.

The Last Cowboy by Kim Johnson

I was talking to my friend Suzanne this morning and we were discussing watercolor

portraits.  It reminded me of a demo done by Kim Johnson at one of our GVAL

meetings last year.  I wanted to post this demo I found.  Amazing artist!

If it won't play in here, you can find it on youtube.  It's called

"The Last Cowboy by Kim Johnson"

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