2018 GVAL Annual Juried Show Best of Show

My mixed media entry "Rose Rising" was awarded the

Best in Show at this year's Gilbert Visual Art League Annual Fine

Art Show and Sale.  I was surprised and honored.  We had 107 entries this

year with 79 paintings accepted from 31 artists.  I'm so grateful to be part

of GVAL.  It's made up of a wonderful group of artists who have

become a second family to me.

The award for Best in Show included cash and gift certificates for

art supplies as well as two tickets to "Catapult" at the Higley

Center for Performing Arts.  I remember watching the shadow dancing 

group on America's Got Talent.  Fun,fun!  Thank you to Golden Paints, 

Cheap Joe's Art Supplies, Higley Center for the Performing Arts, and

the GVAL Board!

Caution, oil painters!

"The Cure" 

10"x10" Oil on Linen Panel

Wow, I learned a good lesson today. The above painting was dry and needed

to be varnished.  I pulled out a can of spray varnish and didn't really pay

much attention to the label.  If I had, I would have noticed that it was an

old can given to me by a retired artist.  I really should have checked it by

spraying on a piece of white paper.  The "non-yellowing" varnish had

turned brown.  Since this painting has been entered in an art show, I

think it will just need to go as is.  I hope the judge likes paintings with a 

warm glaze.  Lesson learned!

"Rory" Original Equine Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Rory" Original Equine Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

10" x 10" Oil on Linen Panel

I'm not sure why I'm calling this little horse painitng "Rory", but it seemed to

fit. It's another 10x10 oil and can be framed and hung on a wall, 

or left as is and set on a shelf, with or without a frame.

If you would like more information or additional photos of any

of my work, just let me know.

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

GVAL Annual Juried Art Show and Sale

Here are my entries into the Gilbert Visual Art League Annual Juried

Show and Sale.  I happened to help organize the online entries this year

and I'm blown away by the talent of our members.  We had 107 entries this

year and the juror must have had a difficult time weaning it down to

a number that will fit comfortably in the gallery.  The letters of acceptance 

will be coming out soon, and I'm hoping some of mine were accepted.

If you're in the area and interested in coming to the opening reception,

I hope you'll check out the details on my website under Events, HERE

"Rust Bucket" Vintage Truck Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Rust Bucket" Vintage Truck Oil Painting by 

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

10" x 10" Oil on Linen Panel

This old blue truck has probably seen a lot of miles and a lot of

adventures!  To purchase or find out more about this or any

of my artwork, click HERE

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

"Peach Preserves" Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Peach Preserves" Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

10" x 10" Oil on Linen Panel

The warm colors in this small painting really pop against the

cool dark background.  This painting would look great framed and hung in

a dining area, or placed as is on a shelf.  Find purchase info and more

of my paintings on my website HERE

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

"The Star of the Show" Garden Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"The Star of the Show" Garden Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

10" x 10" Oil on Linen Panel

The colors in this small painting are bright and happy.  It's smaller 

size fits on most walls or shelves.  To purchase or see more of my work,

click HERE .  Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

January Art Show Sales

"Hare Today, Gone Tomorrow" SOLD

"Sarah" SOLD

"Their Lagacy" SOLD

I'm happy to hand these three paintings over to new owners.  Thank you to all

who stopped by my booth at the Superstion Mountain Museum Heritage Days.

I love visiting and getting feedback on my work!

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

Heritage Days at the Superstition Mountain Museum

Yellow Bird Apache Dancer

My photo taken a few years ago at Heritage Days used for

my painting called "Yellow Bird Dancer".  The dancers are

from the Apache tribe and will be performing again this weekend

Jan 13 and 14th, 2018.  Join me there from 9 to 4 at the Superstition 

Mountain Museum for wonderful western style entertainment, food,

and vendors.

I'll be at my favorite place to show...The Superstition Mountain Museum!

These are a few of the pieces I will be selling at Heritage Days on Jan.13th 

and 14th from 9am to 4pm.  The theme is local

history, cowboy culture, Apacheland, or Native American. That limits me

from taking quite a few paintings, but I was surprised to see that I have

about 30 pieces that fit the theme!  I'm taking some new smaller

pieces that are very affordable.  I'll take photos of the happenings

and share them next week.  

If you haven't been to the annual event, you're missing out!

Follow this LINK to find out more!

"Life's a Peach" Still Life Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Life's a Peach" Still Life Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

10"x10" Oil on Linen Panel

I love the color of peaches.  The slightly fuzzy skin gives them a

such a soft look.  This painting is perfect hanging on a wall in your frame, or

sitting on a shelf.  It's available on my website by clicking HERE.

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

"Regal", Animal Portrait Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Regal" Horse Portrait by 

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

10" x 10" Oil on Linen Panel

I purchased quite a few 10x10 linen panels recently.  They are just

the right size to complete while I'm waiting for larger canvases to dry.

This small oil painting can be framed for hanging

or placed on a shelf.  The color on my monitor looks

more purple than in real life.   Follow this LINK

to purchase. 

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

I'm Back!

This had to be one of the highlights of my trip to France.  It was a visit to the cafe

Van Gogh painted during his stay in Arles, 1888.

I took a few photos at the same angle Van Gogh used to paint 

"Cafe Terrace at Night".  My plan is to do a loose

rendition of his painting using vibrant colors, to hang my home.

I took over a thousand photos while in the Provence region.  The colors

and architecture were stunning.  I've been asked for more door paintings, and 

believe me, I've got the reference photos! 

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

Quantum Leap Series

I'm getting so much enjoyment from painting my Quantum Leap Series.  Here is the second painting in the series.  "Rose Rising" is a 15" x 30" mixed media painting on a gallery wrapped canvas.

Quantum Leap.   When particles haven’t actually formed yet.  When such things as electrons, photons, quarks, gluons, and bosons are still waves.  When electrons jump between one atomic obit and another. That instant when quantum physics tells us that the act of observation or interaction forms solid particles.  This series represents that split second in between, when the miracle of presence happens.

 In these paintings I'm trying to represent that by combining realistic painting with paint applied in abstract layered swirls.  It's different for me and I hope you enjoy the paintings!

GVAL Member Show

I've entered these three paintings into the Gilbert Visual Art League 2017

Members Art Show.  The show runs from November 4th through December 2nd at

The Gilbert Historical Museum in Gilbert, AZ.  I won't make it to the opening reception 

because I'll be in Gold Canyon showing in the Artists of the Superstitions Studio Tour.

You can find information on both of the shows on my website events by 

clicking HERE    Have a great day.

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

Frontiersman 24"x36" Oil on Stretched Canvas

Grandma's Table  12"x12" Oil on Stretched Canvas

Horse and Friend 14" x 11" Oil on Stretched Canvas

Join me at the Olive Mill on October 8th!

My first show of the season is at the Queen Creek Olive Mill on Sunday October 8th. I'll be in the beautiful olive grove again with some fellow Artists of the Superstitions.  If you haven't experienced the Olive Mill before, you will be delighted.  The food is delicious as well as the large selection of local products including olive oil and olive oil products, wine, locally roasted coffee, and the best gelato!  They also offer locally crafted beer and barbeque on the grounds.  Grab a picnic table and enjoy the art and the music.  The show starts at 9 am to 3 pm.  Hope to see you there!

"Mystical Mirage" Mixed Media Original by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Mystical Mirage" Mixed Media Original by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

36" x 24" Mixed Media on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

This was an exciting painting to do.  Thank you to Janina Suuronen for

your wonderful photo!  It was fun to take a great photo and make it my own

creation.  This is the first painting in my new Quantum Leap series.

It's going to be hard to part with this one, but you can find it for sale on

my website HERE  As always, feel free to contact me if you would like more info

or more detailed photos.

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

Work in Process

36x24 oil and acrylic

I'm nearly finished with this painting.  I haven't decided on a

title yet.  Look for it on my website soon HERE

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

Work in Progress

Here is phase 2 of this 36x24 work in process.  After I finish painting

the horses and water I'll decide on the final finish for the background.

With any luck, the colors in the background will be peeking

through to give the piece some sparkle and excitement.  Finished

painting to follow soon!

Life is art...paint your dreams!

Work in Progress

Work in Progress

36x24 mixed media

I decided to share this painting in several steps.  My plan is to paint the middle 

section in oil and the background by applying acrylic paint with

a knife and oil pastels as accent.  This will be my first attempt at 

anything like this.  So far I've used acrylic to cover the white of the canvas

and have started drawing the horses in oil.  Acrylic can't be applied over oil,

so I need to plan ahead more than usual.  The splash of water is

heavy body acrylics.  I'll be posting several more within the next couple of weeks.

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!