Hello friends, Long Time!!

There have been so many changes in my art career and I haven't been keeping up with my posting.  Now that I'm an official "snowbird", I've joined two organizations in Saskatchewan.  The Regina Federation of Artists were nice enough to include me in the group.  The RFA Fall Art Show and Sale begins on Friday October 25th and runs through Sunday October 27th.  I am excited to have six pieces admitted into the show as well as a small painting donated to the silent auction. If you are in the area, be sure to attend for great art and a chance to win a fantastic door prize painting!

I've also been invited to join the Qu'Apelle Valley Artists.  We had a very successful show at the

Sacred Heart Church in Lebret, Sk.  I'm looking forward to our spring show!

I'm traveling back to San Tan Valley, AZ soon...home sweet home.  Check out my events page at

Mary Opat Art for more shows and events!

Lion Pride charcoal

Sunshine oil

"Cordovan Elephants" Oil Still Life by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Cordovan Elephants" Oil Still Life by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

18" x 24" oil on stretched linen panel

I love the peaceful look that this painting has.  Blue pottery is my favorite.  There

is some mystery in the trinket box, and cordovan was the color of my favorite

penny loafers growing up.  Check out my WEBSITE HERE to find

out more information, or to purchase

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

We're Confused!

We're Confused!

A couple of months ago I was invited to submit my work to a gallery show.  The Call for Art asked artists to submit only paintings in the “contemporary style”.  There seems to be a lot of confusion in the art world over the use of terms.  Actually, Contemporary is a period, not a style or movement.  The Contemporary period began around 1970 and continues. By definition, every artist painting today paints contemporary art. 

A contemporary painting can representational (represents actual objects or subjects from reality), abstract (takes subjects or objects from reality and presents them in a different way), or non-objective (takes nothing from reality).  With hundreds of words to describe art styles and dozens of words to describe art movements, it’s no wonder that people are confused.  Many times artists themselves aren’t sure what words to use to label their own art.  Below are examples of these three types of art.  Marian and Sharon are members of a group blog called EVA Gallery that I also belong to. You can follow our group, by visiting our blog. Click here HERE

"Reach for the Sky" Representational art by Mary Opat

Click on the link to go to my page

"Why Me II" Abstract Art by Sharon Sieben

Click on the link to visit Sharon's page

"Convergence" Non-Objective Art by Marian Sommers

Click on the link to visit Marian's page

I like to keep one thing in mind when purchasing original art for myself.  I buy art that appeals to me from artists that appeal to me.  The labels aren’t important.  Art comes from the heart and soul of the artist.  When you purchase original art, you are inviting a little piece of the artist into your home.  My hope is that with all of the disposable wall decoration available today, the resurgence of valuing hand made over mass produced will continue to grow.  We need to inspire and foster creativity in our world and what better way to do that then to surround ourselves with art? 

Life is Art…Paint Your Dreams!

"Rose Rising Explained"

Putting paint to canvas is easy for most painters.  Putting the thoughts that prompted the painting into words is sometimes not so easy!  While showing my recent painting, “Rose Rising”, I’ve been asked many questions, such as, “What was your inspiration”, and “What is the meaning behind the name”?  At the time, I had no words.  Since then, I’ve given it some thought.

The style for the painting is “Quantum Leap”.  Quantum Leap is the moment when reality forms from scattered protons, electrons, and neutrons to achieve clarity.  A snapshot in time, taken between what is known and what is imagined.

For this painting, I thought about the transition from body to spirit.  The return from spirit in body to pure spirit is represented by the swirl of material particles encircling the model.  The protecting angel wing speaks to her ascending soul, as does the peaceful look in her eyes.  Society has given a number of meanings to the red roses in her hair, so I leave that up to the viewer.

Not being a writer by nature, I apologize in advance for any unpolished blog posts I may write.  I credit my son, Phillip, who is a writer, for penning the explanation of my style “Quantum Leap”.  He took my rambling and condensed it to three sentences!  I have completed four paintings in this style and have a few more in the planning stages.  I was so pleased that "Rose Rising" took the Best of Show honors in the recent Gilbert Visual Art League Juried Show and Sale!  Please feel free to visit my website . I’d love to hear from you!

"Tangerine Beauty" Still Life Flower Oil Painting by Arizona Artist Mary Opat

"Tangerine Beauty" Still Life Flower Oil Painting by

Arizona Artist Mary Opat

10"x10" Oil on Linen Panel

I've always loved iris and this orange color is my new favorite!  I'm pretty sure the real flowers wouldn't like our Arizona climate, but I can hang as many paintings as I want around the house!  If you would like to purchase or check out my other paintings, please click HERE

Life is Art...Paint Your Dreams!

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