June 2024

June is such a busy time of year! Birthdays all around me. I am surrounded by Geminis!

On top of all the birthdays, this year, Scarlett is graduating from Highschool. We are so proud of her and I can’t believe how quickly this time has come upon me! Both girls are going to be attending University next year locally so I get to keep them at home for a little while longer.

So not much time for painting right now but I did manage to finish these three pieces. I hope you like them and I hope you are able to enjoy the good weather. I am stealing every moment I can to nap in my hammock swing in the warm sun. I highly recommend it for getting the blood pressure down and for simply being for quick minute.

Lots of love,

Maria

Hope Is The Natural Choice

Where I Might Find Her

for mom

by Andrea Potos

Overnight  it seems, the pink vaults

of the peonies open;

in an iridescent second, a hummingbird

twirls inches from my face.

Pennies spit the sidewalk - so bright,

I believe they would smile if they could.

And if kindness were air, the rooms of my house

expand with it.

Breathing deeply is simple, and hope

 is the natural choice.

This mix media painting is 10”x20'“ and is available HERE

Nothing Can Dim the Light That Shines From Within

“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”

— Maya Angelou

This painting is 8”x16” and is available HERE

Hold Fast To Your Dreams

Dreams

Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams 
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

This 8”x16” mix media painting is available HERE

Highlevel Diner

This last week I put up new work at Highlevel Diner in Edmonton AB. It is always such a joy to work with the folks at this historic landmark. They are so good to artists; so supportive. They are happy to have a rotating art show by local artist for their customers. They don’t take a commission from the artists, their view is that the artist is doing a service by decorating their walls.

I am so happy to be at HIGHLEVEL DINER for the next two months and if you are around, go check it out (and maybe a cinnamon bun or two).

Here are some of my original paintings that art hanging, as well as some OOAK fine art prints. (DM me if you would like any information on any of the paintings or fine art prints)

Thanks so much! It is good to see my art on walls outside my studio! It’s been a minute!

Best,

Maria

Find Peace In The Moment

36”x36” mix media painting on wood. AVAILABLE

Kindness Is The Deepest Thing

30”x40” mix media painting on canvas (SOLD)

Rupert and His Ball

18”x48” mix media

AVAILABLE

Be Soft With The Light Inside You

12”x16” mix media painting on wood.

AVAILABLE

This is how Love Begins

12”x12” mixed media painting on wood.

AVAILABLE

You Are The Glimmering Destination

12”x24” mixed media painting on canvas.

AVAILABLE

Roses

10”x20’ mix media on wood.

AVAILABLE

Koi On Golden POND 2

24”x24” mix media on canvas.

AVAILABLE

Give All TO THE Present

12”x36” mix media painting on wood.

AVAILABLE

Create Yourself

8”x8” mix media painting on wood.

AVAILABLE

STRIPES

12”x 36” mixed media on canvas

AVAILABLE

Some Wonder

SOLD

All The Wonders

4”x4” mix media painting on wood.

AVAILABLE

Koi on Golden Pond

24”x24” mixed media on canvas.

AVAILABLE

Butterfly Vase And Poppies

18”x36” mix media painting on wood.

AVAILABLE

Love Is The Flower Of Life

18”x24” mix media painting on wood

AVAILABLE

I thought that I would share a couple of poems that have inspired several of the paintings for this show.

Gentle

A gentler world begins

in the way you touch your heart.

Be soft with the light inside you.

Caress your body with this breath.

God is nothing else

but the place where the sun comes up

in your chest.

Your are the glimmering destination.

You are the golden honey daubed

on the the bread of the ordinary.

Whatever is perfect

Whatever is heavenly,

begins here.

Alfred K. La Motte

Kindness

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.

Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho
lies dead by the side of the road.
You must see how this could be you,
how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.
Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to gaze at bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
It is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you everywhere
like a shadow or a friend.

Naomi Shihab Nye

OOAK FINE ART REPRODUCTIONS

the Window Sill

OOAK fine art reproduction

Various sizes available

DM me for info

Morning Tea

OOAK fine art reproduction

Various sizes available

DM me for info

Rupert In The Living Room

OOAK fine art reproduction

Various sizes available

DM me for info

The South Window

OOAK fine art reproduction

Various sizes available

DM me for info

Hat Shop on Candlemaker’s Row

OOAK fine art reproduction

Various sizes available

DM me for info

Dahlias and The Blue Print Table Cloth

OOAK fine art reproduction

Various sizes available

DM me for info

Some Wonder, This Week

I have been reading a lot of poetry lately. I found this great book on line that was edited by James Crews, “The Wonder of Small Things : poems of peace and renewal”. He has a whole series of titles and they really are beautifully selected and include a reflective guide and writing prompts. So lovely and also, I found, very inspiring to me.

Words have always inspired me and I often include quotes and or poems along side my work. When I first started my blog over a decade ago, I would often write poems for a painting I had just completed. I have always worked backwards in a way. I paint and then I reflect on what I was thinking while I was painting. I do not do preliminary drawings but rather listen to the painting and let it progress in a natural sort of way. Reading words and then creating something from those words absolutely freezes my creative juices. As much as I have always loved the idea of illustration or being an illustrator I don’t think my process allows that to ever be a realistic possibility.

Anyway, an ongoing theme in my life has been trying to stay in the moment and really see the world around me at the present. I am a worrier and that really makes appreciating now a chanllenge. I am always thinking the future or reliving the past. I know I am not alone and so I decided to share this poem (and my painting along side) to perhaps help you too be inspired to really stop, breathe and take in where you are in the world right now.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Love,

Maria

Some Wonder

10”x20” mix media painting on wood. This painting is available HERE

The Listening Bridge

Ingrid Groff-Madoff

When you come to the listening bridge,

you must be still there long enough

for the squirrels to sense you are no harm;

for the birds to break their silence with singing

and the fluttering of wings; and for you,

and everything around you, to stop holding its breath.

And so, sit. Rest a while.

Give some wonder to the moss and purple violets.

Turn toward the sun and feel it warm your face.

Notice the rippling current of the spring-fed stream.

Allow a sense of softness to splash and filter in.

Trade the weight of all your seriousness

for the lightness of surrender—

by which I mean  faith in a Presence

lovingly wiser than your self.

Remain quiet  and listen

for what the voice born of stillness

might say: perhaps, simply:

Love. Carry on. Practice  kindness.

Have affection for this day.

From James Crews book The Wonder Of Small Things

The Soul That Sees Beauty

9”x12” painting on rag paper. Available HERE

“The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone. “

Johann Wolfgang Von Gocethe

This one I started last week and have been letting sit for a bit. I am trying my best to keep it black and white but am adding a little bit of sparkle with gold acrylic inks. I look forward to working on her again soon.

I did this girl a little while back and she is still waiting for her forever home.

All The Small Wonders

4”x4” on wood.

"All the wonders you seek are within yourself."

Thomas Browne

Available HERE

This Week, Spring Is In The Air

Listen Heart

8”x10” mix media painting. SOLD

“Listen, Heart” speaks to my struggle to just sit in quiet. I must always have some type of noise to fill my brain, to quiet those loud and unhelpful doubts, fears and saboteurs that circle my brain 24/7.

Shhhhh.

When I can just sit in stillness and listen to the world,everything falls in place. There is a shift and time seems to slow. Being present with the world, in the world, I can find a moment to catch my breath and feel the love that I’m surrounded by.

“Listen, heart, to the whispering of the world.

That is how it makes love to you.”

-Rabindranath Tagore

Be All The Proof You Need

8”x16” mix media on wood. SOLD

I was thinking of this beautiful poem by Terri Kirby Erickson.

Such a great minder of self love and getting out of one’s own head. and letting go of other people’s opinions of us.( real or perceived)

What Matters

By Terri Kirby Erickson

What other people think of you,

what they say, are burdens

no one should carry. Lift a spoon,

a cup, things that fit in your hand.

Carry on a conversation,

pick up a baby. Listen to the wind

when it whispers, nothing else.

There is no one watching you,

no one straining to hear what

you say. The present has arrived

and you are in it. Your heart

is pumping. Your breath moves

in and out of your lungs without

anyone's help or permission.

Let go of everything else. Let

your life, handed to you through

no effort of your own, be all

the proof you need. You are loved.

From “How to Love the World - Poems of Gratitude and Hope” edited by @james.crews.poet

This Week, Chocolate Cake, Rupert Takes to Bed ,Esther and Scarlett

Getting closer and closer to Christmas. This time of year, I always feel like I am running out of time. It is a hard time of year to enjoy, I’ll be honest. My anxiety always gets the better of me. I did have fun baking this chocolate cake and making sugared cranberries and rosemary. It turned out so pretty and I will definitely be doing this again!

Made this chocolate cake (by Donna Hay) a little more festive with the addition of sugared cranberries and rosemary. Pretty AND Delicious!

This painting (below) is of Rupert in his bed in the living room. It’s actually a communal bed that he shares with Rosie, but never at the same time (haha). They take turns and rotate their sleeping between the carpet, couch and chairs. It’s all very dignified, and rather out of character. No fighting, no bickering, just two dogs living their best life.

Rupert In His Bed, SOLD

Another painting of Esther on my window sill. She wasn’t really pleased with me taking her photo. Not sure why but I think I caught her in all of her disgruntled glory, haha.

Esther At The Window, 4”x4” mix media painting, AVAILABLE HERE

This is a little painting of Scarlett when she had her long hair. It was very thick, a lot of work and I know she felt much lighter when she got it cut, but it was a beautiful. Trying to stay loose on such a small canvas is hard!

Knowing when you’re done is even harder.

Looking Back, 4”x4” mix media painting, AVAILABLE HERE

This Week, Jade Cat, Dogs and an Ink Demo

This week was busy so I didn’t get much done in the studio but did work on these little pieces.

I have owned this 50’s deco lamp for close to 30 years and have always wanted to paint it. It is the sweetest thing but doesn’t have a striped lampshade, I added that. This little painting is done on mixmedia board. I love working on this board as it doesn’t need to be taped down to stop buckling, meaning I can paint right to the edge. This one just needs to be framed by you.

Jade Cat Lamp and Stripes, 8”x10” Available Here

Worked on this girl in the feathered coat again this week. Last week I did a similar one in my sketchbook.

Feather Coat, DM for availability

Waiting For Dinner could alternatively be called Waiting For Breakfast. Rosie likes her food but Rupert lives for food. He even has a special pineapple dish to slow him down while he is eating. He is still an extremely fast eater. Rosie spins for her dinner which really is rather cute.

Waiting For Dinner, SOLD

I bought two inks online and thought I’d share them with you. They really are lovely inks and although the red ink, Dracula, stole my heart because of it’s iridescent qualities, Robin Crusoe is really beautiful once dry.

This Week, Rupert Makes An Appearance

Hello everyone, I hope you have had a nice week. I can’t believe how nice the weather is here in Edmonton. It is so warm for this time of year, and no snow yet. I am making the most of it and enjoying my long weekend walks with Chris and not worrying about slipping on ice.

In 2019 a lovely pup was born on a farm in Alberta. This pup made his way to our house in late January of 2020. Rupert was a love but we didn’t realize what a nervous dog he was or could not know how the covid lockdown would affect him as he developed. At this point, we definitely had a dog with special needs. He is terrified of all dogs and it takes him a fair bit to warm up to people. We love him but life is difficult with such a reactive dog, We have spent so much money on trying to help him, short of medication. The irony is that he has helped my oldest daughter, Imogen, so much with her anxiety. He is love and he is loved.

Rupert

I snapped a shot of Rupert in our living room and thought it would make a delightful painting. It had all the things I love and, I feel, make my home a place of comfort. The orange chairs were from my Mother in law and are over 50 years old. I covered them with a fabric I found in Ikea ages ago. I had bought it not knowing where I was going to use it but I had to have it. When I was opening my little gallery shop, I wanted unique chairs for people to be able to sit and look at the walls of art and chat with me. Not being able to afford new chairs, I was forced to think more economically and creatively. I am so glad because these chairs turned out amazing and became the gallery’s focal point. They are seriously my favourite piece of furniture and I have now claimed them for our living room in our new house.

Rupert in the Living Room, 11”x14” mix media painting available HERE

Esther on the Sill, 5”x5” SOLD

South Window, 5”x7” SOLD

Rupert in the Ling Room, (study) SOLD

Playing in my sketchbook NFS

“Esther on the Window Sill” SOLD

I have been getting so much encouragement on the new direction I am taking with my art. I appreciate it. Trying new things is scary and I am so happy that people are enjoying these small paintings as much as I am enjoying creating them!

Thanks again and have a great week!

Maria

Heads and Hats, this week in the studio

I’m going to start right off the bat with a bad dad pun because it keeps going around my mind. “If you want to get ‘a head’, get a hat” … thanks dad for that oldie but goodie. Anyway, that out of the way, this week I have been playing with a photo I took of a hat shop window in Edinburgh, Scotland. What a magical place that city is. The cobbled streets and the slate rooftops. So old and so magical. . I wish I took more photos! We went to the art gallery there and I found a new favourite artist, Anne Redpath. Her vibrant paintings took my breath away and made my heart beat a little faster.

“Wee Hat Shop” 6”x6” mix media painting on wood. Available HERE

“ Wee Hat Shop 2” 5”x7” mix media painting on wood. Available HERE.

“South Window” 12”x12” mix media painting on wood. Available HERE

I also took a photo of my south window. I love these little head planters that I have just recently moved in from outside. Every time I pass them on the way upstairs I think, I should paint that. So I went ahead and did just that. I love those little planters and the zigzag cactus which I purchased at Zocalo, a local plant/gift shop here in Edmonton. The first house we bought was just a few blocks away. I remember, when it opened 20 years ago, going there with baby Imogen all bundled up in here stroller. We were so happy to have such a magical place open up in our neighbourhood. I still can’t believe it is 20 years ago! How time flies.

Today is The Day! Registration For Let's Face It 2024 OPEN

TOday is the day, Monday Oct 16

Registration opens at 10AM Pacific Time!

First 1000 sign ups will get the course for $109!  After that, early bird price of $129 will go into effect through December 4th.

As you know,  LET’S FACE IT is a course created and hosted by Kara Bullock. It is for anyone that wants to practice creating portraits and figurative art.  Each week in 2024, you will receive one new lesson from one of our fabulous artists!  These lessons are created to inspire you and expose you to different ways of drawing/painting the face and figure.  We all know that there is not a one size fits all way to learn. Together, we want to share with you our strategies, tips, and techniques that we use in order to create our portrait and figurative artwork hoping you will find something that works for you to help you continue on your journey of creating portraits. Not only will you leave this course feeling more confident in your skills, but also with a whole new community of art friends that will keep supporting you from here on out!  Many have said that the LFI community is the most encouraging and supportive that they have ever been a part of! We hope to see you there! 

Don't let your artistic dreams slip away. Now is the perfect time to embark on your creative journey and explore the wonders of art. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from experienced instructors, experiment with various mediums, and connect with a vibrant artistic community.
Enroll NOW using my special link!

ALSO

Check out my online auction that is happening right now!

AUCTION STARTS TOMORROW OCT 15

I am so happy to say that the online solo auction starts tomorrow Oct 15 and will run until Oct 17. If you would like to join us, click on the link below!

A little about the Auction paintings

There was a time, when the girls were young, that I would paint in the loft (their playroom). The girls would be beside me, playing dress up and make-believe, and their play infused my work with their dreams, their imaginary world and their adventures. At the same time, my knowledge that this was fleeting, that this was just a blink of an eye, such a special time but momentary made me sad. That melancholy has always played so prominently in my paintings, never quite allowing me to be completely lost in the moment. That melancholy that always holds me back from complete happiness (if there is even such a thing). The ying/yang, that walking the fence of joy and sadness is, perhaps, what has made my work more intriguing. They could so easily have been chocolate box paintings but my hope is that the juxtaposition of joy and sadness draws the viewer in a little deeper, beneath the surface, through all those layers of mix-media to the core of the matter. What are they thinking? What are they feeling? What does their world look/feel like? We humans are forever striving for happiness, peace, love, and yet, knowing that those times are always transformative, always shifting and moving from the mundane to the extraordinary to the tragic and back again. That is what makes life so precious, I know, but lately I have been feeling more of the sadness than the joy. My girls are growing and life is changing faster than I feel comfortable with. My muses are harder to pin down, they aren't as present in my daily life as they used to be.  I am forced to look outside the little world I have created and I am learning to find beauty and inspiration there but it is difficult for me. I am having to recreate my process, look at things differently and it is uncomfortable and sometimes painful but nonetheless I continue to paint beautiful things, if only to make more beauty in this world that can be so harsh and unforgiving.

Thank you for being here. I appreciate you all so much and your support keeps me inspired and motivated to keep creating. 

With love,

Maria

See previous post to view all of the paintings/reproductions that will be in the AUCTION

Next up! Don’t forget that registration for Let’s Face It 2024 starts tomorrow!

Upcoming Solo Auction Oct 15-17

I am so happy to be back with Stephanie Gagos to do a solo show. The following paintings will be available to bid on starting Oct.15. The auction will close Oct 17. I have created 17 originals and 15 mounted OOAK fine art reproductions for this event. I hope you can come and join us for this very special event!

Click HERE for more information

ORIGINALS

I Am Tomorrow

16”x20” mix media painting on wood

Butterfly Vase And Poppies

8”x36” mix media painting on wood.

Give All To The Present

12”x26” mix media painting on wood.

Koi on Golden Pond

24”x24” mix media painting on gold canvas.

Queen of The Night

8”x10” mix media on art board.

If Only

12”x18” mix media painting on wood.

Feathers

Mix media painting on paper

Little Red Cap

Mix media painting on paper.

Orange Pekoe

16”x20” mix media painting on wood.

Pink Poppy on Gold

12”x12” mix media painting on gold canvas.

Sister Ties

mix media painting on paper.

Start Where You Are

12”x16” mix media painting on wood.

Summer Sunset

9”x12” mix media painting on gold canvas.

Technicolor Koi

12”x12” mix media painting on gold..

Tied To Your Love

3”x18” mix media painting on wood.

Blessings

mix media painting on paper.

Red Poppy Girl

mix media painting on paper.

REPRODUCTIONS

Awaken You Dreams

OOAK Fine art reproduction

Bittersweet Memories

OOAK Fine art reproduction

Claire De Lune

OOAK Fine art reproduction

Peace Amidst The Storm

OOAK Fine art reproduction

It Takes Courage

OOAK Fine art reproduction

Keep Hope In Your Heart

OOAK Fine art reproduction

Love Is The Thread

OOAK Fine art reproduction

Roots and Wings

OOAK Fine art reproduction

Temporary Poppies

OOAK Fine art reproduction

The Enchanted Night Garden

OOAK Fine art reproduction

The Fragile Thread That Binds Us

OOAK Fine art reproduction

This Chicken Is A Star

OOAK Fine art reproduction

This Girl Has Roots

OOAK Fine art reproduction

Uplift Her Spirit

OOAK Fine art reproduction

We’re In This Together

OOAK Fine art reproduction

DATE TO REMEMBER! OCT 16 LFI 2024 REGISTRATION OPENS!

Remember to USE MY SPECIAL LINK! (It’s how I get paid).

Go to previous post for more information on this year long course!

AND THE WINNER IS!

The Winner of the LFI24 GIVEAWAY Is ....

Nancy Salmon Elliott!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you everyone for participating. In the meantime, remember to come back on OCT 16 and use my special link to purchase LFI24, you'll love this year long course

https://karabullockart.com/product/lets-face-it-2024/ref/84/

GIVEAWAY LFI2024

LET’S FACE IT - 2024 Giveaway!

It's my turn to give away a FREE SPOT🎉 in Let's Face It 2024!

This course is not open for registration yet! However, you can read more about this course and bookmark this page HERE so that on October 16th, you can come back and register. What is even better is that if you are one of the first 1000 sign ups you will get the course for the lowest price of $99! After that, early bird will be $109 through the end of October, and then $129 through early December.
I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing team of teachers and guess what else!?!?! I get to give away one free spot in this course to one of you!!
To enter the giveaway do the following:

Subscribe to my newsletter at www.mariapacewynters.com
Come back and comment below.

I will announce the lucky winner on Oct 5th, 2023.

In the meantime, click HERE and bookmark this page so that you can come back on October 16th and sign up to be one of the first 1000 sign ups so you get the class at the lowest cost of $99!!

I can’t wait to begin this journey with each of you!!!

Good Luck!

Maria

Queen of The Night, PYHAS 2024 Lesson

Dear artists!

Last few spots are filling up for the lowest price on Paint Your Heart and Soul 2024! In PYHaS2024 I will be teaching how to paint this portrait above (the lesson came out amazing!) Do check out registration page HERE, the teachers line up is outstanding!

I taught in PYHaS before and I love this course so much and so excited to be back!

Here are 3 things I love the most about PYHaS2024

1. You can learn so many different techniques and styles, there are over 40 amazing artists instructors, and students get access to all the lessons from all the instructors!

2. All the lessons are pre-recorded, so you don’t need to be present when lesson is aired. You can watch lessons in your own time, and even download them!

3. There is an amazing online art community from creatives like you are. You can share your progress, and get support - this is very helpful to keep going.

Right now the cost is $149 instead of full price of $249, plus: Olga is offering $20 discount coupons, 10 per each teacher, so I am allowed to refer only 10 people through my link.

If you sign up with this coupon, you pay $129, which makes each lesson throughout the year around $2 each! The price will increase once all the spots are filled up! To read more and register use button below, coupon for your additional $20 discount is: ART24

Let's Face IT! 2024 (Copy)

Hello Friends!

I am so excited to announce that I am going to be a part of the Let’s Face It - 2024 Team! Yahoo! LET’S FACE IT is a course created and hosted by Kara Bullock. It is for anyone that wants to practice creating portraits and figurative art.  Each week in 2024, you will receive one new lesson from one of our fabulous artists!  These lessons are created to inspire you and expose you to different ways of drawing/painting the face and figure.  We all know that there is not a one size fits all way to learn. Together, we want to share with you our strategies, tips, and techniques that we use in order to create our portrait and figurative artwork hoping you will find something that works for you to help you continue on your journey of creating portraits. Not only will you leave this course feeling more confident in your skills, but also with a whole new community of art friends that will keep supporting you from here on out!  Many have said that the LFI community is the most encouraging and supportive that they have ever been a part of! I hope to see you there! 

Enjoy the convenience of lifetime access to all course videos, allowing you to revisit lessons and techniques whenever you need. Additionally, all course content is downloadable, enabling you to create your own offline library of resources.  This year, we are also thrilled to introduce an incredible eBook guide to complement the course. Packed with valuable resources, this guide includes goal-setting worksheets, weekly PDFs with comprehensive supply lists, full-color images of reference photos and artwork, schedules, checklists, and much more. Preorder your physical copy to be delivered to your doorstep before the course begins, or download it for free on a weekly basis from the comfort of your home.

From now until October 11th, the artists will be doing a give away!  Be sure to follow all of the artists to increase your chances of winning a spot in the class!   Be sure to follow closely, if you don’t win a spot you can secure your spot in this transformative course for the special price of $99, exclusively available to the first 1000 sign-ups. After that, the early bird price of $109 will be available until the end of October. From November onwards, the course will be priced at $129 until early December.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your artistic skills, connect with a supportive community, and learn from renowned artists. Enroll today and embark on a year-long journey of artistic growth and self-expression.

Bookmark this link CLICK HERE and come back on October 16th to sign up and get it for $99!

Here are the artists to follow!

@pennystamper 

@thissnowchicken 

@christaforestfineart 

@christinakentart

@dylan_sara 

@hollybeals 

@flowbyjenny 

@jfordbentley.art

@jerneymarisha

@colesjuliana1

@juanperednik 

@junabiagioni

@karabullockart

@kerstin.sager

@kensingercreative

@lauriejohnsonart

2Mariakrullart

@mikaworks

@mistysegurabowers

@mariko_koda

@petaharveyart

@artbysabra

@robertkelleyartist

@rcameronart

@unyimeedet_

Let's Face IT! 2024

Hello Friends!

I am so excited to announce that I am going to be a part of the Let’s Face It - 2024 Team! Yahoo! LET’S FACE IT is a course created and hosted by Kara Bullock. It is for anyone that wants to practice creating portraits and figurative art.  Each week in 2024, you will receive one new lesson from one of our fabulous artists!  These lessons are created to inspire you and expose you to different ways of drawing/painting the face and figure.  We all know that there is not a one size fits all way to learn. Together, we want to share with you our strategies, tips, and techniques that we use in order to create our portrait and figurative artwork hoping you will find something that works for you to help you continue on your journey of creating portraits. Not only will you leave this course feeling more confident in your skills, but also with a whole new community of art friends that will keep supporting you from here on out!  Many have said that the LFI community is the most encouraging and supportive that they have ever been a part of! I hope to see you there! 

Enjoy the convenience of lifetime access to all course videos, allowing you to revisit lessons and techniques whenever you need. Additionally, all course content is downloadable, enabling you to create your own offline library of resources.  This year, we are also thrilled to introduce an incredible eBook guide to complement the course. Packed with valuable resources, this guide includes goal-setting worksheets, weekly PDFs with comprehensive supply lists, full-color images of reference photos and artwork, schedules, checklists, and much more. Preorder your physical copy to be delivered to your doorstep before the course begins, or download it for free on a weekly basis from the comfort of your home.

From now until October 11th, the artists will be doing a give away!  Be sure to follow all of the artists to increase your chances of winning a spot in the class!   Be sure to follow closely, if you don’t win a spot you can secure your spot in this transformative course for the special price of $99, exclusively available to the first 1000 sign-ups. After that, the early bird price of $109 will be available until the end of October. From November onwards, the course will be priced at $129 until early December.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your artistic skills, connect with a supportive community, and learn from renowned artists. Enroll today and embark on a year-long journey of artistic growth and self-expression.

Bookmark this link CLICK HERE and come back on October 16th to sign up and get it for $99!

Here are the artists to follow!

@pennystamper 

@thissnowchicken 

@christaforestfineart 

@christinakentart

@dylan_sara 

@hollybeals 

@flowbyjenny 

@jfordbentley.art

@jerneymarisha

@colesjuliana1

@juanperednik 

@junabiagioni

@karabullockart

@kerstin.sager

@kensingercreative

@lauriejohnsonart

2Mariakrullart

@mikaworks

@mistysegurabowers

@mariko_koda

@petaharveyart

@artbysabra

@robertkelleyartist

@rcameronart

@unyimeedet_

Paint Your Heart and Soul 2024 Pre-registration Now Open!

I'm very excited to let you know that the pre-registration for the most amazing year long course Paint Your Heart and Soul 2024 is now open, and the limited Early Bird spots are selling like hot cakes!

Better than ever, with all brand new lessons, you don't want to miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from over 40 amazing artists, for one affordable price! 

Don't wait for better time to start your creative journey, because there is always "other things in life", act now:
Becoming the artist you've always wanted to be is just one click away: CLICK HERE 

Beginners are welcome; course starts January 3; we offer unlimited life long access and downloadable content.
 

PYHaS2024 includes:

♥ over 40 ARTIST INSTRUCTORS!

♥ Over 50 BRAND NEW VIDEO LESSONS (most likely around 60 lessons!)

♥ opportunity to participate in the STUDENTS SHOW

♥ GIVEAWAYS at the end of the year!

♥ A password protected CLASSROOM on my website

♥  PYHaS2023 students WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Bonus:

♥   Option to join a private group on FB for students and instructors only, with supportive, friendly and inspiring  Art Community 

♥  For INSTAGRAM users – an opportunity for students to be featured on our Instagram account. We also have a hashtag  for students’ work to inspire each other.

LEARN, GET INSPIRED AND HAVE FUN!

DO WHAT YOU LOVE- PAINT WITH US!  CLICK HERE - make your dream come true!

What The World Needs Now ... "Kindness" June 6-7 Auction

I love the theme for this auction: “What the world needs now”.  Of course, what first came to mind was ‘love’. The lyrics to the famous Burt Bacharach/Hal David song instantly popped into my head but the more I thought about it, the more I wondered if love was just too general and if I dug down a little further, it was kindness that was lacking in the world right now. From the people on the street, in the post office or grocery store to the comment section on FB, instagram or TikTok, we  humans are greatly lacking in kindness. What does kindness cost us? How hard is it to smile at the cashier, say good morning to a fellow walker or be compassionate toward someone that is down on their luck? These examples of kindness are at the most base level, they cost us absolutely nothing. To show compassion to our fellow man can not only spread kindness throughout the world but can also feed our own soul. So, in the end, it isn’t even a selfless  act for it not only costs us nothing, we actually benefit from being kind. 

Love,

Maria 

Please join me and The Heartful Soul Auction artists June 6-7, 2023 at 12 eastern for Part 1 of this very special auction. Go HERE to take part.

Kind Hearts are the Gardens

Title: Kind Hearts are the Gardens

Size: 12”x18” ORIGINAL , mixed media painting wood.  The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted red. This painting is ready to hang.

Kind hearts are the gardens,

Kind thoughts are the roots,

Kind words are the flowers,

Kind deeds are the fruits. 

Take care of your garden

And keep out the weeds,

Fill it with sunshine

Kind words and kind deeds.

HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

The Smallest Act of Kindness

Size: 16” diameter  ORIGINAL , mixed media painting wood.  The sides are .5” deep and are painted black. This painting is ready to hang.

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. – Oscar Wilde 

 Asking The World For More Kindness

9”x12” ORIGINAL , mixed media painting rag paper. This painting is flat and will need to be matted and framed by you.

“If we are asking for the world to be kind, we must first ask what are we doing to add more kindness to the world. If we are asking for the world to be more loving, we must first ask what are we doing to add more love to the world. We are the vessels for the things we seek.” 

— Joél Leon

Be Kind

 6”x13.5” ORIGINAL , mixed media painting on rag paper. This painting is flat and will need to be matted and framed by you.

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” 
― Ian MacLaren

Silver Lining

 9”x12” ORIGINAL , mixed media painting wood.  The sides are 1.5” deep and are a continuum of the painting. This painting is ready to hang.

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” Aristotle Onassis

Second Day OF the Auction

Here is the link to the online auction

These pieces are up in the auction and are still available to bid on. I’d love to see you there. They will be ending tomorrow March 16.

Fine Art Reproductions To Be Auctioned

We start the auction in just a couple of days! March 14 to be exact. My last post was all about the originals that are going to be in the show but I wanted to share the fine art reproductions that I will have available. These reproductions are all made by me personally and are hand embellished and ready to hang! How many posters do you own that are still sitting in a tube waiting to be framed? These mounted reproductions are ready to hang, no framing required! Instant art for your walls.

Please join me for this online event. For more info, just click this link!

Become Who You Are

12”x16” fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted red.

Butterflies and Stars

8”x16” fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted black.

Determined

8”x16” fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted red.

Faith

14”x16” fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted red.

Find Peace Amidst The Storm

14” diameter fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are .5” deep and are painted black

Golden Dreams

12” fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are .5” deep and are painted black

Lifted By Your Love

16”x 20”fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted red

Peace Is A Fragile THing

12”x16”fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted red

Pink Peonies And Blue Poppies

16”x16”fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted red.

This Chicken Is A STAR

12”X12” fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted red.

Time Will Tell

8” x16” fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted red.

True Hope

12”x16” fine are reproduction on wood. The sides are 1.5” deep and are painted red.