Sunday, December 19, 2010

Botanical Drawings Class

Botanical Drawings
grades 4th - 7th
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
2:30 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Mary Giacomini
Fee: $20 ($16 Museum Members)
Learn to draw realistic flowers and plants.

Friday, December 17, 2010

2011 Art Classes offered

Botanical Transparent Watercolor Painting
with Mary Giacomini
Thursday, January  20,2011
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Learn to paint watercolor florals using purple underpainting. Please bring an apron or wear old clothes. All other materials provided

Fee: $65 ($52 Museum Members)

Monday, December 13, 2010

Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds over Nymph Lake

Nymph Lake
It's not too late to order in time for Christmas from fine art america!  This original pastel, Nymph Lake  (24" x 18") is from a peaceful scene in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado while snowshoeing.   This pastel is for sale, to inquire, contact me.

For all of my artwork fans: I am offering a 20% discount off of any Mary Giacomini products that they sell: prints, canvas giclees, greeting cards through Fine Art America now through December 24, 2010.  Use code DMRREM at checkout...Happy Shopping! Happy Holidays!!!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Warm Winter Wishes on a mug

I painted this watercolor, "Warm Winter Wishes" of my son building a snowman on a frosty winter day.  With a suggestion of a colleague, I put the design on a mug from cafe press for $14.99.    Another very unique artistic gift for someone special on your list...

Give "Hope" to the one you love

"Hope" 
I love the Aspen groves in the Autumn.  I was inspired by the sun shining through the golden colors while hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.  The original pastel is sold but archival canvas giclees can be ordered through art for conservation.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Bad Santa Ceramic Mug from Cafe Press

Do you have someone naughty-or with a good sense of humor on your gift list?  Consider a "Bad Santa" Ceramic mug from my store at  Cafe press.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Art Reproductions ON SALE

For all of my artwork fans: I am offering a 20% discount off of any Mary Giacomini products that they sell: prints, canvas giclees, greeting cards through Fine Art America now through December 24, 2010.  Use code DMRREM at checkout...Happy Shopping!

"Bad Santa" (pastel)

Bad Santa
 I painted this rather satirical pastel of "Bad Santa" at one of my portrait/figure painting sessions last year.  We all had a lot of laughs while painting this rather awkward scene (including the models)  This has been by far my most "viewed" image on fine art america.  The original is still for sale, and at  fine art america  prints and cards can be ordered. (for those on your naughty list?)
Contact me about the original
Other online places to view my art:
Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  

(limited edition canvas giclees)

(some of my artwork on various products)
.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Gingerbread House Christmas cards

I painted "Lisa's Gingerbread House" after we had made Gingerbread houses from scratch.  The original watercolor is no longer available but cards and/or prints can be ordered through red bubble.

Give Tranquility

I recently joined RedBubble.com.  This is another venue where I sell select images of my artwork.  What is very convenient is they will print high quality images in a variety of sizes, including greeting cards.  "Tranquility", the original oil that I painted from a hike high in the Rocky Mountains in the fall, is one that brings me peace of mind. The original painting is currently for sale at The Grand Lake Gallery in Grand Lake, Colorado.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Who doesn't need "My Space"??

"My Space" is an original 24" x 18" oil painting depicting a place of peace, quiet and a good beer.  This painting is for sale at Centennial Galleries in Ft. Collins, Colorado.  Prints and Giclees are also available for as low as $18.50 through fineartamerica.com.

Affordable Unique Gifts

"1896 School House" is an oil painting that was part of a large commission.  It is historically based on a photo from the Ft. Collins archive (that I received permission to use) of the Stove Prairie School in northern Colorado which is still in use.  I added the students and teachers from other period photos.  Prints, Canvas giclees and cards can all be ordered through Fine Art America for as little as $18.50.  See this PDF for details.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Figurative oil study: male nude

This is a 10" x 5" male nude figure study that I painted in oil on board. I exaggerated the values by separating the light shapes from the dark shadows.  This painting is for sale for $50 plus $3 shipping. Questions?









More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Figure study: female nude

Here is another original oil I painted "alla prima" (one session).  I painted this female nude at a 3 hour figure and portrait group I attend.  I started going to figure drawing and painting groups about 3 years ago because I was always told that the best way to improve your skills is to draw the human figure from life.  When in college we drew and painted models but since graduation, I took a rather long break and am very glad to be back into it.   I can definitely see my own progression.  If you are interested in purchasing this piece, please contact me.
More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Pastel back pose

Here is another nude back pose I painted with pastel on canson paper.  This was from one- (alla prima) 3 hour long pose-with breaks.
This painting is for sale, for details contact me.
More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Friday, November 12, 2010

"Earth"

"Earth"  
I painted this original oil of one of our nude models using just transparent oxide red in one (alla prima) 3 hour session. I wanted to focus on the tonalism in the figure and not have to fuss with color. "Earth" was an awesome model; her dreadlocks added character. This painting is for sale, for details contact me.
More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Pastel figure painting: back pose

This is an original pastel on suede board from one of my portrait/figure painting sessions.  This model had a lovely sheer drape wrapped around her.  Back poses remind me of  the artist Ingres, whom I admire. For more information on this painting that is for sale, please contact me.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Pastel painting: alla prima

Blue Eyes
I painted "Blue Eyes" from one of my Tuesday night painting sessions from a live model.  This is an original pastel on suede board and measures 20" x 14".  I love the summer colors she was wearing.  This painting is for sale for $75 plus $10 shipping.  (it would need to be shipping flat)



More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Portraits, figures & nudes...

Every Tuesday evening I join a group of artist friends for a portrait/figure painting session.  Sometimes we paint a classical nude, other times a costumed figure.  The variety is nice.  This 10" x 10" original oil painting on board is one of my favorite models.  This painting is for sale for $75 plus $6 shipping.



More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

West Glacier: plein air painting

Here is an example of  a plein air painting taken to the next level.  Not all plein air paintings need to be reworked, but this one did.  The clouds were moving in and my family was anxious to get going so I left it as is. (top)
I felt I did capture the color and feel of the raging river in Glacier National Park (Montana) but I wasn't satisfied with the result.  I printed out my reference photo and brought the painting to a level that I'm happy with.
The finished oil, "West Glacier" is 12" x 9" and is for sale for $100 plus $6 shipping. (unframed)
"West Glacier"





More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Monday, November 1, 2010

"Fresh"

Fresh (oil)
This  10" x 12" brand new oil painting is currently for sale at Mt Living Studio in Manitou Springs, Colorado. This started out as a plein air painting in my backyard but I took it into the studio for a bit of tweaking.  The quilt is an old one as is the antique laundry basket.  This painting actually tells quite a bit about me: I love quilts, antiques and I use my clothesline  as much as possible.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Autumn: Final Chapter, part 30

"Alpha" (oil/sold)
The leaves have changed and the wind is scattering them everywhere.  The Colorado mountains are having their first big snowstorm of the year.  It was fun while it lasted...  "Alpha" is part of a commissioned series I completed.   Wolves no longer run free in Colorado as they once did. For this image I needed to recreate a scene with a wolf in the winter with recognizable landscape from northern Colorado.  Although the original is sold, prints  and giclees can be ordered through fineartamerica.com
Thanks for following my blog!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Autumn: Gold Rush giclee for sale, part 29

Gold Rush
I have to admit that "Gold Rush" has been one of my very favorite paintings.  This 30" x 15" pastel won a juror's choice (Best of Show)  at an art show at the Lincoln Gallery in Loveland, Colorado.  I did have the piece scanned for high resolution giclees

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Autumn: Longs Peak View, part 28

"Longs Peak View"
Here is yet another painting of Longs Peak and Autumn.  This is a large acrylic on canvas I painted and sold to Exempla's Good Samaritan Hospital.  Longs Peak is not only the tallest peak in Northern Colorado, but an infamous one that many people climb each year. 
More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Autumn: Giclees for sale, part 27

"Longs Peak"


I have this image of "Longs Peak" (pastel/sold 18" x 24") available in canvas giclees.  I would like to reduce my inventory  at extremely reduced prices.  I have a 15" x 20" stretched and framed canvas giclee (#3/250) that  I am ready to sell for $125 (below wholesale!) plus $20 for shipping/handling.  The retail value of this giclee is $248 which does not include stretching and framing!  This would make a fabulous gift for any mountain lover.  Act quickly, this offer won't last!






More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Autumn: Impasto Plein air, part 26

How to paint an impasto plein air painting:
1. Find inspiration:  I drove up to Rocky Mountain National Park today in search of autumn color.  I found fresh snow on top of some golden tones.
2. Sketch in with thinned oils to get your composition and plan where your darks are.
3. Enjoy the peace and quiet (except for the tourists that just can't resist taking pictures of you without asking)
4. Stand back and get away from your painting occasionally to get a fresh  perspective.
5. Once I have the colors and values in place, I start painting with my pallet knife, leaving lots of paint swirls.
6. Stop at Starbucks on the way home to congratulate yourself for getting out and painting!

More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

"Endovalley"

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Autumn: Hallet Peak snow, part 25


It snowed!  This is a painting transformed. I painted "Hallet Peak" awhile ago when I painted mostly in acrylics. I wanted to soften the colors to decided to let it snow.  I like the new version better. This painting is for sale, for more info, contact me.
More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Monday, October 11, 2010

Autumn: Peace in the Pines, part 24

"Peace in the Pines" is a watercolor (sold) I painted years ago of this beautiful log church in Allenspark, Colorado at the base of the Rocky Mountains.

More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Friday, October 8, 2010

Autumn: Longs Peak Cabin, part 23

Longs Peak Cabin
I painted "Longs Peak Cabin" (watercolor/sold) from a sweet cabin built adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) in Autumn.  They had an incredible view of Longs Peak, the tallest mountain peak in Northern Colorado at 14,239 feet.

More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Autumn: Fallen leaves, part 22

I painted these small watercolors of  autumn leaves using a minimal pallet of transparent paint.  These were purely for fun, but the bottom image was recently used for the brochure, postcard and poster for the 2010 Loveland Art Studio Tour and Sale.  I will be participating again this year.
More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Autumn: Clarks Peak, part 21

Quite often if I find a subject that I really like, I may try it in a smaller version before I attempt a larger one.  These images are of Clarks Peak in the Colorado State Forest in Northern Colorado.  The first (top) image I painted in watercolor (sold).  When I was submitting artwork for the Exempla Good Samaritan Hospital  they chose "Clarks Peak" which I then replicated in a 18" x 24" pastel.




More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Autumn: Pumpkins, part 20

Front Range Pumpkin Patch (watercolor/sold)    




This painting was inspired by the Pumpkin Patches that dot the landscape of the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies in October.  It was a challenging painting in watercolor but I was pleased with the result.
More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Monday, October 4, 2010

Autumn: Mac Gregor Ranch, part 19

I painted "Mac Gregor Ranch" after visiting Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) on a crisp fall day with just a frosting of snow on  the mountain tops.  This little oil painting is sold but I do have other available artwork for sale.
More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Autumn: Cottonwood Glow, part 18

Cottonwood Glow (oil)
"Cottonwood Glow" is a 4.5" x 10" plein air oil I painted alla prima. I find I especially like to use a pallet knife and leave impasto on the surface when I paint quickly outside.  This painting is for sale, currently at Mountain Living Studio in Manitou Springs, Colorado.
More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Autumn: Colorado Aspen Groves, part 17

I painted these two watercolors as part of a demonstration for the Brighton, Colorado Art Guild.  I wanted to show them some steps that I use to paint Aspen trees and didn't want to have them watch paint dry...  As a result I have two very similar paintings.  Colorado Aspen Grove
(watercolor: 14" x 9") is for sale at the    Grand Lake Art Gallery.
We Are Family

Colorado Aspen Grove (watercolor)

More of my work can be seen online:
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)
(some of my artwork on various products)