Thursday, September 25, 2014

Time to "Fall" for art!

After a long hot summer, I'm ready to enjoy the fall art shows.

Join me for the Home and Garden Show at the Alamodome, Sept. 26 - 28. Several of my paintings are on exhibit and for sale.  I'll be at the show Sunday afternoon and will be doing a demo of pastel painting.

The Tobin Library on Harry Wurzbach will have an exhibit of pastel art the month of October.  My paintings will be included.

I'll also participate at the San Antonio Garden Show, 3301 N. New Braunfels at Funston(next to the Botanical Gardens) .  It will take place October 11 and 12.

The Carver Center will host the Texas Pastel Society Regional Show the month of November.  Two of my paintings will be on exhibit.  Kathleen Cook will judge the show.

Get inspired!

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Last days to see Bijou Art Exhibit

The Bijou Art Exhibit will end on Saturday, May 31st.  Still time to come out and see it if you haven't had a chance to do so. 

I sold Storm Over Cozumel on Sunday and replaced it with La Mariachi which sold today.  I'm always honored to have my paintings go to happy homes.

La Mariachi
Thank you and enjoy it as much as I did painting it!

Sunday, May 11, 2014

New Painting at the Bijou

The beautiful " Painted Bunting" has sold!  "Steer Among Us" will be taking its place.

While visiting the Texas Folklife Festival here in San Antonio, we were surprised to see this huge Longhorn steer being ridden by a cowboy right in the middle of the crowd. Never know what you"ll see at the festival. 

By the way, this is one of my left-handed paintings.  In 2013, I had problems with a growth on my right wrist limiting my being able to paint.  I decided to switch to the left hand and was amazed at what came out.  It's not easy but the brain will adjust and the paintings are very different in style from those done with the right hand.  It was like there was another artist in me,  one I didn't know.  Try it, you'll see what I mean.

Happy painting!
Steer Among Us 9x12

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Paintings at the Bijou and Stan Sperlak workshop

 Go by the Bijou Theatre Lobby and see the Texas Pastel Society exhibit.  Fourteen artists are participating including me.  I have five paintings up; Dance of the Cactus Flowers which was Second in Show judged by Doug Dawson, Storm over Leopold Vista, Painted Bunting, Storm over Cozumel,  and Marlin House at the Botanical Gardens.  All are originals and priced very reasonably.

Dance of the Cactus Flowers was named such because as I was looking at it, my eyes were going from one flower to the next, around and around.  It reminded me of a dance.

Storm over Leopold Vista;  we came across this beautiful park in New Mexico as we were making our way to Albequerque one year.  It was cold, drizzly, up in the mountains.  The road runs along the border of New Mexico and Arizona. A moment in time thing.

Painted Bunting; This gorgeous bird landed in my yard one day and I was stunned by its beauty.  After research, I found out it's native to Texas, particularly in north Texas and travels down to the valley.

Storm over Cozumel; On our one and only cruise, we went to Cozumel one afternoon.  So lovely. In the distance, we could see a storm developing, an awesome view.

Marlin House:  Our Botanical Gardens has a birdhouse for Marlins in the English garden.  They are fun to watch among the roses.


Stan Sperlak Plein Air Workshop

What fun! Yes, very tiring but very satisfied.  This was such a special workshop.  2013 was a difficult year in many ways and the Texas Pastel Society gave me the opportunity to energize and kickstart me as an artist.  It was touch and go for a while as I didn't know if I could do it because of health and family issues.The workshop was based at the Mary McIntosh Studio in New Braunfels.  Thanks Mary!

Stan is an excellent teacher and very commited to getting the point across.  I would highly recommend him to any artist.  Below you will see some moments from the workshop at the Ingram Ranch.  Enjoy.
Value study

15 minute sketch

demo at Bear Creek

I paint sitting down because of health issues

A happy time nontheless

Water coming out of the hillside


A scene I painted

Elk

Stan doing a silent demo,, only music

Done

End of the workshop - a happy ending
Thanks Texas Pastel Society! Thanks Stan!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

A Stepping Down and a new Phase

In January I stepped down as President of the Texas Pastel Society after six tough, fun, inspiring years.  Together with other dedicated artists, the Texas Pastel Society was founded and accomplished great things.  We had two national juried shows, a regional juried show. all-member shows, exhibits throughout San Antonio. TXPS provided a learning experience for pastelists in south Texas through demonstrations at general meetings, gallery walks, museum tours, plein-air paint outs,  and the getting together with fellow artists.  We have enjoyed learning from top pastelists as Lorenzo Chavez, Alan Flattmann, and Doug Dawson who served as jurors/judges for our shows.

The Texas Pastel Society will continue under the guidance of committed volunteers who love the art of pastel.  I will always support TXPS as much as possible.

For me, I will continue to paint in pastel but going back to oils, watercolor, acrylics and drawing.  Check out my online gallery as I add paintings in other mediums.

My life has entered a new phase, that of grandma.  Due to family circumstances, my husband and I are helping out more with the grandkids. Last year I had some bothersome health issues I needed to address.  I realized it was time to step down as I wasn't able to take care of society business as it should be.  I really needed to simplify my life. Ever had that feeling?

Recently during the February visit/meeting to the San Antonio Art Museum, I received an award (totally unexpected) from the new board on behalf of TXPS for my years of service.   It was wonderful! Thank You!
  The plaque reads" In Appreciation of Mary Campos Lopez, Founded the Texas Pastel Society 2008, Served as President 2008-2013, Thank you for your vision, dedication, and hard work."

I wish to thank all of you who supported the Texas Pastel Society and made it possible.  It would not have taken off if it hadn't been for you.  

                                         Our Motto- "Shared Ideas=Inspiration!"
 Happy Painting!




Friday, March 21, 2014

Spring has sprung!

Hello fellow artists and art lovers,
Spring has sprung and art is in the air! Come by and see my art at the Universal City Library on Pat Booker Rd. I have 10 original pieces up in their cozy reading room.  Have a cup of coffee surrounded by art.

Another cozy place  is the Emily Morgan Hotel Library.  Lots of ambience in that place.  I have 3 pieces on exhibit, Texas Hill Country - Fredericksburg, Tx., Frio River at Concan, and Two Garden Tots.  All are original works of art painted from my personal experience.

I have recently placed some unframed reproductions at the River Art Gallery in La Villita in downtown San Antonio.  If you haven't visited, I invite you to experience it.  Great place to find local art, all within a 100 mile radius of San Antonio.

In February, I was at the Alamodome for the San Antonio Home and Garden Show.  What a wonderful show!  Met a lot of great people and did a  couple of demos.