art, music & travel.
Hello! I’m back. I’ve been busy livin’, workin’, and painting! I also revamped my art website and started to spend some quality time on Instagram doing stories and reels. Come see the latest there. Below you will see a glimpse into my latest series, dedicated to women, our hair, and our stories of strength and individuality. Do visit my new art website sometime and let me know what you think.
My phone just reminded me of these gorgeous Australian ceramics I saw during our trip in 2015.
Hallelujah! 😆 I was able to finally find a moment of peace and spend a week painting this summer. Painting is truly my therapy and I really enjoyed it. Below you’ll see the piece in progress with the final painting at the end.
I gifted it to my mother-in-law for her birthday. She’s a special lady and I’m lucky to have her in my life. ❤️
Ferns, 18x24in, acrylic on canvas.
It’s almost 2 years to the day since I’ve written. In these two years, I had my second child, quit my advertising career, got my master’s in education, got my first teaching job as an ENL teacher, and we’re currently dealing with the covid-19 pandemic. Needless to say, I’ve not been painting nor traveling much.
I did just purchase a painting to add to my collection of important pieces of art that hang on my studio walls. I will be writing about this painting next. I can’t wait to share.
Starting the shoe series again!
Many years ago, I took photos of my friend’s awesome shoe collection. So far, I’ve done a couple of paintings from these photos and I’m getting started again with a new batch. Hoping to have a small art show at a local bar in a few months! Today I busted out this pair of original Nike Air Jordan 5’s. I’ve had this 10x10in linen canvas hidden in storage for over 5 years, and loved the orange background I had painted back then. thought it was a good one to start with. Hoping to have 5-8 pieces on the show, so will post as I have them done.
Finished my latest commission. Acrylic on canvas portrait of a rescue Pitbull named Yolanda. My client wanted a ‘nautical’ theme so I opted for an anchor wallpaper and added sailboats to her bowtie. I did use some spray paint for the background for texture. Really enjoyed this painting and can’t wait to see it at its new home.
I’m so excited to have found a local gallery that provides a figure drawing night for anyone to enjoy. I was transported back to my art school days. It seriously has been 16 years since I’ve drawn a nude model. God I feel old. After a few quick sketches, I felt back into the groove. I was so happy to be there and sketching again. Can’t wait to make this part of my routine.
© Mari Keeler Cornwell
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a live show. Grizzly Bear has been a favorite of mine since I saw them open for The National back in 2009 in NYC.
They recently released a new album after 5 years, Painted Ruins, which was recorded not far from Kingston, NY. Grizzly Bear decided to ‘warm-up’, start their tour & showcase a few of the new songs at Kingston’s BSP. What a great venue. Wherever you stood, whether in the very back, the far left or smack in the middle, it was a great view and exceptional sound.
With opener Delicate Steve, the mood was set. We settled to the front-side of floor and watched Grizzly Bear set off their latest tour. I loved every song. Every harmony. Even the trapeze girl twirling around while Ed Droste serenaded us.
Go see them. They are a great, great band. They will be back in the US in November for a few shows. Selling out fast.
Just finished the latest pair of my shoes series. Need to sign it but not sure how I want the painting to be oriented! Hmmm….
For all shoes visit my painting site.
a very interesting art-venture.
Went to the Brooklyn Museum to see Kehinde Wiley’s work today. It’s truly a good way to get to know this artist and his craft. There’s no denying that Wiley is an incredibly talented artist and painter. Most recently he’s been doing sculptures and stained glass pieces, but his paintings were definitely the highlight for me. His large canvases take full command of the room. His use of bright, saturated colors and intricate patterns reel you in. I was mesmerized and inspired. If you have a chance, go see it… you won’t regret it. The exhibit runs through May 24th.
Below you will see images of the exhibit and detail of his work.
all work by ©Kehinde Wiley
Super excited to go see Kehinde Wiley‘s exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. The show will be running through May 24th, 2015. I’m sure it’ll visually stunning and will spark a lot of conversations. Can’t wait.
Kehinde Wiley (American, b. 1977). Shantavia Beale II, 2012. Oil on canvas, 60 x 48 in. (152.4 x 121.9 cm). Collection of Ana and Lenny Gravier. ©Kehinde Wiley. (Photo: Jason Wyche)