What's New Pussycat?

So much has happened since I graduated from PNCA in December! I moved into a new studio space in Portland with my friend and superstar artist Liam Cuzner (www.liamcuzner.com). We call it: The Mill - because it's constantly humming with work and ideas. It's an amazing space and we share the building with other creatives like Pigeon Toe Ceramics (pigeontoeceramics.com) among others.

Here is my little corner in the 400 sq ft space we have. 

It's nice to have EVERYTHING there. I used to work out of another studio where I had to keep some things in storage. 

I've started making postcards and cards and my Etsy store is now open! I also sell originals, of course. 

I got a dog!!! His name is Yoshi and he's a puppy. He was rescued from Oregon Rescue and we were told he is half chihuahua, half pug. He is my studio companion and comes to "work" with me everyday.

That's all for now. If you would like daily updates, follow me on Instagram. Link on my website. 

Xoxo,

Marybel

Frida Told Me to Paint Her

I had a very vivid dream about Frida Kahlo. We were talking and she said "no seas pendeja, píntame" - "don't be stupid, paint me". When Frida tells you to do something, you do it, even if it's in a dream. I've painted four Fridas so far: three watercolors and one acrylic.

These photos show the process when painting "Frida in the Sky with Diamonds"  Enjoy!

Xoxo,

Marybel 

May I Keep Him?

Sometimes when you have been dealing with negative things for a long time and suddenly, everything falls into place, and good things start happening, it's difficult to believe that something positive is actually occurring. It's a moment of disbelief and astonishment. Is this too good to be true? This is what this painting is about. Allowing yourself to receive the good in life.

This girl found a giant, fluffy, pink and white kitty in the darkness and is in disbelief. She is asking, "May I keep him?".

Pink and white kitty closeup.

Close up of this fiery redhead.

The process...

It all started with an idea and a sketch:

Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

I am learning how to do Tarot readings. The Tarot is a tool to receive otherworldly messages. I did a reading on myself and decided to interpret and paint the reading. It was a simple three card "past, present, future" reading and what was revealed was astonishing! On this post I will show you what my present revealed. "A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" is the message from the "present" card. It told me to beware and know that not all is what it seems!

Here I am blocking in colors for the underpainting. 

My boys helping me make some stars in the sky. 

The final piece!

Face detail. 

Thanks for stopping by!

A Day In the Life of Marybel Martin

A Day in the Life of Marybel Martin is a group of very personal watercolors dedicated to illustrating where my mind is on any given day. Enjoy!

"A Garden in Her Hair" is my dream state, this is when I'm sleeping and recharging. The banner says: Los sueños se hacen realidad si crees en ellos… siempre" - Dreams come true if you believe in them… always.

"The Cleanse" is the daily ritualistic bath and grooming, it's not only physical, it's a mental and spiritual cleanse as well.

"Staying Grounded" Is the balanced, grounded and unattached state that is best for making major decisions. If you look closely, there are two little birds… those are my boys.

"Vipassana" Is meditation, where one is in observation and peace.

Have You Visited My Website?

I've had a website for years now. Unlike a blog, a website is more difficult to update. I've recently had Pop Studios update the site to reflect more of the current work I've been doing. Why don't you stop by when you have a moment?

http://www.marybelmartin.com

Little Bit Of This and a Little Bit of That

Here are a few pieces from the past few weeks. You can also see more recent posts on my Instagram account Marybelm or my Marybel Martin Artist page on Facebook! Thanks for visiting!

Paintings From The Last Year

Here is a sampler of some paintings I have done. It's fun to experiment with different styles and palettes. I feel that I have come a long way since I've started painting but I still have a lot to learn. I will be taking a portrait class in the coming weeks and I am very excited to start learning!