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Marti Lay Art
Why am I obsessed with Banyan Trees?
I’m not the only one obsessed with Banyan trees. While plein-air painting in the parks I watch tourists share selfies , sit among their roots, and actually hug the giants.
Life’s Lemons
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”As I paint, I’ve been thinking about this saying. Lately, it seems life has been serving a lot of lemons around the world. Just turning on the news, an overwhelming cloud of malaise descends over me, so I’ve turned to painting tiny lemon paintings.
A Handpainted Greeting Card Is Tiny Art You Can Mail
This month I’ve been cleaning the cupboards again, and having found so many tiny watercolor and gouache paintings, I’ve made them into hand-painted cards with decorative paper. Each one is unique, one-of-a-kind art.
Decorating With Original Art
In a world of whites, pastels, blacks, and grays…in a world of AI, digital prints, and manufactured art I think decorating our homes with original art is an opportunity to add color and human connection in our homes and decorating with originals expresses our own creativity building on the stories of the artists. It’s my little act of rebellion against the manufactured clone-like world.
Travel Lessons : 7 ways to Beat the Heat
Long ago I became a fan of reading Rick Steves’ travel books and watching his television shows highlighting European travels. I agree with his philosophy that travel is about challenging ourselves and our home culture’s norms. THis goes for beating the summer heat…
Learning By Repeating the Same Subject
Because the sunlight and shadows shift so rapidly, it is difficult to capture the moment while I’m plein-air painting. That’s why I love returning and working many times on the same subject or in the same place.
An Ocean of Painting
It’s a hot summer. Maybe that’s why I’m thinking about the beach, the ocean waves, sea creatures, and climate change. Even though I’m sitting in my apartment studio I can be transported. That’s the beauty of making and enjoying viewing art.
Pet Sitting and Pet Portraits
I love pet-sitting while others are on vacation. It gives me my pet-fix while caring for them. Sometimes I can take some good photos of the animals that inspire my art.
Serious Summer Fun
So this summer is all about summer fun, but the kind of “serious” fun that comes with creating and growing with art and art business. The kind of fun that is about experimenting, learning, reflecting, growing, and enjoying the process.
Trip to Salamanca’s Art Nouveau Museum
Wandering the wide stone streets, moving in and out of cathedrals, climbing towers, and soaking in the sights, it was as if I was refilled and rested. I really believe art is food for the soul…The museum is home to decorative art dating from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. It contains almost 2,500 pieces,
Life-long Learning With Spanish and Art
A friend asked if I was fluent in Spanish yet. Recently, while riding in a taxi, I chatted with the driver about the weather and the United States. Finally, he said (in Spanish), “You’re not very good at speaking Spanish, but I understand you.” I guess that’s the point. Do you understand me, and do I understand you?
Painting at the Botanical Garden
The botanical garden is an oasis of serenity in a busy city. I seek the shade in summer with bright flowers flourishing. This time of year in Spring I experiment with all the colors and textures of the blossoms and leaves.
Gratitude vs. Disappointment in Hard Times
I’ve been thinking about joy. How it is a choice.
The world is topsy turvy right now. I’m unhappy watching or reading the news. I don’t want to be “entertained” into denial or submission. I want to be aware but I also want to enjoy the gifts I have. It is a precarious, fragile tightrope walk these days.
The Joy of Turning 60
I’m turning 60 and started art late in life. Painting is the one steady act and upward growth of my life, my years, my months, my weeks, my days. Art is the thread that carries me through the waves. Some days it brings me peace. Some days it frustrates me. Some days it’s blah, and others, full of joy or pride.
Facing Procrastination
Procrastination is a building and squashing of energy all at the same time…I am standing still with the fear I can’t do it justice. I’ll make mistakes, I don’t know how…. What throws off the wet blanket of procrastination?
Vacations Recharge Us
What struck me most about Morocco was the attention to detail that engaged all the senses. Tea and meals were choreographed displays. Riads had the scent of orange blossoms, lemon, or roses. Music trickled as a backdrop
My Newest Obsession: Acrylic painting on watercolor paper
Painting in acrylics has its challenges. Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint made of pigment in acrylic polymer emulsion, plasticizers, and silicone oils, Most acrylic paints are water-based, but become water-resistant when dry. It dries very quickly
What is Gouache Paint?
I like gouache and find my gouache pieces are very illustrative like children’s book style illustrations. I use them for handmade cards, too. Like watercolors, they can be less expensive student grade to more expensive professional grades and found in gel trays and tubes.
Advantages and Challenges of Painting With Watercolor
Let’s focus on watercolor painting. Many people are familiar with watercolors. They may have been part of our grammar school art classes. What are watercolors? …