Artists Of Texas Contemporary Paintings and Art

Tea Time 11x14 oil $250 www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net I usually prefer landscapes, but I took a still life workshop recently and became inspired.  I've found I love to paint shiny things!  This little piece is for sale on my website. Just click here to buy.

 Reflections 14x11 oil on canvas martierains@sbcglobal.net www.martierains.com This is the first blog I've written in a while since I've been busy catching up on some painting. I usually prefer painting landscapes and architecture, but lately I've been doing some still life pieces. "Reflections" was completed recently.

 Maggie Valley 8x10 oil on canvas martierains@sbcglobal.net www.martierains.com Just returned from another great trip through the southeast! One of the most beautiful spots we discovered in Maggie Valley, North Carolina was a quaint little place called Jonathan Creek Inn, complete with a rushing stream right behind it. After spending one night there, I got up early the next morning to paint this view of the water. You can purchase this painting by clicking here . Free shipping in continental U.S,  If you're the Granbury, TX area Memorial Day weekend, plan to visit the following art shows: Pecan Plantation Art Guild Spring Art Exhibit . Click here for details. Lake Granbury Art Association Spring Festival of Art . Click here for details. Some of my art will be on exhibit and for sale at both of these shows

    www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net I am now being represented by the Rising Stars Art Gallery , Mineral Wells, Tx. Currently, you may view and purchase these four landscapes at the gallery. You may check their website for days and hours open. Hope you have the opportunity to visit!

                          Winding Stream                  www.martierains.com                  martierains@sbcglobal.net The brilliant blue of the water impelled me to paint this scene. It has a peaceful feeling. You may purchase this painting by clicking here. Free shipping in continental U.S. Layaway available.

Tuscan Vineyard in Autumn 16"x20" oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Another beautiful view of Tuscan vineyards. I combined a couple of photos I took while driving through Tuscany. Every time we reached the top of a hill, it looked like a postcard! This painting will be on exhibit in the Design on Wine Art Show in April & May in Granbury. You may purchase this piece at the show or later on line ( if it's still available!) 

Near Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany 8"x10" oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net "Near Neuschwanstein Castle" is yet another beautiful example of the fall foliage in Germany. I viewed this scene from above the river near Neuschwanstein. The fog hovering over the distant mountains and river gave it a surreal appearance. You may purchase this piece by clicking here .

Plowed Field 11"x14" oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net I came across this photo that I thought was taken somewhere in Texas. But, after checking further, I discovered I shot it in Normandy, France! Anyway, I loved painting it. You may purchase this piece by clicking here .

Munich in the Fall 8x10 oil on canvass www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook  On a tour of Europe back in 2007, we were fortunate to catch some of the brilliant colors of fall. I took this shot while standing on a bridge in Munich. You may purchase this piece by clicking here . Free shipping in continental U.S. Layaway available .

Storm's Coming  If you live anywhere close to Brownwood, TX , take a day trip to view the Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit . Sponsored by the Brownwood Art Council, this exhibit attracts artists from all over the state. This year, 130 pieces of art and photography were juried into the show out of the over 350 pieces entered . I was honored to have my "Storm's Coming" chosen for the exhibit. Information for the exhibit is as follows: Dates: February 5-17 Time: Sun. - 1-4pm; weekdays - 9-6pm; Sat. - 9-4 Reception: Sat. 7-9pm; Awards - 8pm Depot Civic and Cultural Center 600 E. Depot Brownwood, Tx  Also, much of the art not juried into the exhibit will be shown at the Art Center, 215 Fisk . Open hours will be the same as the Depot. Hope you can make it!

Lighthouse at Munising Bay 9x12 oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook  This is the Grand East Channel Lighthouse at Munising Bay, Michigan . I took this shot while on a tour of the amazing Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore which I featured in a blog in September, 2011. The lighthouse was built in 1868 and taken out of service in 1908. Today it is privately owned. While the color of the building is an unpainted gray-brown, the morning light seemed to brighten it. You may purchase this painting by clicking here . Layaway is available. Free shipping in continental U.S.

Split Rock Lighthouse 12x9 oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook  I'm sure Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior has been photographed or painted thousands of times, but it's still a fascinating view. I walked up and down several flights of stairs to shoot it from different angles. All of them looked good. You may purchase this painting by clicking here . Shipping is free in continental U.S. Layaway available.

     Port at Grand Marais 8x10 oil study www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook   Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I've been on a trip with my family, so this is the first blog in a while. Now it's time to get back to work! In the meantime, here is a study I painted and blogged about while on my Lake Superior trip in August. This one is no longer available, but I plan to paint a larger version very soon. You may follow my blog by clicking here .

     Bend in the River 11x14 oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook       Another beautiful view in Pecan Plantation, Granbury, TX. My husband and I were exploring along the banks of the Brazos River when we came upon this wonderful scene. The winding river in the background gives the painting depth. You may purchase this piece by clicking here . View my art at the following show: The Spirit of Texas Artists of Texas Show & Sale Dutch Art Gallery 10233 E. Northwest Hwy Dallas, TX During regular business hours Show ends December 31, 2011

Sunrise at St. Ignace  9x12 oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook       Since "Sunrise at St. Ignace," introduced in a blog in August, is one of my favorite paintings, I thought it was worth repeating. St. Ignace, on Lake Huron, Michigan and a gateway to Mackinaw Island, is a wonderfully quaint little town to visit. Early one morning, I shot this sunrise from beginning to end as it illuminated the lake. It's amazing how each sunrise or sunset is unique but all have same thing in common...brilliant splendor! Though I don't think anyone can capture their true beauty, it's a challenge to try. You may purchase this painting at a special Christmas price by clicking here . View my art at the following show:   The Spirit of Texas A rtists of Texas Show & Sale Dutch Art Gallery 10233 E. Northwest Hwy Dallas, TX During regular business hours Show ends December 31, 2011

Country Church / Upper Peninsula, Michigan 9x12 oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook       This painting was introduced in August when we returned from our trip around Lake Superior. As we stopped in a small country town for gas, I noticed the morning shadows made from the tall trees that surrounded this tiny church. After taking several shots, I painted the scene the next day. You may purchase this painting at a special Christmas price by clicking here . Layaway available. Contact me for more details. Free shipping in continental U.S. View my art at the following shows: Pecan Plantation Country Club 8650 Westover Ct Granbury, TX During regular business hours & on weekends Show ends November 30, 2011   The Spirit of Texas Artists of Texas Show & Sale Dutch Art Gallery 10233 E. Northwest Hwy Dallas, TX During regular business hours Show ends December 31, 2011

Ephesus Steps 8x10 oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook       Last July, I wrote about the remarkable Roman ruins in Ephesus, Turkey. This ancient city is not only the site of an advanced civilization, but one of the many places where St.Paul evangelized, spreading Christianity among the Gentiles. I was fortunate to be able to visit Ephesus and walk along the same marble streets as Paul when he preached the word of Christ to the Ephesians. Another holy site near Ephesus is The House of the Virgin . It is believed that the Virgin Mary traveled with St. John to Ephesus to live out her life after the Resurrection of Christ. The House of the Virgin is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims alike. You may purchase "Ephesus Steps" at a special Christmas price by clicking here . Layaway available. Contact me for details. View my art at the following shows: Pecan Plantation Country Club 8650 Westover Ct...

St. Anne's Chapel 14x18 oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook      Back in May, I wrote about St. Anne's Chapel, a tiny church dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary. This small chapel is nestled in the woods surrounding "The Grotto," a Marian shrine in Portland Oregon. The day we were there, the light radiated from behind the chapel as the trees cast interesting shadows on the forest floor. Since we are fast approaching the Christmas season, I thought it appropriate to reintroduce this painting. You may purchase this painting at a special Christmas price by clicking here . Layaway is available. Contact me for terms.   View my art at the following shows: Pecan Plantation Country Club 8 650 Westover Ct Granbury, TX During regular business hours & on weekends Show ends November 30, 2011 The Spirit of Texas Artists of Texas Show & Sale Dutch Art Gallery 10233 E. Northwest Hwy Dal...

Fenceline 8x10 oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook Pecan Plantation, the community where I live, is a peninsula surrounded by the Historical Brazos River. Even though there are about 5,000 residents, nature still seems untouched. Deer and wild turkey roam the entire area as well as other occasional wildlife. Needless to say, the painting opportunities are limitless. You may purchase this plein air painting by clicking here . Don't forget to visit the Artists of Texas show and sale, The Spirit of Texas, at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas. The show runs until December 31, 2011.

Burst of Color 11x14 oil on canvas www.martierains.com martierains@sbcglobal.net Facebook  These brilliant poppies, blooming in a field in the Texas Hill Country last spring, begged to be painted. You may purchase this piece by clicking here .