If you follow me on Instagram, you'll notice that my feed has been filling up with colorful tree paintings lately. I've been working on a new series in my studio for the past few weeks. I'm calling it my "Happy Little Trees" series. They're fun to make and I'm enjoying playing with colors, layers, and textures. A bit more whimsical than some of my more serious work but tons of fun to make and they are being received well by friends and family. I have experienced a lot of grief, change, and growth in the past two years after losing my best friend, Lisa, to lung cancer, losing my grandmother, and another close friend, Leslie, to cancer. Watching two more friends get diagnosed with cancer and start their own journey of healing as we learned we would be relocating for my husband's new job. Last fall, I moved across the United States from Virginia to Oregon to start a new life and new career path with my husband and our two daughters. I've spent a lot of time reflecting on the events of the past two years and have come out on the other end stronger, more resilient, and ready to make art again. I've quit craft blogging - it was fun for the 6 years I did it, but not it's not a part of who I am anymore. My calling has always been to make my own art and be true to myself as an artist.
My Happy Little Trees series is meant to be whimsical and colorful. I'm exploring color, texture, and line. I'm focusing on the interplay of "positive" and "negative" space as I reflect on my own positive and negative growth experiences from the past few years. I'm using these trees as a form of art therapy to explore living more simply while celebrating nature, color, texture, and line. I want the viewer to feel happy and playful. I want them to be in the moment and feel joy. Life is short and meant to be celebrated.
Happy Little Blue Tree 1, MaryLea Harris Acrylic on Canvas, 2014
Happy Little Tree 1, MaryLea Harris Acrylic on Canvas, 2014 (SOLD)
Happy Little Tree 3, by MaryLea Harris Acrylic on Canvas, 2014
I'm busy working in my studio to get ready for my upcoming solo show at Lumin Studios gallery in Tumalo, OR on October 11, 2014 from 1pm-4pm. There will be lots of paintings available for sale as well as some cards and prints.