Introducing RUSTIC WORKS

Rustic Works™ are small, one-of-a-kind original paintings by artist, Marisa Ray. These compositions are completed on thin wood blocks, then edged and painted to look framed. Each piece is slightly sanded to give a rustic, antique appearance. Subjects are sometimes made in groups so several can be used to decorate an area, but each can be purchased individually.

Some of these creations have started taking on personalities of their own, and I’ve begun naming them accordingly. Meet Harry, Corey, Olive and more by scrolling through the collection: RUSTIC WORKS

Jan 29th-Mr. Bluebird

I like him. This is the second bluebird I've done, and the little creatures are just too fun to paint.
In all honesty, up until a couple years ago, I didn't really know they were real. I never saw any in California. When I moved here I thought they were just a fictious bird, and the name "bluebird" was made famous by the popular music club.
Then I saw one in the wild one day and I smiled. Their colors are so pretty.

Specifics: "Mr. Bluebird"
Size: 5 x 7 inch
Medium: Acrylic on wood

For Purchase: This original painting measures 5 x 7, and is done on a ready-to-hang, wood panel. It has been sprayed with a protective varnish and is frame ready. The price is $32.00 (tax included). If you would like to have it shipped, add $5.00. Pick up is available at no charge.
Contact:
Email: marisaray770@yahoo.com
Phone: 615-731-1289
Website: http://www.marisarayart.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/marisarayart1

Sunsets and Sunrises

Coming for the month of February is Sunsets and Sunrises. Check back weekly beginning Feb 5th to see the first painting.

"Birdie Has A Birthday" - New Greeting Card

In light of January being dedicated to BIRDS, I thought I'd share something else that emerged from my collection of feathery friends. "Birdie Has A Birthday" Is now a custom greeting card, but it started out as a painting (minus the hat and presents) that I didn't know what to do with. Originally it was just the cockatiel against the purple backdrop. I liked the way the bird looked, but the composition as a whole was dull. I set it aside, thinking in a week or two the artwork would grow on me, but it didn't. Being open to change is one thing I'm learning through painting. When I was a songwriter, I was extremely rigid in my thinking. I had an extremely difficult time changing a song, thinking there was a "right" and "wrong" answer. I'm glad I considered how else birdie could be, instead of staying stuck. Let me just say that is probably one of the most popular cards I've done. All because I saw what it could be, rather than accepting it as it was.

For Purchase: "Birdie Has A Birthday" comes as a set of 4 cards with envelopes. The interior of the cards are blank. Each set is $6.50. Contact me at marisaray770@yahoo.com, or call (615) 731-1289.



Jan 22nd-Alone With My Thoughts

This is the third cardinal I've done, and, I think it's my best one yet. I'm getting more comfortable with this bird. What I find challenging about them is that, because of their mostly solid color, there isn't a lot of room for variation, other than shading.
This painting is called, "Alone With My Thoughts". I've spent quite a bit of time alone in my life. Some of it by choice, and some because of rejection or fizzled relationships. All that said I am very grateful for what I have today in my husband, son, mother, father and brother. Treasure one another.

Specifics:
Title: "Alone With My Thoughts"
Size: 5 x 7 inch
Medium: Acrylic on panel
2012 Marisa Ray-Desert Sun ART
For Purchase: Sold
Contact:
Email: marisaray770@yahoo.com
Phone: (615) 731-1289
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/marisarayart1
Website: http://www.marisarayart.com/

Jan 15th-Bosom Buddies

Growing up my family had cockatiels and parakeets, but my parent's friends had two lovebirds named Casey and JoJo. Whenever we'd go over to their house I made it a point to look at the fluffies. They were so cute
There are two things I like about lovebirds. Obviously their brilliant color-they look like pieces of candy. But more than that I admire the way they cozy up to one another (making good use of their name!).
I think we all search for that in life. Someone who has a soft shoulder we can always count on; a trusted friend who never lets us down or betrays us. Sometimes I forget to be that for others. I'm too focused on attaining love for myself. I have to constantly be reminded to be someone else's bosom buddy.

Specifics:
Title: "Bosom Buddies"
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Acrylic on panel
Copyright 2012 Marisa Ray-Desert Sun ART

For Purchase: This original painting measures 5 x 7, and is done on canvas pane. It has been sprayed with a protective varnish and is frame ready. The price is $32.00 (tax included). If you would like to have it shipped, add $5.00. Pick up is available at no charge. Contact marisaray770@yahoo.com .
Contact:
Email: marisaray770@yahoo.com
Phone: 615-731-1289
Facebook: www.facebook.com/marisarayart1
Website: http://www.marisarayart.com/

January 8th-"Little Round Robin"

Maybe they were there growing up, but I don’t remember seeing any robins as a kid. Southern California has plenty of birds, like crows, seagulls and sparrows, but not many striking ones. Occasionally there’d be an escaped parakeet in a neighbor’s tree, but that’s about it. Here in Tennessee I am constantly enjoying the beautiful birds.

Robins seem so happy; so childlike to me. The white ring around their eyes makes them look extra friendly. In some ways they also look kind of scruffy and fragile; a little more vulnerable to natures fury than others. I can relate to that.

Sometimes I feel like a robin among cardinals and blue jays, but I am learning to be okay with that. I grew up in a wealthy area, where it was normal for people to have two luxury cars and closets full of designer clothes. My parents worked extra hard to live there, but we didn’t have the money other families did. Sometimes this made me stand out among my peers, and not in a good way. I was embarrassed by my JC Penney outfits and Payless shoes. Maybe you don’t understand that, but that’s just the way it is in rich areas.
I’ve spent my whole life trying to fit in, and dress myself up to not look like the odd one out. Now I’m just learning to be the robin, and embrace who I am instead.

Specifics:

Title: “Little Round Robin”

Size: 5 x 7 inches

Medium: Acrylic on panel

© 2012 Marisa Ray-Desert Sun ART

For Purchase: This original painting measures 5 x 7, and is done on canvas pane. It has been sprayed with a protective varnish and is frame ready. The price is $32.00 (tax included). If you would like to have it shipped, add $5.00. Pick up is available at no charge. Contact marisaray770@yahoo.com .

Contact:

Email: marisaray770@yahoo.com

Phone: (615) 731-1289

Website: www.marisarayart.com

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/marisarayart1