"Japanese Imperial Garden"

 This is a fund-raising challenge that the Daily Paintworks posted back on Saturday, March 19th of this year. It is called "Help Japan Challenge Auction".  All the pieces that are submitted to this particular challenge are being auctioned off.  There are artists who wish to donate all or some of their proceeds to the charities of their choice.
For me, I preferred to have fifty-percent to be donated to either American Red Cross or International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.  I chose to paint this particular picture because it brought back some fond memories of a field trip to Bellingraft Gardens which is still located outside of  Mobile, AL. 

 10" W X 8" H - Textured with joint compound - Acrylic on Hardboard Panel

 $80.00 - 50% goes to either American Red Cross or International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist
                Convention - Disaster Recovery Relief

"Coffee Barn" Coffee Painting, Barns, Americana, Country

Have you ever heard of anybody ever painted with coffee, especially on the back of grass cloth?  If  not, now, you will hear about somebody doing just that type of painting.   It all began one Sunday afternoon, I decided to experiment with painting instant coffee during the same time when my husband was in a deacon's meeting.  Voila!  I was quite impressed that I decided to do more paintings with coffee.  At one art meeting last year, I was one of the artists who did a demonstration on our paintings which of course, I did a coffee painting...   About the grass cloth, it was a rather large roll that my mother gave me to use or my art instead of putting on the walls of her house that she originally planned.   This art piece is also done in an Americana style.

7" X 5" - Instant Coffee on Grass Cloth

$35.00 - Painting

$7.50 - (S/H - Prices are subject to change due to price of freight.)


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"Z Is For Zippo"

                                                                  "Z Is For Zippo"
Oddly enough, this particular item brought back some memories to me about the time when both my family and I spent a Thanksgiving weekend with one of our great-aunts while I was still in grammar school.  Aunt Leola was a very gracious as well an aristocratic lady who lived in a very beautiful and massive house enjoyed having us staying with her during that weekend.  During our visit there, she gave us various items ranging from puzzles, prints, various men's accessories which included this cigarette lighter that belonged to her late, flamboyant husband (my/our late, great-uncle).  This particular lighter had some engravings on it including a letter "Z" for "Zippo" 

6" W X 5" H - Acrylic on Hardboard Panel

$35.00 - Painting

$10.00 - (S/H - Price is subject to increase due to the increasing costs of fuel.)


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"Ten-Minute Wash"

Here is a very challenging paint challenge that I have done one night. My husband timed me during the first section while he was pacing himself within ten minutes when he was washing dishes. Speaking of which, I placed this fine china cup onto a dish towel so it look as though it needed drying as well re-arranging it during each section while I was timed by the device of the timer from our microwave oven. I actually enjoy this challenge because it taught me how to paint and think quicker.

6" W X 6" H - Acrylic on stretched canvas

$40.00

$10.00* - (S/H - *Charges are subject to change due to increase of oil charges.)

"Aah, Avocado Halves!"

I love avocados, especially when they are cut into halves. This is a very unique vegetable is rather expensive at the supermarkets, but they are very good for people to consume. There are several things that I can list that avocados are really good for you such as: fiber, skin, and hair. I am also deeply appreciative for the staff of the Daily Paintworks to post the Vegetable Challenge up for yesterday because painting more healthy foods gives more inspiration to eat them.

* 6" W X 6" H - Acrylic on Stretched canvas

* $50.00

***$10.00 (S/H - **Prices are subject to change due to increasing
                                 charges in freight.)

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"Hugs Anybody" - Daily Paintworks Challenge, It's All About Me Challenge, College Day Fun, Spring Feverg

"Hugs, Anybody?"

What a unique and light-hearted way how to "de-stress" even during the week of final exams? This particular event took place during the last week of the 1982 Spring Semester while I was still a student at the University of Mobile (formerly, Mobile College). For some odd reason, we college students got together and met at the fountain which was then (probably still is) located in front of the school's cafeteria and between the two ladies' dormitories. We really enjoyed both wading in the fountain along splashing water on each other. There were more students who came to the scene, even including somebody who brought some shaving cream with him. This "De-stressing event must have went on at least for an hour that some of us (whom I was one of them) have totally been immersed in the murky fountain water. After all, that was fun - at least once in a life time event.

5" W X 6" H - Acrylic on panel

$40.00

$10.00* (S/H - Subject to change due to cost of freight.)
 

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"Festively Cupcake"
How does it feel when I pick up a cupcake while eating the maracino cherry first, licking its almond flavored icing along with the candy sprinkles, and not-to-forget, biting down into its deeply rich and moist chocolate cake part? My immediate response is"yum!", and "I want another cupcake like this!" I have really noticed that cupcakes are becoming more and more popular within these last three years so that many of these "treats" are appearing more in so many various places - even at coffee houses. It was one day when George, my husband, was flipping through channels, he called me to come look on a baking show showing a huge amount of decorated cupcakes on that television program at that time. Just seeing all of those cupcakes on that bake-off show really made me hungry enough to make a batch of those delicious treats.
  4 1/2" W X 6 1/4" H - Acrylic on panel

$25.00

                                                           $10.00* - (S/H- *Prices are subject to increase due to freight charges.)

"Soliloquy"

Here I am pictured as an actress who is standing alone while trying to find reason about life here 0n the stage called "Earth" while performing with the raising my hands in a manner of reaching up to God in an act called "My Life On Planet Earth". This Challenge, "It's All About Me" was probably the most challenging for me because I did not exactly know how I wanted to picture myself with an allegorical message for this particular painting.  As a matter of fact, I was really wrestling with what theme do I really want until Sunday morning while we were worshiping in churh. Oddly, the inspiration began when we were singing and praising as I observed a few people raising their hands in worship along in addition to some points in our pastor's sermon. The inspiration finally came to me through several ideas on Sunday afternoon while I was both thinking on this particular painting. It all boils down to one thing which maybe at first that "It's all about me", but, after all it is really all about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.



6" W X 8" H - Acrylic on panel

$50.00

$10.00 (S/H Charges - These charges are subject to change due to increase of fuel costs.)

Tropicana Hibiscus Solo

Tropicana Hibiscus Solo

"Southern Magnolia"

This is my favorite flower to paint due to its mildly sweet scent, large petals and leaves, and its Southern Essense. Between mid-May until mid-June, I and other people should expect to see the Magnolia blooms around the city of Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas.

9" W X 7" H - Acrylic on Panel

$63.00

*$12.00 (S/H + Delivery confirmation)

* NOTE: This price is subject to change due to freight costs.

"Intensely Texting"
How appropriate that this picture for the DPW Challenge on my birthday. I strongly can identify with this woman - especially when I become very intensed with several matters all at once. However, I do not have texting on my cell phone, but I make several cell phone calls either to my husband or other people. I perceived that this woman in this picture was on her day away from the office, and she was playing "catch-up" so that she can "muster" various business so she will not come back to the office to face an overwhelming amount of work.

9" W X 7" H - Acrylic on Hardboard Panel

                                                                  $63.00  - Painting

                                                                  $10.00 - (S/H - Prices are subject to increase due to rising cost of
                                                                                 freight.) 

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Mary Aikens | Artwork Portfolio | ArtWanted.com

Mary Aikens Artwork Portfolio ArtWanted.com I have various paintings on my ArtWanted.com wall, and they are for sale. There are a variety of subject matters as well mediums. Thank you, Mary C. Aikens, Artist :-)

"Chicken And Typewriter" - Chicken, Typewriter, Whimsical, Funny

 This was another "challenging" picture that I have also painted.  There are at least two types of "challenges" that were involved in this particular picture.  The first challenge was that it was this past Saturday's Challenge painting through the Daily Paintworks, and the second "challenge" was when it came to uploading.  I went through numerous times in how to reduce the size of my painting until I called for help as well figuring out for myself.  Voila! I finally did it, and now I have this and other picture on Daily Paintworks tonight...  What a real accomplishment!  Not to forget, this will make an ideal gift for that Administration Assistant on Wednesday,
April 27, 2011 which is "Administration Assistants' Appreciation Day.

7" W X 9" H - Acrylic on Panel
$63.00 USD
$12.00 (S/H)



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" German Get-Away"

 Persistence really pays off, especially when it came to having to tackle with reducing the sizes of the picture so I can be able to submit it to Daily Paintworks.  I have been communicating back and forth with technical questions while I was seeking answers about size reductions for uploads.  Yes, I did find the person who responded to my questions to be very helpful to me...    I portrayed this picture as though I was dreaming that both my husband and I were being there riding in a convertible with its top down while enjoying that scenery as well enjoying our "delightful" trip.

7" W X 9" H - Acrylic on Panel
$63.00  USD  (I use PayPal)
$12.00 (S/H) 

Revive Us, Oh Lord!

Revive Us, Oh Lord!

Mary C. Aikens' Artwork on ArtistSites

Hello Everybody,
I have started to revive my artist wall on ArtistSites.org/marysmenageries along with added a few blogs that are related to the paintings which two of them are the newest and an older one..  Please visit some more of my artwork on this site as well an older site at ArtistSites.org/MCAArtandDesignStudio. (which I am planning to revive real soon).
Thank you,
Mary C. Aikens, Artist

Tropicana Hibiscus Solo

Tropicana Hibiscus Solo

Today was a sunny and rather cool day here in Charlotte, NC, and I had decided to pick a painting that I have shown before on YardSellr.
"Tropicana Hibiscus Solo" reflects some warmth as well coolness in its colors which is so similar today's weather that gives us a "new breath
of fresh air" after a couple of cold rainy days. This painting portrays one of one of my most favorite flowers and colors in a vivid hot pink
with some blend of orange which is found in the Tropicana Hibiscus.

"Warm Magnolia Solo"

"Warm Magnolia Solo"

From time to time, I post many of my older paintings that are at least ten years old that
I am selling at a practically "give-away" prices on YardSellr. "Warm Magnolia Solo" is
among the older paintings that I am listing. It is oil on hardwood panel which includes
a picture frame that its painted antique bronze color gives the entire painting a warm effect.

7" W X 5" H - Oil on Hardboard Panel - Framed Art

$25.00

$10.00 - (S/H - Prices are subject to increase due to rising costs of freight.)

"Happy About Winning"

"Happy About Winning"

A few years ago, I decided to paint a whimsical painting of a horse who was at that time very happy about winning as well receiving a garland of roses and a silver trophy.  This horse has some serious teeth that when he both smiled and nayed, he had really had shown off  his 'teethy smile". 

"American Lady"

"American Lady"

Scenes of shrimp boats are among the popular subjects in the southeastern corner of the United States of America. This was is one of my most favorite of the shrimp boats that were decorated for the "Blessing Of The Fleet" shrimp boat parade in Bayou La Batre, Alabama that year. The name of this particular parade which is called "Blessing Of The Fleet" because the Archbishop of the Mobile, Alabama's Catholic Diocese blesses the fleet of Shrimp boats as well those who are involved in this type of business.

Lighthouse Welcome

Lighthouse Welcome:
This is a novelty, wooden sign that I did last year along with the other signs. It is about a lighthouse that has its lights showing during dusk. This particular piece is made up of two layers of plywood which one was cut into a filigree style while the other was plain that were both glued and painted in acrylic to create that three-dimensional and relief appearance.

Along The Azalea Trail

Along The Azalea Trail

Revive Us, Oh Lord

Revive Us, Oh Lord

"After The Ball"

"After The Ball"

Blooms & Big Buds

Blooms & Big Buds

It's A Tea Party

It's A Tea Party

Tree House View

Tree House View

Along The Azalea Trail

Along The Azalea Trail

El Gallo

El Gallo

artid

artid

"Dancin' Barn" | artalee.com

"Dancin' Barn" artalee.com

After The Ball

After The Ball

"Watch Cat" | artalee.com

"Watch Cat" | artalee.com

"A Day In Myrtle Beach, SC." | artalee.com

"A Day In Myrtle Beach, SC." | artalee.com

"Down Home Country Cabin" | artalee.com

"Down Home Country Cabin" | artalee.com

"Hermit Hide-Away" | artalee.com

"Hermit Hide-Away" | artalee.com

"Golden Pineapple" | artalee.com

"Golden Pineapple" | artalee.com

"Hermit Hide-Away" | artalee.com

"Hermit Hide-Away" | artalee.com

"The Cat Did It" | artalee.com

"The Cat Did It" artalee.com

Ship Ahoy

Ship Ahoy

Japanese Magnolia

Japanese Magnolia

"Wetland Wonder" (Both updated and original versions)

Please visit my Artalee wall and see my painting which is an updated version in acrylic on a 6" W X 8" H canvas panel.  There is also an original version of the same subject which inspired me to paint the most updated version.
The original version is much larger which covers an area of 12" W X 16" H, and it is cut in a rather odd shape for an original idea.  Most of all, I am promoting the updated more than that of  the original version. I just want to show you all what I mean when I meant by the "original version", and yes, I can sell the original version.
Thank you very much,
Mary C. Aikens, Artist

"Wetland Wonder" | artalee.com

"Wetland Wonder" | artalee.com

"Olive Solo" | artalee.com

"Olive Solo" | artalee.com

"Wetland Wonder" | artalee.com

"Wetland Wonder" | artalee.com

artalee.com | Discover Interesting Artwork

artalee.com | Discover Interesting Artwork

"Wetland Wonder" | artalee.com

"Wetland Wonder" | artalee.com

T. E. A. Party - Related

Hey T. E. A. Party Members, Fans, and Conservatives,
Here is a political cartoon print that I am selling for you to add to your collection.
Thank you,
Mary C. Aikens, Artist

It's A Tea Party

It's A Tea Party

Magnolia In A Word

Magnolia In A Word

Keep The Fork

Keep The Fork

Latte Solo

Latte Solo

"Patriotic Reminder"

"Patriotic Reminder"

Drive That Ball

Drive That Ball

"Modes Of Transportation"

"Modes Of Transportation"

"Modes Of Transportation"

"Modes Of Transportation"

Revive Us, Oh Lord

Revive Us, Oh Lord

Magnolia

Magnolia

Bass Fishin'

Bass Fishin'

Bragg-Mitchell Mansion

Bragg-Mitchell Mansion

Lipstick

Lipstick

Sail Boat Solo

Sail Boat Solo

Mary Compton Aikens | artalee.com

Mary Compton Aikens | artalee.com

"Sunflower Solo"

Sunflowers are one of my most favorite flowers, especially when it comes to painting them.  There was a lady whom both my husband and I knew from church inspired me to have quite a real liking to sunflowers because she used to wear many articles of sunflowers on herself.  She even loved the color of yellow which she wore  quite often.  For some people to see any or a particular person to have such a love or an obsession of sunflowers or other subjects will consider that as a turn off, but not to me.   As a matter of fact, her love of sunflowers rubbed on to me even to the point of painting pictures of sunflowers.  This painting is a textured painting by using a joint compound pasted to give it more of a three-dimensional effect.  Although I enjoy painting sunflowers, however, the magnolia is still my most favorite flower.

"Fully Popped Corn"

I always wanted to do a very small item like a piece of pop-corn and give it an expanded view.  Finally, I have had an opportunity.  Almost every night, my husband will pop some popcorn, and he will share half a bag with me.  One night, I picked up a popped kernal out of my bowl and started to study it.  About that time, my husband will look at me and wondered why am I looking at piece of popcorn so strangely.  I gave him an answer and told him that I want to do a painting of it, and his reply was "Yeah, Right" and "Do it and then talk about it later".  About a week or two, my husband found me painting this particular picture, and he told me that my popcorn looks too much like a monkey's face.  I said "See, here, I did it".  Yes, my fully, popped corn may have a monkey's face, but I can now say that I finally painted that expanded view of a tiny thing that is a pop corn kernel.

"Oh Happy Day"

This is an old fashioned scene how people used to and still get baptized (in some places).  For the most part, there is a particular song that is being sung during this occasion which is "Oh Happy Day" which has several variations.  This type of baptism is both by total immersion of each candidate and symbolic of death, burial, and resurrection pertaining to the change from a person's old to new nature.  This was an example that Jesus Christ demonstrated when John The Baptist baptized Him in the Jordan River.

Small Personalized Name Plaque

Small Personalized Name Plaque

Name Plate

Name Plate

Sailing At Sunset

Sailing At Sunset