Art-by-MSR

Jennifer Mennuti: Plants as Inspiration

2013-02-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

Jennifer Mennuti, of Botanical Visions recently blogged about my art in a very inspiring post about the power plants have to inspire us and affect change for the good, in our world. You can read her entire post here.

I particularly enjoyed her description of an artist who renders flowers as one "who takes an event and turns it into a story which can be recorded and retold." So true.

Which reminds me of my father. About fifteen years ago, before his death, he came to visit with a small bag full of these weed-like plants. "Plant these" , he said. "They just sprouted all over my yard and are very pretty when they bloom". And of course, I did. Every day when I see a buttercup in my garden, or see my little painting of a Buttercup, "Papi" speaks to me...

I've subscribed and spent quite a while reading Jennifer's blog since she has so many interesting posts about plants and landscaping in South Florida. Goodness knows, although I love plants, I don't have as green a thumb as I could have! And she offers quite an interesting way of attaching orchids and bromeliads to trees. I am going to try that! Please check out her very interesting blog here.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

msr107@gmail.com
http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com

Red Geranium in Shadow Oil Painting by Maria Soto Robbins

2013-01-10T14:47:00.001-05:00

I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. (Claude Monet, 1840-1926)

The holidays have come and gone and I'm ready to get back to ~~work~~ painting. One of my favorite subjects, that I never tire off it seems, are flowers. Lately it's been geraniums. Here is the latest one. It has the textured petals in thick, rich buttery oil paints. Hope you like it and remind you that spring is right around the corner!

You can click below to purchase directly or visit my Etsy shop here.

Dimension: 8x10x.75 inches gallery wrap canvas
Media: Oils

Price: $55.00 with Free Shipping

Thanks for stopping by today!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

msr107@gmail.com
http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com

Happy Holidays!!!

2012-12-21T03:00:00.000-05:00

My wish for you is that you have a joy filled holiday full of love and good cheer.

Thank you for your encouragement. For purchasing my work. For reading this blog. And, for your warm and encouraging comments throughout the year.

I sincerely wish you a very Merry Christmas, and may the New Year be full of peace, good health and lots of opportunities to be creative! God bless!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

If you would like to see more of my work,
please click here.

Cuban Coffee & Lime Red

2012-12-19T04:00:00.000-05:00

This vibrant, impressionistic painting was done with brushes and palette knives and shows a demitasse full of Cuban coffee together, with the typical Italian espresso coffee maker and cut lime. Thick, impasto foam on the coffee! A great brew to share with a friend!

It has a gently textured impasto. Sold without a frame.
Varnished to protect it from dust and ensure longevity. This painting also makes a great gift.

International Sales Welcomed: Please contact me for shipping costs.

This piece is signed and dated on the back.

Dimension: 8x10x.75 inches gallery wrap canvas
Media: Oils

Price: $55.00 with Free Shipping

Thanks for stopping by today!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

msr107@gmail.com
http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com

Royal Poinciana Morning

2012-12-17T04:00:00.000-05:00

This impressionistic painting was done in thick oil paint and it shows a beautiful Royal Poinciana tree in full bloom. It doesn't need a frame although it would look even better in one!

The flowers on the tree are almost 3 dimensional--truly a unique piece of art. This painting also makes a great gift.

Dimension: 10x8x.75 wide gallery wrap canvas
Media: Oils

Price: $55.00 (FREE U.S. SHIPPING INCLUDED)

Click button below to purchase Royal Poinciana Morning Palette Knife Oil Painting

Sunny Spanish Red Geranium

2012-12-14T13:51:00.000-05:00

I love geraniums! This one is painted in an impressionistic style with palette knife and brushes and shows thick, rich, buttery impasto petals. It sits on a round table. I love the way the light and shadows came out.

Dimension: 10x8 inches gallery wrapped canvas
Media:Oils

Click here to purchase Sunny Spanish Red Geranium Oil Painting.

Amazing Geranium Artwork and ✿Waltz of Geraniums✿ by Rebecca Tripp

2012-12-12T12:00:00.001-05:00

Her name is Rebecca Tripp, and she's a very talented composer and artist. She recently contacted me and explained that she was working on a musical project called the "Flower Waltzes" for different types of flowers and could I let her use some of my images on her video project? After seeing what she was up to, and the way she showcased so many different pieces from a wide assortment of artists, I was enthralled. Of course she could use any of my art work.

She included my Buttercup oil painting and above is my favorite composition, Amazing Geraniums Artwork.

Prepare to relax!

Thank you Becky, for including me in your wonderful creations!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com

Ivonne's Art Tote and Sale

2012-12-01T12:16:00.001-05:00

My friend, Ivonne, from Cuban in the Midwest blog happens to be a great cook and accomplished artist. On the subject of food, check out her Chicken Pot Pie with a Cuban twist. Delisioso! On the subject of art, check out her blog at IvonneBessArt. She does amazing portraits in colored pencils. Ahhh, the patience needed to do that. She has my admiration!

She recently bought one of my handmade totes to decorate. See what she bought below or click here. This week she sent me a photo of her lovely creation. She wrote:

Maria, I have to say, I was at a loss as to what to paint on my bag. Your flowers look so good on there, so I followed your example and painted...some poppies. I'm pretty rusty with the acrylics, but all in all, I think it worked out well. I'm going to start using it this weekend.

Well done, Ivonne...I love it!

I'm having a Sale of Totes & Aprons in my Etsy shop. Get 25% OFF and FREE SHIPPING, of course.
Use coupon code 25PERCENTOFFSALE. Hurry, this will last through December 15th!

Have a great week-end and thanks for stopping by today!

Cariños,
Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

Happy Thanksgiving

2012-11-21T04:00:00.000-05:00

May you enjoy good food, the company of your loved ones and the time to reflect and appreciate all our blessings.

I'd like to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving from my house to yours!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

msr107@gmail.com

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com

http://www.art-by-msr.com

http://twitter.com/msotorobbins

http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

Red Hibiscus

2012-11-09T02:30:00.000-05:00

FineArtAmerica has been advertising on Fox News nightly. It makes our work accessible to the masses in wonderful ways. Have you seen their ads?

Click here to see Red Hibiscus in prints and cards on FAA.

Have a great week-end and thanks for stopping by!

Cariños,
Maria Soto Robbins

msr107@gmail.com
http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

Etsy on Sale! 50% Off

2012-11-01T11:14:00.001-04:00

It's been fun to create these totes. Taking out the sewing machines that I hadn't used for several years and buying new gadgets like this Olfa Rotary cutter, (which is a must-have if you sew) and a neat cutting mat to go with it. I learned how to punch holes in leather with a cool gadget that I didn't know existed. And sew these on with suede cord. Yes, I've learned a few things but at a cost. Mostly in time, which I don't have that much, to begin with, with my "other" job. So, as much as I've enjoyed it, for now, I'm clearing out my shop of these items. The totes in my Etsy shop must go and I'm offering them at 50% off. Actually, the aprons and Art totes, too. See below for more on this.

Click here to see these in my Etsy shop!

Etsy On Sale would not let me put more than one Category on Sale. It's either the whole store or only one grouping. So, if there is anything else like Aprons, or do-it-yourself Art Totes that you'd like, they're at 50% off as well. I will only be able to credit you via PayPal, after check out. OK? But hurry, this offer will expire soon and Christmas is around the corner!

Now, back to painting!
Thanks for stopping by~
Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

New on FineArtAmerica

2012-10-20T09:02:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple more paintings that have found happy homes but prints and cards can still be found in my FineArtAmerica store. If you haven't checked out this site, it is worth spending some time there.

Bohio y Palmeras copyright by Maria Soto Robbins

Cuban Coffee and Lime copyright by Maria Soto Robbins

Tinajon and Purple Bougainvillea

Flowers on FineArtAmerica

2012-10-19T01:00:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd share some of my flowers listed in my FineArtAmerica site. Hope you enjoy!

Red Hibiscus copyright by Maria Soto Robbins

White Zinnia copyright by Maria Soto Robbins

Pink Geranium on Ledge copyright by Maria Soto Robbins

Have a great week-end!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

msr107@gmail.com
http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

Royal Poinciana Trio

2012-10-11T11:01:00.000-04:00

Click here to see Royal Poinciana Palette Oil in my FAA store

The huge royal poinciana we have in front of our house hardly bloomed this year. I don't know why. Too much rain, maybe? Anyway, I thought it would be fun to show you some of the paintings I've done in the past that have already sold but are available in my FineArtAmerica store. You can click each image to see it bigger or go to the shop.

Click here to see Royal Poinciana Resort in my FAA store

Click here to see Royal Poinciana at Dusk in my FAA store

Thanks for stopping by today!

cariños

Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

FineArtAmerica Flower Prints

2012-10-10T01:00:00.000-04:00

Now that the weather is getting a little bit dryer in south Florida, I've been able to go out and enjoy these two varieties of flowers that pretty much bloom year round. Although the originals have gone on to their new homes, prints and cards can be found here. You can also click the FineArtAmerica image.

Embeleso Oil Painting 2012 by Maria Soto Robbins

Ixora Oil Painting by Maria Soto Robbins

Thank you for stopping by.

cariños,
Maria Soto Robbins http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com http://www.art-by-msr.com http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com http://twitter.com/msotorobbins http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

100 Sales on Etsy~Lets celebrate!

2012-10-08T12:15:00.000-04:00

I'm celebrating.

I've had 100 sales on my Etsy shop! That is a little milestone for me. When I opened my shop initially back in late 2008 I loved the idea behind the venue. "Your Place to Buy and Sell All Things Handmade" sounded like such a neat concept for the creative indie (independent) artist. I never really thought I would sell anything but I secretly hoped I'd be able to pay for my canvas and paints by selling one or two things, here and there. After all, I personally know two very experienced artists whom I adore, who've been unable to sell anything on Etsy. Jeez. How can that be? So, I consider myself extremely fortunate with my sales. And to share my good fortune with you, since you've helped me reach this milestone, I'm offering 25% off of ANY ONE item in my shop for the next 24 hours. Just use coupon code 25PERCENTOFFSALE . So, if you've eyed anything for Christmas or the holidays, now is your chance! And of course, I have free shipping ALWAYS!

You can pick anything:

Cuban Coffee and Lime

Or:

Hip Bag Satchel with Red Hibiscus Oil painting

Or:

Spanish Bayonet Miami Beach Original Oil painting

Please don't delay! Sale ends soon, as they say! Go to my Etsy shop and see what you can find!

cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.comhttp://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

New Cross Body Hip Bags with Red Hibiscus Oil Painting

2012-10-02T16:53:00.000-04:00

Hip Bag with Original Painting of Red Hibiscus done in Oils

These stylish cross body satchels are totally sewn and hand painted by me. Each is an individual work of art hand signed and no two will ever be identical! Wear original art at an affordable price~

They're made with canvas cotton and have long genuine leather suede straps perfect for crossing over your chest and hips. It's big enough for those essentials that you have to have when you are on the go. They're lined and include a bottom pleated gusset! Will go well with jeans during the day or you can dress it up for evening wear. Very versatile!

Please note that my art work is on one side only!

Material: cotton (canvas) fabric
Size: 10″h x 7w” x 1.5″d
Shade: Black
Full side and pleated bottom gusset
Genuine suede handles approximately 47″ long
Fully lined
Spot wash with cold water
Scotchguard protected

All of my items are created in my smoke-free, pet-free home studio.

♥ Handmade with love in Miami, Fl

Limited Time Introductory Price!

© 2012 Original design by Maria Soto Robbins which is exclusive to Artbymsr. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproductions prohibited.

Please click here to go to my Etsy shop and see more of these cute bags!

How to paint a tote

2012-09-19T12:49:00.000-04:00

The title of this post might not be correct. We're not painting just any tote but one that I sewed myself and you can see here in my Etsy shop. The instructions below cover only the painting portion of this project. I'll leave the How to Sew an Art Tote for another time.

I used acrylics as my painting medium but you can certainly use conventional oils and add Liquin medium if you want to have it dry faster. I've also done this with the Artisan water mixable oils and love it. But I prefer the drying time of the acrylics and that is why I've used them on this project. You decide!

You can find this tote and other colors here.

Take one of my totes (like the one shown above) and slip a piece of cardboard under the painting area. And to ensure that you don't get paint in the wrong areas, cover with plastic:

Make sure you use blue painters tape or Frog tape to keep the cloth underneath clean.

I love sunflowers and don't get tired of painting them! So I apply at least one coat of white or buff titanium acrylic to prepare the 8x10 "canvas". After it dries, I'll apply my imprimatura. In this case, I used a mix of cad yellow and white. Again, wait till it dries and sketch your image. It's lightly drawn.

You might see the drawing a bit better here:

I've outlined the sunflower and started with the darker center first.

As usual, I got so carried away with the painting that I forgot to take more pictures! You get the idea. This sunflower is basically done. I will spray varnish it but wanted to photograph it first so I wouldn't get the glare.

And finally. This is what my completed tote looks like. I would love to see what you come up with!

You can find this one here or one like it .

Please feel free to contact me here if you have any questions about any of these steps.

Cariños,
Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

© 2012 Original design by Maria Soto Robbins which is exclusive to Artbymsr. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproductions prohibited.

Totes to Decorate or Paint

2012-09-13T14:48:00.000-04:00

Black cotton canvas totes with leather straps

These stylish cotton totes are ready for you to decorate or paint with your own design! If you're a fine art painter or visual artist, what a great way to paint your own unique image and carry around your work of art every time you run out the door with your tote! Share your work with the world! A pretty and useful conversation piece!

Choose from denim, black or brown canvas with soft leather straps

These are totally hand sewn by me and made individually. When I was looking to paint my own totes I found only cheap quality, foreign made totes. So I made my own. You can see my art totes here and dream up your own art!

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/90888642

Decorate them with acrylics or oil paints. You can do your own screen printing or sew or embroider anything you like. Let your creativity be your guide and have a very personal and practical work of art to keep or give!

My canvas cotton tote bags with leather handles have plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go (they're lined and include a bottom pleated gusset with grommets reinforcing the handles). Perfect for the beach, gym, work, school, to carry your laptop, or on quick trips to the grocery store!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

♥ Handmade with love in Miami, Fl

© 2012 Original design by Maria Soto Robbins which is exclusive to Artbymsr. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproductions prohibited.

Giveaway Winner!

2012-09-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

As you know, I was giving away one of my beach/anywhere totes that didn't make it to my design finals. You can read about it here. And I'm so happy to let you know that Random.org picked a winner and it is #8:

And the winner is....drum roll, please~~

Congratulations, Audrey! If you will write to me at msr107@gmail.com, and put in the subject line,
"Maria, I won the tote"!, and include your mailing address, I can get that out to you as soon as possible!

Thanks to all who left comments and subscribed to my newsletter. I appreciate it!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

Sunny Sunflower Art Totes

2012-08-30T16:45:00.000-04:00

Recently, I told you about these new art totes I've been sewing and painting individually. I've sold several and have had very good feedback on them. One of my favorite collectors (you know who You are) told me this:

Art Tote

"Oh Maria! It's absolutely gorgeous...and very under priced. I would suggest a price of $40 as in introductory price. I don't know how much time you spend painting the bag and I realize that art cannot be measured by man hours but $25 with free shipping is too low....way too low.

The size of the painting is perfect. I wouldn't change a thing except the price.

Again, thank you for sharing your talent with the rest of us mere mortals. I'll wear my new tote with pride."

Wasn't that sweet? Of course, she's one of my favorite Collectors!

Well, I do agree . It was an introductory price, they do take a lot of time and effort and prices do need to go up September 1st. So, if you've been eyeing one of these as a beach tote, farmer's market bag, gym bag, Christmas present, etc., please go to my Etsy shop now for more information.

If you'd like to try and win one, please go to my giveaway and leave a comment on my blog! Random.org will pick a winner on September 9th. Enter as many times as you like...Good luck!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com

http://www.art-by-msr.com

http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/msotorobbins

http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

Sunflower Art Tote Giveaway

2012-08-17T01:00:00.000-04:00

During the design process for these 100% cotton beach totes, I ended up making a few of these that didn't make it to the final production process. Nothing wrong with them. (I just thought the painting could have been a bit bigger on this one.) So, this is one of those. Anyway, since I love giveaways. And I haven't had one in quite a while....Here is what you can win:

All you need to do is subscribe to my Newsletter. Or, if you are a subscriber already, just Like my shop on Facebook. Get an extra chance by leaving a comment on this blog. Get another chance by visiting my Etsy shop and THEN leaving another comment here! Your choice. Enter as many times as you like.
Winner will be selected September 9th by Random.org.
Good luck!

Cariños,
Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

New Sunny Sunflower Art Totes

2012-08-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

I've dug out my trusty sewing machine and after dusting if off, put together these beach totes that
incorporate my Sunny Sunflower design. I painted these with acrylics and each one is a
unique work of art. Now, I just love sunflowers and painting, so making these was a lot of fun for me!

Click here for Tote-Black Sunny Sunflower Blue

Click here for Tote-White with Sunny Sunflower Red

Click here for Tote-Black with Sunny Sunflower Red

"My canvas cotton tote bags have plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go (they're lined and include a bottom pleated gusset and extra long handles for easy carrying). Perfect for the beach, gym, work, school, to carry your laptop, or on quick trips to the grocery store!"

Visit my Etsy shop here to get more information on these Art Totes and take advantage of Free Shipping
and special introductory price! (Price goes up August 31st.)

Cariños,
Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

Photos from our Illinois trip

2012-08-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

We've just recently returned home from our trip to celebrate my mom-in-law's 100th birthday.
It was a totally fun and relaxing trip visiting the family! Here are a couple of pictures we took.

The whole town of Wyoming was invited! That's how they still do things in Small Town, America!

The Birthday-Girl enjoying her cake! She's 100 years old, can you believe it?

Lisa, my daughter -in-law made this lovely ceramic platter showing the main lineage of Lois and Lyle.

Me enjoying the festivities~

In my last post, I mentioned that I was working on something new, incorporating

painting and sewing in one project. I’ve been really having fun with this and I think

many of you will like a functional and yet practical genuine work of art that you can use every day. I'm having a giveaway and I hope you join in the fun!

Stay tuned!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com
http://www.art-by-msr.com
http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/msotorobbins
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135

FineArtAmerica Prints and Cards

2012-08-03T01:00:00.000-04:00

Tinajon and Purple Bougainvillea copyright Maria Soto Robbins
(Cuba Collection)

I've recently uploaded paintings onto my FineArtAmerica store that had sold. Although they've gone on to happy homes, they're still available in prints and cards. You can check it out here.

Ocean Drive Palms copyright Maria Soto Robbins
(Miami Beach Collection)

When we return from the Midwest, I'll be sharing with you a new project I've been working on. I'm very excited about it because it incorporates two things I love to do: painting and sewing. Please stay tuned and I hope to get your feedback!

Akron Townhouse School copyright Maria Soto Robbins
(Country/Midwest Collection)

Thank you for stopping by & have a great week-end!

Cariños,

Maria Soto Robbins

http://www.artbymsr.etsy.com

http://www.art-by-msr.com

http://www.artbymsr.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/msotorobbins

http://www.facebook.com/mariasotorobbins

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Soto-Robbins-Artist/152244918166135