An Extraordinary Journey
As I sit here in the quiet early morning among the sagebrush of New Mexico, I find myself reflecting on what an extraordinary journey I’ve been on. For the past five and a half days I’ve been painting in a workshop just outside Santa Fe.
I enrolled in the workshop to immerse myself in the expansive world of abstract expressionism and to challenge myself by painting on a much larger scale. That meant working on enormous 6' x 6' canvases!
Image 1. 60” x 60” Acrylic. For Sale.
Image 2. 60” x 60” Acrylic, July 2026. SOLD.
The workshop, hosted by Beverly Todd at the beautiful Santa Fe Artist Getaway in Studio Raven, was led by the formidable artist Jane Burton. With patience, wisdom, and encouragement, Jane guided me into a larger way of thinking — helping me embrace not only the vastness of the canvas but also the freedom it invited.
Image 4. 46” x 48” Acrylic, July 2026. SOLD.
I usually paint much smaller works, so this experience stretched me in every sense of the word — physically, emotionally, and creatively. Day after day, I explored this incredible surface using acrylic paint, sand, collage, sticks, dirt — whatever I could find became a tool for expression. I painted with my hands and fingers, dashing, smearing, and pushing luscious paint across the canvas, allowing instinct to take over.
As the days unfolded, I felt a growing sense of empowerment and strength — feelings that have become all too rare. The workshop reminded me that creative expression has the power to uncover emotions, reveal resilience, and reconnect us with ourselves in unexpected ways.
Image 5. 60” x 60” Acrylic. For Sale.
I leave this experience filled with gratitude — for Beverly Todd, for creating such a remarkable workshop; for Jane Burton, whose generous guidance inspired me to stretch beyond my comfort zone; and for giving myself permission to explore, discover, and express through paint.
Image 6. 60” x 60” Acrylic. For Sale.
In creativity,
Mary Lou
Image 7. 60” x 60” Acrylic. For Sale.
ART TIPS:
A roll of Acrylic Primed Cotton canvas – Medium, 72” x 10 yards served as my painting surface. I cut the roll into several pieces. I then pinned the unstretched canvas on a wall in order to paint vertically.
I used a variety of brushes, tools and pigments on these large artworks.
Be ready to let go and let flow while working large in an abstract expressionist format.
Resources:
Beverly Todd Arts (Host at the Santa Fe Artist Getaway)
Jane Burton Art (My instructor at the Santa Fe workshop)
Blick Art Materials (Canvas and supplies art store)
If you would be interested in purchasing one of these special large canvases, please contact Mary Lou. Pricing is as follows:
60" x 60" paintings are $5400.00 plus tax
46"x48" $4000.00 plus tax
36" x 62" $3200.00 plus tax
Pricing does not include shipping, stretching nor framing.
Image 8. 36” x 62” Acrylic. For Sale.