So... this is a loose interpretation of subject matter that might go on an art blog. But seriously, how cool are these solar system nails I painted?

Very foreshortened pyrex dish with crazy shadow. Acrylic on canvas, 23x35.

In a departure from my normal work, today I took some time out to do this painting of a meatloaf. Enjoy. Acrylic on canvas, 24x36.

New series... Charcoal on BFK, 22x30.

Thigh, charcoal on BFK 24x25

Check it out, homegirls. I got a mention in the Washington Post! Mine is the first mentioned. See here! Enjoy! I also got a picture! Also, here are a few images from the opening, they have a really beautiful space!

Hello! Just thought I should alert everyone that in May I am going to be featured in a national juried sculpture exhibition in Northern Virginia. It's at a gallery called the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center -There will of course be more details as the opening approaches! They accepted my new sculpture piece " Carry a Big Stick " and also an old standby, " Veil ".... you remember. How exciting!

Check it out! This was printed in the Weekender last week, but it's also on Fredericksburg.com! http://blogs.fredericksburg.com/weekender/2012/03/15/gallery-915-artist-maria-duke-is-quite-the-dreamcatcher-in-an-ethereal-exhibit/

And on a different note, here is a small acrylic I did of this exceptional bruise that is on my left shin right now. It really does look like that. Including those weird red specks.

My stars, I have been waiting forEVER to finish and post this. I just submitting it to a juried sculpture show in Northern VA, so hopefully that works out nicely. The frail chairs are back and there are now more of them... and it looks like they sacrificed a friend. This is called Carry a Big Stick and it takes up about a 8'x4' floor space. Enjoy!

So I am having my first solo-ish show this Friday! I say solo-ish because there is a small permanent collection of work, but three of my big pieces are being featured! If you remember this gem: http://mariaeileenduke.blogspot.com/2009/05/pre-memory.html , it is probably the largest one in the space. It kind of takes up the whole middle section. They are really light hair and tulle embroidery concoctions so they don't show up too well photographically. BUT here are three pictures and you can see them floating around here and there. SO YEAH FRIDAY, March 2, 2012, 915 Layfayette St. 7 pm.

Okay so I have a big sculpture piece almost done that I have been working on for several months. I wanted to update anyone that was interested and provide you with this picture of my very own shave horse! New work will be coming very shortly.