A word about Sunsets

I started painting sunsets more than 10 years ago, thanks to artist friends Lori and Pam. We were all staying at my parent's farm and ventured up on the hill to paint the sunset -- I was addicted from this moment on! We then turned around to paint the moon rising in the sky from this amazing vista in the farmfield. Friends Paula, Elsie and Tonia were also there painting that evening....just one of those painting experiences that will forever be cherished. My goal someday is to have a home where I can see the sunset everyday! An artist could paint these magnificent creations everyday and always have different subject material. I love the grand sunsets and the subtle ones where the sun just peeks through for an instant. These were all painted in a parking lot behind our local hospital where there is an amazing marsh with open vistas. I am grateful for this beautiful, safe place to paint!

Schlitz Audubon #52

Bullfrogs and lilypads, LIFE IS GOOD! Rumor has it, there's a blue frog at Mystery Pond....let's see a picture!!!!!

Brat Fry

Oh, I forgot to post the my "Paint the Festival" painting from the Cedarburg Plein Air event! It was a hot day full of drunken Strawberry Fest crowds. So, I found this little alley (in the shade) and had a great time chatting with Mr. Schwai about his world-famous strawberry brats. He's quite the character and a great salesman!

A heartfelt sunset

This little sunset was painted last night. A few years ago I discovered a great place to view/paint sunsets in Mequon, right behind the local hospital. Tons of cat tails and open vistas and a nice place to park your car.
I really enjoyed my painting experience but realized I hadn't painted in the hospital parking lot for a while (actually since last fall). Since that time, a good friend passed away, actually at this hospital. I was absolutely overcome with emotion while painting this....because of her death and this is also the hospital where my son Alex was born. Good thing I was alone. The subtle nature of this sunset reminded me once again about this fragile circle of life. I truly hope this sunset GLOWS to represent Shari's enduring spirit on this Earth because when I think of her all I think about is her smile. May God's grace shine down upon all. Cheers to you Shari!

Schlitz Audubon #51

Mystery Pond....ahhh the lilypads, bullfrogs, dragonflies. Truly a magical place. I also felt a little bit like being at Monet's pond for just a moment in time. Fun to watch all the families come through seeing baby snapping turtles and tadpoles.

More Cedarburg Plein Air

"Cheryl's Cheerful Chickens" was another painting completed during the plein air event in Cedarburg. Once again, this was a blast to paint watching these chickens strut about the coop. I was lucky enough to have one land on top of the waterer. She stayed there just long enough to get it blocked in. And, this beautiful calico cat was at my feet during most of the painting making it a day to remember.