Our Everyday Life at Cedarburg Art Museum

First of all, thanks to everyone who stopped in during my October studio tour.  We had wonderful weather and lots of visitors.

 

I was very honored to receive second place in the statewide, juried exhibit at the Cedarburg Art Museum "Our Everyday Life."  You can find three of my paintings at this exhibit, focusing on the aspect of technology in our life.  My winning painting was inspired by a little girl sitting in a quiet corner in a Madison coffee shop. 

 

Second Place, "Head in the Notebook"

 

I've been out plein air painting, enjoying this amazing fall weather.  And preparing for our big winter plein air exhibition at the Cedarburg Art Museum in January. 

Waiting for the Super Moon at Virmond Park

Finding a friendly farm cat

Work in progress at Creekside Valley Farm, Mequon

 

 

 

Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour - October 7-9

For many years now, I've participated in a wonderful studio tour in Southeastern Wisconsin.  All the artists on the tour have fascinating stories to tell about their art and process -- this is your chance to meet them and understand their inspiration. 

 

I'm stop #34 on the tour.  Head east on Mequon Road and you'll see flags and signs.  My neighbor Bridget DeLoge is also on the tour and creates stained glass. The tour is self guided, no advance ticket needed.  Just stop in and chat, browse and have a snack, maybe a glass of wine?  My other neighbor Karen is baking some treats!!!  Yum.

Our son Alex and neighbor Greta will be selling lemonade and proceeds will be donated to Children's Hospital. 

 

My brushes have been busy and I've created many new paintings.  All of our treasured Wisconsin landscape and livestock.  Stop in, I'd love to see you next weekend.  Here is more information about the tour!  Friday, 4-8 pm, Saturday 10 - 5, Sunday 11-4

 

 

2016 Cedarburg Plein Air event

It was such an honor to receive an award at this event.  150 artists from across the country come to our beautiful corner of the state to paint and explore.  My painting "Passages" received an Honorable Mention.

"Passages" 14 x 6, oil, 2016 Cedarburg Plein Air Honorable Mention

 

 

When I heard my name called at the awards reception, I suddenly felt a surge of emotion.  Not only happiness, but deep sadness that we lost our mother Ursula a month ago that evening.  To think it had only been exactly a month to the day was overwhelming.  My Mother had been such a huge influence in my creative world, always surrounding the farmhouse with beautiful, simple things and was always my biggest "collector."  Artwork from my middle school and high school years still hangs in the home.  "Passages" was painted for you Mom....that you have passed to be with our beloved God, into the arms of the ONE who loves us beyond our wildest imaginations.  No longer suffering, in complete and heavenly peace.

 

My Mother marked verses in her Bible during her last months and one that she really underlined was from Psalm 16:11.  "You will show me the path that leads to life.  Your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever."  For me, this painting "Passages" captures the new life that God promises. 

 

There were many other paintings created during this week long event that I will share here.  These events are always a week of discovery and affirmation about areas of focus as an artist.  And yes, I finally painted the beloved bluebird in my very own backyard. 

"Bluebird Café" 14 x 6, oil, sold

Painting in my backyard!  That was a treat.

 

"Gideon's Grand Day" 12 x 10, oil

Chickens....and event is not complete without them!

 

"Mequon Marsh" 14 x 6, oil

Painted predawn

Out of bed around 3:30 a.m., off to McDonalds for java.  Parked at the Mequon fire/police station and walked to my location.  I've been scouting this spot for years.  The patterns caught my eye.  The sunrise didn't happen directly over the marsh, but still provided the mood I was going for.  Bullfrogs and curious drivers on busy Port Washington Road kept me company.  This photo was taken around 5:30 a.m., had my lights set up at 4 to begin mixing colors.  Love this time of day!!!!

"Pasture Paradise" 14 x 6, oil

Painting more moving objects in plein air...and let me tell you these cattle really moved around grazing.  A very quick paint!

 

"Predawn Peace" 6 x 14, oil, sold

It wouldn't be an event if I didn't get up to my favorite, favorite spot in Port Washington.  Coal Dock Park.  Another drive through to McDonalds around 3:30 a.m. for coffee, then set up before 4:15 a.m. to begin painting.  The predawn light happens so fast, completed by 5:30.  Had fun watching this young man pull in a beautiful brown trout.  It's a great way to start the day.

Early morning action happening right in front of my easel.  What fun.

Painted at Spirit Lake in Mequon

Fun at Far Field Farm, what an amazing way to spend a Sunday afternoon with this wonderful family. 

 

More Chickens!  Thank you Patti and Randy for the hospitality.

It's a wrap!  Until next year....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another cold one in Mineral Point

February 10-13th marked the 2nd annual Paint the Point winter plein air event in Mineral Point, WI.  And, just like clockwork, frigid air descended upon the beautiful driftless region of SW Wisconsin. 

Yes, I'm under there somewhere!!! 

 

Highs were in the single digits, but we painted through it all.  The volunteer committee for Arts Mineral Point found us out in the countryside one day and offered warm apple cider and homemade cookies -- THANK YOU SO MUCH!! 

My roadside safety cone provided a perfect resting spot for a delicious cup of apple cider.

 

Days often began with breakfast at The Red Rooster, a favorite in Mineral Point.  The early mornings were truly too cold to paint. 

The following images represent some of my painting activity during the four days spent in Mineral Point.  I had a great time revisiting a grand old barn I've painted before.  Spent time listening to hogs squeal while painting sows and boars.  Enjoyed late afternoons along a creek and watched a muskrat make his way through the water to his resting spot.  All these things and the wonderful people you meet make plein air painting a rich experience. 

 

Need to mention what fun I had with my roommates at the lovely Brewers House Inn.  We had lots of laughs and wonderful conversations.  Grateful for this time away. 

 

Here are my finished paintings...

"Gib Graber's Girls" 12 x 12, oil

"Meander" oil, 11 x 14

"Day's End on Ferndale Road" oil, 8 x 16

"Centurion" oil, 12 x 12

 

And, one more thing...a winter plein air painting tip for you all.  This product seems to be effective in keeping hands warm.  Made in the USA and recommended by our son who works at Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis.  Give it a try!!

 

Under the Winter Skies

January 14th brought us back to Schlitz Audubon on another cold day.  The ice had already receded significantly.  Saw a brave group of elementary kids out exploring with their leader.  Winds were fierce. 

On January 21 we found a great old barn here in Mequon on a very overcast morning.  I immediately fell in love with this view of this little side door at the back of the barn next to the hill leading up to the upper barn.  The tall ochre grasses created a pathway through the painting that leads you to imagine what was once behind that little door.  Maybe some calves, chickens? 

Painting in progress, Jan. 21

Jan. 29 ...another Mequon property where there is a log cabin dating back to 1853.  More exploration of these beautiful structures that are disappearing from our Wisconsin landscape, especially around these urban areas.

 

On Ice

We've had a very mild winter until mid-January when an artic blast finally hit and created a small ice shelf at Lake Michigan.  After a few brutal days of sub-zero temps, my painting buddy Lynn and I were finally able to venture out.  It was still so cold that morning that my good camera froze in my backpack....good thing I had my cell phone to capture this image. (Jan. 13, 2016)

First "lakescape" painting of 2016.

Happy winter painter, that's me!

 

The next day (Jan.14) we hiked back to the lake, along the shores of Schlitz Audubon Nature Center and found most of the ice had disappeared overnight.  But there is always something of interest like these cool mini ice caves with sand, rocks, ice formations that look like frozen fangs.  We also noticed a big freighter out on the lake, probably not too common for the middle of Jan in the Upper Midwest.

After exploring, finally got down to business and did a quick painting.  Sky colors changing so rapidly, but was able to capture the beautiful peach/lavender effect of early morning light.

Lakescape, Jan. 14, 2016