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

 

 

Ever feel like the Michelin Man?

Layer upon layer.  It's true, a determined spirit is required for this winter plein air painting business.  I have a system for these winter months....my clothes are placed in a back hallway closet ready to go at all times so I'm not wasting time finding long underwear, turtlenecks, smartwool socks, etc.  Same clothes all the time....boring, but very functional. 
Once I'm out the door I can barely move and feel like the Michelin Man.  These essential layers of clothing are so important for winter plein air.  I'll gladly take the appearance of the Michelin Man for a few hours while painting the winter landscape. 

Work in Progress, 12 x 12, oil

The winter plein air glamour look (aka Michelin Man)

On this day, I somehow left the house without my big black jacket.  Good thing I always keep an extra jacket in my plein air mobile.

Hope you are enjoying the beauty of winter in Wisconsin. 

 

New Snow, New Year!

The recent blast of snow created a childlike excitement for me with thoughts of heading outside to paint. 
The white blanket covered all the mud and muted browns to unveil all new painting possibilities.  My first winter paint out was back in late November (2015) at my friend Wendie's house, following a plein air event planning meeting.  It's true....what do plein air painters do after they sit inside and plan an event?  They get out to paint in it.  That was a fun afternoon with the sun providing rich light and shadow along the creek.

"A Spark of Sun" oil, 8 x 10

 

We headed back to Creekside Valley Farm after the most recent snow to paint early one morning.  The snow lingered most of the morning and when that happens, it creates a texture in the paint that makes it very difficult.  The paint turns to a sandpaper like quality.  But I was happy to quickly captures these pygmy goats on canvas.

Pygmy Goats

Almost finished, 6 x 8

The next day we ventured to another beautiful farm just up the road.  The atmosphere was stunning.  Heading back today for another shot in the sunshine. 

Work in progress

 

Hope you have a healthy, happy and creative New Year!!!  See you in the SNOW.



Winter Plein Air in Mineral Point

A brave group of 19 artists made history in Wisconsin for the first ever Winter Plein Air event in Mineral Point.  Was it cold?  You bet.  But we all endured, had fun and explored the town and surrounding countryside to find so much artistic inspiration. 
My first day out began at Jailhouse Alley as a fresh coat of snow had fallen the night before and the muted landscape just called out to me. 

"Good Morning Mineral Point" set up

 

Then I quickly packed up to meet beef farmer Steve as he told me the cattle are fed around 10 a.m.  At this point in the morning, the winds really began whipping across the hilly fields and the conditions got pretty tough.  I managed to keep my easel upright and took a few breaks in my car to get out of the wind.  I really enjoyed watching Steve portion out the hay in a beautiful, artistic pattern across the hilltop.  Another studio painting is anxiously awaiting further exploration of this subject and their lovely farm.

"Angus Brunch Bunch" set up

Steve feeding the cattle

 

That afternoon I explored another building on Steve's homestead farm, an amazing old barn.  Once again, the snow was drifting with winds whipping, but I enjoyed painting this old structure.  This painting too will be used for a studio piece in the very near future. 

A big part of these events is the time spent with fellow artists.  A bunch of us stayed at the historic Walker House, a hotel built in 1836!!!  And unlike summer events where some artists paint throughout the night doing nocturnes, we actually had time to have dinner together after the sun went down around 5 p.m. 

The Walker House Hotel, built 1836

My mornings in Mineral Point began before sunrise enjoying a yummy breakfast at The Red Rooster.  I always enjoy the conversations and even had a local man purchase my breakfast one day!  What a treat, thanks Brad. 

The fun wallpaper at The Red Rooster

 

That morning I painted something that caught my eye the day before on Shake Rag Alley.  This crazy tree was still covered with snow and I was drawn to the complexity of the branches against the simplicity of the historic buildings of Pendarvis.  A world of contrasts.

 

Thank you to all the event organizers and the people of Mineral Point who always welcome the artists....see you in summer when it's about 80 degrees warmer!

 

 

 

 

Featured artist in Outdoor Painter

This past week, I was very humbled and honored to be the featured artist in Outdoor Painter magazine.  The focus was my winter plein air work and how that translates into winter studio paintings.  You can read all about it on the link below. 

http://www.outdoorpainter.com/artist-profiles/not-idle-in-winter-pamela-ruschman.html

Overcast

Plein air painting last week along the Milwaukee River.  The session started in sun, but that quickly went away.  It was a real challenge painting this in overcast conditions, but always an enjoyable experience.