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....

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015 Cedarburg Plein Air Event

This event has come and gone, but wanted to share some of the experiences and learnings that unfolded during the week long event held in mid-June. 

First morning at South Shore Beach in Port Washington

 

The first few days began in Port Washington, a town where I paint often.  So grateful to live close to Lake Michigan and Port Washington has such great access points. 

South Shore beach, mid-day

"Serene South Beach"

 

The following morning I was up before the birds, jumped in the car and headed back to Port to catch the sunrise.  Much to my surprise, being set up by 4:30 a.m., the pre-sunrise turned out to be the amazing part of the morning.  Plus, I had a chance to use my new clip-on reading lights for the pre-dawn magic.  What a peaceful experience and I had a chance to watch the town and marina wake up.  Heard lots of excitement in the voices of customers who were on fishing charters and ready to catch the big one. 

Predawn set up with clip on lights

"Port Before Dawn"

Then it was off to paint in Cedarburg, always love this spot. The following day I went back to one of my favorite subjects, cows.  Painting cows plein air is challenging to say the least.  Like chickens, they are always on the go.  But this opportunity was one I couldn't resist.  Farmer Mike told me one of his cows just had a calf, so I hiked to the spot and quickly began sketching in the newborn.

Getting right to work

"Mother Knows Best"

On Saturday morning the artists take part in what is known as the Quick Paint....you have 2.5 hours to find your location, get inspired, paint, frame and turn it in.  I'm always inspired by chickens so I set up at the most beautiful chicken coop ever.  Here's my set up and painting of The Conversation. 

My Quick Paint set up

"The Conversation"

With dark clouds on the horizon, my friend Lori and I found a delightful farm with more chickens and beautiful flowers.  It was fun painting with a friend and gracious hosts.  The overcast skies were so beautiful and we managed to get the paintings finished between the raindrops.

The set up

"Me and Julio Down by the Henhouse"

The next morning, I hiked down to Lions Den Gorge.  Had wonderful conversations with families who were taking a hike on Father's Day. 

My painting at Lions Den along Lake Michigan

That afternoon, I'm back at the coop for a relaxing evening with friends (both the human kind and feathered friends).

This year, we added historic Thiensville to our painting area for one day only.  I was out the door early and am fond of the Fiddleheads in Thiensville.  Many, many years ago they gave me my first solo exhibit and I've always been grateful.  The tall pines always get my attention and once again, enjoyed watching my little town wake up.  The deer came up by the river and we both startled one another.  The sound of their hoofs scampering across the pavement is one etched in my memory now. 

"Morning Brew"

So the last day of the event is full circle for me....begins at Lake Michigan (in Port) and ends at Lake Michigan (Lions Den Gorge).  I really enjoyed this morning, but didn't have time to finish it.  The event was wonderful and full of fun, exploring and learning.  Believe it or not, there were about 3-4 more paintings sprinkled in throughout this week.  Some I forgot to photograph, others are really unfinished.  As always, thankful to all the property owners for letting us explore and create. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Painting the Point

Mineral Point Wisconsin began as a wild and crazy frontier town attracting all sorts back in 1828 when lead was discovered.  A few weeks ago, wild and crazy plein air artists ventured to Mineral Point from surrounding states to discover rugged beauty, historic buildings and glorious vistas speckled with bountiful bovines.  We spent two days painting in the inaugural "Paint the Point" plein air event and couldn't have asked for better painting conditions.  The weather, the subjects, the parties, the organizers and galleries were wonderful. 

Our little group stayed at the lovely Bluebird Cottage outside of Mineral Point.  The first night, we warmed up our brushes with a little sunset painting. 

Early the next morning after canvases were stamped, we ventured out to get inspired.  My sights were set on finding cows, so that didn't take long.  Triple D Farms and the Dannenberg family were very welcoming, along with the curious cows and fun children!  Thank you.

Painting with Triple D Farms in background, along with many of their beautiful and curious cows taking a peek.

 

"Spotify", 11 x 14, Plein Air, Oil

 

Later that day I wanted to capture some of the beautiful wildflowers along the country roads and here is the result.

"Ferndale Road Vista" 10 x 12, Plein Air, oil

 

The following day I went back to Triple D Farms to paint more cows, but gee, they kept mooooving, what a shock.  I ended up spending the afternoon at the home farm (which was out of our painting area). 

 So this one I couldn't enter in the competition but really loved this little chicken coop and my afternoon painting with one of the children, Laurianna.  I hope she's filling her sketchbook with lots of great drawings.  I cherish the drawing she gave me!

"Andrea's Coop" 8 x 10, Plein Air, Oil

 

After a lovely party Friday evening at The Walker House (thank you Dan and Kathy), we were up bright and early for the final event of the weekend, the Quick Paint.  We had about 3 hours to paint, complete, frame and deliver the painting.  I chose Jail House Alley as my inspiration and enjoyed a visit by another furry friend, Rosie.  Rosie is a legend in Mineral Point, a very popular girl!

Hi Rosie!

 

"Sunpower" Plein Air quick paint, 12 x 10, oil

 

One final note, while checking out of the cottage, I left my car hatch open for just five minutes.  I noticed a cat in my car when I packed up.  Sure enough, I had left a few wet paintings out and the sweet little cat stepped in some nice juicy paint and proceeded to walk around my car and across my painting backpack.  I think I'll keep the cat tracks on my backpack as a permanent reminder of this special trip! 

 

 

 

Calendar Cow

Happy to announce one of my cow paintings "Christmas Cow" has become a calendar girl!  This beautiful calendar is filled with art images from many local artists represented by Bohemia in Cedarburg.  They are donating all profits from the sale of this calendar to Meta House, a local womens charity.  The core mission at the Meta House is to help women reclaim their lives from the effects of substance abuse. 
Thanks to Jenny and Julie at Bohemia for a great first year!