Shorewood Plein Air

There's a new plein air event in Wisconsin in the beautiful village of Shorewood.  The event organizers did a great job promoting and running the event....thank you.  My favorite part was meeting the residents of Shorewood who were excited and grateful for the artists painting their city.  The children were especially fun and many said it was their first experience meeting a "real" artist.  But I quickly reminded them, that we are ALL artists.  We each see the same thing in our own unique way and that is what makes art so much fun. 
Sunrise and sunset along Lake Michigan at Atwater Park were great places to be.  I also painted Colectivo Coffee, but need to return to make a few adjustments sometime soon.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat and most importantly, to the new collectors and event organizers!!! 

Touch of the Sun, 11 x 14, sold

She's up all night till the sun, 8 x 10, sold

The early morning hours....two days in a row at the lake before sunrise

Light changed quickly....

Magical Mins, 12 x 12, oil, sold

My quick paint of the competition....what an amazing store in Shorewood.

Atwater 1, 8 x 10, oil, available

Atwater 2, 11 x 14, oil, available

Spring Sunset

I've been exploring more places to paint that are closer to home.  Mequon has lots of little nature preserves that are poorly marked, therefore, it results in minimal use because no one knows they exist! 
To get to this spot, we had to hike a bit.  I'm very happy with my new Timbuk2 backpack.  It's extra wide and I can load it with all my gear so I finally have my hands free!  Our son works for an outerwear company and put me on to this backpack which he purchased for me at a discount (sweet). 

Field to Studio

"Chicken Dance" Plein Air

 

During the Cedarburg Plein Air Painting event last year, I did several paintings of chickens.  Yes, a moving target for plein air work...even worse than cows, these chickens don't sit still for a moment!  Nothing beats the spontaneous brushwork of a plein air piece, but it's also exciting to think about some larger paintings in the studio.  I like using the winter months for that exploration. 

On this first day of spring with windchills below zero, this green grass is looking quite appealing.  So, here are some examples of studio work that was completed after the plein air studies.

"Struttin' Our Stuff" Studio Painting

"Father Knows Best" Studio Painting

 

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. 

Duck Tales

This was my plein air study (above)

 "The Family That Quacks Together, Stays Together" (above)

"Off to Swimming Lessons"  (above)

Besides the usual subjects of chickens and cows, I added DUCKS to the lineup over the past 6 months.  I spent time at a local farm painting these ducks plein air (which is a BIG challenge, since they never ever sit still).  However, the plein air study was invaluable for appropriate color notes as I worked on some of these larger paintings.
The farmer also talked to me about how to identify the gender of these ducks.  One way is the difference in Quacks....which I didn't catch on to.  The other is the feathers.  If a duck has a curled tailed feather, it is the male! 
Enjoy these two paintings of this entertaining duck family.

Snow Globe

Posting this painting that I completed back in August, as much of Wisconsin has been hit with a blizzard.  Thinking especially this morning of my brother and Dad as they dig out from the storm and get food to all the animals.  My brother and his wife have cows to milk as well.  Hoping all the equipment is in good working condition this morning to get the job done.
In the meantime, enjoy my interpretation of "Snow Globe."

Overcast October

I recently enjoyed a quick (but fun) 24-hour trip up to Pembine Wisconsin for a little Plein Air painting.  We spent the first afternoon at Dave's Falls, one of those beautiful places where you feel like you're in Colorado.  The next morning was spent at Beecher Lake.  The challenge of both these sessions was the constant mist and even rain.  Putting up an umbrella would of made my palette/canvas even darker, so that wasn't an option.  I tried to position myself under a tree, but that natural cover only provided temporary shelter.  In plein air painting, there is always a learning.  What I enjoyed the most was the fellowship of special friends, a little time away from the normal routine and the plip-plop of acorns falling into nearby water.....plein air is always a full-on sensory experience....THANK YOU!

Gallery Night in Mineral Point

This Saturday evening I am honored to be exhibiting my work alongside fellow artist Randy Larson.  We grew up in rural Blanchardville and our land shared a fencerow.  We rode the same bus to school but probably never envisioned a day when we would show work together in a gallery.  I love how life unfolds!  I will have 12 new paintings in this exhibit.  Please stop in for a visit Saturday night at the Walker House from 4 - 9 p.m.  And yes, we have free root beer floats!

Dozing Dames

Living in Wisconsin, it's hard to avoid these beautiful bovines.  Can't you just hear them chewing their cud on a beautiful summer day?

Gossip Girls

These two chickens were just clucking away and carrying on quite the conversation.  This tiny painting (4 x 6) will be part of the Blizzard of Art exhibit at the Cedarburg Cultural Center beginning Nov. 23.  A perfect gift for that special someone in your family who loves chickens!

More cattails

There is more color to "just an ordinary" cattail than meets the eye!  I especially love late afternoon when they are all dramatic with color and mood.  Had lots of muck on my boots after painting this little one!

Fall Torches

I have a thing with cattails.....painted this a few weeks ago plein air at Schlitz Audubon.  Especially love the fuzzy, fluffy stuff.  Just not in my oil paints!

The Chaos of Chickens

The title of this painting is called "Running Late."  Doesn't it appear these chickens all need to go somewhere, but don't know which way to go?  The rooster in the center seems to be the only guy who has a clue.

This painting and about 20 others will be on exhibit at Groth Design Group in Cedarburg this weekend (N58W6181 Columbia Road).  The studio tour will begin on Friday night from 6 to 9 and continues on Saturday and Sunday.  Please stop in, I'd love to see you! 

Warm and Snuggly

Cold, wind and rain has been our weather almost all week. Thought I'd do a painting of this little sheep to keep me thinking warm and cozy thoughts.

Hanging with my chicks

After an entire year devoted to painting (almost) weekly at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, the exhibit has come and gone. It was such an amazing journey of learning -- about both art and nature. And the great friendships that have formed and strengthened along the way -- that's you Liesl and Lynn! We had amazing attendance at the exhibit and some sales too. Many of my friends have lived in the area for years and never been to SANC until the evening of the exhibit, so new members have resulted from this effort as well. THANKS to all who made this happen!

My painting obsession will continue at Schlitz as my little preschooler has one more year there (I am a lucky Mom). More winter, bigger, new places to explore on the property, new art friends to bring along. It all awaits.

In the meantime, I continue another obsession with chickens. These are from The Family Farm in Grafton, such a great place. This painting will be on exhibit during the Covered Bridge Studio Tour, October 7 - 9 in and around Cedarburg. See the website for complete details, I'll be at Groth Design group. www.cedarburgartistsguild.com The chickens hope you will stop by for a closer look.

Beecher Lake Sunset

Painted this a few weeks ago up north near Pembine, Wisconsin. It's much harder painting these sunsets with a lake in the foreground due to the glare, but always a fun time!!!