Plein Air exhibit/award

We had a fun opening reception at the Artbar in Riverwest last Friday evening for a Wisconsin Plein Air Painters exhibit.  This painting received an honorable mention!  It was painted in December of 2010 along frozen Lake Michigan at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.  On this triple-digit degree day in July, this is a refreshing thought. 

Cedarburg Plein Air Event Awards

A few weeks ago 167 artists participated in the 12th annual Cedarburg Plein Air Event.  Artists leave the comfort of their studios and paint directly from life, in all kinds of weather.  This year brought us high, gusty winds and extreme heat. 
Often, the best part of these events are the people you meet.  I enjoyed getting to know a young farm couple who are such hard workers and great parents.  Meeting a delightful woman at the strawberry patch who has been picking berries there for 35 years.  And, while painting ducks, I learned that male ducks have a curled feather on their tail....who knew??? 

To top it off, I was honored to receive two awards this year.  An honorable mention for "Chicken Dance" and 1st Place for the Port Washington Paint Out "Whitecaps at Southshore Beach."

Cedar Creek Meadow

This was just one of those magical nights.....only a few bugs, great light and the company of wonderful friends (including some cows).  We had intended to paint cows, but then we walked around a corner and WOW, this wheat field screamed out to us with dramatic color.  The cows continued to peek around the corner to watch us and perhaps provided a few painting tips.  Thanks to Susan and Pammie for making the evening super special!

Boats, bras and bugs

Yes, that sums up my plein air experience on the first day of the Cedarburg Plein Air event.  We spend the day in lovely Port Washington, no lack of painting material in this charming "mainstreet USA" town. 
Around 7 a.m., I decided to head to the beach and what's the first thing I noticed?  A bra strewn across the beach.  Thought to myself, well someone obviously had a good time last night!!!  That started the morning wtih a giggle.  I fought the wind all morning and ended up with my umbrella in Lake Michigan at least 4 times.  The picture shows algae stuck to parts as evidence.  Then, the bugs decide to land all over my palette. 

All these things are the rich experiences of plein air painting.....I wouldn't change a thing about my morning.  Now, off to find some boats!

Last One In!

This painting was inspired by the ducks at the wonderful Family Farm, just outside of Grafton, WI.  We have been "frequent farmer" members there for years now, as our 5-year old son adores feeding and seeing the animals.  You can also jump around amongst bales of hay...just simple, fun play for adults and children!  I was especially drawn the the streak of light highlighting the last duck as he found his way to the watering hole.

Wisconsin Plein Air Painters Honorable Mention

I was honored to receive an award over the weekend from the annual Wisconsin Plein Air Painters Association exhibit.  This painting "Fall Torch" received an honorable mention among so many wonderful paintings by Wisconsin artists.  The show runs through the end of June at Richeson Gallery in the Appleton area.   This was painted at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center last fall in that glorious late afternoon sun. 

A Spring Sunset

I love those moments in life when you stumble upon something special.  That happened a few months ago on our drive home from a pizza restaurant in Mequon and I noticed a sign for a city Park.  We happened to arrive when the sun was setting and it was beautiful.  No matter where you live, there are always special places close to home.  The Mequon park is Villa Grove.