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.

Swamp Milkweed at Schlitz Audubon

I painted this a few weeks ago at Schlitz Audubon. Was captivated by the color and shape of the milkweed. It was one of those exciting days of painting, first full sun, then threatening skies, then back to full sun and what felt like 100% humidity. I loved the swamp milkweed so much that it made me get to Monches Farm to purchase some for our backyard.
Also, love this new bumper sticker my hubby picked up on a trip to Idaho.

Schlitz Audubon...and I've stopped counting

Summer is in full swing at Schlitz Audubon with the dragonflies and butterflies happy in the prairie. This was one of those happy days with fluffy clouds and some quiet time for this painter! And yes, I've stopped counting the paintings at Schlitz....it's hard to keep track anymore!

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!!!

The Homestead

My family has been farming this land for more than a century. The white buildings on the left and the farm fields in front is the land my brother farms....over 100 milking cows and lots of cropland. I'm very proud that my brother was able to buy this farm over 30 years ago from my grandparents, the land where my Dad grew up! I was drawn to this early morning scene this spring with the corn emerging through the furrows, everything seems so full of possibilities for the upcoming season.

A word about Sunsets

I started painting sunsets more than 10 years ago, thanks to artist friends Lori and Pam. We were all staying at my parent's farm and ventured up on the hill to paint the sunset -- I was addicted from this moment on! We then turned around to paint the moon rising in the sky from this amazing vista in the farmfield. Friends Paula, Elsie and Tonia were also there painting that evening....just one of those painting experiences that will forever be cherished. My goal someday is to have a home where I can see the sunset everyday! An artist could paint these magnificent creations everyday and always have different subject material. I love the grand sunsets and the subtle ones where the sun just peeks through for an instant. These were all painted in a parking lot behind our local hospital where there is an amazing marsh with open vistas. I am grateful for this beautiful, safe place to paint!