La Crosse County celebrating 175 years

Here are my entries for the 175th Anniversary Celebration of La Crosse County.

Artists were invited to submit up to two pieces inspired by the area from a historical, nature or future perspective.

Entries are on display at the La Crosse County Administration office on 212 6th St. N. in downtown La Crosse. Open weekdays.
 

Riverboat Resting Spot 18x18 oil on cradled panel $595

 

Copeland Connection 16x16 oil on cradled panel $525

Inquiries cshoreartwork@gmail.com

You can also see my artwork at the following upcoming venues

Artists Along the Trail, Plein Air Event –June-Trempealeau Refuge 

Sat. June 6, from 7am-11am, Plein Air Painting in Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, followed by lunch 11:30-1pm at the OWL Center, sponsored by the Friends of Trempealeau Refuge. Enjoy walking around the refuge and seeing what artists are creating, then join the artists and Friends group for a complimentary lunch.

 

Artists from the Refuge-June -Elmaro Winery

Refuge Artists display at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery, in Trempealeau, in the Crush Pad for the month of June, closing reception Sunday, June 28 from 1-4. Plus I’ll be joining other artists to plein air paint during Sunday’s Street Market at Elmaro every Sunday in June 1-4.

 

From Great to Grand - Aug. to Sept.-Blue Heron, Winona

My artistic endeavor to capture the views along the Great River Road and Grand Marais, through my paintings.  Opening August 12 through September 27. Reception Friday 15, 5:30 to 8 at Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona

 

Three Rivers, Three Artists - October-Elmaro Winery

Painting friends Ellen Mc Donah, Kari Hogden and myself, joining together to paint and display our own interpretations of the Mississippi, Trempealeau and Black Rivers. In the Crush Pad at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery in Trempealeau for the month of October. Reception (TBA).            

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Between the Bluffs Plein Air Painting Festival  -October-Gallery 1802, La Crosse   

I’ll be participating in the annual event for 2026 October 2-17.  Show opening Friday, Oct. 18 and weekend sale in La Crosse at Gallery 1802. Quick Paint Competition Saturday morning. More at betweenthebluffs.com. Experience dozens of artists creating their impression of the La Crosse area.

 

Also stop in at Red Pines Café on Brice Prairie. Featuring my oil paintings, of life on the Prairie, in their gift shop.

 

Painting is my passion as a visual artist. Working with oils in my Onalaska home studio and outside, plein air. I'm creating art inspired by my surroundings in order to connect and engage others to embrace the extraordinary. Always searching to discover new techniques to try on canvas.

Inquires cshoreartwork@gmail.com 

 

Plein Air at MMAM

 The opening weekend festivities at Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, MN included paint alongs and time for plein air. Myself and painting pal Ellen joined with other artists from the Minnesota Plein Air Collective to capture the scenes on the property. We concluded the day with an evening social getting to meet fellow artists. 

Here's a few of my paintings including an attempt to catch Friday evenings storm which damped the evenings nocturne plans. 

The Other Way 8x10 oil unframed $75

Sometimes it's best to turn around and look the other way for those special views. This one caught my eye a couple of years ago the view of sugar loaf as you exit the classroom from MMAM. Just had to try a plein air version this time.

 

The Barge Resting Spot 8x10 oil unframed $75

The special view of of barges parked along the Mississippi Rivers edge below the bluffs. While painting, the tug boats continue to drop off and pick up shipments for their journey on the river.

 

Downpour 8x10 oil unframed $75

An opportunity presented itself as the storm rolled in on Friday evening. I was able to take shelter under the bank drive through canopy. A special opportunity for an unplanned moment.

 

Inquiries cshoreartwork@gmailcom 

 

 

You can also see my artwork at the following upcoming venues

Artists Along the Trail, Plein Air Event –June-Trempealeau Refuge 

Sat. June 6, from 7am-11am, Plein Air Painting in Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, followed by lunch 11:30-1pm at the OWL Center, sponsored by the Friends of Trempealeau Refuge. Enjoy walking around the refuge and seeing what artists are creating, then join the artists and Friends group for a complimentary lunch.

 

Artists from the Refuge-June -Elmaro Winery

Refuge Artists display at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery, in Trempealeau, in the Crush Pad for the month of June, closing reception Sunday, June 28 from 1-4. Plus I’ll be joining other artists to plein air paint during Sunday’s Street Market at Elmaro every Sunday in June 1-4.

 

From Great to Grand - Aug. to Sept.-Blue Heron, Winona

My artistic endeavor to capture the views along the Great River Road and Grand Marais, through my paintings.  Opening August 12 through September 27. Reception Friday 15, 5:30 to 8 at Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona

 

 

Three Rivers, Three Artists - October-Elmaro Winery

Painting friends Ellen Mc Donah, Kari Hogden and myself, joining together to paint and display our own interpretations of the Mississippi, Trempealeau and Black Rivers. In the Crush Pad at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery in Trempealeau for the month of October. Reception (TBA).            

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Between the Bluffs Plein Air Painting Festival  -October-Gallery 1802, La Crosse   

I’ll be participating in the annual event for 2026 October 2-17.  Show opening Friday, Oct. 18 and weekend sale in La Crosse at Gallery 1802. Quick Paint Competition Friday morning. More at betweenthebluffs.com. Experience dozens of artists creating their impression of the La Crosse area.

 

Also stop in at Red Pines Café on Brice Prairie. Featuring my oil paintings, of life on the Prairie, in their gift shop.

 

Painting is my passion as a visual artist. Working with oils in my Onalaska home studio and outside, plein air. I'm creating art inspired by my surroundings in order to connect and engage others to embrace the extraordinary. Always searching to discover new techniques to try on canvas.

Excited to announce I will have one of my paintings in the following exhibition at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona

Myths & Legends of Minnesota: An Exhibition of the Minnesota Plein Air Collective

on view May 16 - September 13, 2026

 On the opening day visitors will enjoy Plein Air Demonstration by Nelia Harper French in the morning and a Paint-Out in the afternoon.

Washed Ashore 11x14 oil and cold wax $595 by Colleen Shore

                                                                                                                                              

As a member of the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota I had the opportunity to paint plein air paint at the Sugarloaf Cabins in Schroeder, MN. After 5 days of painting,  the last day I decided to add cold wax to my oil paints to capture the energy of Lake Superiors waves as they came into shore. Usually I reserve using cold wax for the studio since it takes more pressure to move around. I made use of the picnic table at the waters edge to create Washed Ashore. Another thank you to Linda Klabo for transporting my painting to be in the Plein Air Grand Marais last fall.

Excerpt from Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Myths & Legends of Minnesota: An Exhibition of the Minnesota Plein Air Collective seeks to celebrate Minnesota’s rich tapestry of folklore, cultural heritage, and oral tradition as expressed through the landscape, focusing on the lakes, rivers and other waterways of Minnesota. Artists in this group exhibition aim to interpret legends, tall tales, folklore, or personal narratives through visual art created in direct engagement with the natural environment and aquatic ecosystems of Minnesota.

The Minnesota Plein Air Collective is a collaboration between the Art of the Lakes Association, Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, and Red Wing Arts, the nonprofit organizers of Minnesota’s three premier annual plein air painting competitions in Battle Lake, Grand Marais, and Red Wing, Minnesota. These groups join together in a different Minnesota venue each year to present an annual exhibition, spreading awareness throughout the state and bringing the joy and beauty of landscape painting to wider audiences

 

 

You can also see my artwork at the following upcoming venues

Artists Along the Trail, Plein Air Event –June-Trempealeau Refuge 

Sat. June 6, from 7am-11am, Plein Air Painting in Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, followed by lunch 11:30-1pm at the OWL Center, sponsored by the Friends of Trempealeau Refuge. Enjoy walking around the refuge and seeing what artists are creating, then join the artists and Friends group for a complimentary lunch.

 

Artists from the Refuge-June -Elmaro Winery

Refuge Artists display at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery, in Trempealeau, in the Crush Pad for the month of June, closing reception Sunday, June 28 from 1-4. Plus I’ll be joining other artists to plein air paint during Sunday’s Street Market at Elmaro every Sunday in June 1-4.

 

From Great to Grand - Aug. to Sept.-Blue Heron, Winona

My artistic endeavor to capture the views along the Great River Road and Grand Marais, through my paintings.  Opening August 12 through September 27. Reception Friday 15, 5:30 to 8 at Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona

 

 

Three Rivers, Three Artists - October-Elmaro Winery

Painting friends Ellen Mc Donah, Kari Hogden and myself, joining together to paint and display our own interpretations of the Mississippi, Trempealeau and Black Rivers. In the Crush Pad at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery in Trempealeau for the month of October. Reception (TBA).            

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Between the Bluffs Plein Air Painting Festival  -October-Gallery 1802, La Crosse   

I’ll be participating in the annual event for 2026 October 2-17.  Show opening Friday, Oct. 18 and weekend sale in La Crosse at Gallery 1802. Quick Paint Competition Saturday morning. More at betweenthebluffs.com. Experience dozens of artists creating their impression of the La Crosse area.

 

Also stop in at Red Pines Café on Brice Prairie. Featuring my oil paintings, of life on the Prairie, in their gift shop.

 

Painting is my passion as a visual artist. Working with oils in my Onalaska home studio and outside, plein air. I'm creating art inspired by my surroundings in order to connect and engage others to embrace the extraordinary. Always searching to discover new techniques to try on canvas.

Inquires cshoreartwork@gmail.com 

 

Trempealeau Art Show Sat. May 9 from 1-4

 Join me and other artists for a show of our art at the Trempealeau Village Hall, 24455 3rd St., Saturday, May 9 from 1-4 pm thanks to the Trempealeau Community Heritage Society

I'll have a large selection of unframed original oil painting available to purchase. From $75 for 8x10 up to $150 for 11x14 sizes.

Here's a sneak peak at my paintings of Trempealeau. I'll be bringing lots more of the Trempealeau Refuge, Elmaro, and Eckers. I accept cash or checks. Sales tax included in the price.

Back in the Day 8x10 oil 

Drying the Nets 8x10 oil SOLD

Life on the River 8x10 oil

March Morning 8x10 oil

Peak Colors to Perrot 8x10 oil

Spring Wait 8x10 oil

Inquiries cshoreartwork@gmail.com

 

Coming up 

Myths & Legends of Minnesota- May to Sept.-MMAM, Winona 

An exhibition from the Minnesota Plein Air Collective will be on display at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona. Beginning May 16 through Sept 13. My painting Washed Ashore was accepted for this honor.

 

Artists Along the Trail, Plein Air Event –June-Trempealeau Refuge 

Sat. June 6, from 7am-11am, Plein Air Painting in Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, followed by lunch 11:30-1pm at the OWL Center, sponsored by the Friends of Trempealeau Refuge. Enjoy walking around the refuge and seeing what artists are creating, then join the artists and Friends group for a complimentary lunch.

 

Artists from the Refuge-June -Elmaro Winery

Refuge Artists display at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery, in Trempealeau, in the Crush Pad for the month of June, closing reception Sunday, June 28 from 1-4. Plus I’ll be joining other artists to plein air paint during Sunday’s Street Market at Elmaro every Sunday in June 1-4.

 

From Great to Grand - Aug. to Sept.-Blue Heron, Winona

My artistic endeavor to capture the views along the Great River Road and Grand Marais, through my paintings.  Opening August 12 through September 27. Reception Friday 15, 5:30 to 8 at Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona

 

 

Three Rivers, Three Artists - October-Elmaro Winery

Painting friends Ellen Mc Donah, Kari Hogden and myself, joining together to paint and display our own interpretations of the Mississippi, Trempealeau and Black Rivers. In the Crush Pad at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery in Trempealeau for the month of October. Reception (TBA).            

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Between the Bluffs Plein Air Painting Festival  -October-Gallery 1802, La Crosse   

I’ll be participating in the annual event for 2026 October 2-17.  Show opening Friday, Oct. 18 and weekend sale in La Crosse at Gallery 1802. Quick Paint Competition Saturday morning. More at betweenthebluffs.com. Experience dozens of artists creating their impression of the La Crosse area.

 

Also stop in at Red Pines Café on Brice Prairie. Featuring my oil paintings, of life on the Prairie, in their gift shop.

 

Painting is my passion as a visual artist. Working with oils in my Onalaska home studio and outside, plein air. I'm creating art inspired by my surroundings in order to connect and engage others to embrace the extraordinary. Always searching to discover new techniques to try on canvas.

Inquires cshoreartwork@gmail.com 

May's Flower Moon

 May 2026 Flower Moon

The first of a two moon month,only once in a blue moon or every couple of years for two full moons to appear in the same month. I got up early on May first for the moon setting over Lake Onalaska. Between cloud banks I had about fifteen minutes to capture photos. Then back to my studio to paint. Looking forward to a second chance at the end of May. 

 

Flower Moon 8x10 oil unframed SOLD

Aprils 2026 Pink Moon

Pink Moon 8x10 oil unframed $75

 March 2026 Blood Moon 

Blood Moon 8x10 oil SOLD

 February 2026 Snow Moon

Snow Moon 8x10 oil unframed $75

Drawn to the Light 8x10 oil unframed $75

Neighborhood Night Light 8x10 oil unframed $75

 January 2026 Wolf Moon

Wolf Moon Rise 8x10 oil unframed $75

Moon Magnet 8x10 oil unframed $75

Moon Over the Catalinas 8x10 SOLD

Last Super Moon of  2025 -December's Cold Moon

Cold Moon of  December 8x10 oil

Inquiries cshoreartwork@gmail.com 

See you at the RAD, Friday, May 1, 5-8

 

The RAD 8x10 oil unframed SOLD

I''m honored to be invited to share my artwork during the Rivoli Arts District first Fridays event on May 1 from 5-8pm. Thanks to Juliet Maya Arts Studio, Room 408 for hosting me. The RAD is located at 123 4th Street N. in downtown La Crosse.

Check out my series of paintings featuring the Full Moons, Moon Tunes and favorite Hangouts in the Driftless Region. I'll have a large selection of unframed oil paintings, 8x10 at $75 and 11x14 at $150

Cash or checks accepted, Questions cshoreartwork@gmail.com 

Full Moon Series

 

Snow Moon 8x10 oil unframed $75

Pink Moon 8x10 oil unframed $75

Drawn to the Light 8x10 oil unframed SOLD

Neighborhood Night Light 8x10 oil unframed $75

 

Wolf Moon Rise 8x10 oil unframed $75

Moon Magnet 8x10 oil unframed $75

Moon Tunes

Best Hang Outs

 

Downtown La Crosse 

Riverside Rotary Lights

Riverside Artspire

Hangouts in Holmen

608 Brewery 

   Holmen Kornfest     

 Holmen Halfway Park

 Hanging out on the River

 Copeland Park Boat Houses

Other Handouts in Trempealeau

 Elmaro Winery 

 Honey Crisp Hootenanny at Eckers

 Eckers Half Moon Festival

Be sure to check out Juliet's Show in the  4th Floor Gallery 

and all the other artists studios in The RAD

 Inquiries cshoreartwork@gmail.com 

You can also see my artwork at the following venues

 

 Kinstone, Spring Open House –May-Fountain City

Celebrate Kinstone’s season opener Sunday, May 3 for an afternoon of music, food and programs near Fountain City. I’ll be painting onsite to add to my collection of paintings in the gift shop, into the fall. Check out my paintings featuring Kinstone. More at Kinstonecircle.com

 

Myths & Legends of Minnesota- May to Sept.-MMAM, Winona 

An exhibition from the Minnesota Plein Air Collective will be on display at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona. Beginning May 16 through Sept 13. My painting Washed Ashore was accepted for this honor.

 

Artists Along the Trail, Plein Air Event –June-Trempealeau Refuge 

Sat. June 6, from 7am-11am, Plein Air Painting in Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, followed by lunch 11:30-1pm at the OWL Center, sponsored by the Friends of Trempealeau Refuge. Enjoy walking around the refuge and seeing what artists are creating, then join the artists and Friends group for a complimentary lunch.

 

Artists from the Refuge-June -Elmaro Winery

Refuge Artists display at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery, in Trempealeau, in the Crush Pad for the month of June, closing reception Sunday, June 28 from 1-4. Plus I’ll be joining other artists to plein air paint during Sunday’s Street Market at Elmaro every Sunday in June 1-4.

 

From Great to Grand - Aug. to Sept.-Blue Heron, Winona

My artistic endeavor to capture the views along the Great River Road and Grand Marais, through my paintings.  Opening August 12 through September 27. Reception Friday 15, 5:30 to 8 at Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona

 

 

Three Rivers, Three Artists - October-Elmaro Winery

Painting friends Ellen Mc Donah, Kari Hogden and myself, joining together to paint and display our own interpretations of the Mississippi, Trempealeau and Black Rivers. In the Crush Pad at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery in Trempealeau for the month of October. Reception (TBA).            

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Between the Bluffs Plein Air Painting Festival  -October-Gallery 1802, La Crosse   

I’ll be participating in the annual event for 2026 October 2-17.  Show opening Friday, Oct. 18 and weekend sale in La Crosse at Gallery 1802. Quick Paint Competition Saturday morning. More at betweenthebluffs.com. Experience dozens of artists creating their impression of the La Crosse area.

 

Also stop in at Red Pines Café on Brice Prairie. Featuring my oil paintings, of life on the Prairie, in their gift shop.

 

Painting is my passion as a visual artist. Working with oils in my Onalaska home studio and outside, plein air. I'm creating art inspired by my surroundings in order to connect and engage others to embrace the extraordinary. Always searching to discover new techniques to try on canvas.

Inquires cshoreartwork@gmail.com