Milestones of March

Sometimes You Wunder 5x7

I began my blog a year ago this March to track my creative process.

When I look back, I've been consistent on painting most days and have done 170 small paintings. That's roughly 3 paintings a week, since I retired in December of 2018 and picked up my brush again. Not to mention numerous drawings

My first personal goal was to complete 100 small paintings. I celebrated in October opening up my home gallery and found new homes for half of my works. This was truly gratifying as it funded my resupply of paints and canvases and has also afforded me the opportunity for future workshops. Although disappointed about artist DK Palecek having to cancel the March workshop in Dubuque, I'm still finding guidance and inspiration through those on the internet and from books.

As I challenged myself to trying different subject matters, still lives to sunsets, landscapes to wildlife, architecture to textures and pets to people. The later has been the big surprise for myself. Pet portraits has brought me 14 commissions. It's a challenge but one I strive for since it connects me as an artist to my patrons. 

Learning how to, why to and what to do in creating my artwork has been fulfilling. I follow a number of Plein Air Painting groups on line. I learned I'm not suppose to compare myself to others, but I see the shared stumbling blocks of some and I'm invigorated by the shared success of others.

I know that giving up is the only way to fail and will continue my path to progress. I do this for myself and know that what still moves me to paint are the beautiful things in this world. If all I do is share and find others who will enjoy my paintings, then I have succeeded.

My daily routine at this time during the corona virus isolation-

Get up early for Hot tub and coffee, listen to the birds and find my voice for the day

Studio time 3-4 hours in the morning, start or finish a painting, photograph and blog my progress. Listen to an audio book or some favorite music.

Lunch and  do a daily chore plus go for a walk or bike ride.

Afternoon nap and reading time.

Prepared Dinner, maybe have a cocktail then settle in for TV time or movie.

Retire early and read my book.


I'm lucky to have a routine established as the transition to stay at home was a typical day in my life. Painting is a solitary activity. What I discovered is I can paint while listening to books.  With downloading from our local library I shouldn't run out of self help art books and novels for a long time. I did make it over to Michael's craft store before they closed the retail section and hoarded a few canvases before my supply runs out. At my rate of 3 per week I can survive another 4 months. I guess there's always mail order.

There's always the option of painting over old images too.

Kinstone celebrating Spring

Spring Arrives-Kinstone 8x10

I've been tuned into face book maybe more than I should be, but it does feed the need for human connection. Kinstone, which is located on top of a bluff near Fountain City, posted some photos of their modern megalithic site during the spring Equinox.

Since spring was on my mind I knew I had to try and paint what Kristine Beck captured at the emerging sun.

Here's a place to must visit when touring the Driftless area. Check it out kinstonecircle.com

As their Mission States

Kinstone blends conscious care of the Earth with art to form sacred spaces that invite and inspire people to connect with and experience the creative power of the land to transform, energize and revive the body, mind and spirit.

Gatherings- A Painting Workshop, Cedarburg

Workshop Gatherings 8x10

Just reminiscing about a painting workshop I took last May near Cedarburg. Yes I'm still pouting about missing the one in Dubuque  this week.

Here Tom Nachreiner demonstrates to the artists in attendence. I'll bet a few that see this will recognise themselves.

Hope you are thriving during this alone time.

Most artists are use to a lifestyle with hours of solitude. Creating in the confines of a studio. We know how to survive isolation since we all have numerous projects we've been meaning to accomplish.


This sums up my gathering series since I have a number of commissions to work on. I think I've got a handle on body poses and just need some more work on faces, maybe portraits of people will be my next challenge.

Gatherings- Dash-Park, Onalaska

Dash Park Gathering 11x14

Dash-Park the areas newest gathering spot in Onalaska. Where fans young and old sit for musical entertainment.


On Tuesdays during the summer months, we've meet up with numerous friends for shared picnic treats. If you see someone you know be sure to share my painting with them.


Can't wait til summer and six foot is moot.

I found with the increased number of people in a scene the longer it takes me to paint. Maybe I'll keep my gatherings to less than 10.

Gatherings-Halfway Creek Park, Holmen

Halfway Creek Gathering 8x10

Since I'm missing my painting workshop and all sorts of events have been canceled I decided to focus my next painting series to people gathering.


Getting together may be out of the question due to our current situation but I have a lot to reflect on and photos of gatherings to work from.







Painting people is a challenge for me that I haven't conquered. The pet portraits are coming along nicely I feel so it's time to turn to what is harder, in order to become a better painter.


On Sunday's we've sat on the grassy hillside at Halfway Creek Park for their free music. Sometimes we've even bicycled there. It's always after 5 in the summer from June to September. The strong sun angles brightly giving me the challenge of bright light.

If you recognize the owners of this pooch be sure to share my blog with them.

My Studio

Since we are housebound, I thought I'd give you a glimpse into my studio space. Believe me it's a lot safer than having you walk into this mess. So here is a virtual tour of where I make my art.


It's actually a third bedroom in our home. It's got great light from the north and a nice bay window.

Currently I do most of my work from photographs and thanks to my own personal computer tech (my husband) has set me up with  a large monitor screen. I just have to protect it from paint.


Next step for paintings is to let them dry. I use a lot of paper towels and lay them on the bay window seat with a small fan to assist in the drying time. This space also gets a lot of light. I can usually get a good photo after the paint shine has dried a bit.

Then after treating the surface with an oil out technique to even the surface I place it for further drying on my home made rack.

This was a salvage from Talbots, one of their sweater cubes that was destined for the dumpster. Yes I'm a dumpster diver and proud of it.



When the rack is too full the paintings migrate to the next room. The guest bedroom has a queen size bed and after I put down a canvas drop cloth they can further cure uninterrupted, unless they are going to a new home.




I just ordered some new business cards hadn't hardly had a chance to give them out when we've begun isolation. I plan to also use them to identify paintings. Just trying to improve the experience.

Dog-Gone-IT

Zeus 8x10

It's shocking how fast life can change. Only a week ago I'd taken on a commission of Zeus, this would be my one painting for the week as I was getting myself ready for a five day workshop of painting in Dubuque. Well you probably already know where this is going.


 Zeus will be traveling home to California in a few weeks, when dry.

Below is Zeus cousins Bill. He's now memorialized at home. Love the Rainbow Bridge honoring him.

Yes,  I got my email notice that they regrettably needed to cancel the workshop. I went from nervous elation to what do I do now. Having something to look forward to is essential for me, as I try to survive cabin fever, also known as SAD (seasonal effectiveness disorder).

I generally gear myself up with personal goals and projects to make sure I can pass the time away. But I had cleared my plate and was now staring into a spotless empty void.

After feeling sorry for myself and hearing how others were more distressed and rightly so I've resolved to throw myself into painting some new challenges.

So my sympathies go out to those missing a vacation, watching their kids compete in sports and all the other missed fun. There are those that are restricted from being with the ones they love because care centers are closed. The extra stress and hours that health care workers are enduring. The anxiety of those that are looking for resources and solutions to everyday needs.

We have chosen to become isolated due to our own health concerns, but want everyone to know we miss them already. So I'll probably do a lot of blogging and painting to pass the time.

Hope you're finding fun and productive ways to take advantage of our new home time.

Alash-Music to Inspire

We had the priviledge to hear the traditional music of Tuvan throat singers at the Winona Public Library.

Wow, if you ever have the chance, you will not be disappointed.


 I think they have another performance in Dodgeville, Wisconsin on Sunday.











Alash the ensemble from Kyzyl, Russia are touring once again through the United States.

allashensemble.com

Their sounds are unique, some describe it like a bagpipe with birds in the background. You can definitely go on line and hear for yourself.

It was difficult to even separate the vocal from the instruments they were playing.






An impressive performance, a big thanks to Minnesota and the Endowment for the Arts.





I always hope to learn how to sing or play an instrument. I guess I'd better stick to my visual art at this point in life.

Early Birds

Red Arrives 5x7

It's March and I'm giddy that spring is almost here. Today 50 degrees and I can't sit and paint, I just want to be outside.



Haven't seen any Robins yet but I'm ready.

My little Chickadee 5x7

When I don't have a photo of my own to paint I do search for those that are in the public domain. Of course I make them my own when creating a painting. It's just hard to capture creatures like birds, butterflies and bugs with my camera much less doing something Plein Aire.




The Black Capped Chickadee is one of my favorite songbirds. So glad they keep us company in the winter.

Up and Down All Day 5x7 

Another bird that catches my attention is the Nuthatch.
A busy bird going up and down trees searching for a bite.

Magic Act 8x10

Sometimes someone else's photo just catches my eye. This little honey belongs to Magic Willows Alpacas in Hartford, Wisconsin. When Becky posted it, I knew I had to ask if I could paint her.

You can guess where this hen is going to end up.
Eggactly!









If you have a photo you just love and think it would make a great subject matter let me know at cshoreartwork@gmail.com.