Heartfelt Thanks

I hope this message finds you safe and taking the precautions necessary to protect others. I want to send a big thank you to those that have been so supportive in my creative efforts. From encouraging words, responding with likes and hearts, sharing my artwork with others and of course those that have one of my paintings hanging in their homes.

Bleeding Hearts 5x7 unframed oil on panel

and the winner is Marcia T.

To show my appreciation I want to give away this painting of bleeding hearts. It was a favorite flower my mother would grow in her garden. I am thankful for the time I had with her.

Please join me in giving thanks to someone you are missing this Thanksgiving due to Covid 19 isolation. By email at cshoreartwork@gmail.com, or responding to this blog or comment to this posting. Share your heartfelt thanks and the name of the person who you are unable to gather with this Thanksgiving Day. 

My husband will randomly draw from the responses I receive by noon on Sunday, November 29, 2020. He says that you don't need to be present to win, he's a funny guy. Then I'll ship anywhere in the contiguous United States to the person in your statement, with a message from you. I'll ask for the address when you've won.

Now doesn't that sound like fun! Enjoy, thanks again for reading this blog and stay safe. Colleen Shore

Overlooking Onalaska

I didn't want to overlook Onalaska, WI for a series of hometown favorite paintings. Reflecting on autumns gorgeous colors to some past favorites. The main part of the city is along Hwy 35 with great views over Lake Onalaska. Here Sunny the Sunfish greets visitor at one of those views. An icon of the area.

Sunny the Sunfish 8x10

All along the waterfront you can reach Onalaska by car or bike in on the Great River State Bike Trail which leads to the downtown and Great River Landing welcome center.

Downtown Landing 8x10

Down by the river which is actually the Black River, the spillway is surrounded by giant Cottonwood Trees creating a favorite shady spot for fisherman and waterfowl.

Spillway 8x10

Main Street of Onalaska is brightly adorned by baskets of bountiful blooms celebrating a homey atmosphere.

Bountiful Atmosphere 5x7

Stop at another overlook and you can see our neighboring bluffs of Minnesota.

Onalaska Overlook 8x10

If you have awhile, meet the people of Onalaska for some entertainment at Dash-Park across the street from the Great River Landing welcome center. Hopefully the gatherings will continue next summer when we are all clear of covid.

Gatherings Dash-Park 11x14

Questions or perhaps to purchase one of my original unframed oil paintings on panels, please contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com. Thanks for viewing.

Brice Prairie and Beyond

My creative process to capture the beauty in the area I live in is supplemented with learning more about this place called home. This grouping depicts Brice Prairie here in Onalaska, on the bottoms of the bluffland. Defined by the Black River and Lake Onalaska, the area once farmland, is now more country suburb.

Swan Family Search 8x10

Searching on the internet for what makes Brice Prairie special I came across a listing of an Indian Burial ground. They said it had no markers, just a vacant lot. We searched from the information provided and I think I know about where, but could not confirm. Here's a painting of the approximate area down by Fred Funk Landing and the beautiful view we can share with them now. The burial consisted of several families most who had lost their loved ones from the influenza outbreak of 1918. 

Retreat on the River 8x10 

Another favorite spot is Lytle's Landing which leads adventurers to a paddling route or a connection to the Great River Bike Trail. Small getaway cabins still line the Black River shores.

Pining for a Picnic 8x10 

Red Pines Restaurant the perfect local hangout for dinner and a date. I miss the Sunday Bloody special and Trivia nights. It was something that got us through the winter. Heard they were closed again for COVID. Once things are over I'm hoping they have a seat for us.

Burr Oaks Return 8x10

Milk Weed Maze 8x10 

Brice Prairie Walkway 5x7

A more recent new neighbor is the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge office in Onalaska. They offer a beautiful nature and educational center with restored prairie surrounding them.

I think the last thing I attended, inside a building, was here, last March. Seems really long ago.

Questions or perhaps to purchase one of my original unframed oil paintings, please contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com. Thanks for viewing.

Myrick and the Marsh

An oasis in the middle of La Crosse, Wisconsin lies Myrick Park and the magnificent marsh to it's north. This wilderness within the city is another unique landscape to try and capture. The paths were my stomping grounds as a college student and resident of Laux Hall. It was the perfect place to blow off the books for a nature hike. Happy to say the efforts so far to fill it in have been fought and the area is developing for recreational use.

Wetland Tribute 8x10

 The nature center is a more recent addition to the park, a welcome site that is focusing on the needs of our environment.

Landscape Interrupted 8x10

Nice walks along the trails still compete with other needs. This natural sponge absorbs excess water and gives back to the local wildlife. 

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Swamp Blooms 5x7

Soaking Up the Beauty 8x10

Traversing Interests 8x10

There was a time when zoo's were the place to see wildlife. Glad we figured out all you have to do is hike into the marsh to view all sorts of interesting and entertaining creatures. 

Zoo Remnants 8x10 

 

Grand Dads Blessing 8x10

Questions or perhaps to purchase one of my original unframed oil paintings, please contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com. Thanks for viewing.