Gathering Thoughts

End of the year thoughts of where do we go from here and what will the New Year bring.

This past month we enjoyed a brief reprieve from the cold with some time on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico at Grayton Beach, Florida. Something I could get used to. 

I brought along my paint box ready for the new colors and textures the sand and skies would offer.

Coastal Dune Lake 8x10

Walking the beach each morning for a glimpse of the sunrise I came across what I now know are Coastal Dune Lakes. This unique sort of landscape is said to be found in only a few areas around the world. Australia, Madagascar and the Peninsula of Florida. Who knew.

Grayton Beach Hills 8x10

This lovely little town is protected from the ocean by dunes of white sand. Fortunately also protected to ensure the rare plants and species that call it home survive. We enjoyed talking to one of the rangers who was excited to share.

Gulf Waves 8x10

A very new challenge was trying to figure out how to paint waves. I went for a very abstract approach which helped because it's very hard to focus on the motion anytime.

Catching Waves 8x10

Only a few souls on the beach in December, which was nice. Many would camp out for the day to see what they could catch starting early on foggy mornings.

Happy New Year to all and look forward to 2022.

Under the Christmas Tree

What could be better than opening up a gift portrait of your furry loved ones.This past fall I was busy with many pet commissions. Here are two that I couldn't reveal until now that gifts have been given.

Teddy 8x10 oil

Already framed and given. Thanks for sharing Brenda

Scout 8x10 oil

Amazing how a frame brings it all together.

For those interested in commissioning a pet portrait contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com. It may take 4-6 weeks.

Love to always see how people display their artwork. Here's one to share of three paintings that were inspired by La Crosse River Marsh. Thanks for sharing Jan. 

If you have a photo of your painting to share, email it to me cshoreartwork@gmail.com.

3-8x10 in oil

Some more that were under the Christmas tree. Hope you enjoyed.

Stella Blue 8x10 oil

 

Catch and Release 11x14 oil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gathering New Techniques

Finally a workshop to attend. I discovered an art shop while at Grayton Beach, FL that offered a style of art I hadn't seen before, 

Shard Art. Yes, broken pieces of glass, bottle remnants, glass beads and novelties, they had bins and jars with hundreds of items to choose from. Sometimes having too many choices can be overwhelming. What a great way to recycle.

One of the workshops offered a template for jellyfish. Of course a popular choice for beach goers and one of my fondest sea creatures I share with my sister. I loved it that I was the only one signed up for an adult only class early on a Monday morning. They are often busy with groups and parties.

They provide great instruction to stay safe and I'm sure there are boxes of band aides behind the counter, fortunately I didn't need any. I made sure to keep my color palette down to a minimum so as to complete my projects in time. So much to choose from, I felt like Coco Channel, add everything then take away all but what is necessary to accessorize. My editing skills still need some work.

You the need to leave the project after placing all your pieces onto a framed board. the staff then fills the back ground with a resin which stabilizes the glass and needs a day to dry.

The Shard Shop at Grayton Beach and in New Orleans. At the shop you can create as they say your own Glassterpiece. Mary Hong owner/artist has her gallery right next door. Her art is beautiful incorporating repurposed glass and painting.  I heard she is know for her bottles of Shardonay.

Merry Christmas to all celebrating this weekend.

Gathering Inspiration

Sometimes a change of scenery is in order. Our first chance to get out of the snow and cold and visit friends and hit the Gulf of Mexico. A chance to draw from new inspiration and colors.

A few of the critters around Grayton Beach State Park where we stayed in a lovely cabin. Just a short walk on a private path and we were at the beach. Every morning a sunrise and taking lots of photos for drawing and painting ideas. Dunes and white sand against the green waves  offered up some different challenges.

Besides watching waves I was inspired by this fellow from Mississippi taking the time to show me some of his fishing skills.

Here's one of my husband too partaking in the local fare.

A rare visit to see friends in Asheville and enjoy the local breweries and chilling out with their dog Bandit.

A few places on the way to draw more inspiration. An aviation Museum in Georgia and the Kentucky Horse Park by Lexington to meet some famous horses.

I missed my drawing group sessions while away, so I made the commitment to continue to draw.

Next up paintings from my trip and a wonderful class opportunity.

Gifts for Family

Commissions usually come with requests for pet portraits. A change of pace for Jeannie, this lovely lady wanted some of her family's favorite flowers. I can show you these now, since they've already exchanged presents.

Lily of the Valley 5x7 oil

Pansies 5x7 oil

Forget-Me-Nots 5x7 oil

I'll never forget when I first met Jeannie, here in La Crosse while going to the University. There's a life long connection. Her and her husband Teri are some of my earliest collectors. Going to their home is like seeing a retrospective of my efforts.

Giving Tuesday

It pays to give back, in more ways than can be expected. Since painting in oils for the last 3 years, I've met a lot of new people. Some only for a brief moment, but the experience stays with me as I fondly remember past paintings and where they are now. 

Just dropped off this painting for my donation to Art Dash fund raiser for the Franciscan Spirituality Center.  On March 24, 2022 you can get your tickets now and join local artists and patrons for a night of food, fun and fine art in the Cargill Room at the Waterfront Restaurant. It's not your regular art auction, each ticket will have the chance of taking home a piece of fine art.

www.FSCenter.org/artdash for all the details.

Whooping Crane 1 8x10 oil in gold wood frame

Where in the world can you see every crane in one day?

International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin. This wonder has reopened. While camping near by at Mirror Lake this past August, it was on my list of places to visit again, this time to take photos that would inspire me to paint.

I loved trying to capture their graceful nature and made use of some new gold paint to embellish. I could have watched the cranes all day. So elegant in their movements and purposeful poses.

Reflecting

In honor of November being National Native American Heritage Month. 

I wanted to post two of my recent paintings inspired after I had attended a presentation at Perrot State Park late this summer lead by Elliot Funmaker of the Ho-Chunk Nation. He did a Blessing of the Drum Ceremony, then his wife and granddaughter demonstrated some of the dances.  I hope I have portrayed them with the utmost respect and appreciation of the Ho-Chunk Nations contributions and sacrifices.

Fancy Dance 1 Ho-Chunk Regalia 11x14 oil

Fancy Dance 2 Ho-Chunk Regalia 11x14 oil

Still needing a little more time to dry, but I was excited to share.  

Contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com for inquiries or questions.

Fall Blossoms Demo

 Another demo day at River City Gallery and another painting. Still pretty wet and needs to be treated.

 

Fall Blossoms above La Crescent 8x10 oil

The Sumac was stunning during one of my trips along Apple Blossom Scenic Drive. A stop along the top of the bluff and a few unforgettable photos to paint.

I'm planning to do one more demo at the Gallery on Saturday. November 27 on the last day of my La Crosse Society of Arts and Crafts wall. Check out the my blog on Nov. 1 for a viewing of paintings available for purchase. Thanks

Holiday Open House Demo

Here's Saturdays Holiday Open House at River City Gallery, demo painting. I joined other artists for a morning of demonstrating what I love to do, Paint!

Trempealeau Refuge Tree 8x10

I started a few days before, toning my canvas and laying in the dark and lights. This would speed up the process since I was only going to paint from 11-1. 

I usually paint in my studio from the photo displayed on my computer screen. So I needed to have a color copy printed at the local office store. Thanks to a very nice associate that was patient with artists many needs.

Since I had some time this week  I made another companion piece from my stop at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge this fall. The colors were really that rich.

Trempealeau Mountains 8x10

These two paintings still need to be treated and dry some more. You can still see the rest of my paintings at River City Gallery in La Crosse. The last full day for viewing is Saturday, November 27 from10-4. My display comes down early Tuesday, Nov. 30. The gallery is closed on Sunday and Mondays. Hope you can make it and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Subject of Art

 Saturday, a memorable day at the River City Gallery in La Crosse. As the cold weather approaches I found a warm reception from all sorts of patrons of the arts and fellow artists during the mornings demonstrations.

It's nice to get out and create. Painting in front of people helps me connect to others with my art, plus I enjoy the nice comments. While focusing on my own painting I realized Mary Lou Ferguson had made me the subject of her water color painting. It was even more delightful when she gave me the painting.

Water Color by Mary Lou Ferguson

She's a quick painter and has a lovely loose style that can capture the moment. You'll find her art and cards displayed at River City Gallery in La Crosse. Or you may see her on the sidewalks of La Crosse, plein air painting.

 

  Thank you again Mary Lou for this wonderful momento.

In Between

Going straight from commissions to a display at River City Gallery gave me little time to reflect on where I'm going with my art. So what does one do? Clean my studio. 

I can now see the floor and my couch!

There's space to create and I can open the door all the way!

It's a cleansing practice that reminds me of the things I have, those I no longer need and what can I share. Here's a few glimpses before the clutter recollects. 

I was happy to give away some items to fellow artists in the drawing group who can creatively put them to use. A perfect up-cycle. This reminded me I haven't documented my drawing efforts lately so it's a good time to catch up on my blog. Thanks to those who help arranged to get us into unusual places to draw.

Valley View Mall

Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Pumpkin Patch in Cashton

Fruit Acres Orchards

Goose Island

Grounded Cafe

Copeland Park Boat Houses

Grandads Bluff

Sail Boat Club

All Abilities Play Ground La Crosse

Most are done with color markers and pen. I just love to color. Speaking of color, don't miss the movie "The Electrical Life of  Louis Wain". An artist from Europe who loved to paint cats.You'll probably recognize some of his depictions of cats. They were used in reference to schizophrenia patients creative process. Although many now dispute his diagnosis and think he was just on the spectrum.

Now to make the best of my time at River City Gallery. My display is on the wall hosted by La Crosse Society of Arts and Crafts til the end of November. I really enjoyed the open house the gallery sponsored on First Fridays in downtown La Crosse. I'll be participating again this Saturday with a oil painting demo from 11-1, then I'll be attending the Tile Painting workshop by Cindy Stuhr for their Holiday Open House. Hope to see you there.