A new sign for Perrot State Park

This year I had the opportunity to do another painting for a kiosk at Perrot State Park. This one features those wonderful creatures that come out after sunset. Owls, Bats, Racoons and Opossum featured with Trempealeau Mountain and Bay in the background. 

Creatures of the Night 40x60

Soon to be delivered and hopefully it will be installed sometime this next summer.

Who paints for You, hope you enjoy

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've included some photos of the process. You can see the Barred Owl was much bigger originally, reduced and changes as the days go by. Along with numerous other corrections and enhancements.

Last years signage

Being A Kind Human

This week has brought new hope for many. From small gestures to epic events all actions count.  A special acknowledgement goes to Karen Sherman for her creative contributions. Tried to capture another moment, with my paintings, feeding the birds with her at Goose Island.

Being A Kind Human 8x10

I wanted to share her political art collages that have been accepted by the La Crosse Historical Society for their collections.

From Karen Sherman:

“This is What Democracry Looks Like”

This photo collage is a collection of the Wisconsin 2011 grassroots resistance during Governor Walker's attack on workers's rights and the Republican agenda. The signs and people depicted are representative of the thousands who know politics matter. The attached mirrors reflect the viewer because we are all part of “What Democracy Looks Like.”

Artist's bio : Karen Sherman

Raised in Little Rock, Arkansas in the shadow of Jim Crow and integration as a southern Jew by a New Yorker and a holocaust survivor, I was taught as a child that politics matter and one can't be a bystander.

Photography has always been a hobby since my first Brownie camera and Polaroids with black and white film to colored film and my numerous Canon cameras. I was always finding those 'Kodak' moments to document, share and preserve

 

I hope the momentum continues forward-Colleen

Moments We'll Always Remember

Awakening 11x14 framed

I answered the call to artists from the La Crosse Arts Board to create a piece of artwork influenced by the change in our lives since March of 2020. My painting has been accepted and will be displayed and online in March.

This was a challenge that took a lot of thought and contemplation as to what it has meant to me and how it changed my world. I'm betting many others will concur, as I tried to capture the feeling you may  experience every time you decide to leave your home. You can't just grab your keys anymore and fly out the door. 

Staged hallway table

Before photo of actual hallway table.

I felt the hallway table where you throw things as you come and go, was the most relatable scenario for creating a still life that would catch that moment on how our lives have changed. I took some candid photos and then narrowed it down to the essentials to tell the story. I kept a few items to add of my own that reminded me of the only adventures we were able to participate in during the warmer months. A little bit of fishing and some golfing for exercise.

There's a mask to bring, some hand sanitizer. Times have changes that handling cash has been replaced by credit/debit cards to reduce contact. No more purse now just a metal carrier for a few cards and ID. I also make sure to bring my own pen so I'm not sharing. A bottle of water so I don't need to stop unnecessarily. My trips have been limited to grocery stores, gas station and as an artist Michael's craft store for another paint brush. I don't want to run out of art supplies, what would I do all day.

I think it was harder doing the write up than painting. Thanks to my sister Mary and friend Karen for their input.
 

 

 Artist Statement for “Awakening” by Colleen Shore

This still life is a “Momento Mori” to the new considerations we include in our daily lives for survival. We must consider our mortality when we choose to leave the safety of our homes during the pandemic of 2020. The impact of choices is revealed on the entryway table before going out into the world. We say to ourselves “Don’t forget the mask, sanitizer, etc.”

The vision of our mortality has opened our eyes to see how fleeting life is. We have been reawakened to the precious gifts we receive and can share. As life feels as if it is standing still we have this moment to rediscover what is valuable.

My gift is my art. I hope you have been able to embrace yours during this needed isolation.

 

Family Ties

A commission from my niece of their family pets are a surprise for her girls who will begin sharing a room when their new baby brother arrives this spring. We opted for a more colorful background to go with the rooms decor.

Milo 8x10

Here's a glimpse at the process I use. Each step I would check to see if I'm on track. Asking questions for posture and placement on the canvas, background options, fur color then detail. This way I can make the necessary corrections as I go.

 

 

Of course they have a cat too!

Harley 8x10

He's a big cat so I kinda had to squish him to fit on the canvas. I'm sure he knows he's full bodied and wouldn't mind..

 Can't wait to get started on a special piece for the new baby's room. I have til April.

Balto's New Home

Balto 8x10

Rescued and relocated to Chaseburg, Balto is a proud member of his family at the End of the Rainbow.

Happy New Year

Other New Homes. I very thankful for this past year and the new homes that now have one of my paintings. Plus the new people that have come into my life through my art.

Mark S., Jan J., Marion P., Jen P., Gary F., Stacey S., Connie and Steve R., Chris L., Teresa and William P., Michele B., Marianne S., Lynne H., Julie C., Pat G., Carol S., Linda and John H., Kinstone Fans, Wiscorp supporters, Rick S., Evelyn and Bob N., Les B., Cyndy W., Dale and Jodi W., Susan N., Pam M., Linda L., Stan B., Kirsten B., Marissa T., Debra B., Lois L.

Also the continued patronage of  Christy J., Peg Z., Lynne V., Jean and Terri L., Nancy K., Jodi W., Becky M., Henrietta and Pat B., and Karen S.