Tour in Winona

 Just a half hour away from my home is the worlds largest stained glass studio and one of the oldest. For over a century their craftsman's hands have created, restored and conserved thousands of pieces of glass art from all over the world.

Conservation at Work

And I got a tour!

As luck would have it, the sale one of my paintings connected me to an artist named Melissa who works at this amazing place in Winona, Minnesota call Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser Architectural Glass. She told me about her work and said they offer tours.

Melissa-opened our eyes, explaining the process

It was like stepping into history, is the best way I can describe it. I can share with you some of the things they were working on through the photos I took. If you are ever in this area it's a must for any one who appreciates the arts. You can see more at https://stain-glass-window.us

Reassembling Old Windows with New Lead Came

Creating More History

Attention to Detail

Projects at Work

Saving a La Farge Stained Glass

Introducing New Styles

A Blast from the Past-1970's

My personal take away -making art connects us all, to peoples beliefs through the ages and individuals today who share a love for art. It was inspiring talking with Melissa, who went to Milwaukee  Institute of Art and Design. She has for the past 30 years been working with glass, expressing herself through her own designs  as well as learning and preserving a part of the past through her current employment. It's nice to know it’s possible, artists find those careers outside of teaching.

 

More Birds To See

I had the opportunity to join the Coulee Region Audubon Societies Bird Walk in Myrick Marsh. With heads up and ears open a group of about 12 walked the trails. Our leader Dan listened and pointed out numerous birds in the water and the trees. Me, with my little hand held camera, was able to capture a couple of them to paint.

I Dare You 5x7

Red Winded Blackbird

Pretty common and very bold. This one had that I dare you look. They are very territorial and I unfondly remember one that always swooped down on me every time I would walk to my friend Anne's house when I was in high school. They kinda traumatized me but gained my respect.

Nesting 8x10

Canada Geese

Very common and sometimes their gathering become a nuisance, they can generate a lot of poop. There were many in the Marsh tending to their offspring in the waters. Easy to get lots of photos and fun to watch.

 If you've never been on a bird walk remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, it's easy to trip over stuff since you're always looking up and binoculars to get a close up look, if you're in luck. I take my camera since it has a good zoom feature and if I lucky enough I'll also get a photo. It's a beautifully quiet walk in the woods since everyone is trying to listen and not talking.

I also went on the hike at Hixon Forest and manage to get an interesting photo of a nuthatch mid air returning to it's tree hole. 

 

photo of Nuthatch

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

Bird Day

This week many are celebrating WORLD  Migratory Bird Day. We are lucky enough to be in the Mississippi flyway which brings lots of birds through the area. I've been able to expand my repertoire of oil painting birds due to the generosity of birders who shared their awesome photos. I can't come close to the detail they capture nor do I have the patience and experience they possess.

I follow two local blogs, Coulee Region Audubon Society and the Winona Bird Club. I was so awestruck I finally got the courage to request permission to use some of the images and lucky enough have some say yes. I know there are professional photographers that post and respect their rights to publish as they see fit. I don't always know who I may be asking so if something catches my eye I will at least ask. Thanks again for those who can share and for all that post their photos to inspire. 

Colleen

These first two paintings of the Cedar Wax Wing and the Blue Jay are thanks to Jed Fritsch, a fellow on facebook and sister to a former coworker.

Just One More 8x10

Who You Lookin' At? 8x10

A new bird that I haven't personally seen, but lots of birders from the Winona Bird Club have followed, a juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron. Thanks to Cathy Richardson and that mighty big camera.

Night Stalker 8x10

This sweet female cardinal is thanks again to Victoria Goetting of the Coulee Region Audubon Society. I did a robin of hers this spring. She really knows how to capture a great pose.

Proud Momma 8x10

I fell in love with this little guy a Palm Warbler. I've never been good at identifying the vast number of them that come through each spring. Thanks again to Bruce Bartel of the Coulee Region Audubon Society for his expertise and dedication to photography.

Palm Springs 8x10

A big tweet of thanks for helping me continue to further my development as an artist.

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