Reflecting on Fun Times

We fondly said goodbye to HaRVey (our RV) this past week. Our last camp outing to Mirror Lake State Park is now something to reflect upon. New adventures will just require cabins and hotels when traveling in the future to our countries beautiful parks. 

Mirror Lake a calm oasis near the Dells offers still waters for kayaking, a little fishing perhaps or even a woodland walk to Ishnala Restaurant for dining.

Ishnala Beach 8x10

The surrounding area has the well know Devils Lake, but also hidden on the back roads places like Pewit's Nest and Parfrey's Glen, two gorgeous state natural areas.

Pewit's Nest 5x7

Another stop was the recently renovated International Crane Foundation. I got lots of photos for some future paintings of the magnificent cranes. Here's one drawing I did at the camp site in anticipation.

Questions or perhaps to purchase one of my original unframed oil paintings on panels, please contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com. Thanks for taking a look. Personal viewings easily arranged by appointment.

Painting Around Downtown

 

Plein Air Painting "Art Walk" 8x10

Gave it another try, a plein air opportunity, provided by River City Gallery, Downtown La Crosse and La Crosse Arts Initiative. A casual event for artists to get out on the streets and into the parks to capture downtown area of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Items on display for the next two weeks at River City Gallery on 321 Main St.  beginning Saturday, August 21 with a reception at 6pm for the Paint Around. Be sure to check out on Saturday, enjoy and watch artists create on the spot.

 

Art Walk 8x10 framed

Hazy River Daze 8x10

Ready for the Music 8x10

Be sure to make your way downtown to River City Gallery, right next door to Merinque Bakery and across the street from Grounded Patio Cafe. Paintings are framed and for sale through River City Gallery.

What Are Friends For?

They make us smile, they are there to support us, they have a blast playing together. 

Sasha and Harper, a couple of yellow labs couldn't be better friends to each other and the people who love them. Bill gifted this oil painting commission to his friend Steve.

 

Sasha and Harper 11x14

 Below is a painting of Golden Retriever puppies, enjoying a romp in the fields.

New Best Friends 8x10

Here Comes the Sun?

I love celebrating the sunsets.  I was trying my hand at plein air painting at the Downtown Paint Around and the challenge is always capturing the atmosphere in a painting. The skies during the event were a bit gray and yellow. I was missing the blue skies and sharp shadow contrasts to paint. But on the way home from the evenings open house event at River City Gallery I made sure I stopped at the Onalaska Overlook to get some unusual atmospheric photos. Since smoke from fires across the continent are obscuring our skies, it also has the benefit for some fabulous sunsets.

 Here's a painting of the wonderful golden contrast with grays due to air qualities beyond our control.

The Star of the Evening 8x10

But as the sun set even farther into the haze a Monet style ball of bright red appeared. Unfortunately my camera wasn't sufficient to capture the moment.

Bystanders using their phone cameras had been more lucky. They shared their good fortune by sending me photos that inspired this next painting. Thank you again Debera Uy for your kindness to this creator.

In A Haze 8x10      photo credit Debera Uy

In a different place at another time a rare view of the sun setting at the head of the Mississippi. It's unusual for this position of the sun to the river, only because here the Mississippi meanders west to east. This moment was captured thanks to Melissa Janda, one of her spots for some quiet solitude. After seeing her photo I knew I wanted to paint this and more importantly go there sometime myself.

Mississippi Moment 8x10  photo credit Melissa Janda

Questions or perhaps to purchase one of my original unframed oil paintings on panels, please contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com. Thanks for taking a look. Personal viewings easily arranged by appointment.

Downtown Paint Around

 A nice opportunity, provided by River City Gallery, Downtown La Crosse and La Crosse Arts Initiative to work on my Plein Air painting skills. A casual event for artists to get out on the streets and into the parks to capture downtown area of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Items are now on display for the next two weeks at River City Gallery on 321 Main St. Then on August 20-21 another Downtown Paint Around. Be sure to enjoy and watch artists create on the spot.

Painting at the Park

Here are the two paintings I accomplished during the first event. The new band shelter has always amazed me, the mix of old and new. I love how the whole trees used in construction compliment the surrounding trees.

Ready for the Music 8x10

Hazy River Daze 8x10

A river scene with more atmosphere than needed. The air quality from distant fires is changing our scenery.

evening reception at River City Gallery, La Crosse

Robin and friends organized a Saturday night reception, all were invited. A great way to meet other artists and those who love art.

Put this on you calendar! Must See

The big Plein Air event in our area is called Between the Bluffs, drawing artists from near and far. After I saw my first demo I was hooked.

Adding to my collection

I don't have a big collection of art but I do collect magnets and couldn't resist this one by Elise Boam of Fatty Catty Polymer Clay Creations. Part of her Jersey Girls series, it comes on a note card for gift giving. The front reads "Take My Advice" inside "I Don't Use It Anyway". I really enjoy her sense of humor.

Be sure to make your way downtown to River City Gallery, right next door to Merinque Bakery and across the street from Grounded Patio Cafe.