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.