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.