Forward Thoughts 2023

Refuge Prairie 8x10 oil and cold wax

 Reflecting on the past year of painting, I couldn't be more pleased with my progress. Hoping for another year of trying new techniques, joining in community projects and growing as an artist.

I'm already painting for some of my upcoming shows. The plans this new year include displaying at Kinstone beginning with their spring open house in early May and Elmaro Vineyard and Winery for the month of June in the Crush Pad.

 Some of my focus on painting will be incorporating cold wax with oil. Looking forward to taking part of workshops and plein air events as they become available.

Happy New Year to All

Colleen

Inquiries cshoreartwork@gmail.com

A Few of My Favorite Things

The following are a few of my recent purchases that are making my life as an artist easier, more rewarding and for inspiration. These items gifts to myself would not be possible without the support of people buying my art.Thank you for your support.

Kami's book a learning experience and inspiration

New grey tone markers and the right sketchbook paper

My new blue buggy to haul all my toys

It also compacts

Definitely couldn't live without.

Got the same one as before but now I have a zoom thats works.

Hope you get what's on your list this season.

Sailing into New Territory

 

Sailing 8x10

A new challenge for me was sailboats on the water. There's something about trying to capture the wind and water.

I found myself visiting Lake Onalaska to watch the sailboats, eventually meeting a sailor who shared their love of sailing.

We connected right away, they also appreciate the arts and trusted me to do these two commissions. Even though I know very little about sailboats they patiently guided me with nuances of water and details.

Captain 11x14

Thanks again for having the faith. Hope your family enjoys the paintings as much as I did painting them.

Wishing You Happy Holidays

 

On Display at Grounded Patio Cafe

 For the month of December and January I'm displaying some of my original oil paintings at Grounded Patio Cafe. Located at 308 Main Street in downtown La Crosse. The paintings on display are seen below of the  La Crosse River Marsh.

 

Red Cloud View 8x10 oil

Scarlet Creeper 8x10 oil

Miller Bluff Overlook 8x10 oil

Crossing into the Marsh 8x10 oil

Thanks for viewing

Questions welcome cshoreartwork@gmail.com

 

On Display at Myrick Park Center

“Driftless Wonders”

   original oil paintings by Colleen Shore    

Art Exhibit at 

The Gallery at Myrick Park Center.

Featuring Landscapes and Nature,    

and Winter Wonders in Wisconsin

Evolving display through January 2023.

Typically the center is open Monday thru Fridays 8am-4pm. The Gallery is located in the La Crosse Room at Myrick Park Center which may have a private event, so it's best to check before stopping in. For hours and available viewing times call 608-782-2494. To purchase see Amber, Visitor Services Manager at the main office.. (Cash only with exact change, tax included in price.Thank you for understanding).

For my last change at Myrick Park Center I thought I'd celebrate the wonders of winter in Wisconsin. The locals have learned how to enjoy the cold weather and the beauty of our area.

  10% of gallery sales will be split between the Friends of the La Crosse River Marsh and WisCorps.

Chillin @ Elmaro 8x10 oil framed $150

 

Winter on the Vine @ Elmaro 8x10 oil framed $150

Bunnell's Bluff 8x10 oil framed $150

More Snow! Mount La Crosse 8x10 oil framed $150

Brice Excursion 8x10 oil framed $150

Trempealeau Tree 8x10 oil framed $150

 

On the Verge of Spring 8x10 oil framed $150

 

The Colors of Spring 8x10 oil framed $150

Thanks for viewing

Questions welcome cshoreartwork@gmail.com

 

 

Artists Comments– Colleen Shore 

While attending UW-La Crosse for Art, I began to learn what makes the Driftless area so special.  The La Crosse River Marsh was my first exposure to the wonders of the area. As a student, the trails were my own backyard to escape from my studies and discover the natural  world around me.

My connection to the area runs long and wide like the Mississippi. In my retirement in Onalaska, I’m creating art inspired by my surroundings  in order to connect and engage others to embrace the extraordinary.

A portion of gallery sales will be donated to the Friends of the La Crosse River Marsh and WisCorps. My thanks to those who are working at conserving our natural resources.

 

 

Keeping the Peace

Cricket Cat Napping 8x10 oil

 To keep everyone happy Cricket, Woody's house mate is getting a painting as well. These are two lucky kitties like to nap on the quilts and fabric creations around their abode. Fabric art is a passion of the caregivers.

They do make a cute pair

Painting it Forward

 Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. The act of just getting together to eat is a cherished event these days as we are still trying to maintain protection from viruses even though we are fully vaccinated. Life can be complicated and we need to compromise.

Reflecting,  I'm thankful for the past years responses to my artwork. It is the one thing I can control and share. So I gifted this painting to Woody's caregivers.

Woody Cat Napping 8x10 oil

I was inspired by their photo and right away saw it as a painting. In a style as of tribute to Gustav Klimt, I enjoyed the abstract nature of the fabric and the curve of the cat. Sometimes you just have to paint.

It's been a wonderful year as I got myself out of the studio with my paintings and into galleries and businesses to display my art. After so many home shows, I knew to reach more collectors and art enthusiasts, I needed to open new doors.

The local reception and opportunities in the area have been very welcoming and encouraging. Even though I had to start investing in framing, which increases prices, sales of my artwork have gone well and I'm happy to share the profits with gallery owners and area businesses. 

A big Thank You to River City Gallery, La Crosse Society of Arts and Crafts, Pump House Regional Arts Center, Elamro Winery and Vineyard, Perrot State Park, Grounded Patio Cafe, Larson's General, Turtlestack Brewery, Heritage Center, La Crosse County Historical Society, Myrick Park Center, WisCorps,  and Friends of the La Crosse River Marsh for their support of the arts. Also big shout out to to the media, La Crosse Tribune, Driftless Magazine, Coulee Region Women's and La Crosse Local for their coverage of the arts. 

And most importantly those patrons and collectors of art who are now enjoying my paintings.

Here's a few of my patrons who shared photos of the artwork they've acquired. I enjoy seeing how they display and frame. Thanks again have a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels.

Proud to have my paintings displayed with other McGilvray Trail artwork.

Another great way to display art on a shelf. 

As always for a private showing or questions please contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com.

Moving Inside as the weather cools down

 

River Walk 8x10 oil

 Probably one of my last plein air paintings for the year. Unless of course we have a heat wave. You never know in Wisconsin. Drawn Together, a group that gathers weekly to draw finished of the season with Riverside International Gardens for the outdoor season. We have just started to move back to inside venues. Here's a few drawings from the past several month to share.

 

 It's great having different business and places to draw with the area.

River City Gallery

Minn. Marine Art Museum

Myrick Park Center

Kathanville

Paul E.Stry Nature Preserve

Artist Chris's Home

Artist Margaret's Home

Artist Pam's Home

Riverside Park

Copeland Park

Pickwick Mill

October Birthday Present

Gus 11x14 oil

 

My focus was  on gallery and shows for the summer/fall. I'm just now getting back to posting some of the other projects I've worked on. This was a commission by a past patron for his grandson's family. Gus, named after two saints, are depicted as well. It was a new challenge and fun to do.

 

 

 

 

 If anyone is interested I can accept one more commission for holiday gift giving. Deadline is one week away to have photos and size confirmed, note Wed. Nov. 16.

 Contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com.

Commissions and Pet Portrait pricing

$50 for a 5x7 (unframed)-small but ok for head shots,  

$75 for an 8x10 (unframed)- great for a single pet.

$115 for an 11x14 (unframed). 

For each additional pet in the portrait add another $25.

Shipping is extra (if needed) and generally runs, $8-$20 dollars in the U.S. depending on the location. These are common sizes allowing you to purchase ready made frames. Keep in mind no glass or matting needed for an oil painting.

Please allow 4-8 weeks to complete. Satisfaction guaranteed.

                 

The process includes the time to confer back and forth plus the time to dry. I work from your photograph, keep in mind photos that show a clear face and eyes, plus represent the colors like fur of pets make for a better portrait. Exotic pets are also welcome. Contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com 

 

A few pet portraits from the past.

 

Driftless Wonders Silent Auction Results

 Thank you all for coming to my opening reception. It means more than you can imagine to see so many familiar and new faces checking out my paintings. The show will remain up (just the paintings on the wall) through January of 2023. As I have some new paintings I will switch them out.

Results on auction. So happy to see money going to some great groups in our area. The winning bids have been contacted. Thanks for your support.

Myrick Park Gardens

 Winning Bid $125 Anonymous, will go to WisCorps

Wetland Illumination, inspired from photo by John F. Sullivan

Winning Bid $125 Anonymous, will go to Friends of La Crosse River Marsh

Drawn Together at Myrick Park Center

 Hanging out at Myrick Park Center, taking it all in on Wednesday morning. The artists from Drawn Together gathered this Wednesday to draw in the atrium at the center. They also indulged in the Reptile Roundup, as the staff will feed and take out some of the critters they care for.  

Here are a few of the paintings I did in the last couple of weeks from Myrick Park Center. They will be on display for my opening reception on Wed. Nov. 2 from 6-8

Reptile Ambassador 6x8 oil unframed

Late-Summer Dinner 6x8 oil unframed

 

Clutch on a Ledge 6x8 oil unframed

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