At the Edge of Grand Marais, MN

Fish Market Parking Only 8x10 oil unframed $50

 Old and weathered but fortunately not forgotten. These buildings of fishing history, along the shore of Lake Superior, captured with my camera and interpreted in the studio. The dull grays with pops of orange and yellow were my inspiration.

Another Day Ashore 8x10 oil unframed $50

Waiting to Launch 8x10 oil unframed $50

Questions cshoreartwork@gmail.com

Nocturne in the Studio

Heaven Calls 8x10 oil unframed SOLD

 As I mentioned in my last post I wanted to work on my nocturnes. Plein air would be the most challenging and I found out I need a little more tutoring.

I caught the aurora while up at Sugarloaf Cabins and thought it was worth a try in my studio. The colors as some know are amazing. Very unearthly greens with an occasional pink and all the variations in between.

It would have been a real challenge plein air as the sky was changing faster than even clouds move.

Questions cshoreartwork@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Eric

Sugarloaf Cabins

My painting getaway up to the North Shore of Minnesota at Sugarloaf Cabins in Schroeder. A great experience to plein air paint, meet other artists and hear stories about Grand Marais Plein Air Competition. I wasn't in the running for the competition which let me relax and paint just to paint. My goal was to do some nocturnes and sunrises. These subject matters offer their own challenges and Sugarloaf Cabins offered a perfect environment to attempt my goals.

 

The shoreline was filled with rocks instead of sandy beaches, so I had a good work out on capturing boulders.

Rockin' it at Sugar Loaf 8x10 oil SOLD

Shoreline at Sugar Loaf 8x10 oil unframed SOLD

The sunrise, enhanced by the particles in the air from the wildfires in Canada. It only lasted maybe 30 minutes. I had to get up before the sun rose and get my palette ready. A quick paint and it was all over.

Sunrise at Sugarloaf I  8x10 oil unframed $50

I attempted the sunrise again, this time on a larger panel that was very slick. Always trying different surfaces for different effects.

Sunrise at Sugarloaf II 11x14 oil cradle panel $275

Another larger painting on a slick surface. Not much control for detail but sometimes that's what its all about.

Taconite Harbor 11x14 oil cradled panel $275

Waterfalls were everywhere. Still may do more on this view. All thought I like the freshness of the brush strokes. It's easy to overwork a painting. You may have noticed I didn't put in any nocturnes. My results were less than I had hoped for. I think I need to put a workshop on my list of to do's for 2025.

Temperance River  Falls 8x10 oil

After a little more work in the studio

 

Temperance River Falls 8x10 oil unframed $50

 

I captured so many great views on my camera for inspiration later. From auroras, waterfalls, Grand Marais artist point and lighthouse, numerous state parks and nature preserves. Watch for more to come.

 

Thanks to Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, Allison for her hospitality, and fellow artists and new friends Susan, Cathy, Kurt, Mike, Tom and Betsy. Will be watching for updates on Grand Marais Plein Air .

Questions cshoreartwork@gmail.com

Collaboration

Bosphorus, Turkey 16x20 oil

When someone approaches me for a commission it becomes a collaboration  between what I can do as a painter and their connection to a moment. Working from photos can be challenging. Interpreting what I see and what someone else has experienced may or may not come together to make a painting that resonates with them. When it does it's rewarding for both of us.

These two paintings were recently sent to Susan Moling of Colorado. We collaborated after she saw and purchased two of my paintings that were on display at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona. I've only connected with her over emails and by sharing my process, asking questions and getting feedback these are the results.

Thank you for your patience and here's to sharing memories. Colleen

Monterey, California 16x20 oil

Inquiries cshoreartwork@gmail.com

A note shared by Susan-

The painting with the boat is from a photo of a port where we ate dinner along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Türkiye. The bridge in the background is one of 3 bridges that cross the famous Bosphorus strait, and is lit up with bright lights after dark. Colleen's rendition perfectly captures the beautiful moon and gentle fog that descended that night. We travel to Türkiye often but this night was truly magical. 

The other painting is from a photo again of a place very significant to both my husband and I, Monterey, California. The rocky coastline is still so natural and beautiful with native succulents such as the gorgeous red ones here. Another beautiful place on earth!

Thanks again for your generous collaboration and artistry,

Susan

More Downtown La Crosse

River Walk 11x14 oil unframed SOLD

Sunsets are always amazing looking across the Mississippi River. My sister in law helped me capture this one. As we walked along the river we both pulled out our cameras. I found out my memory card was missing so I couldn't get the photo but Hen did. Thank goodness since it was gorgeous.
 

Below are a few more of my larger paintings in 11x14 that feature some downtown scenes.

Patina of the Past 11x14 oil unframed $125

City Pink 11x14 oil unframed $125

Slide to Unsheltered 11x14 oil unframed $125

Inquiries cshoreartwork@gmail.com