Grand Marais Areas part of From Great to Grand art exhibit in August 2026

Welcome to a preview of my upcoming show From Great to Grand which opens in August at Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona.

The Grand part of my exhibit features original oil paintings shown below. Inspired by a couple of trips trips I took to the Grand Marais area. As a member of Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, I joined fellow artists for a week long adventure painting at the Sugarloaf cabins in Schroeder, MN. It allowed me to paint from Grand Portage to Grand Marais and the many beautiful spots along the way. 

 

A little bit about my paintings- 

The first two are my most recent paintings, that I wanted to capture for the exhibit. Hollow Rock is a popular subject matter for many artists, located just north of Grand Marais. I found it a bit difficult to find, but persistence paid off. You gotta love to paint rocks because pretty much everywhere you look they define the landscape. 

I challenged myself with a larger 16x120 painting in oil and cold wax of rocks along the shore. I had done many 8x10's to explore the colors of the rocks (all have found homes) and felt it was time to expand the subject matter in my studio.

Hollow Rock 8x10 oil framed $150

Superior Waves 16x20 oil and cold wax framed $595

Sugarloaf Cabins in Schroeder, were I stayed is located on the banks of Lake Superior. In August each year, OPM Event Organizer, Allison hosts a paint out at her family cabins. It affords sunrise views, night sky shows of the northern lights and a perfect place to gather with other artists after venturing out to paint. 

I had to get up early to catch the summer sunrise over the lake, but it was always worth it. Another easy morning outting was just up the road at Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center. A short hike down a slope lead to a quiet secluded cove with of course lots of rocks. From cobblestone beaches to large rock formations leading into the water.

 

Sunrise at Sugarloaf II llx14 oil on cradled panel $350

 

Rocky Cove 11x14 oil framed $350

 

Sugarloaf Cove 11x14 oil framed $350

On my first trip North I meet another artist Susan, who asked me to join her to paint. Not being familiar with the area it was a blessing as I could have spent hours trying to decide locations not to mention getting lost. We set up to paint at Taconite Harbor a location of the mining industries. We had to paint fast as the biting flies wouldn't leave us alone. Another spot was Temperance River Falls which I never would have found. Which ever way we looked it was beautiful.

On my second trip I was told about another section of Temperance River, a favorite spot of the locals. Many people were there jumping off the rocks into deep water holes. I started out a painting and switched techniques after awhile really loosening up with my pallet knife. It made me nervous watching people disappear over rocks and I couldn't concentrate on details.

 

Taconite Harbor 11x14 oil on cradles panel $350

 

Temperance River Falls 8x10 oil framed $150 

 

Untempered 11x14 oil framed $350

Venturing into Grand Marais, for the first time during my stay at the cabins, I captured the scenes with my camera. I was a bit overwhelmed with all the views along artist point and the harbor. So I spend time exploring along the paths and taking in the views for future reference photos to paint from in the studio.This is where so much happens during the Plein Air Grand Marais festivities and I needed to just absorb the influences. Even spent some time and money at the fantastic Joy & Company artist supply store. Susan was more than happy to shop along and share her favorite items.

The fourth of these painting below, A Day in the Harbor, I was able to settle in at the park to plein air paint. I spend the day painting this scene and the local flowers while enjoying sunshine and people that stopped to chat. 

 

Rocky Lighthouse Path 11x14 oil on cradled panel $350

 

Artists View Grand Marais 11x14 oil on cradled panel $350

Grand Marais Harbor 11x14 oil on cradled panel $350

A Day in the Harbor 11x14 oil on cradled panel $350

Walking around Grand Marais, exploring the town and all of it's connections to the lake I came across these weathered buildings I found interesting to paint back in the studio.

Fish Market Parking Only 8x10 oil framed $150

 

Another Day Ashore 8x10 oil framed $150

Waiting to Launch 8x10 oil framed $150

I hope you'll be able to stop in and see my show. I'll be posting more about the paintings you'll see from along the Great River Road in the next couple of weeks.

 

Also Register to Win an 8x10 commissioned oil painting at my reception.

Some of my unframed artwork featuring Grand Marais areas that will be available at my reception Friday, August 14 from 5-7 pm 

Disruptive Influence 9x12 unframed $100

Along the Cabins 9x12 oil unframed $100

 Also Don't Miss

 On display at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum until Sept 13 part of Minnesota Plein Air Collective show Myths & Legends of Minnesota.

inspired and created during my 2025 visit to Sugarloaf Cabins for Plein Air Grand Marais 

Washed Ashore 11x14 oil framed $595

 

 

 Inquiries cshoreartwork@gmail.com