Four more in a Row

One of my other commissions, was to do four of the same image.




Inspired by my trip to the Apostle Islands, I did a painting of the sea caves on Devil's Island. As it happens, a friend had also recently kayaked with three others out to this remote point on Lake Superior.

After she saw my paintings of Devil's Island, and after personally seeing how incredible the wind and water carved rocks are, she wanted one of her own.


Well at first she wanted a painting of the adventure for herself, then she thought about it and asked me about painting four of her favorite photo, so she could give the other three adventurers a memento of their journey.

This was definitely a new challenge for me.


Probably not one that I would soon repeat. Repetition is the key word. While I had certain colors mixed, I would work from one area of a painting to the same area on the next.

Over and over again. Then I went back into each one to make it it's own.


One of the more difficult areas was the kayaker. It was a must to include it, since it gave the whole painting it's scale.




Hope you can appreciate the variances in each painting and the challenges it posed.

Best Friends

Remington and Truman 11x14

Had the chance to do a few pet portraits after experimenting with friends dogs and cats.

As members of a family they really do have to look like their pet.

Nash 8x10

Fun to do and even more when their cherished friends are being memorialized.

Craft Show at La Crosse Library

NFS Trempealeau Bay

I'll be joining the Craft Show at the La Crosse Public Library on Saturday, November 2 from 9am-3pm. manning the Friends of Perrot State Park booth.

On display will be the colored creations from the Perrot State Park Centennial Coloring Book created by me. You too can create your own memories from Perrot with this coloring book featuring these four designs.

Coloring Books provided by the Friends of Perrot will be for sale at $4 each or 3 for $10.

Trempealeau Bay- The Bay forms at the convergence of the Trempealeau and Mississippi Rivers., isolating Trempealeau Mountain. An attraction for modern park visitors who like to paddle and past traveling voyageurs banking on some new found land. Local aquatic inhabitants gather around the voyageurs canoe pondering what kind of new log has washed ashore. Whether it's sunset or moonset, it's colorist choice.

Prairie Pollinator's-NFS

Prairie Pollinators-A bouquet of native blooms and a variety of pollinators, to remind us of natures special relationships. Each pollinator seeks the prairie plant designed with them in mind. Hope you find peace and harmony while contemplating which colors to choose. There's a range of possibilities.

Brady's Bluff-NFS

Brady's Bluff-Reaching the highest point in the park begins with Horseshoe Falls part of a State Natural Area. Hikers journey up the west side trail retracing the quarried stone footsteps of the CCC. The strong men who toiled together created the original path to the summit. Along the way woodland blooms and driftless wonders transform into goat prairies, showcasing the diversity of natures wonder. Be sure to bring your binoculars for a birds eye view at the top of Cambrian stone cliffs.

Perrot Post-NFS

The designated landmark highlights one of the parks original hosts, Nicolas Perrot a French Fur Trader, who hung his hat and coat near this historical marker. Resident woodland animals reveal themselves, hidden among the hardwood trees, curious to see the new comer. Evidence of the areas first known inhabitants are also seen among the mounds that once filled the park. Acknowledging the attraction of this place we call Perrot State Park.

Here's a list of all the items included in the four coloring pages of the Perrot State Park Centennial Coloring book. The book also features lots of historical photos and information about the park. A great keepsake and wonderful for gift giving at the holidays or for your favorite teacher.

 Also you'll be able to see the full line of jewelry, from bracelets, necklaces and ornaments created for Heart2Heart fundraising.

The Joy of Painting

2019 Halloween Costume

Some of today's younger generation may not remember the soft spoken, fro-permed man who simplified the art of painting. Who else but Bob Ross should be remembered the week of his birthday.

He passed in 1995 but will live on, after coming into our homes for 10 years, through Public Broadcasting System channels. He would demo, teach and complete a full painting in one episode. Today's version of Sip and Paint, or Paint and Pour has taken over for new generations bringing confidence and camaraderie to creating art.

Did you know Bob Ross-

Was a former Sargent in the military
Received 3 Emmy's for his show
Never took a paycheck for his TV performance
Donated all painting to PBS

Have a Happy Halloween and Happy Painting

Iconography

Michael by Drazen Dupor

Iconography depicts scenes and saints from the bible, used for prayer and translating their faith.They say an icon is not painted with a brush but instead it is written.

St. Elias Church

So I learned, while participating in a workshop at the St. Elias Antiochain Orthodox Church in La Crosse. They hosted Drazen Dupor, www.duporikone.com, our instuctor for Byzantine Iconography. He has a studio in Madison and does workshops, retreats, restores and creates icons. Originally from Croatia, he studied in Greece.













 
There was a lot to take in during the two day workshop. From colors choices that represented certain aspects of religious garb, to a sylized form of shading and many subtle symbols and theological meanings.






Participants were stepped through the process making their own icon of the Angel Gabriel.















One of my favorite parts was the gold, which links the image to the divine energy.

Some areas are stylized and then some areas, like the face, are given more detail.

Here's my almost finished piece next to Eric's family samovar from Russia.

I now have a new appreciation for an ancient art form.

Nine, but I'd rate it a 10

"Nine" for the nine artists featured at the Marie Heider Center in West Salem.

All share a bond having taught in our area schools. Now retired from their day jobs they devote their creative energies to art.

Featured Artists-
Jeanne Arenz-Pertzsch
Lynne Burgess-Longfellow
Julie Chamberlain-Emerson
Pat Morse Gund-Northwoods
Lynn Hobart-Roosevelt & Franklin
Chris Hamilton Johnson-Longfellow
Pam Knutson-Hintgen, UWL &Viterbo
Marianne Stanke-West Salem Middle & UWL
Marcia G. Thompson-West Salem & UWL




Recent works may be viewed
Oct. 16 thru Nov. 25
Mon-Wed-Fri from 12-4,
at 405 E. Hamlin St. in West Salem.
You may need to check in at the office
since it's part of the school grounds.






They have a special one day only
reception and sale this Satuday,
Oct 26 from 1-5 pm

I have the opportunity to draw with them during the summer months and this is the first time to see their recent works. I'm impressed at the depth and variety of techniques these ladies have mastered.



These photos are just a few of the pieces on display, hope you make it to the show.

My Kinda Day

It was second Saturday at Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, Minnesota. For only $1 you can make art, watch art being created, look at outstanding artwork along with guided art tours.

Underwater Dogs artist Seth Casteel has a great sense of humor. He even has two books depicting his dog portraits, of course one is with puppies.

H2OH! is a traveling exhibit of quilts that depict the element of water. One of the prerequisites for artwork at this museum is the inclusion of water as part of the theme. 

Winona artist Julie Johnston demonstrates plein air techniques using pastels. It was a little too cold and sleety outside.

A quick stop in the craft room to make my own piece of art with pulled strings. It's something I've seen on the internet and the results are quite interesting.





My kind of day.