Birthday Presents

Not getting older, hopefully getting better as an artist. Time for some inspiration and a little help from my friends.




We visited the Milwaukee Art Museum with a docent tour, enlightening us to many interesting tales about different artists and their works. I left with this little souvenir, a Monet Magnet. It was a toss up between Van Gogh, but since Vince still had two ears it didn't seem realistic. I'm so impressionable.

















A side tour to Lakefront Brewery was hilarious, our MC was Amy Sue and she even crowned me Queen. Must do tour, adults only.

We also celebrated with a Bloody's from Sobelmans, Symphony sounds and finished off my day with a nice dinner with husband and sister.







Some awesome gifts for the artist.

Can't wait to get to try out my new Plein Air umbrella.

Plus a visit to Michael's art store with my gift card.





Actually I never thought I'd make it.

Overseas Presence

Ellie & Jovi at Ballyloughane Beach, Gallway Ireland-SOLD

Soon to be shipped across the Atlantic. A commission for family allows me to claim I have my paintings in Europe, only 5 more continents to go.


It was a real treat to paint these two, I especially loved the setting.

Cabin Fever

Cabin Fever 11x14

As the short days and cold nights of winter have arrived, the warm memories of summer are still on our minds.

My brothers family has a seasonal cabin they wished to remember. Sitting by a campfire after a day on the lake.



Here's my commissioned painting for them from one of their fondest memories.

Cabins on the Lake 8x10

I decided to make it a grouping from some of my fondest memories too.

Sittin' in the Sun 5x7

One of the last remaining cabins from back in the day.

 Sitting around viewing the lake.

Owl 1 8x10

Who might be coming for a visit?

It's a secret for two grand nieces. Hopefully they'll be able to make the trip and visit the National Owl Center.


A gift for the girls when they come, don't spoil the surprise.

Owl 2 8x10

Shalom Wildlife Zoo

Elk Family 11x14

Another stop while visiting my sister, Shalom Wildlife Zoo, north of West Bend, Wisconsin. This has become a favorite 3 mile walk around the 100 acres viewing some 400 animals.

Fawn 5x7

Another great opportunity to photograph and paint wildlife. they do a great job keeping the animals in a natural looking setting.

Ready to Eat 8x10

They have seasonal events. One of my favorite was the evening Halloween walk, with rest stops for campfires and treats.














Next up Christmas Drive through. By the way the rhino is not real. But they do have Lions, Tigers and Bears. Oh My! Have a nice Thanksgiving.

Decorating for the Holiday Drive thru

Hanging Around

Orange Still Life Studies and Landscapes in Guest Bathroom

I don't usually like to have too much of my own artwork hanging on my own walls. It can inhibit me from creating more.













But it's fun to display them for awhile and reflect on my efforts. It's also a great way to refresh my personal space.
If interested most of them are for sale.

A couple of Drugans Golf Course

Sometimes I just take my favorite pieces and exchange them with other artwork from different rooms. I figure way cheaper than redecorating.

Eric's favorite among the Living Room Gallery

Hopefully you don't have any artwork hidden away. Be sure to keep it out for viewing and let it breath new life and joy in your space.

Cranes join the Thai influenced Guest Bedroom

I'm also hoping to encourage those that purchased my artwork to share. I'll be featuring, on one of my blogs in December, photos that are submitted.

My personal favorite kitty Bunny

Please share with me at CShoreArtwork@gmail.com

Magic Willows Alpacas

Troubles Friend 5x7

Trips to farms and zoos are opportunities to photograph animals that I don't ordinarily have the chance to see. So taking lots of photos for future paintings is a must.



During a trip to visit my sister we went to Magic Willows Alpacas, a couple miles north of Hartford, Wisconsin.

Part of the Pack 5x7

Becky, one of the owners and caretakers of all the animals, gave us an introduction to her family of Alpacas and Trouble the Llama.




The expressions and big eyes were fun to paint. I started to use some of the 5x7 size canvases I bought from Raymar. They produce a high quality canvas panel in all sorts of finishes, so I bought their sample pack to have a go at it.

Trouble 8x10

If you go, check out their website before and try and stop when they have some of their activities. A stop at the Farm Store is also a must for alpaca products.





Thanks Magic Willows for your hospitality.

Swanning

Swan Dive-8x10

I'm back to painting whatever I want, now that October commissions are done. It's liberating to do whatever I want again. So here we go, to the Brownsville Overlook for swans.




Migrating tundra swans love to gather in the area on their way south. They feed heavily on tubers, loosening them with their feet and then nose diving, swallowing them whole.

Brownsville Reunion-11x14

The Mississippi River is wide and dotted with small islands, at this point. Thousands of swans stop to refuel during the first weeks of November before continuing their journey.

To capture the big beautiful view I painted this one on an 11x 14 canvas.

Mallard Duck-8x10

Along with swans you also see a variety of ducks and geese. A local favorite featuring the Mallard Duck.

Minnesota Overlook- 8x10 

I experimented with a new technique, adding cold wax to the oil paint. It makes for a much duller painting and gives the paint a whole new feel. Not sure if I like the process. May have to take a workshop and discover why so many people love it.









Now that I'm back painting for another year and another 100 paintings I decided to branch out and start including some smaller and larger canvas sizes to my repertoire. I'll be including unframed 5x7 for $20, 8x10 for $30 and 11x14 for $50. Keeping with standard sizes for less expensive options for framing.