Inspiration Everywhere

Another reason to get up and get creative

The Holland America ship Rotterdam was filled with artwork from paintings of tulips, sea souvenirs and sculptures in every nook. All tastefully decorated.

Greeters of the World Stage

Guards of Guest Services

I had to walk every stairway and look around every corner so I didn't miss a thing.

I'm a very early riser and often I'd be the only person up in the wee hours. We had 5 different time zone changes and I wasn't going to let a clock tell me what to do.

It gave me the opportunity to pull up a chair anywhere in front of a sculpture and draw to my hearts content.

I don't consider myself a cruise lover but it was very rewarding and comfortable to move about ship and discover areas of creativity.

Stampede to Lido Lunch

Lido Love by the Pool

Flowers for a Friend

Sea Souvenirs

Table Art 1

Table Art 2

Table Art 3

Main Dining Room

 I was impressed by all the beautiful seating areas. From Crows Nest loungers, library reading rooms, and cocktail club chairs

Cruisin' for Creativity

Just one of  the sunrises

While taking a break from painting, I went on a Cruise through the Panama Canal. During the 16 day voyage I had the opportunity  to take in gorgeous panoramas of seas and sunsets, plus 7 different ports.

Setting Sail on the Sea Deck

 

Guests Soak up the Sun

Inspiration was everywhere and my senses were filled with natures colors, ship sculptures and local textures. I'll be devoting the next couple of blogs to some of my 30 some drawings and discoveries while on board.

Ship Contraptions

Lido Heaven

I tried to do at least two drawings a day from photos or live scenes. I think the summer drawing group would be proud of my determination.



Here's a few of the objects and scenes you'd see around the ship.

Pool Seating

There were a few other artists I had a chance to meet. They were the ones that would approach me while I was drawing. Most other people would just take a peak over my shoulder.

Martini Bar

It took awhile but I finally found my favorite spot for drawing. I could draw, eat and catch the sunrise. 

Floating along the River

Copeland Boat Houses 11x14

An iconic part of living on the west coast of Wisconsin are the boathouses on the Black River by Copeland Park.




Not to be confused with houseboats.
They don't actually house boats, but afford those lucky few with a getaway right on the water.

Fall on the River 8x10 

These unique floating cabins are what's left of family havens on the river. Those that remain are grandfathered in and many are slowly disappearing.




During the summer you see large family groups gathered, cooking out and splashing around or fishing from their tiny platforms. Looks like a lot of fun on a hot day.

Black River Bridge 5x7

As they say here in La Crosse, Summer on the River and Some are Not.






So it's time for us to go a float with a cruise. Will return blogging with lots of drawings from my upcoming adventure. Bon Voyage.

What to pack for art supplies? 

Camera, extra batteries, extra SD cards, paper, pens, pencils, markers, pencil sharpener, eraser.

Puzzled A Bit

Trempealeau Bay-1 8x10 

I know it takes time to master a new technique, but it also takes time to find out your style.


Each one of these paintings is from the same scene overlooking Trempealeau Bay at Perrot State Park.



So I began the first painting with he same approach that I'm trying to master, which gives a lot of detail.

Trempealeau Bay-2 8x10

For the second style I held back more, to what usually happens toward the beginning of a painting, and then tried to finish off the lines and with the simplest of details.

Trempealeau Bay-3 8x10

Then It tried to do again what I did in the first painting but with more restraint and softer with less detail.

Trempealeau Bay Before Wax

 Now for my last attempt, you could almost consider this a style something very abstract, but it was really the under painting for my next experimentation with cold wax. A product you add to the paint to thicken it creating a more imposto texture. It also makes the painting more matte. You use any tool at hand to apply or remove as needed. The under painting then can be revealed if needed.

Trempealeau Bay-4 8x10

So the fourth is highly textured and so much looser in identifying the landscape.


So which Style do you prefer?

 Inspired by Kevin Macpherson who did 366 paintings, one each day of the year. Yes it was leap year. He used the same pond setting and accomplished this over several years noting each day he had done a painting. The variety of weather and light was amazing from the few paintings I've seen. I hear he even made a coffee table book about this artistic endeavor.

A gift from the Larson's

So as you can see I'm a bit puzzled. 

I know I just had to get this cute little image in my blog somehow. Thanks for indulging me.

2020 or MMXX

Trempealeau Passage 11x14

Moving into the new year I need to ask myself,

What's Next?

It will be a year of questions and queries on how I develop my art. After a first one hundred paintings in 2019 I'm already at another 28. But whose counting, me of course! I need to monitor and measure my progress or regress which ever the case may be.

Bluffland Bounty 8x10

I've added a variety of sizes to my studio works, going with standard framing sizes of 11x14, 8x10 and 5x7. Since I don't sell my artwork framed, unless in an exhibition, it keeps the price down and everyone has a different idea about framing.

Wine Time 5x7

I started to do a few groupings of paintings using all the sizes. This posting I've chose several photos from areas around Trempealeau, Wisconsin. The Mississippi River lock and dam and the local Elmaro Winery. 





So the question I pose to those reading this post is-

Does Size Matter? 

Would love to hear your response!

Refuge Respite

Boardwalk at Necedah 8x10

Taking the time to enjoy some of the nicest stops around.

Our National Refuge lands across the state are beautiful places to walk and reflect.




Here's three of those special places.



Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, along the boardwalk in Wisconsin's central swamp.

Trempeauleau Refuge Trail 11x14

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, walking from the Marshland entrance through the bottomland forest.










Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge La Crosse at Brice Prairie. Paved walkway in the Sand Prairie.

Brice Prairie Walk 5x7 

Best Present Sharing

It's hard to describe how excited I get seeing my art displayed in people's home.





Shown on the left of this photo are a number of current pieces along side one of my large landscapes done about 20 years ago, from a photo I took 45 years ago. Here's to the past and future.


Thanks Jeanie and Terry

When I see them in a collection, that I didn't anticipate, it amazes even myself that my colors and style are pretty consistent.


Thank Jodi and Les









My artwork does enjoy the company of others, even if Tigger is a bit standoffish, at least to me.


Thanks Lois and Ken

Add caption

I get to adorn a guest room in Asheville. So if you're lucky enough to be invited, do enjoy. It was pointed out the pot on the dresser is also one of my attempts at ceramics in college. Oh my!

Thanks Sylvia and Joe




Hope Bandit enjoyed his portrait.

 

Being the center of attention or even the center of mantle of this fireplace is quite an honor. A girl's best friend, her sister.


Thanks Mary

  Here's man's best friend and favorite sport. A lot of ball chasing behind these scenes.

Thanks John

It's really nice to hang out with other favorites too, like prestigious galleries.

 

Thanks Kalla

This one will be displayed at the upcoming fourth annual Art Dash on March 26, 2020.

A real honor to be part of the fundraiser for the Franciscan Spirituality Center here in La Crosse.

It's titled Horseshoe Falls-Part 2, depicting a Wisconsin State Natural Area in Perrot State Park. This small cove only pours when it rains. It's mossy rock ledges are home to swallows, an intimate place in nature and respite from our busy lives.