In Search of Happiness

Why do I create? Because it makes me happy. The need certainly surfaces the more bored I become.

I was recently asked to help out with a painting project for Perrot State Park and was happy to comply. As I'm waiting to start camping and traveling again, what better use of my time than to paint for one of my favorite parks.

Here is the location of where the painting will eventually be hung, on the backside of a new kiosk adjacent to the park headquarters.

It was fun to get back into larger scale paintings. Going from 8x10 inches to 4 feet by 6 feet, I did switch from oils to latex and acrylic since the drying time would have taken way too long and it helped keep the cost down. It is a much longer process to paint and immediate gratification the same day wasn't going to happen if I used oils.

Along the way I took photos to record the steps I take, each day and reflect on my progress. I would work about 3 hours daily or so completing a  specific area I selected to work on. I dedicated two weeks to complete the painting, since it would take over my entire studio and I could do nothing else in the meantime. So everyday, except one, I painted, then I could step away. It's amazing to me what can be accomplished when you have a goal.

Starting with a crisp white board, already primed, I began with a quick drawing of the placement of birds. I had roughly organized the layout from a composite of photos. I wanted to show bluebirds nesting in a natural tree cavity and it was also requested to show the birds in man-made assisted living.

Then quickly adding in color blocks and some texture in order to start visualizing how it would all come together. Some paintings just develop as you go along, fixing any problems along the way.

When everything seems to be in the right place, then I start to bring some more details into the subject matter.

Now that everything is in it's place I can start playing with the background. It's good to take a step back and contemplate the background. Keeping in mind this painting will be viewed from a distance.

Then I go over each item again to improve and correct. Adding anything else, like a worm for the baby bluebirds.

Then some final touches to the background and it's done. Sometimes you know you're done when you can't find anything else to make it better or if you're just tired of trying.

Next step delivery and they will treat the surface and install.

Bluebirds-In Search of Happiness 46x72

Casting Call

A Fun Day

Look what I caught!

Sisters!

 I made a call to my niece to engage her daughters in doing some artwork for me about fishing. It's so refreshing to see how they perceive the world. The celebration of color and uninhibited expression. Wish I could be as loose and free in my approach. Thank you for participating, loves and hugs from Great Aunt Colleen.

Anticipation-It's Harder than You Think 8x10

Always Grace Under Pressure 8x10

My ulterior motive was to compliment my next painting project. The lure of trying another portrait, lead me to a couple of photos I had of my two beautiful Grand Nieces, enjoying some fishing time with their family. Those around me are often the subject of my work, whether they want to or not.

It's certainly a lot easier to portray a youthful face, than an older adult with so many more lines on their face. I kept the backgrounds more simplified and chose the poses that reflected the intensity of focus on the lines in the water.

They grow so fast and change every time I see them. I hope I captured one day in their lives before they grow up. Of course these are going to Nana and Papa, I figure their mom and dad always get to see them in this time of isolation.



My next project is a bit larger in scale for my favorite park. Details coming up as the project progresses.

Painted Selfie

Calm and Collective 8x10

A common artistic practice is to do the self portrait.

I've put it off til now since I hadn't done much painting in the way of portraiture. Creating pet portraits can still be a challenge, for expression, coloring and breed accurately.


So I began the process of my own self portrayal with taking a selfie on my phone camera. It's not something I am use to. I'm always the one behind the camera so I have very few photos of myself to work from.


Painting from a photo seemed a lot easier than looking in a mirror at my reflection like those masters of days gone by. Did you know Van Gogh did 40 some self portraits.

Sunny Disposition 8x10

After taking lots of photos I decided on these three poses for their expression and light. I discovered painting a self portrait can be very challenging. You want to edit out those parts of yourself you don't like or are resistant to accepting, like the results of aging. We always look better as we look back.


I do not anticipate that I will be offering portraiture painting commissions anytime soon. It is a much more tedious process and I can't imagine trying to satisfy a clients desire and how they imagine they look.

Blue Period 8x10

I'm glad I gave it a try, it helps me grow as an artist and now I have a new and more current image of myself for my blog.
It's just which one expresses myself more.













 

The Return

Ruby Scout 5x7 

Can't hardly wait until their return. The males come first scouting for springs nectar. It's been a long trip but hopefully worth their while. I'll be putting out my feeder after this week to be sure to welcome them back. Some say a little early but I don't want them to miss my house as their refuge.

Craig's Bird 5x7

On a birding trip to Costa Rica my sister-in-law saw many beautiful hummingbirds among others. With her camera at hand she and fellow travelers caught some great images. The Black-Crested Couquette, their trip leader Craig's favorite. Thanks to Hen and Rose Shea for sharing their photos

Paradise in Costa Rica 5x7 

"Life is Better in a Herd"

Adorable Angora-Emma 5x7 

I think we could all agree with Magic Willow Alpacas motto. Here's a few more glimpses into the family farm over in Hartford, Wisconsin.

Proud as a Peacock 8x10

Riddlers' Puzzling Pose 8x10

I think it would be nice to have all these fellow creatures around to talk to and care for.


By the way, Dr. Doolittle books were a favorite growing up.












This pose of Riddler was chosen by Becky of Magic Willow Alpacas because of the most unusual way he is lying down.

I'm sure she sees a lot more of their unique personalities around the farm.



















The above three paintings will join the others soon. Hopefully I'll be able to visit in person this time.

Magic Act-8x10

Trouble 8x10

Part of the Pack 5x7

Trouble's Friend 5x7

Milestones of March

Sometimes You Wunder 5x7

I began my blog a year ago this March to track my creative process.

When I look back, I've been consistent on painting most days and have done 170 small paintings. That's roughly 3 paintings a week, since I retired in December of 2018 and picked up my brush again. Not to mention numerous drawings

My first personal goal was to complete 100 small paintings. I celebrated in October opening up my home gallery and found new homes for half of my works. This was truly gratifying as it funded my resupply of paints and canvases and has also afforded me the opportunity for future workshops. Although disappointed about artist DK Palecek having to cancel the March workshop in Dubuque, I'm still finding guidance and inspiration through those on the internet and from books.

As I challenged myself to trying different subject matters, still lives to sunsets, landscapes to wildlife, architecture to textures and pets to people. The later has been the big surprise for myself. Pet portraits has brought me 14 commissions. It's a challenge but one I strive for since it connects me as an artist to my patrons. 

Learning how to, why to and what to do in creating my artwork has been fulfilling. I follow a number of Plein Air Painting groups on line. I learned I'm not suppose to compare myself to others, but I see the shared stumbling blocks of some and I'm invigorated by the shared success of others.

I know that giving up is the only way to fail and will continue my path to progress. I do this for myself and know that what still moves me to paint are the beautiful things in this world. If all I do is share and find others who will enjoy my paintings, then I have succeeded.

My daily routine at this time during the corona virus isolation-

Get up early for Hot tub and coffee, listen to the birds and find my voice for the day

Studio time 3-4 hours in the morning, start or finish a painting, photograph and blog my progress. Listen to an audio book or some favorite music.

Lunch and  do a daily chore plus go for a walk or bike ride.

Afternoon nap and reading time.

Prepared Dinner, maybe have a cocktail then settle in for TV time or movie.

Retire early and read my book.


I'm lucky to have a routine established as the transition to stay at home was a typical day in my life. Painting is a solitary activity. What I discovered is I can paint while listening to books.  With downloading from our local library I shouldn't run out of self help art books and novels for a long time. I did make it over to Michael's craft store before they closed the retail section and hoarded a few canvases before my supply runs out. At my rate of 3 per week I can survive another 4 months. I guess there's always mail order.

There's always the option of painting over old images too.

Kinstone celebrating Spring

Spring Arrives-Kinstone 8x10

I've been tuned into face book maybe more than I should be, but it does feed the need for human connection. Kinstone, which is located on top of a bluff near Fountain City, posted some photos of their modern megalithic site during the spring Equinox.

Since spring was on my mind I knew I had to try and paint what Kristine Beck captured at the emerging sun.

Here's a place to must visit when touring the Driftless area. Check it out kinstonecircle.com

As their Mission States

Kinstone blends conscious care of the Earth with art to form sacred spaces that invite and inspire people to connect with and experience the creative power of the land to transform, energize and revive the body, mind and spirit.