Kinstone Open House Sun., May 2 FREE

Kinstone located on the top of the bluff near Fountain City, WI will be celebrating their Kin-Day Family Day Annual Spring Open House with music, food, and art this coming weekend, Sunday, May 2 from noon-5. I participated last fall and enjoy the opportunity to paint outside, and sold a number of paintings, which is always nice.

 

This modern megalithic site offers a lot of inspiration. Kristine Beck, Kinstones owner shared some of her photos with me to help me capture some of the uniqueness and creatures that occupy the landscape in these paintings.

Winter Window, framed 8x10

Hope on Fire, framed 8x10

Amazing Goats, framed 8x10

 

Cultured Stone, framed 8x10

Below paintings inspired by some of my fall photos and past visits.

Don't Fence Me Out, framed 8x10

Aster Zen, framed 8x10

Bee Longing, framed 8x10 

Winding Way, framed 8x10

Megalithic Memories, framed 8x10

Standing Together, framed 8x10

Framed paintings will continue to on sale at Kinstone through the summer until their fall open house. They will only be available for purchase during this time at their location. Availability may be subject to change without notice.

Kinstone Puzzle, unframed 5x7 SOLD

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

Not Bluffing

Bluff Face 8x10

Good natured outspokeness? I'm betting you are wondering where I'm going with this one.

Over 45 years ago I was introduced to the bluffs of the Coulee Region. These geological expressions were new to me and they captured my heart. Many artists are passionate about the area we live in and you can get a closer look at their efforts and studios through this upcoming country tour from Winona to Lanesboro and beyond in eastern Minnesota. Plus it's free.

It's exciting to see what other artists are doing and I hope to go to at least a few. Check it out at https://bluffcountrystudioarttour.org. They even have an app to download.

 

One of the closest to me is Mississippi Mornings Art Studio at 40341 Lamoille Drive, Minn. 8 miles south of Winona. I had the pleasure of meeting artist/gallery owner Linda Klabo last fall at Kinstone. She'll be hosting several artists for Bluff Country Studio Art Tour (the image on the poster is from one of the artists at her location, Kathy Kovala). Plus mark your calender's for an Artist Rummage Sale May 6-9 (more details in my May 2 blog plus I'll be participating).

 

 

Note to my followers:

I also need to speak out about my own pricing of art. As I first started oil painting just a little over 2 years ago the goal was to be able to paint everything and anything to begin to understand the new medium I was working with. My goal was to paint, not necessarily to sell, but after a year I had a collection of paintings and the need to spend money for more and better art supplies and take workshops to improve my art. I thought  keep the prices low enough just to cover my costs. I wanted to sustain my pursuit to paint. It worked, no one thought less of the art because of the low price and I found many new homes that would be enjoying them. I was even able to donate to some very good causes. Making art became rewarding to me in so many ways. I want to express my gratitude to so many.

Many artists can not sell at cost, they need to make a living from their art, so I hope to not offend others when my pricing seems to contradict what the market pricing should be for art. Expenses needed to cover the years of dedication, education, materials and of course the time it takes create, not to mention the cost of food, shelter and healthcare. Which now leads me to the pricing of some of my art will begin to reflect to cost of selling through venues such as galleries and events. 

I plan on still doing some direct sales through my blog and commissions but have decided I need a wider audience for my art and have will to partner up with others who operate and support artists with selling their art. They can offer things like credit card transactions, coordinated events, lots of traffic to new collectors through advertising and activities. The pricing of my artwork at these new venues will need to reflect the percentage and fees these locations need to collect to continue their hard work plus I'm going to be framing many of the items for display and adding some packaging. I also have to consider the the mileage and time it takes to set up. You can bet these costs start adding up. I'm not bluffing when I tell you I'm not making anymore on my artwork than before. 

I still value those that follow my blog. As I post new works please understand the price you see for new releases may change when marketed. So if you see it and want it, buy it right away. Thanks for understanding. 

Colleen

Just too Cute!

I had the privilege to do a third pet portrait for this family. This little guy is just too cute, wouldn't you agree. He's so handsome in his bow tie.

.

Otis 8x10

Passion for Pets

Meet Gracie. You wouldn't know it by looking at her, she is blind. Caused by the lack of care she received as a puppy, she is now fortunate to have been rescued by her loving owner Hannah. She is one lucky dog to have her own seeing eye human who tends to her special needs. As she arrives in a new surrounding her owner orientates her by walking her through the space. I'm sure she relies on her sense of smell too.

Here Gracie is shown sitting on her very own special pillow. A big thanks to those that don't see limitations as a barrier.

Gracie 8x10

 

Spiritual Destination

On a sunny winter day I had the pleasure to join a friend for a walk on the grounds of The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, WI. Thankful for a warmer day and a contemplative walk.

I was inspired by the art and architecture  to make these paintings.

With the bluff landscape in the background the easy walking trail takes you past the Votive Candle Chapel.

Chapel 8x10

Here a statue of Saint Kateri Tekawitha is a nice resting spot, she was the first Native American named to sainthood.

St. Kateri  8x10

Another place to reflect is the Memorial to the Unborn.

Memorial 8x10

Questions or perhaps to purchase one of my original unframed oil paintings on canvas panels, please contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com.

 

Backyard Bob

Bob, a welcome sight in Joyce’s backyard. He hides out under the white pine and greets her in the mornings for a breakfast of corn and suet. A happy addition to the neighborhood this Northern Bobwhite Quail has endeared himself to the locals and has his own tale. One morning he showed up suffering an injured foot.  After caring individuals helped Bob get back on his feet, he now’s back to enjoying dust baths and his human covey.

Braving the Winter 8x10

My friend, Mashkodessi 8x10

Titling a painting can be a very personal matter. It was appreciated that Joyce who commissioned Bob' portrait came up with these titles. I learned the Maskkodessi is from the Ojibje language meaning quail and meadow bird.

 

I enjoy creating paintings to capture memories and moments in someones life. If you're interested I'd be happy to discuss a commission with you. Contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com. No obligations.

Commissions accepted from your own photos for oil painting on panels. Pricing begins at $50 for an 8x10 (unframed)-$70 for an 11x14 (unframed). For each additional animal in the portrait add another $20. Shipping is extra (if needed) and generally runs, $8-$15 dollars in the U.S. depending on the location. These are common sizes allowing you to purchase ready made frames. Keep in mind no glass or matting needed for an oil painting.

Please allow 4-8 weeks to complete. 

                     

The process includes the time to confer back and forth plus the time to dry.

Wings on the Water

Besides painting, I've been anxiously awaiting the many birds who will be returning this spring. Painting animals does pose it's challenges, you want them to be identifiable. Fortunately, unlike pet portraits, they don't have the owners perspective and emotional connection to meet. I think I'm getting the hang of brushing on those feathers. Hope you enjoy these oil paintings on panels from past photos of some of my favorite birds found in our waterways.

Green's My Color 8x10 

This Green Heron I saw on a camping trip to Highland Ridge ACOE campground. She really likes to blend in with her favorite color.

Wading to Return 8x10

The Blue Heron was wintering in Big Bend National Park. One one my favorite fellow campers.

Me and My Gal 8x10

This lovely pair of Sandhill Cranes were waiting for the water to go down at Perrot State Park. Spring thaw had filled up Trempealeau Bay.

On My Way 5x7

 Pelicans a joy to see in the air or on the water. They cause quite a stir with those big feet.

Who Me? 8x10

We know you may hardly recognize this ugly duckling. They have returned to Trempealeau Bay on their way north. The beautiful Trumpeter Swans.

Questions or perhaps to purchase one of my original unframed oil paintings on canvas panels, please contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com. Be sure to follow my blog for an April pop up show on my deck when the weather permits.