In Between

Going straight from commissions to a display at River City Gallery gave me little time to reflect on where I'm going with my art. So what does one do? Clean my studio. 

I can now see the floor and my couch!

There's space to create and I can open the door all the way!

It's a cleansing practice that reminds me of the things I have, those I no longer need and what can I share. Here's a few glimpses before the clutter recollects. 

I was happy to give away some items to fellow artists in the drawing group who can creatively put them to use. A perfect up-cycle. This reminded me I haven't documented my drawing efforts lately so it's a good time to catch up on my blog. Thanks to those who help arranged to get us into unusual places to draw.

Valley View Mall

Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Pumpkin Patch in Cashton

Fruit Acres Orchards

Goose Island

Grounded Cafe

Copeland Park Boat Houses

Grandads Bluff

Sail Boat Club

All Abilities Play Ground La Crosse

Most are done with color markers and pen. I just love to color. Speaking of color, don't miss the movie "The Electrical Life of  Louis Wain". An artist from Europe who loved to paint cats.You'll probably recognize some of his depictions of cats. They were used in reference to schizophrenia patients creative process. Although many now dispute his diagnosis and think he was just on the spectrum.

Now to make the best of my time at River City Gallery. My display is on the wall hosted by La Crosse Society of Arts and Crafts til the end of November. I really enjoyed the open house the gallery sponsored on First Fridays in downtown La Crosse. I'll be participating again this Saturday with a oil painting demo from 11-1, then I'll be attending the Tile Painting workshop by Cindy Stuhr for their Holiday Open House. Hope to see you there.

Connecting Within the Community

I participated in one of La Crosse's Second Saturdays Art Market in September. Meeting new art collectors at the market can be very rewarding. Sometimes you even re-meet someone that crossed your path once upon a time. A brief conversation can reveal past connections.

I had a nice chat with the musician that played the piano at my wedding some 34 years ago. Another gentleman walked the same halls at the Fine Arts Building on the UW-La Crosse campus during my enrollment.

These connections are rich in bonding us to our place in the community. A nice plus my benefiting my search for unique landscapes in the area.The former student of the arts invited me to paint at his old farmstead, outside of Mindoro, featuring a wonderful set of farm buildings including an updated log cabin from the 1850's. Everything was rich in textures and time.

Elder Acres Farmstead 8x10

Land of Milk &... 5x7

Ye Old Tree 8x10

Nodding Approval 8x10

There's nothing like having the opportunity to set up my paints and take in the ambience of a new place. While painting plein air the old tree I was able to capture with my camera a woodpecker enjoying a ripe sunflower. If you have a special place that is sure to inspire let me know.

I hope to take part of the Art Market again next year. I also have plans to display at River City Gallery in La Crosse this coming November, thanks to the La Crosse Society of Arts and Crafts. More on that in my next blog.

Pet Me Please

 It's that look all animal owners just can't resist.

Stella Blue 8x10

I knew when I saw this photo for a commission it was perfect. Chosen to memorialize her sons pet, a gift for the upcoming holidays to sooth the souls of those Stella Blue touched.

 

Stella Blue your people are missing you!

Gathering in Galesville

On a beautiful fall morning the drawing group gathered in Galesville, WI. This quaint small town is too charming for words so a painting was in order.

On the Square Galesville 11x14

Marinuka Gazebo 8x10

Added the drawing I did for the day. Lots of old buildings still in tact around the square.

Questions or perhaps to purchase one of my original unframed oil paintings on panels, please contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com. Thanks for taking a look. Personal viewings easily arranged by appointment.

Paint out at Kinstone

 Although it was overcast, it was a great day to join the fun at Kinstone's Fall Open House this past weekend. Here's two of the paintings I did plein air I think they're done anyway!

Gate Keeper 8x10

I set myself up close to the music and definitely wanted to feature the beautiful asters that were in bloom.

Family Portrait 8x10

This stone grouping is called the Family with the one in the distance the Traveler.

Prayer Flags by Dorothy

It's a really nice group of people that work and play at Kinstone. One of the other creative souls is Dorothy. I just love her design and aesthetics she incorporates in her prayer flags and stones for sale in the Education Center. I believe Kinstone will still be open as they have some events planned and as the weather holds up. Maybe call ahead before traveling there. Thanks again to Kristine and the people of Kinstone for supporting the arts.

Riley-Ready and Willing

Riley 11x14

Riley, a member of Bill's family, is a miniature Sheltie. He's always ready to lend a helping paw, from getting the morning paper to mail delivery. The work ethic of  a Sheltie is part of their charm. 

 

 

Fishing Tales

Catch and Release 11x14

Completed this recent commission for a couple, of their son fishing for Rainbow Trout in the streams out west. 

Coming up with a title can be just as difficult as painting. It needs to complete the story. What would you title this painting.

 Here's a few of the other ideas I had.

Fry, Fry Again

Dreaming of Rainbows

Angling for the Big One

The One That Got Away

Questions or perhaps to purchase one of my original unframed oil paintings on panels, please contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com. Thanks for taking a look. Personal viewings easily arranged by appointment.