Frozen Getaways

This winter I'm enjoying staying inside and happy to say our drawing group has continued gathering for the season. It maybe too cold to draw or even paint outside but we still are getting inspired. We took to some of the areas most beautiful inside locations like the Charmant Hotel, St. Bernard Room at the area ski lodge, plus Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Holmen Community Center and the Mall.

I'm not like most who live here in the frozen tundra enjoying winter sports, but many do participate in downhill skiing in the land of bluffs. As in the local ski area Mount La Crosse. 

More Snow! Mount La Crosse 8x10 oil

 

 

 

 

Loving it-Perrot

 An old haunt of mine, having worked in visitors services for 6 seasons. Everytime I visit it's like going home.

Love it-Perrot State Park

Bay Vista 8x10 oil

Trempealeau Bay always demands another look with Winona in the background.

Bay Refuge 8x10 oil

A water way before the Mississippi holds lots of birds and animals to see if you can stand still for awhile.

Loving It-Trempealeau

A favorite place to stop and take a walk, look for birds and always photos for painting.

Love It-Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Trempealeau Tree 8x10 oil

 

 It's nice to see the oak trees hold onto their leaves, resisting winters barrenness. This spot stopped me in my tracks since I could see the line of bluffs in Perrot State Park

Refuge Prairie 8x10 oil

 

The lack of color give a serene look to the long distance views of prairies. I can almost imagine the bison in the distance.

 

Demo Day at River City Gallery

Marsh Madness 8x10 oil

Just got done with a demo at the gallery. It's always nice to get outside of my studio to paint. I had some photos from the fall of the La Crosse Marsh. I recently heard their efforts to protect this lovely piece of nature in La Crosse is again triumphant. A treasure for those that live in the city.

 

Loving It-McGilvray Trail

A special place that connected people long ago. 

Love It- McGilvray Trail

The seven bridges trail starts with this one. A quick trip to the trail in the winter but also to venture around the new property next door.

Mc Gilvray Welcome 8x10 oil

The Stephenson Farmstead. All that remains is a remnant of the windmill. I took liberty of creating a painting from some of the photos of the old homestead to thank the Arnesons for their contribution. This one's for you Dave.

Arneson Gift 8x10 oil

While looking at some of my past photos I tried another one with people. It always seems to add to the story. I think I'm prone to capture fisherman. They stand still longer.

Bridge Over Waters 8x10 oil

 

Never too late!

A request for another pet commission under the Christmas tree finally made it's way home to Colorado this past week.

Bruce and Grey, two best buddies shown here, took a moment between wrestling to pose for Angela. She wanted to surprise her husband Harry with a portrait for the holidays.

Bruce and Grey 11x14 oil

If you're interested in commissioning a pet portrait or other painting. Here are the details.

Pet Portrait pricing begins at $50 for a 5x7 (unframed)-small but suitable for head shot, $75 for an 8x10 (unframed)- great for a single pet. $115 for an 11x14 (unframed). For each additional pet in the portrait add another $25. Shipping is extra (if needed) and generally runs, $8-$20 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. I work from your photograph, keep in mind photos that show a clear face and eyes, plus represent the colors of fur make for a better portrait. Exotic pets are also welcome. Contact me at cshoreartwork@gmail.com

Ice is Nice for Some

After the subzero temperatures gave us a break, we ventured out last Saturday in search of the snowy owls. There were several reportedly spotted from the Lake Onalaska overlook on Brice Prairie.

Disappointed and reluctant  to go back inside right away we made another stop at Mosey landing by Red Pines. Looks like I found a flock of fisherman had set up camp. The frigid days had frozen the lake enough for atv and shacks to start moving in to get the best angle on winter fishing.

Here's my inspired paintings after taking some quick pic's with my camera, returning to a warm studio to reminisce.

Prairie Winter Camp 8x10 oil

Brice Excursion 8x10 oil