Three Little Kittens

These feral siblings adopted by a couple in Yuma, Arizona are a lucky bunch.

TJ 8x10

It was a pleasure to try and capture their different expressions and personalities.

Shadow 8x10

This beautiful bunch was under the Christmas tree this week and will be added to the wall of other cherished cats.

Stripes 8x10

I enjoy doing personal pet commissions. Makes a person feel part of the joy of pet guardianship.

 

 

 

 

Trempealeau Figures

I changed it up a bit this week going from groups gathered to some solitary figures. Here's three that  struck me in my search through past photos. I use to work up in Trempealeau at Perrot State Park, one of my favorite jobs ever. I met so many people as a visitor services employee. From campers and hikers passing through to the locals and people that surrounded me.

Here's a couple of local legends that I had the privilege to meet and some who I just observed.

 

Suantering Down Sullivan 8x10

Screech Owl on one of his walks to the park on Sullivan Road

 

Tending Gil Nets 8x10

George  Richtman, a third generation commercial fisherman, repairing the gil nets

 

Prescribed Patience 8x10

 

Crew member working a prescribed burn at Perrot.

 

If you have a story about any of these figures please share.

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

Missing Moments

Last March I made the leap to including figures in my paintings. Resulting from our recent dilemma of isolation and canceled events, I reflected with a series of paintings on my blog called Gatherings. I was missing a painting workshop and local music events for the summer were continuing to be canceled. It was hard to think in terms of what were we going to get excited about for the coming months.

We find ourselves still in the same routine, careful to be around people and looking for ways to get inspired. So I've gone through all my photos and began to sort them. A very worthwhile project . As you know you can wile away many hours in discovering past memories and fondly reminiscing with your own thoughts.

I now have a file on people to paint. So glad I'm always taking snapshots. Here's a few of La Crosse that remind me of the good old days.

Waiting Moment for Music to Begin 8x10

Patient Moments for a Nibble 8x10 

Strolling Moments with Friends 8x10

 

Maybe you recognize someone in these images. Please share if you do.

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

Keep on Truckin'

Some may remember the phrase from the 60's. These enduring times bring up lots of memories.

Here's a diversion from my latest paintings. An old truck caught my eye. The patina of the paint and the advance of rust. There must be some strong memories associated with this relic. I guess that's one way to hold on.

Still Strutting 8x10

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

Holmen Highlights

Winding up my pursuit of paintings featuring local scenes I chose Holmen. This is the closest community to where I live. They've got a wonderful park for music in the summer, which I'm miss very much. So I wanted to make sure I highlighted the park with new and past paintings.

Halfway Creek Park 8x10

Gatherings-Halfway Creek Park 8x10

 Another place that amazed me about Holmen was the Halfway Creek cemetery. Learned about the history from the caretaker while our drawing group was visiting. Did this painting shortly after.

Halfway Creek Resting Spot 8x10

We frequent the golf course in Holmen called Drugans, a beautiful property set in between the bluffs. Hopefully I take more shots on the course with my camera than with my clubs. Inspired by my walks on the links to paint the scenery.

Lovely Water Hazzard-Drugans 8x10

Another meeting place to pick up wine, gourmet cheeses and meats is the Holmen Meat Locker. A legend by itself, they have awesome jerky. I love the way they decorated out front with these little piggy statues.

To the Market 5x7

My last and newest discovery in the Holmen area is the New Amsterdam Grasslands, a preserved site. One section is periodically closed for the local wildlife.

Grasslands 5x7

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

Heartfelt Thanks

I hope this message finds you safe and taking the precautions necessary to protect others. I want to send a big thank you to those that have been so supportive in my creative efforts. From encouraging words, responding with likes and hearts, sharing my artwork with others and of course those that have one of my paintings hanging in their homes.

Bleeding Hearts 5x7 unframed oil on panel

and the winner is Marcia T.

To show my appreciation I want to give away this painting of bleeding hearts. It was a favorite flower my mother would grow in her garden. I am thankful for the time I had with her.

Please join me in giving thanks to someone you are missing this Thanksgiving due to Covid 19 isolation. By email at cshoreartwork@gmail.com, or responding to this blog or comment to this posting. Share your heartfelt thanks and the name of the person who you are unable to gather with this Thanksgiving Day. 

My husband will randomly draw from the responses I receive by noon on Sunday, November 29, 2020. He says that you don't need to be present to win, he's a funny guy. Then I'll ship anywhere in the contiguous United States to the person in your statement, with a message from you. I'll ask for the address when you've won.

Now doesn't that sound like fun! Enjoy, thanks again for reading this blog and stay safe. Colleen Shore

Overlooking Onalaska

I didn't want to overlook Onalaska, WI for a series of hometown favorite paintings. Reflecting on autumns gorgeous colors to some past favorites. The main part of the city is along Hwy 35 with great views over Lake Onalaska. Here Sunny the Sunfish greets visitor at one of those views. An icon of the area.

Sunny the Sunfish 8x10

All along the waterfront you can reach Onalaska by car or bike in on the Great River State Bike Trail which leads to the downtown and Great River Landing welcome center.

Downtown Landing 8x10

Down by the river which is actually the Black River, the spillway is surrounded by giant Cottonwood Trees creating a favorite shady spot for fisherman and waterfowl.

Spillway 8x10

Main Street of Onalaska is brightly adorned by baskets of bountiful blooms celebrating a homey atmosphere.

Bountiful Atmosphere 5x7

Stop at another overlook and you can see our neighboring bluffs of Minnesota.

Onalaska Overlook 8x10

If you have awhile, meet the people of Onalaska for some entertainment at Dash-Park across the street from the Great River Landing welcome center. Hopefully the gatherings will continue next summer when we are all clear of covid.

Gatherings Dash-Park 11x14

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