Drawn Together at Myrick Park Center

 Hanging out at Myrick Park Center, taking it all in on Wednesday morning. The artists from Drawn Together gathered this Wednesday to draw in the atrium at the center. They also indulged in the Reptile Roundup, as the staff will feed and take out some of the critters they care for.  

Here are a few of the paintings I did in the last couple of weeks from Myrick Park Center. They will be on display for my opening reception on Wed. Nov. 2 from 6-8

Reptile Ambassador 6x8 oil unframed

Late-Summer Dinner 6x8 oil unframed

 

Clutch on a Ledge 6x8 oil unframed

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Falling for the Marsh

I'm still chasing the light. Trying to get out early in the La Crosse River Marsh for some inspiration. The colors are spectacular this time of year but I found out as the temperatures are dropping the mornings are filled with fog. 

Here are some of my latest paintings. These will be framed up for my display at the Gallery at Myrick Park Center. I'll be changing out my current display for a focus on the marsh to coincide with my opening reception on Wed., Nov. 2 from 6-8. Hope you'll join me.


 

Foggy Fall Greetings 8x10 oil

 

Crossing into the Marsh 8x10 oil

Scarlet Creeper 8x10 oil

 

Myrick Park Center Gardens

 I've been trying to continue to paint outside since the plein air festival. It's a hard discipline to master.

 Since I have a show currently at the Gallery in Myrick Park Center, I've been immersing myself with the activities they provide. From Wednesday morning Reptile Roundup to walking around the gardens watching the bees wake up. I'm am not alone out there as I see many photographers positioned to catch birds foraging and the last of insects and butterflies.

Now that the growing season is officially over it won't be long til the fall colors are over too. You may see me this Monday morning as it's suppose to be sunny, I've got to hit the trails before it's done.

Here are some of the painting inspired by the gardens around Myrick Park Center. They will be available to see at my Open House, Wed., Nov. 2 from 6-8 in the La Crosse Room.

 

Myrick Gardens Gardens 11x14 unframed oil will be auctioned that evening to benefit WisCorp

 

 

Natures Classroom 6x8 oil

Garden Golds 6x8 oil

Questions cshoreartwork@gmail.com

When Wind and Water Meet

Where Blues Collide 8x10 oil

On Labor Day Weekend I tried to get out and take some photos at Nelson Park since the La Crosse Sailboat Club was gathering to get out on the water. The painting above was shared by on of it's members. It was a very calm day and not so great for sailing. 

Petals on the Backwaters 8x10 oil

Right off the boat landing the lotus were still standing tall but the blooms had passed. All the shadows is what caught my eye.

Purple Among the Sails 8x10 oil

A surprise sighting of this unusual boat came into dock with the sailboats. It was difficult to come up with just how purple it was.

Hopefully next spring I'll get a chance to paint more sails.

For inquiries cshoreartwork@gmail.com

Between the Bluffs Plein Air Festival

 Take some time this weekend of Sept. 23, Saturday1- 4 and Sunday Sept. 24 Noon -3 to see the paintings of plein air artists from across the region. Studio Gallery 1311, on 1311 Market Street in La Crosse, is hosting the Gallery exhibition for only two days.

From oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel and gauche, it's artist choice to capture the magic of light and color with a 15 mile radius of La Crosse. All work has been capture on location. Maybe something will capture your heart.

Here's the three I've entered into the festival. My focus was on the La Crosse River Marsh right in the heart of the city. It was my first event and a wonderful experience to stand quietly in nature and enjoy my surroundings. Hope you'll make the show.

Retreat from the City 11x14 oil framed

Wetland Walk 8x10 oil framed

Morning on the Marsh 8x10 oil framed

Drawn Together at the Pump House, ends Nov. 5

I've bragged about this group of fellow artists in past blogs and now you can finally see for yourself the wonderful talent they possess. You can even meet them in person at the open house on Friday, October 7th from 5-7. We will gather to celebrate the bond of creating art together.

Together-Bonded by Art 11x14 oil framed

There are 18 that were able to participate, yes there are more! We had the Kader Room available from Sept. 15 through Nov.5 to put together a show. Dividing the space among us our curator Pat G. estimated about 5 feet of space or three pieces. So here's my three. I wanted to share my experience of being part of this group we call Drawn Together. We meet once a week at various places up and down the river from La Crosse. It's always a treasure to see what Marcia T. organizes in our Sunday email for the Wednesday morning drawing time.

Together-Bonded by Art was one of our last outside ventures for 2021. Myrick Park by the La Crosse River Marsh, a very windy and cold morning. We were adamant on trying to get together, determined to enjoy our creative time before winter would limit us. Yes covid was still an issue.

Drawn to Create 8x10 oil framed SOLD

We all see something different to draw and our focus can be unflappable.  I always bring my camera along to capture things I won't have time to draw. Sometimes my attention is drawn to my fellow artists. I don't think they even know I'm photographing them. Julie C. shown in Drawn to Create was the influencing factor for me to join the group in 2018. I was to retire shortly and  would now have the time to connect with my art again. A big Thanks to Julie for introducing me to the group.

Drawn to Think 8x10 oil 

Drawn to Think, Marcia T. here taking in the art at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. In her weekly email she always has a great quote at the end.

 It's hard to put into words the influence Drawn Together has had on me. I know I'm a better artist and a better person for hanging out with them. By trying to look through their eyes and share their perspective I'm on the right road to growing as an artist.

I hope you have a chance to meet them all. Another thank you to the Pump House and the install team for helping to pull it all together.

 

 

Plein Air in the Marsh

Bluff Marsh Patterns 8x10 oil

I've been out to the La Crosse River Marsh in anticipation of participating in La Crosse's Between the Bluffs Plein Air Event. Starting Friday, Sept 9 and running until Saturday September 23. During this time artists are out and about painting in a 15 mile radius around La Crosse.

This will be my first event and I'm going to concentrate on the La Crosse River Marsh. Maybe I'll see you out on the trails. You can see artists up on Grandads Bluff for a quick paint competition on the last Saturday morning. I have yet to decide if I'll have enough energy left for the final event. Yes, painting can be exhausting but also exhilarating. Or watch a demonstration by Bob White, information below.

These paintings shown I have done in the studio, warming myself up. Enjoy and if you have any questions for me cshoreartwork@gmail.com.

Miller Bluff Overlook 8x10 oil

Magic of the Marsh-Cottontail Trail 8x10 oil

 

Here's some information about the plein air event.

 

La Crosse, Wisconsin

 September 9 - September 23, 2022

 Demonstration painting by Bob Witte, Saturday, September 18, 2022, (Watercolor) Location: South end of Goose Island by the boat launch.  All welcome.  Weather plan: will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Open House Show and Sale September 24th, 2022 at Studio Gallery 1311 (Saturday 11am - 4pm; Sunday 12pm - 3pm)