Although
technically not an ocean, Lake Superior often behaves like a great sea –
especially for those of us who live in this part of the country. From my first
trip to Duluth as a young girl with my family, I remember being in awe of
this vast and beautiful expanse of water. And to this day, my children will
confirm that standing at the base of Split Rock Lighthouse can still bring me
to tears. It’s an awesome, sensory-overloading sight. The rhythm of the waves, the sheer depth of
the lake, and the perilous cold temperature (it’s about a 20-minute window
before hypothermia sets in) all contribute to making this body of water truly
unpredictable. And the impact of winds on the waves continues to wreck havoc
for anyone trying to predict weather patterns across the big lake.
Perhaps
that’s why outdoor enthusiasts, photographers and artists are drawn to this
area. Whether it’s the challenge of completing an energetic hike or paddle,
witnessing first-hand the immense force of running water or capturing the light
and shadows of a picturesque scene, the North Shore offers plenty of
opportunities to experience incredible natural beauty.
This
week’s painting, River to the Sea, 8”x 10” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, strives
to capture the energy of a fast-flowing river running into the surprisingly
placid surface of Lake Superior.
