Sunday, August 20, 2017

River to the Sea, North Shore

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.
 
 

 

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