Geese on parade!

In a recent workshop with Artist Paul Oman, he made painting geese look like so much fun. I love painting old barns, and this picture of geese on parade along the side of a rustic barn seemed like the perfect opportunity to paint a small flock of geese.

This week’s painting, Free-Range Scouts, 7” x 12” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, reflects the purpose of geese on the farm. They are a farm’s security guards – scouring the perimeter, checking for intruders (or just tasty bugs), and generally causing a ruckus with their loud honking! If you have a favorite photo that you'd like me to paint, just send me an email at dstullkinsley@gmail.com. And see more art on my website at www.wildriverarts.com

A Hint of Spring

I just stepped out the front door and was met by a lovely sight. Even though the woods is still covered with snow, it’s mid-February and you can feel a difference.  The light has changed, the crows are making raucous sounds, and with the sun shining, the air holds so much more warmth. I’m filled with thankfulness – and already the plans for upcoming gardens are beginning to fuel my days.  

On one of our trips to Ireland, we stayed at a cottage by the sea in Roundstone, Co. Galway. From this house, we explored the amazing landscapes of the Connemara region. It was a memorable vacation – made even more special because we were there in November. The days were shorter and the light and weather changed, seemingly from hour to hour – from sunshine, to rain, to hail and light snow, and back to warm sunshine. This week’s painting, Sluice Keeper – Connemara, is 9” x 13” and captures the quickly changing light on an ancient keeper’s cottage along a sluice gate. These sluices have been regulating the waterways across the peat bogs of Connemara for centuries. 

Back to the trees!

There’s a new lightness in the woods these days. With February, comes longer days and we’ve been enjoying light until after 6 p.m. the last few days. And after a month of cloudy and overcast days in January, we’ve had a couple of days of blue skies and sunshine! It makes such a difference!

I’m preparing for a busy Spring season! In April, I’ll be one of the featured artists at artZ Gallery in Amery for a month-long exhibit along with talented plein air painter, Colleen Cosgrove. Also in April, I’ll be the featured artist at The Gallery in the Osceola Medical Center – this exhibit will be on display in the medical center from April through June. And the first weekend in May – May 1-3 – I’ll be celebrating my third Earth Arts Spring Tour with an exhibit in the beautifully renovated barn at the Amery Ale Works near Amery. As you can guess, I’m having such a good time painting and Paul is keeping busy framing!

This week’s painting, Riverbank Birch, 11” x 15” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures the morning light along an snowy riverbank. See more art on my website at www.wildriverarts.com