Smoky Blue

This last week in July is always a favorite for family vacations. This year, though, the intense heat, drought conditions and horrific wildfires in Canada, are not really conducive for outdoor adventures. But I think staying home has some wonderful advantages – the birds are in a feeding frenzy most days at the feeders, the gardens are truly at their peak with everything in bloom, and we can hear the loons on the lake most evenings. And driving in the country, you are sure to see a couple or even a whole gaggle of Sandhill Cranes gathered in the fields or meadows. It’s a thrill to see them thriving again! We so enjoy living in this region.

This week’s painting, “Smoky Blue,” 7” x 13” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures a forest landscape on a hazy day.

Summer House

It’s the countdown to the Fall line-up of art shows, and I’ve got renewed energy to get back to more regular times in my studio space. This week’s painting, Summer House, 9” x 11” on 300 lb watercolor paper, is a return to one of my favorite scenes. I love the light and reflections of this secluded lake and summer place. 

In-person art classes!

 Due to the COVID pandemic, it’s been over a year of isolating and social distancing. However, with the vaccinations, small groups are beginning to gather again. So when Lisa Lee asked me to teach a watercolor class at their new storefront in Amery, WI, I was excited to get back to in-person classes. The first class sold out and I’ve got four students signed up for the 2nd class slated for Saturday morning, July 24. It’s a fun time of sharing information and being surprised by their astonishing results. As my daughter said, “Mom, their paintings look like the actual photo!” 

With beginning watercolor painters, I think it’s fun to just explore my favorite elements – sky, birch trees, water, rocks, and this time, we’ll be trying our hand at reflections! I’m hoping they enjoy this as much as I do. This week’s painting, “Lake Reflections” features one of our lovely northern lakes in the heart of summer!

Harbor Blue

And the living is . . . hot! Although we are grateful that we’re not in the “heat dome” of the Northwestern States, we’ve spent most of this past week indoors. It’s been a difficult summer for many parts of the nation, with many areas suffering from severe drought, so any complaints we may have are trivial. We have much to be thankful for!  

This week’s painting, Harbor Blue, 9” x 12” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, features a welcome sight on a hot summer day - the chance to take a lovely boat ride on crystal blue water!

Back to the Woods

I’m getting ready to deliver another group of paintings to Plum Bottom Gallery in Door County and bring fresh art for my displays in Arts in Hand Gallery in Spooner. In addition, the Baker Orchard Art Festival is scheduled for the last weekend in September and I’ve been accepted for an exhibit, October-November 2021, at ArtReach St. Croix in Stillwater, MN. Whew! But the gardens are blooming, the ballgames are mostly done (and cheering on the grandkidsies!) and this is the perfect time to focus on full-time painting.

This week’s painting, Summer Light Birch, 9” x 12” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures a group of birch trees in the fading light of a warm summer evening.