To the Prairie: Elevators!

Last week, I took a painting class from master watercolorist, Paul Oman, on painting elevators. After years of living on the prairie, these are some of my favorite structures. There is something special about their functional design, outstanding presence on the prairie landscape – and in harvest season, they are actually a small village on to themselves. In their heyday, they were truly the central hub of the agricultural community. So it was a shock for me when after the class, as I was surfing through elevator images from across Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada, to discover that they are virtually in decline. Many have already collapsed and are mere ruins in the incredibly flat landscapes of the region.

It was fun to follow through with practices learned from Paul for painting railroad tracks, corrugated surfaces of the actual elevators, and the hazy atmospheric light only seen on prairie landscapes. Part of my ongoing “Lilties Series,” this week’s painting is Prairie Star, 4” x 6” and a tribute to these amazing elevators.

ArtReach St Croix – October-November 2021

The sky has looked like rain most of today, but it held off enough for me to mow the lawn before opening up this afternoon with a pouring rain and thunder. We are so thankful for this straight-down rain – the rain barrels are already full, but the ground soaks up everything it gets these days. 

It’s our 14^th Anniversary today and bouquets of beautiful flowers are gracing our dining room table!  There are lots of sweet memories over the past many years and I’m so thankful for the gift of Paul. He’s been a rock, safe haven, enabler of dreams and an all-round incredibly loving partner.  And we are grateful for the many blessings - Kollette, Anabelle and Grace, and Baby Haddon (3 weeks old) were all with us at the wedding, but we’re now blessed with 8 more beautiful grandchildren! This morning, Paul was listing some of the joys of our marriage, and among his favorites included celebrating the wedding of Daniel and Krista, getting to know and spend time with my Dad, welcoming Mia (from India) into our family, watching our children grow up and thrive in their own lives, and traveling with each other (and Mom) to wonderful places in Ireland and family celebrations in Holland with precious friends. We are thankful to be close to most of our family and able to enjoy activities, provide care for Mom, and cherish sweet family gatherings. We often say, Dad would rejoice at seeing this large, boisterous, loving family!

This week, I’m in the final preparations for an upcoming show at ArtReach St. Croix in Stillwater. The gallery is a historic mansion the hill overlooking the St. Croix River, and I’ll be joining three other artists for the exhibit – scheduled to be held from October 7-November 15, 2021. This week’s painting, Indigo Bay, 9” x 13” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures one of my favorite docks on a nearby lake.   

September Musings

There is always a definite change in the air after the busy Labor Day weekend. Regional schools are back in session and as a result, the lake atmosphere changes overnight. After years of living on the prairie, the air reminds me of high prairie days – no humidity, blue skies, subtle tinges on the leaves, noticeable lack of mosquitos and quiet. And our critters are loving it – the patio door is left slightly open most days and Maddie, Zach and Bailey are free to come in and go out at will!

This week’s painting brings us back to the lake. Quiet Days, 8” x 12” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, reflects a beautiful view over a calm, secluded lake.

Moving Art: Thank You Lord!

This has been an amazing summer of selling art – at least for me it has been. In July, I was feeling pretty defeated by the lack of sales at any of the galleries. Not that I expect people to run right out and buy my art, but it was hard to feel motivated to paint – and to paint for the specific needs of galleries – and then have nothing happen. So I had a “come to Jesus meeting” with God. I have been known to have these “throwing down of the fleece” conversations with Him. I remember it was on a Friday afternoon in mid-July that I just sat down and had a big conversation with God. And I’m not trying to be frivolous in any way about my requests to God. It’s just that any creative ability I have is from God and my approach to painting is very thoughtful – primarily, the picture has to truly resonate with my spirit and the whole process of painting becomes kind of a spiritual experience for me. Well, a week later, a check came in the mail from Plum Bottom Gallery – my painting Mountain Meadow had sold on the very weekend that I was talking things over with God! And over the last month and a half, nine more paintings have sold – at all of the galleries! I have much to be thankful for and I’m so very grateful. This past year seems to have been a time of not too many personal victories – and this particular “moment in time” has just been an incredible blessing for my soul.