Thursday, December 15, 2022

And the snow is here . . . and the snow is here!

It seems early in the season but in the past 24 hours, 16 new inches of snow have filled our yard and totally bejeweled the trees and bushes in the woods. And the forecast is for another 6-8 inches tonight. YIKES! It’s absolutely gorgeous, but totally wet snow and heavy as sin! We are fortunate that there isn’t ice underneath all the layers, and our old dogs are loving going in and out . . . and out and in . . . all day long to inspect and taste the newly fallen flakes! 

This week’s painting, Wave Dance, 4” x 6” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, is a return to warmer weather and the joy of waves lapping on the shore of an open lake.


Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Waiting on a blizzard

Supposedly a mountain of snow is coming our way this afternoon, but our supplies are well stocked and there’s a pot of chili is on the stove – yummy leftovers from our Christmas celebration on Sunday with Krista’s and Jenn’s families. I love days like this – with wide open spaces in our schedule and no reason to leave the house. It’s the perfect day for painting!

This week’s painting is back to the Lilties Series – Birch Light , 4” x 6” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, was inspired by a photo from a favorite photographer, Jan Swart.  She takes amazing photos of birch trees all along the North Shore of Minnesota.


Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Snowy Wednesdays

It’s a lovely day of snow – fluffy flakes coming straight down – and when you live with dogs, you are always thankful for the fresh covering of new whiteness across the lawn! We’re looking forward to celebrating Christmas with part of our family on Sunday and this year feels different. For the past two years, Paul and I have been participating in a ZOOM faith study every Monday night. With 16 to 20 others, living across the country, we’ve been studying spiritual practices and disciplines to help us grow in our faith walk with Christ. Also in the past few years of walking with my Mom in her life journey, I’ve learned (usually the hard way) that I really have no control over anything except my own attitude. I think these have all worked to make a difference in the way I approach things. I don’t feel the anxiety or the need to do over-the-top preparations this year. We’re having soup for our Christmas meal along with Heggies cheese pizzas (a family favorite) for the kidsies. And we’ll just relax and enjoy the few hours of being together and celebrating Jesus’ birthday!

This week’s painting reflects my spirit today. Off the Beaten Path, 9” x 12” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures an early snow on an abandoned covered bridge.


Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Door County Art

It’s an honor for me to begin my third year of being represented by Plum Bottom Gallery in Door County, WI. Their three gallery locations – on Plum Bottom Road and in Egg Harbor and Fish Creek – are filled with beautiful art. And thank you to all who support and encourage artists through the purchase of original art. These original watercolors are moving to new homes this month – Evening Paddle (4x6); Blue Letter Day (4x6); and Birches in Sunlight (11x15).  Thank You!