For me, the presence of a tree growing out of sheer rock is an amazing feat. It speaks to me of a fierce determination to survive and reminds me of the importance of growing where you land; blooming where you’re planted.
This week, we’re back to Door County and the seemingly indestructible trees growing out of the rugged Dolomite Ridge rock of that region. Steadfast, 4” x 6” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures an enduring scene against the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan.
A couple of years ago, an artist friend suggested that it might be a good idea for me to paint smaller. He’d found that his “mini” photographs sold well at art shows, and it has turned out to be a such a wonderful avenue for me to explore and create. The 4” x 6” format fits perfectly into shorter timeframes in my studio which sometimes has been needed during this time of providing care for my Mom. And Paul does a wonderful job of framing – leaving a beautiful margin of the natural watercolor paper between the painting, double mats and frame. These smaller paintings seemed to need a title, so I named them for the Irish small songs, “lilties" - and these paintings remind me of small watercolor songs.
This week’s painting, Rustic Retreat, 4” x 6” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures a remote cabin on a quiet lake.
It’s cold here in Wisconsin, but the quiet days of January bring wonderful times for painting. I’m preparing to update my watercolor displays in February at the Arts In Hand Gallery in Spooner and the Plum Bottom Gallery in Door County, so it's a great time to paimt This week’s painting, Sunset View, 4” x 6” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, reflects a spot perfect for taking in the last rays of the day.
Nothin’ finer in the summer sunshine than enjoying the play of shadows and light while floating on the river. While soaking up the bright warm sunshine seems amazing (especially to those of us in the middle of a North Country January!), there is wonderful balance in just floating through the soft spots of cool shade.
This Liltie Series painting, Summer Splash, 4” x 6” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures that special moment of paddling from bright sunshine into the deep shade.
Sometimes it takes a while for a photograph to “speak” – in other words, to inspire me to take up the brush and paint. However, if it’s sheep or birch trees, you can be pretty sure that it will only be a day or two or three before the image begins to emerge on my easel!
This week’s painting, is surely one of my favorites – Band on the Road, 9” x 12” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures a much-loved scene of the sheep taking the perfect route – right down the road – to the next green pasture.
It’s been an astonishing winter already. Typically, we have a bit of snow in December and then cold, cold in January followed by major snows in February and March. Well, this year, we have had a massive amount of snow . . . and it’s only January. Paul has shoveled paths/tunnels around the yard for Maddie and Kirby and we’re rapidly running out of places to pile up the snow. But the scene outside our door balances out the exercise we’re getting – the surrounding woods are gorgeous with every tree fringed in white.
And it’s the perfect time to paint! This week’s Liltie Series painting, Afternoon Paddle, 4” x 6” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures a special moment of a kayaker floating on quiet water.
As we move into this new year, we are thankful for so many blessings. We got to be with most of our children and families during the Christmas season, although we missed seeing Jack, Ryley and Mychal. And then we gathered on December 24 to celebrate my mom’s 90th birthday with family and dear friends.
I’m honored to be selected by Phipps Art Center of Hudson, WI, to have two art exhibits this summer, so I’m busy painting! And in the heart of winter, it’s always fun to paint the warm days of summer! This week’s painting, Before the Dawn, 8” x 11” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures an early morning paddle.
