Still working . . .

Sometimes a painting will take a bit longer to feel like it’s finished. And with watercolor, you can't make many adjustments before the paper is saturated and the paints swirl together in a muddy color.  I did a Liltie Series painting of this picture a while ago, but it seemed the perfect subject to try again – to give me a chance to further explore the spectacular evening light and the deep shadow tones. This week’s painting, Solitude, 8” x 11” seems to capture the depth of the dark shadows along with the explosion of color in the evening sky behind the kayaker.  

We are heading into Memorial Day weekend and looking forward to gathering at the beautiful Oakland Cemetery in Marine on St. Croix to celebrate the memory of my Dad and the many other loved ones who have passed on. Take care and be safe this weekend!

New openings in Door County

It’s been a little over a year since I joined the community of artists at Plum Bottom Gallery in Door County, WI, and what an exciting ride! In that short time, the PBG has celebrated the opening of two (count ‘em!), two new gallery spaces! In addition to the original gallery at the farmstead on Plum Bottom Road, owners Chad and Angela and team have successfully opened a second gallery on main street in Egg Harbor and now they are celebrating the opening of their third location on main street in Fish Creek, Door County. I’m honored and thrilled to be part of this amazing gallery! Watch this space for more information about upcoming events at plumbottomgallery.com

This week’s painting is a snapshot of Spring on the Big Lake. Another in the Lilties Series: Silver Birch, 4” x 6” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, reflects the close of day on the spring evening.

 

Watercolor Class Season

After a long winter, it’s a joy to be in the season of Green again! Although I like painting snow scenes, it’s fabulous to be surrounded by the vibrant colors of Spring. Yesterday was my first class of the year – held at Tin Cat Studio in a wonderful creative space with four enthusiastic and talented students. And we had such a good time painting skies, rocks, water and a lighthouse! In spite of my best efforts, I face these classes with some reluctance – frankly, it’s a lot of work to gather all the supplies but I also think it’s because I’ve never thought of myself as a teacher. But once the tables are set up, the supplies for each student in place, and the doors open, I’m filled with a positive anticipation and can allow my spirit to settle into the process. And the results are amazing! I’m continually amazed at the tremendous creative abilities of students – even those who haven’t painted for many years. The next class will be held at the Arts In Hand Gallery in Spooner, WI, on Thursday, June 16.

Deep into May!

And suddenly . . . it’s Spring! We had cold weather right through the first week of May this year, so when the winds changed and the temps warmed, we have been outside almost full-time. It’s been so lovely to dig in the earth again and get some seeds planted and the pots near the house filled with annuals again. I’ll have another trip or two to the greenhouse, but it’s wonderful to see the yard change every day. And the four bareroot River Birch clumps that we purchased the end of April and then stored under mounds of straw and compost in the garden for about a week (until the ground thawed out!) are all leafing out! What a thrill!

I’m getting prepared to teach a class tomorrow at the Tin Cat Studio in Amery, WI. It should be fun and we’ll be painting one of my favorite subjects – lighthouses! It’s always an adventure – I never thought of myself as a teacher – but it has turned out to be such a rewarding experience. And I’m always amazed at the ability of students – many who haven’t painted for years.

It’s also been an extraordinarily busy time of preparing and hanging paintings in exhibit space. It is such an honor to have requests for my watercolors, and currently, my work is on display in the Osceola Medical Center Gallery (May-July); in the Amery Hospital Gallery (May-August); and I’m the featured artist in artZ Gallery in Amery (May-June).  This along with the artwork on display in the Arts In Hand Gallery in Spooner and at the two Plum Bottom Galleries in Egg Harbor, Door County, WI. I’m continually astonished at how the Lord opens doors in the journey!

Let’s Paint . . . Lighthouses!

After a little break, it’s fun to look forward to teaching classes again – and it seems like a great time to paint a lighthouse! The upcoming classes are already scheduled: 

·         Tuesday, April 19 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - $50 (all supplies provided)

Tin Cat Studio, Amery, WI

·         Tuesday, May 17 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - $50 (all supplies provided)

Tin Cat Studio, Amery, WI

·         Thursday, June 16 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - $50 (all supplies provided)

Arts in Hand Gallery, Spooner, WI

If you’re interested or to register for any of these classes, send an email to me at dstullkinsley@gmail.com. 

Sweet Dog

It's always a challenge to accept a commission - never sure if the painting will meet the vision of the client - so it’s especially rewarding when the painting turns out to be a wonderful hit with the client! This week’s painting, Sweet Dog, 8” x 10” watercolor, features a much-loved 11-year old dog named Banshee. So happy this is going to a good home.

Walking Humbly

I’ve been reading one of my favorite authors, Ann LaMott and her book, “Hallelujah Anyway.” She is such a talented writer and never minces words when she’s talking about being in relationship with God. I love her transparent honesty! Today, she was writing to me about Micah 6:8 – “With what shall I come before the LORD, ... but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? What an incredible challenge – especially when the world doesn’t seem to honor or even recognize justice, kindness and mercy. And given my humanness, it certainly isn’t anywhere near the top of my toolbox of gifts. So often I don’t act with grace, kindness or mercy.  It’s truly hard work – and so much easier to stomp away and mutter harsh thoughts under my breath.  

This week’s painting speaks to me of walking humbly. The sheep of the high country are a wild breed, but they are also terribly vulnerable to predators. Their instinct is to either run away or to huddle together during times of uncertainty and danger. The painting, Highlanders, 10” x 13” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures the wonderful myriad of colors of a highland moor and a band of humble sheep.