Indian Summer Days

We are enjoying such beautiful October days! On Sunday, October 30, we had a family pizza gathering at the Boutwell Park to celebrate Riley’s upcoming 12^th birthday (on Friday, November 4) and hear about plans for the upcoming wedding of Alex and Katrina on Nov. 4. It was a “high plains” day with temps in the70’s and no wind – and the kids and grandkids had a blessed time visiting with Gr. Jan, Riley opening presents and the Carlson’s sporting their incredible T-Rex dinosaur costumes (and Mia’s pink dragon)! And today – Halloween – is again a 65 degree day with no wind and bright blue skies. I’m so grateful for this time before the long winter sets in.

Watercolor Class – Tuesday, November 8 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Tin Cat Studio, Amery, WI

I’m getting ready to teach a painting class next week, so this week’s painting, Evening Sky, 8” x 10” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, is what we’ll be working on! We’ll focus on learning techniques for sunset skies, water reflections and large rocks! The cost is $50 and I’ll provide all the supplies. Register by sending an email to me at dstullkinsley@gmail.com.  

Door County in October!

We just got back from a long weekend in Door County – delivering paintings to Plum Bottom Gallery and taking in the sights of this beautiful area. The trees were at peak with amazing colors under bright blue skies and surrounded by that gorgeous teal-colored water rolling in on the beaches of Lake Michigan. We stay at our favorite lodge and while Paul caught up on school issues in the evenings, it seemed the perfect time to get out the paints! This week’s painting, “Summer Fire,” 4”x 6” watercolor, captures the incredibly bold colors of Fall in these Echinacea blooms.

Arts In Hand Gallery – Spooner, WI

Although It’s a rather small space, this gallery is filled with dynamic creative thinkers and artists dedicated to making it a featured destination in this Northwoods area. And opening in May 2022, the gallery effectively doubled its available space to include a wonderful workshop/gallery/kitchen in Studio 210 – a beautifully remodeled apartment on the 2^nd floor of this main street building. It’s been a busy summer there for me - teaching three full watercolor classes in May, August and September and being a featured artist in two gallery exhibits with fellow member artists Gail Threinen and Tin Cat Studio.

Thank you to all who purchase original art and a special thank you to the amazng volunteer team at Arts In Hand Gallery in Spooner! This week, one of my shadowbox Liltie Series watercolors, "Pure Bliss" moved to a new home!

Back to Birch Trees!

One of my favorite Facebook groups is the North Shore Vibe. Its members are photographers and outdoorists who love everything about the North Shore. One of those dedicated members is Jan Swart, a talented professional photographer who posts daily – yes, every day – a new picture on the site of some fresh perspective of the incredible land, cities and lake of this region. For me, there isn’t anyone better for taking incredible photos of birch trees. She has a tremendous gift for catching the light on these incredible trees. Last week, she posted a new photo of a group of birch trees, and I messaged her to see if I could have permission to paint this amazing photograph. And she graciously said yes! This week’s painting, Birch Stand, 8” x 11” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures a beautiful fall moment in the midst of a northern woods.

Changing Seasons

There is a definite change in the air. Yesterday’s high was about 90 degrees and today we are closing windows and turning on the heat - with the low tonight in the 40’s! But I love this time of the year – flannel is a favorite attire, so I’m happily reaching to the back of my closet and getting out warmer shirts and pajamas! And in celebration of our 14^th Anniversary yesterday, I planted 125 bulbs in our front “meadow” – alliums, daffodils, tulips and anemones will hopefully fill in that area. I’ll plant more daffodils this weekend – it makes such a joyful display in the spring. 

This week’s painting is a Liltie Series, Country School, 4” x 6” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, reflects a total change of season with a remote schoolhouse in the heart of winter. 

 

Windows as art

If you've followed this blog for a while, you probably know that I have a collection of photographs that I’ve carried from place to place with me for many years. A few of these photos feature incredibly beautiful windows that have piqued my attention and ignited a creative spark. This photo is one that I’ve wanted to paint for a long time – it's just so attactive and I wanted to use it to enhance my skills in painting the well-positioned logs perfectly framing this small pine log window and planter box. This week’s painting, Log Window is a 4” x 6” Liltie Series watercolor, with a window adorned with flowers and reflecting the blue summer sky.

Catching the Light

Thankful today for those who purchase original art and the outstanding efforts of the Arts In Hand Gallery in Spooner. The dedicated volunteer staff continually ensures the space is a beautiful, state-of-the-art gallery. "Catching the Light" watercolor painting is going to a new home. Thank you!