Spring Sunset

I've been exploring more places to paint that are closer to home.  Mequon has lots of little nature preserves that are poorly marked, therefore, it results in minimal use because no one knows they exist! 
To get to this spot, we had to hike a bit.  I'm very happy with my new Timbuk2 backpack.  It's extra wide and I can load it with all my gear so I finally have my hands free!  Our son works for an outerwear company and put me on to this backpack which he purchased for me at a discount (sweet). 

Class Dismissed

Looking out the window it feels as though spring is still just a dream.  The grass is brown and the flowers are still tucked in their winter rest. 
As a family, we have fun planning for our little garden but have also decided to supplement our vegetables with a shared CSA.  A friend asked us to buy a share of a CSA this winter and we thought it was a good decision to know where your food is grown.  Turns out, I had also painted their wonderful chickens after meeting the owner at an art gathering this summer.  Finally, I will be consuming the eggs of the chickens I have painted. 

Art and life are all interconnected indeed!  And Spring HAS to be on the way soon!

Here's "Class Dismissed", oil, 8 x 16

Maple Syrup Time!

Just before all the snow disappeared, I had a wonderful opportunity to go out painting a few times on a friends property where they are collecting sap for maple syrup production. 
Like most things in life, it's a labor of love.  But then the reward is tasty in this case and we can only imagine those pancakes smothered in this 100% homemade maple syrup.

This painting is "Ricky's Passion."  (Plein Air, 9 x 12)

Sojourner

During a recent portrait painting session, I felt an unusually deep connection with the model.  There was just something honest and raw about his gaze.  During the three-hour session, I reflected on seeing Jesus through the eyes of a stranger.

I saw suffering and great hope.  That is what Holy Week represents to me.  I'd like to share an excerpt from a favorite author, Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

"Jesus Christ is with us not only in lonely hours, but may encounter us in every step we take, in every person we meet.  Remember, I am with you....every person may be Jesus Christ, God himself, who is addressing us.  The sojourner along the way, the beggar at the door, the sick person before the church door may represent God's demand on us.  Jesus says, 'just as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.'"

Field to Studio

"Chicken Dance" Plein Air

 

During the Cedarburg Plein Air Painting event last year, I did several paintings of chickens.  Yes, a moving target for plein air work...even worse than cows, these chickens don't sit still for a moment!  Nothing beats the spontaneous brushwork of a plein air piece, but it's also exciting to think about some larger paintings in the studio.  I like using the winter months for that exploration. 

On this first day of spring with windchills below zero, this green grass is looking quite appealing.  So, here are some examples of studio work that was completed after the plein air studies.

"Struttin' Our Stuff" Studio Painting

"Father Knows Best" Studio Painting

 

A calming creek

Yet another place that's close to home I've driven past a zillion times and finally painted there.  The snow was captivating.  Draping the trees and the areas along the creek.  Robins came by in droves to signal a true sign of spring.  I even spotted a bluebird and for those of you who know me, they seem to follow me.  All in all, a wonderful and peaceful plein air experience!

"Pigeon Creek 1" - 11 x 14

block in

Pigeon Creek 2 - 11 x 14

 

The Robins were everywhere!

 

 

Shades of Gray

On March 6th we set out to paint in overcast conditions.  I find the lack of sun much more challenging when it comes to painting the snow. 
The first stop was a beautiful church just north of Mequon.  I've always loved how there's a nice farm across the street.  A unique scene when you live so close to a big city. 

Getting started

"Lakefield Road" 10 x 12

 

Then we ventured off to the Cedarburg Quilt Museum.  I have always loved how the buildings are all tucked together, cozy and warm just like a quilt on a gray day.

 

"Cedarburg Quilt Museum"  12 x 12