You Are Invited

You are invited to the unveiling and dedication of my portrait of U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak. Saturday, Oct. 31, Spies Public Library, Menominee, MI - 5:30-7:00pm. Congressman Stupak is from my district. The painting was purchased by a group of philanthropists (through the support of a friend) who wanted to have it permanently installed in the local library. I am truly honored!

The Crown (with detail)

This painting has been a work in progress. It originated from a smaller study I did called Crowning Glory that was painted from the same older model. I really like the original study, and wanted to expand on it in a larger painting. The actual size of this painting is 24 x 24. I love the sweet expressions on these models' faces, and the memories that this scene invokes. I used to love to make crowns of flowers and play princess when I was young, but not everyone did. I think the close-up detail inset shows the mixed emotion on the younger model's face. What is she thinking?

The Flower Girl

My posts have come less frequently lately. I attribute it to personal priorities and a newly found focus on perfection in my work. August and September were also very hard on me this year, with asthma meds making me too woozy to paint. I think I went from one extreme (daily paintings) to another (slow, deliberate brush strokes). I'm feeling good about the quality of this piece. I'm working more "in the shadows" to really make the subject the focal point. I have several in the works at the moment and will continue to post them as I can. Thank you for visiting!

Last Semblance of Summer

The end of summer is here, and it's a bittersweet time for those of us in the beautiful northwoods. The trees are are beginning to turn beautiful colors, which creates an artist's paradise, but soon the bleak monotone days of winter will be upon us. For many who are avid outdoorspersons, the winter is not a time to stay indoors, but to frolick in the beautiful ice and snow. I'm looking forward to the opportunities to try new works!

Mark Your Calendar

I delivered my two entries to the Michigan Portrait Exhibition at Hillsdale College last weekend. My accepted work includes a portrait of U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak and a painting called The Douglas Women. The Sage Gallery is a lovely venue, and I'm so excited to be a part of this prestigious event. The Exhibition will be on display from September 12 to October 3, with an opening reception from 2-5pm on Saturday, September 12. You are cordially invited to attend!

Plein Air Painting Fun

My husband had one of his rare afternoons off yesterday, so I coerced him into going out and doing some plein air painting. The day was absolutely magnificent! High 70s, light breeze, patchy clouds... gorgeous! My painting does not do it justice. We were facing each other as we painted opposite directions on the Menominee River. I think his painting is much brighter than mine. I'm guessing it has something to do with the fact that the sun was shining directly on my canvas, so my work appeared brighter to me in the process of painting it. I love the depth and airiness he achieved. I love painting en plein air!

And as the sun slowly set in the west...

... their shadows melded as one, and they lived happily ever after. I'm a "wannabe" novelist, I guess. Actually, someone recently brought to my attention that every painting should tell a story. My paintings all tell a story, but I haven't given it strong consideration like I've begun doing recently. The process makes me think harder about what I'm "composing." I'm enjoying it!

Evening Stroll at the Lighthouse, Oil, 11x14

The Red Farm

After taking some time out to attend to family and business issues, it's time to get back on that horse and ride! I thought this would be a good painting to start with... This "red farm" is not too far from where I live. I've enjoyed bicycle rides, long walks and drives past this farm, but only recently did it catch my attention as a thing of beauty.

The Red Farm, Framed Oil Painting, 11x14

A Perfect Pair

This was painted using flat brushes, rather than the filberts (rounded) that I normally use. The result of this effort is a different texture than I would achieve with a rounded brush. I like the still life look of this little gem. It pairs well with my earlier painting done on Day 30 of my Personal Challenge. I'm preparing to show at Artarama in Eagle River, WI on July 18. I hope to see you there!

Simple Pleasures

I started this painting on a rectangular board and was very pleased as it progressed. I considered adding more to the background, but I think it would take away from the simple beauty of this image. Now that it's dry, I've decided to cut the board into a perfect square to draw the eye to the center of the painting. I wouldn't try to attempt that if it had been painted on a canvas, although I've known some artists who have done it. The model I worked with was just wonderful! I look forward to painting her again.

Three Graces

This is another in the dance series that I'm working feverishly on. I wasn't sure about the composition of this one, but there's something gentle and serene about it that I really like.

Flower Girl

This was a quick study on a 9x12 canvas. Another attempt at speed painting. I'm finding that the looser I paint, the easier it comes, and the more I like it. This was painted from a photo taken of one of the models at my workshop with Daniel Gerhartz. I just love his work!

Sailing

This one surprised me. I haven't done a sailboat yet, but I really like the way this one turned out. Of course, I had to make sure there were people on the boat!

A Gentle Touch

Here is another "Doctor and Patient" painting. You may recall my previous "Doctor and Patient" painting (see older post), which mirrors the pose in this one. My friends at Northern Lights Clinic were kind enough to allow me to use photos I had taken of them for these works. I can see the changes in my technique since the first one was finished. I've been painting a lot, and trying to "loosen up." What do you think?

Three Crosses

This was painted from a photograph taken by a friend on one of her recent travels. I thought it was an interesting picture, and a bit different than my usual work. Do you know where this photo was taken?

In honor of moms and grammas everywhere...

This one is titled "Self Portrait with Grandchild." It's another 5x7 quick study. Isn't he adorable? Happy Mother's Day to all you moms and grammas of the world!

Quick Kitty

This is Spooky. He's a very friendly stray who has adopted us. I decided to do a quick study of him on a 5x7 canvas. Sometimes I think I work too hard at trying to create a likeness, so every so often I do a "speed painting" and try to learn something from it. I'm not sure what I learned here, but it was fun to do!

Who was that masked dancer?

This reflection was an interesting study that was painted from another photo taken at Ms. Bunting's First Street Academy. If I didn't know better, I'd say her legs in the "mirror" were not the exact reflection of the actual dancer, but they are. I'm learning so much from these figurative works.

Joyful Little Dancers

This group of tiny dancers at Susan Bunting's First Street Academy was just too adorable... How can you not feel their joy?

In Costume

Here is another dancer, waiting in the wings, and absolutely beautiful. Ms. Bunting at First Street Academy in Menominee, MI was so kind to take time out of her busy class schedule to have the ladies dress in costume for me. This pose was particularly challenging, as most people don't stand (or aren't able to stand) this way. Try it! I did, and almost fell over. Getting the knees right in this painting was extremely important...