Northwoods Journal

Freda Fall! Commission Complete!

2011-07-14T19:42:00.001-05:00

This was my work for the winter! Late last summer, I was lucky to get a wonderful commission. This painting is large—30” x 40”, gallery wrapped canvas. It was done in oil. I have varnished it and will be wrapping it up to mail over the weekend. I’m so excited for the owner to get it!

I have done many commissions over my artistic life—mostly landscapes, sometimes pets or people—I’ve even done people’s homes or other structures that mean something to the buyer. Commissions are an animal all by themselves, because you have to get inside the head of the buyer, to find out what they want or envision the painting to be. How I start is with a conversation with the individual. I show them some of my work. Sometimes they will see me painting on the road or in a park—painting in oils, and they may want a watercolor. So I send them samples of my watercolor work to make sure they want the style I have. If they do not have an actual photo or place in mind, I may send them a bunch of photos and ask them to pick out what they would like. Then, I make my painting—loosely off that photo.

The reason I say loosely, is because sometimes the photo does not give me enough information or not the colors that the buyer wants. That was the case in this example. The colors were rather drab in the photo, plus the buyer wanted more golds instead of oranges in the photo. So, I did a pencil sketch of what I envisioned, and emailed that to her for approval. She was easy to work with..as she loved it right away. If she wanted it different, we would have had another conversation for me to try and determine what she wanted.

I then worked on a color sketch for her to approve. It was a 6 x 8” panel. Because I didn’t see her room, I wanted to make sure I had the right colors of gold and maroon. I wanted the main focal point to be the large gold tree and she loved it. After I got her approval I started with the large painting.

Since this was a difficult winter for me, my work was slow. I had to get my mind on the painting—that was too difficult for me due to the loss of my mother. I did other art…smaller paintings during that time, just to be keeping myself in practice of oil painting..and to push through the fear of failure on this large painting. After the Spring came, I was able to start again, anew.

Commissions have challenges not like any other painting you may do, as you need to think with someone else’s brain. Don’t be afraid of doing them however. Painting something that someone else loves is a great joy. To see someone so excited about a painting that hasn’t been done yet—yes, It’s pressure, but also joy. Communicate at every opportunity and don’t be afraid to change things that you thought were ok. By learning about someone else’s vision, you may see something that you didn’t realize was there—and that’s wonderful!!!

Stretch!

2011-02-27T22:40:00.001-06:00

In the long winter months, I don’t paint out much. When I do, it’s usually in the car..getting paint on all the knobs, steering wheel and myself. This year, we have been sticking close to home. So, I decided to take an intermediate oil class to get me going, learn some new techniques, cyber meet some new friends, get ready for a plein air summer!!

One of our assignments was to do a “broken color” type painting. Each of us worked on the same photo and it was amazing how many variations we all had. I was pretty frustrated as this is not how I’m used to working. I wiped out my first attempt, because I instinctively wanted to blend, blend, blend. After investigating exactly what was broken color, I did this attempt. Even though it’s not museum material, I really had a lot of fun exploring this method of painting! It was actually a bit freeing, but take my colors right off my palette and dab! The the eye do the blending!

The point of this blog post is to FLY…STRETCH….DISCOVER….PUSH your art and yourself! Try something new…a technique, and medium, a style…make it your own! You will never know unless you try!!

A Tricked Out Tool Box…

2011-02-19T18:36:00.001-06:00

It’s been one month today that we lost our Mother. She was a special woman of many, many talents. One of her talents was she was the go-to person to fix things around the house. She could be hard, and move rocks for landscaping, as well as fashion conscience by making her prom dress (by hand) or knitting Barbie clothes for me and my sisters.

She spent her working hours usually at factories, of which she had the interest. Her last job was at GE Medical Systems as an inspector of Xray tubes. The new things, MRI’s and CT scans were just starting to be used. She gave me her tool box, probably because I didn’t have one. I never used it, as it was a little rusty, and I wanted to use it for something special. I saw some videos on Tim Holtz items and his fabulous alcohol inks, so I thought I would try it out.

First thing I did was try and get rid of some of the rust. My dear husband showed me that with a little gun oil, you can diminish the rust. I scrubbed the toolbox, inside and out with a rag and the gun oil and got it so all the rust turned a brown color. I let it set for a couple of weeks so I could gather some other materials together from Joann’s.

I used the alcohol ink in various colors, a dark purple, a dark blue, a red and the gold mixtivie. Along with those colors, I applied them with the Tim Holtz ink applicator and some alcohol blending solution. I also bought the little gears which are on the sides of the box and the Tim Holtz vintage type writer keys. I decorated the box with little gems and die cuts, distressed and then decoupaged on all the areas. I chose the die cuts (from K & Company’s Que Sera Sera package) that meant something in her life. To the celtic knots in the front, to the roses, birds, and butterflies. I also got some nice tin roses that I put to surround her name label. Please feel free to visit my Flickr site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nancypatterson/?saved=1 to see more pictures as well as close ups on all sides.

I am keeping all my colored pencil tools now inside. I rarely travel with my colored pencils, as my methods are very slow and detailed. But, if I wanted to, I could take this tool box out. It weighs less than 5lbs. In it I have my battery operated eraser, blending pencils and markers, some Prismacolor Art Stix, erasing tools, ruler, and brush. I hope I honored her memory and her personality by embellishing this tool box.

Goodbye Mother—My best friend

2011-01-22T17:39:00.001-06:00

I lost my Mom this week. She was 85, to be 86 on Feb 10th. She got a 2nd bout of pneumonia a couple of weeks ago, and was all ready to go home this past Wednesday, and she must have suffered an pulmonary embolism, and died in her sleep, just 2 hours after I talked to her for the last time. Here is a painting I did of her when she was probably only 3 or 4 years old. I gave it to her on Mother’s Day in 2005. I got my artistic touch from her as she loved art and did a little bit of it.

She was a busy Mom through her life, so she didn’t get to fully see where her creativity would take her, but she always encouraged me. She was my cheerleader, the person I would tell everything to, practically on a daily basis. I am not ready to let her go, but I must. I will be giving her eulogy this Tuesday evening as I try to say goodbye to her. I still remember her kiss on my cheek last fall when I was down to visit her for my birthday. I took a colored pencil class and I went over to her house to show her my drawings. I shared some of my colored pencils with her and encouraged her to draw again. Her COPD and emphysema though, took too much out of her, and she never did. So Tuesday, I go down to Milwaukee to pick up all the art work that I made for her that graced her walls and bring them back home. They will forever remind me of her love—she had one painting up on her wall since I did it back when I was 21! (I’m 57 now).

Thank you Mother for everything you ever gave to me…your strength, your vision, your love. I love you.

To everyone: Enjoy the loved ones in your life, every single day. You never know what tomorrow will bring. After moving away from my mother 12 years ago, I got into the habit of telling her that I loved her every single time I talked to her. Last Tuesday night, when I was talking to her, rejoicing that she was going home the next day, I ended our call, just like I always did, telling her that I loved her, she returned the same…and we hung up. She passed away less than 2 hours later. I was so glad that I began that little tradition…of telling people that I loved them. You never know.

Thank you to anyone that reads this…please go and hug your mother or your daughter or any loved one. They are here. Peace,

Nancy

Give Thanks

2010-11-22T21:42:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to think about the things that have happened over the year. More importantly, it is a wonderful time to evaluate the quality of your life and the people around you. This year I may not have gotten out and painted as much as I would have liked, but I have discovered new medium for me that I am enjoying immensely(colored pencils), discovered that I can play piano and was given a keyboard last Xmas by my sweetie and an antique GRAND piano by a dear friend. I am now a grandmother to three wonderful children—by welcoming in my little angel, Keyonna to our family. I look forward to Christmas more and more each year because of them. We didn’t may not have gone on a big vacation, but we are still in fairly good health and enjoyed the little time we got to travel.

What the future holds for us, we do not know, but all we can do is enjoy the days we have, our little moments that make our lives, the present—which is today.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!!

We’re Having a Heat Wave!!!

2010-07-06T23:04:00.001-05:00

Summers are so short, you need to enjoy each and every evening. It’s just hard with humidity as high as 80%! I tend to stay in the air conditioning! But I do miss painting outside. I haven’t done much this summer due to weather condiitons…but I have sketched. Seeing sunsets like this makes me want to take out my pastels! I think I may do that this weekend!

This is one of my favorite scenes, the sunset over Freda Lake. The bare branch on the left tree, close to the bottom is where the eagle sits and fishes. He is there every day and it’s always amazing to see him!

I hope the current hot wave does not keep you in too long—and everyone can get out and paint!

Proud Parents

2010-06-27T10:56:00.001-05:00

We love to attract birds to our yard. We spend hundreds of dollars each year to entice birds and other creatures to our yard. It’s always amazing to see what comes around. The general manager of our Ranch calls our yard “The Disney Yard”, where chipmunks come right up to you and pigeons are flying overhead.

Here, proud parents of a bunch of baby blue birds (still in the house) are guarding over their children. They are constantly on the watch for yummy worms or insects to feed their young. They are also on the watch and fiercely protect their nest.

Every year we are treated to see the blue birds come and raise their family. One year we were able to see the baby birds fledge. It was awesome to say the least.

My Little Love

2010-04-22T20:12:00.001-05:00

Went with Bob to the dr. yesterday and swung in to see The Grands. Here is little Keyonna sporting her new sweater that Grandma made for her. Naturally she didn’t wake up the whole time I was holding her. Her mother called me 15 minutes after I left to let me know that she had woke up!

The boys played outside where we could see them. We were originally going to meet them at the mall, but Bob couldn’t get out of the van, as I purchased an AWESEOME Pfaff sewing machine table at GoodWill for $15!!! Bob was trapped! But we had fun watching the boys ride their bikes and playing with their toys.

It was a good day!

Cool Art Caddy!

2010-04-17T21:09:00.001-05:00

Found this idea on You Tube from Violette—author of Journal Bliss. Violette's Website She has the most AWESOME house and van. Go and check her out!

For this caddy I used frosting containers and a small margarine tub for small items like erasers, sharpeners, stumps, etc. I have organized my colored pencils by color so they are easier to find. My hubby helped me put this together fro an old paper towel holder. Isn’t it AWESOME!!! Thank you Violette!!!!

Welcome Little one….

2010-04-12T20:40:00.001-05:00

Little Keyonna Mae was born on 1:25pm last Thursday April 8th. Grandma and Grandpa was 10 minutes late for the birth—we had a spring snow storm the night before, so we got a late start—being 80 miles away from the hospital. Danielle made it through fine..and I was there to take pictures of her first holding by her Mommy. I can finish her little quilt with her birthday and name embroidered on it. Will post when I finish. I’m so glad and thankful you are in my life little Keyonna. Grandma loves you and always will.

Pink!!!

2010-04-06T21:44:00.001-05:00

Here is what I have been doing lately! My daughter will be having a little girl any minute now. I have been spending my winter/spring getting ready for her. Here is a little receiving set I made using a Lion Brand pattern and Bernat baby yarn. I modified the pattern with a crocheted edging---only because I know crochet so well. She will be wearing this home on top of a little white sleeper.

We will be taking our 4 year old grandson while she is in the hospital. We are looking forward to running around outside, going to feed the horses and taking him fishing down by the lake. Grandma has colors ready to sprawl out on the dining room table!

Being a Grandma is the best!!!!!!

Plein Air Perfect Day!

2010-03-14T19:58:00.001-05:00

It was sunny and 62 degrees today. Probably about 15 degrees higher than the average March 15th temp here in the Northwoods. So, we gotta forget the housework and GET OUT THERE on these days!!! Although colors are a bit drab for early spring, there is plenty of accents of color in the tag alders, evergreens and sedges. We visited a small creek that used to house a beaver dam, which was very pretty. Now, below my view in the painting was a small dock and bench—probably used for fishing.

I used something I don’t usually bring out with me…my caran d’ache crayons and a watercolor sketchbook. This along with a pencil and a couple of water brushes, and I was good to go! I usually use these crayons for my art journals as they are fun play materials. I didn’t realize how neat they were and easy to get something down on paper. They also work very well on top of gessoed paper. I would like to try it on different substrates to see how it will work. Kraft paper, watercolor board will be on my “things to try” list.

Hope everyone else can get out there and grab some sun shine! Guess I’d better get the kitchen cleaned up now!

Last Chance at Snow…

2010-03-06T22:38:00.001-06:00

For Northeast Wisconsin, 40 degree days in early March is usually a dream. We usually have snow through mid-April, but this year, our February has been very mild. The chipmunks are already on the move, the raccoons are busy raiding bird feeders, and bears are not far behind. We still have about 9 inches of snow on the ground, but some places have none. I wanted to take advantage of our first 50 degree day since last fall, and the beautiful sun shine. I grabbed my watercolors, moleskine and went out and did a little watercolor of a horse trail on the ranch property. Sure was nice getting out….being in the sun and not being very cold! I used my Niji waterbrush, my Koi 24 color travel set on the large watercolor moleskine—which is almost completed! Get ready for Spring! It’s almost here!

Organizing My Stuff….

2010-03-01T21:36:00.001-06:00

Last weekend I got my art studio cleaned up, getting things ready for plein air season. I am also done with my accounting projects for year end, and it was due time to do some art. In fact, I HAD to do some art!

The photo above shows the various (and not all!) of my water color palettes I have collected through the years. They represent some palettes that instructors have suggested, smaller palettes to work outside, larger palettes for larger pieces, different palettes for different colors…etc, etc., etc.

My point in this is….USE YOUR ART SUPPLIES…do NOT save them until you are better, have more time, save the colors until you come across the perfect picture to use them in….what ever. In my past, I had to think about whether I could afford the latest Artist’s Magazine--I wonder if that has anything to do with it....hmmm. Anyway....

Use your supplies, for you will only get better if you DO art…not buy art supplies! I had to throw all these wonderful pens away too…for I didn’t use them. I hoarded them, treated them as precious jewels, waiting for that perfect art project in which to use them. Now, they are garbage.

American Ruins

2010-02-28T18:38:00.001-06:00

Finally got a chance to get out and do some plein air last weekend! I am an accountant in my daily life, so the past couple of months have been pretty hectic for me. Last weekend I designated it, “Art Weekend” and took off work for a 4 day weekend! This little sketch was done in Porterfield, Wisconsin—it was part of a pig farm—with the pig shelter to the left, the silo with food to the right..farther to the right, which I left out, was an old three story, brick smoker. I loved the gray colors and the dark red of the brush. Snow is beginning to melt here—so there was plenty of brush of different colors to paint. This was done in my watercolor moleskine, which is almost filled! I used my Koi Travel Kit along with a Niji waterbrush. The kit was really nice, love the colors it has!

Blogging note: I apologize for no blogs for awhile. I have gotten a new computer with Windows 7, so it took me awhile to move everything and learn the new system, which is really nice! I will try and be more consistent in my blogs! I promise!

Miles of Summer/Cool Link!

2009-11-05T12:54:00.005-06:00

I have to apologize for my absence on this blog! We have been busy combing the countryside (at least in Wisconsin) to catch up on all the places we missed while Bob couldn't leave the house for the past three years. We painted, and explored, visited family, bookstores, neat little shops, museums, a state fair, and state parks! We put on 15,000 miles on our new van since last March..and we are in for the winter--more or less. The snow plowing services are weak here in the Northwoods, so it's best just to stay inside and work on studio paintings!

I will have plenty of paintings to show you when I get my photos taken and downloaded. I plan on doing that this weekend. In the meantime, please check out this WONDERFUL link--direct to the master of plein air--Vincent Van Gogh! The museum of his name has put out there a wonderful section to letters of his, transcribed into English and annotated! Also included are his wonderful sketches he wrote into his letters. The English version shows up next to his original letter--it is amazing to view his handwriting and little sketches! If you have piles of money to spend, ($600+) you can order the complete set direct from the museum. I will be viewing them on the website, unfortunately....but this would be an AWESOME gift for the Van Gogh Lover in your family! Here is the link--ENJOY!

http://vangoghletters.org/vg/letters.html

Also, if you have an IPOD, there is an App for viewing Vincent's letters-here is the title: Yours, Vincent, The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh, I'm downloading it as I write this. Very cool!

Why I Paint.....

2009-06-25T21:38:00.004-05:00

Baling time -- Watercolor in Moleskine w/c journal

An artist friend of mine is having a plein air paint out this weekend in Central Wisconsin. She wrote me today to ask me if she could use something I wrote a few years ago to our painting group. I was trying to encourage others who haven't painted outside their studios to try something different. She kept my letter all this time. I had forgotten I wrote it! But, it about sums it up on how I feel about painting plein air, so I thought I would share it. If anyone is in the Central Wisconsin Area and would like to join us, please follow this link:

http://barnardstudio.wordpress.com

Plein Thoughts--
Plein air painting can be challenging. Not only do you have to have
your studio with you, you have to be aware of weather
conditions..and try and plan for them...with clothes, places to
paint, etc. Sometimes all you can paint is through your front room
window! The light changes...people move in front of your
subjects...rain/snow/sleet/hail happens.

Some of you don't have much experience in plein air painting. That
is ok. Experience will help you in what to bring along. I am no
expert...in my medium or in painting. But, I am a lover of plein
air painting. I feel there is nothing like it. You are IN the
landscape...you FEEL the wind and sun on your face...you HEAR the
birds...rain...children learning to fish....you SMELL the flowers
and the foliage. You SEE the rich colors of the landscape...in a
way that can't be duplicated in a photo. The nuances of light on a
pond or stream, the cloud formations. They are ALL 100% real! Talk
about a REALITY SHOW!! We ARE IN IT!!

No matter if you feel that you did well or poorly at your
painting...you learned something..experienced something...that will
help you in all your art. To push yourself is to grow...and to grow
as an artist...will help you in your studio work...no matter if you
paint flowers or people...it's ALL good! Some people throw out
their "failures" some people save them and record their efforts to
see how they have progressed in 10 paintings...100 paintings. I
like to keep mine...and not fuss with them much after I get them
home...no matter if they are mud...or wonderful....they are an
effort...my best at the time...of what was in front of me...of what
I experienced.

Vincent was driven to paint...lighting candles on top of his
hat...painting in severe weather--local and professional
ridicule...he was driven to paint what inspired him. Monet painted
plein air as his sight was failing and painted in severe
conditions. He actually BUILT his garden to paint it! Renoir had
his assistants belt his brushes around his wrists so he could paint
as his hands were crippled with arthritis.

We paint light..we paint life.

Sorry for going on and on...painting plein air is a subject I am
very passionate about!

Nancy Patterson

Northwoods Plein Air Painters

Hope all my readers get out there an experience this wonderful feeling! Thank you for reading and visiting my blog.

A Decade of Ups, Downs, but most of all Love

2009-06-22T21:25:00.006-05:00

Henes Park, MI watercolor in moleskine

Paine Art Center gardens

I met the love of my life 10 years ago...it was so very lucky that I let myself love him, after being in a terrible marriage many years before. He was my "one more chance". We came together with similar passions--his photography, mine painting. But we both loved the outdoors and nature. He came from background of Boy Scouts and camping, hunting and fishing. I came from the background of loving the beauty of nature and trying to reflect it in my art and life.

For our anniversary last weekend, we spent the weekend doing the things we loved. He took me to the Paine Art Center in Oshkosh, WI for a photography exhibit as well as to see the beautiful gardens. Our first year, he gave me a dozen roses....this year, he gave me acres of flowers! Here are a few pictures of the beautiful grounds.

I wanted to paint...had my watercolors with me, but we didn't have much time, for they closed at 4pm...but I took HUNDREDS of pictures..and want to go back to paint en plein aire!

The next day we went to a local park, doing what we started out doing...going out to find beautiful places, and he explored with his camera, and I with my paints. He took me to Henes Park in Menominee, MI--the UP close to our county and right on Lake MI. We saw pelicans and many birds either nesting or fledging their young. I painted three little sketches that day.

It was a great weekend! Happy Anniversary Baby!

First Flowers in the Northwoods

2009-04-16T12:05:00.003-05:00

Hidden Hole, plein aire watercolor 5 x 7"

After a long winter, and this one has been particularly long, finding the first wildflowers are always a treat for me. These are the first to bloom here in the Northwoods are Marsh Marigolds. As soon as the swampy areas thaw, this little yellow beauties pop up all over swampy or wet areas. I love to see and paint them each Spring. It heralds Spring, along with the songs of the birds! More in May we are treated to another spectacular presentation of trilliums. More on that later...I'm going out for a walk!

Confessions of a Sunday Painter

2009-03-17T21:16:00.003-05:00

Ready to Roll! 9 x 12 oil on masonite panel

I am a Sunday Painter. I am not ashamed...I feel priviledged to have found something that I adore, love, can't live without. I relish my short times to paint....and am sad when I can't--due to whatever reason. Sometimes, though, I do enjoy imagining what my life would have been like if I could do art as a profession...like Rembrandt or Vermeer. What would it be like if I could study a flower for the whole day? How would my art be different if I could concentrate on it...doing countless sketches every single day??

A couple of weeks ago Ovation TV had day long specials on different artists. How Rembrandt went to autopsy's to study the human form. How many of them did he study to be able to make portraits so beautiful? How did Renoir feel when his parents were proud when their son decided to become an artist--not worried that this was "just a hobby"?

Do not get me wrong..I do not regret going to college and becoming an accountant. I was a single mother and raised two children by doing this job. I love the job that I currently have--the people I work for are wonderful and I get to live on a 4,000 acre ranch all year with countless inspiration and the time to endulge in my heart place....and that I have found is art. I don't know if I will ever be "any good" at painting...get into any real shows, hob nob with the "real" artists. etc. But all that doesn't even mean anything to me anymore. I love my process of dreaming and thinking of where I will be painting, organizing my tools, planning when I will be able to go, looking forward to the experience, getting out there and just painting...not thinking about anything else. No dishes, no laundry, no work...just painting...and what I am experiencing in nature. That is enough for me. I then begin again...dreaming of the next time...and it starts all over again.

Summer Past

2009-02-21T07:58:00.005-06:00

Summer Past--Oil on board, 9 x 12"

Sometimes the dreariness of winter gets to me. Last week we had a few great days of above 40 degree weather and it made even the birds start singing their spring songs. This week, back to the single digits and teens...time for some summer memories!

I actually painted this boat for an online class that I'm taking in oil painting. I've never really taken a class in the actual dynamics of oils, but got a couple of books and out the door I went. I really love painting in oils, especially for plein air work. They don't succumb to the weather pressures as much as pastels or watercolors. They stay moist, and even if you get rained on, it doesn't matter. Although I do still love the lightness and versatility of watercolors..my first love, the brightness and spontenaety of pastels...oh dear...I guess I love them all!

I can't wait to get out and paint again for the spring. I have my boxes all ready to go...in all mediums. Just give me a good day..and I'll be out there again!

They Say it's Your Birthday....

2009-02-01T20:30:00.003-06:00

Well, my little grandsons birthday parties were today. Both were born so close together that it just is easier for one party since I live so far away from them. They live in Green Bay and it's an hour and a half to get here. Luckily, we had a fairly good day for travel. That's not easy this time of year. Last year when my youngest grandson was born, it was on the coldest day of the year...24 below zero...wind chills over 40 below. It was also on Brett Favre's last game with the Green Bay Packers. 1/20/08. (You can't live up here without being a Packer fan BTW)

His older brother, Kenyon is going to be 3 tomorrow. He had a cold today, but loved his presents. His little brother, Keenan, loved his presents too. They ate well, we had cake, and then they went home. Pooped out, I decided to paint a piece of cake while watching the Super Bowl. Here is my entry....oil on carton board. 6" x 8"

Been Too Long

2009-01-18T15:30:00.003-06:00

Life sometimes gets in the way of art. This was my case, unfortunately neglecting my creative energy. I also broke my right hand, which left me pitifully typing with one hand! I did this small painting today--broke out my oils. Woke up this morning to a lovely backlit scene right outside my window. Although it's not really plein air, I did paint it through my window, but did so in my comfy pj's and cup of coffee. It felt so right to be back at painting after such a long absence.

Snowy morning, 4 x 6" oils on panel

Last leaf of fall

2008-11-05T17:49:00.003-06:00

When walking, looking for something to sketch, I sometimes bring my camera to capture scenes that I don't have time to paint, and I also love to pick up various items to bring home to draw or paint. This was one of those days...it was a warm afternoon as I walked searching for little treasures. I found this little branch, still holding the caps from the acorns. I took it home and painted this little viginette. I really admire botanical painters, and I don't do as well as some that I've seen, but I had a great time that evening painting this picture! I hope you enjoy it as well.

Make Art

2008-10-03T09:28:00.002-05:00

Chute Pond, oil 6 x 8", plein aire

Sometimes I wake up in the morning, and all I can think about is doing art. I love it...truly love it. If I didn't have to work, I would be one of those scruffy looking artists...who didn't look as if they changed clothes in a while...full of paint and obsessed with my current project, or dreaming about the next one, or the one after that! I LOVE looking at nature, walking, driving. I see HUNDREDS of paintings in my head as I pass by. In the precious moments when I can stop and create, I feel like I've discovered a treasure, blessed in the fact that I have the time to stop and try and capture my find on paper or canvas.

Last night it was the first frost in the Northwoods. This morning as I awakened under two blankets, I found my backyard covered with shimmery silver frost. I don't think my summer flowers will be around for long. My herbs will need to be harvested tonight!

This weekend is supposed to be glorious---warm, sunny. I will be out there painting more fall colors. Housework? What is that???? It's going to be a painting weekend for me!!!

Fall's Fast Change

2008-09-21T14:38:00.007-05:00

Fall Fields, watercolor in w/c Moleskine

Fall is the time of year, if you don't stop to enjoy it, it's over. Sometimes I wish I could pack all my art materials and just paint the fall away. The leaves change rapidly here, one day there is no color, the next, the trees are ablaze! This field was on the way to do my errands, so on the way back, I pulled over on the shoulder and painted this little abandoned barn, set right in the middle of a soybean field, turned a golden yellow.

When I came home, I was still hyped about painting, so housework abandoned, I went out exploring what had changed on the ranch. I found this little path to the barn in technicolor! So, I took out my equipment and painted this little sketch until my fingers were so cold and the light was leaving. You've got to grab the gusto when you can! (Wasn't that a beer commercial????) Hope all you artists, naturalists are out there...gathering to your heart's content! Enjoy!

Fall Path -- w/c in Moleskine sketchbook

Remember

2008-09-11T08:47:00.003-05:00

It was a crisp fall day, much like the one today--the leaves had begun to turn, the sky was bright blue, the ranch was quiet with the vacation and hay season over, logging to begin....a moment to breath. Then, the unthinkable happened. It happened to all of us.....every corner of this earth morned with us, felt our pain. As I watch the ceremonies marking this day, I am thankful I did not lose someone in that day of horror....that my life would be forever linked with this one day. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones...I hope they can feel a nation standing beside them in their never ending grief. This is a day I will never forget.

Welcome to My Blog

2008-09-07T22:47:00.000-05:00

"First to go", watercolor sketch in Moleskine W/C sketchbook

We are already beginning to show signs of color in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. The first plant to turn are the forest ferns, which look like a blaze of fire on the forest floor. This was painted this morning using my little Cotman watercolor field kit and Niji waterbrushes. This little path leads into the forest behind our home and circles the lake.

For an introduction, I have always enjoyed reading blogs of other artists, but have been a bit shy about posting my own. I thought this would be a great way to show my friends and readers what I have been doing.

I enjoy painting plein aire and am currently in love with painting in my little moleskine watercolor sketchbook. I also paint in oils and pastels. Sometimes I even bring my acrylics out in the daylight...but I usually work in acrylics in my studio. I try to do some art each day, even if it is just a sketch from my window.

Before living in the country, I was a total city person. Loved going to coffee shops and museums. Ok...I still love those things, but there was the lure of being able to see things that I could never see in the city...deer grooming their fawns, bears with their cubs, even little things like the habits of chipmunks as they procure our sunflower seeds for the winter.

I hope you enjoy reading of my adventures in art and nature.