Barn Bluff

Artist Sharon and I took an early morning road trip and ended up in Red Wing. After a bit of deliberation we crossed over to the Wisconsin side of the river and discovered a Caribbean-like private marina and campgrounds. We set up easels on the rocks and acted like we belonged there and had a perfect morning believing that we were on vacation somewhere else...and we were. We were in Wisconsin and they not only allow themselves more fun. They have a better perspective of Barn Bluff than the folks in Red Wing. We will return. Perhaps with a tent.

Boat Trifecta

We live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and it makes sense that we all own boats of various sizes and descriptions. Here are just three (actually 4) of them commemorated in paint. I really enjoyed painting them because each painting suggests a story rather than depicting a time and

place.

Thanks to Instructor Richard these paintings were all brought to completion despite rain, cold and biting insects. Part of his job is to cajole us into staying the course when paintings go wrong and the environment gets tough. Thanks again, Richard!

Grand Marais

It was glorious to spend four days thinking about nothing but painting. The spectacular inland coast of Lake Superior is quite a departure from Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. Even though the overall effect is a series of big shapes (such as sky, lake, rocks) a successful painting depended on value relationships...or the value sandwich...as it came to be called thanks to Instructor Neil. The weather and lake was as "well behaved" as I have ever seen it, but the values were difficult to discern based on cloud shadows, glare, and special lake effects, such as white-out-fog. It was humbling to try to capture the light and beauty of this place, but most of all it was fun to experience four days of immersion with such accomplished painters.

Gone Painting

Heading up to Grand Marais for a 4 day workshop with Richard Abraham and Neil Sherman. I'm taking all of my favorite gear--paint box, tent & kayak. It will be heavenly to paint without time constraints. Check back on Monday for an update.

Springbrook Nature Center

Life is ironic. People, places, events that you don't take much notice of have a way of winding their way back to you. Let's take Springbrook Nature Center, for example. I was the leader of a Sierra Club outing there. I spoke at a press conference after it was saved from becoming a golf course. I almost sent my "Save Springbrook" tee shirt to the Goodwill (but something stopped me) and now I work nearby. I go there 2-3 times per week now. When I first read about it and heard about the financial plight that would turn it into a golf course, I had no idea that any personal connection would develop. Life is ironic...the mystery of life's twists and turns are wonderful.