Dancing Reflections

Dancing Reflections

9x12, soft pastel 

I so enjoyed the 2016 Plein Air Festival in Door County, Wi.  Unfortunately, my trip was cut short...but not before I could visit Gordon Lodge for a second time at sunrise.  On this morning, the featured artists weren't there...just me...and a gentleman quietly fishing from the shoreline.  It was so very quiet and peaceful as the sun rose and reflections danced across the water.   I hope to return to this magical place someday.

Hanging Out In Door County

Hanging Out In Door County

8x6, soft pastel

There are many homes and cottages around Kangaroo Lake near Bailey's Harbor, Wi.  A nearby neighbor's laundry provided a great little scene to paint.  With five brothers and sisters, hanging laundry on the clothesline was a frequent activity and fond childhood memory.

On The Way To Sister Bay

On The Way To Sister Bay

9x12, soft pastel

It doesn't take much to find a nice scene to paint in Wisconsin...this shed outside Sister Bay with an old boat beside it was just the ticket.  I especially liked the shadows on the rooftop.

Hedgehog Gift Shop

Hedgehog Gift Shop

6x8, soft pastel

Day one of the 2016 Door County Wi. Plein Air Festival.   I came mostly to watch the pros...but I couldn't resist a little practice time. What a gorgeous time of year to be on the peninsula!

The Hedgehog Gift Shop is in Gills Rock near the top of the peninsula.  A very cute shop on the water. If you know me, you know I couldn't resist the colors!

Hollyhocks 2

Hollyhocks 2

12x9 soft pastel

For some reason I failed to share this second Hollyhocks painting (the first one was completed last May).  I love this scene...it was captured on an early morning walk in Door County, Wi.  I just had to try it again.  It hangs in my house and I love it...must be the vibrant colors!

MidWest Morning

Mid-West Morning

12x9, pastel

Day 15 of 30

Ah, half way through the 30 day challenge!  I'm happy to be ahead by one painting...this one marks my 16th painting this month.  

Today's painting is from a photo reference.  I took this photo in the early morning hours in Sister Bay, WI while visiting Door County.  It was a quiet peaceful morning.  This scene captured my attention because of the sunlight on the garage and of course the shadows across the driveway.  It reminded me of so many similar garages in the small Iowa town where I grew up.  When I was young, I loved sneaking out of the house in the early morning hours to walk around town.  I'm not sure what I was thinking...but then it was pretty safe to be out walking in the early hours.  It's my favorite time of day!

Early Morning Hollyhocks

Early Morning Hollyhocks

12x9, soft pastel

Today is a painting of hollyhocks taken last summer while I was walking during the early morning hours in Sister Bay, Wi.  It was a memorable trip attending the Door Co. Plein Air Festival where I met many new friends. Good memories!

Wisconsin Winter Glow

Wisconsin Winter Glow

8x1-, soft pastel

I find it fascinating that Sept.'s 30 in 30 challenge would be followed by such a lean Oct.  Oh well, life just gets in the way sometimes. I do have a couple things on the easel...and this one finished yesterday for a very special person.  

This is a Wisconsin barn at sunset. It's fascinating how many colors go into producing snow... especially at sunset with a grayish sky giving way to such a beautiful sunset glow.