Frontenac Fall

This  is one of the paintings I did down in Frontanac last weekend.  The colors were so muted with lots of neutrals, difficult for me.   Here's a story I'm going to share because it may strike a chord in  others.  Like I said in a recent post, we have all these gourds and squash from the garden.  I have brought a bunch into my studio and every day have been admiring them, arranging them, playing with light.  But its been so nice out and I know my outdoor painting days are limited, so I have been forcing myself to leave the gourds and go out to paint - or try to.  Needless to say it has not gone well, as my heart is back in the studio... After three days of failed attempts I let myself stay in the studio, happily painting gourds!  

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Gourd II---sold

Sunday in Frontenac painting outside in the snow;  my painting weekend was one of those times where things feel difficult and stuck - the silver lining being that this is often when growth occurs, even though it may not be apparent at the time... 

Gourd --- sold

We didn't plant any gourds but we have them coming up all over by the garden and trellicing  (I know its not a real word but I like it!) on the fence with the grapevine.   I am leaving this week to go to Frontenac to paint again, I hope the weather stays mild.  I won't be able to post for a week.   

Duck stamp contest was exciting - no family winners, Jim got 2nd and Bob got 6th.  The winning painting is a beautiful Long Tail Duck on the water with a decoy.

Frontenac Overlook

This piece was in the show but I never had a chance to scan it.  It was done at Frontenac State Park overlooking Lake Pepin.   A reminder to anyone who is interested and lives in Minnesota; the Federal Duck Stamp Contest is being held this Friday, October 17 from 9 am - 3, and Saturday, October 18 from 10 am - 1 pm .  All the entries can be viewed at the Bloomington Art Center.  Its pretty interesting if you are interested in art and/or conservation, wildlife.  More information is at duckstamps.fws.gov

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Art Show

I want to thank everyone who came to our show - we had a great turn out and a beautiful day.  The Fall colors and the warm weather made me happy ( rain threatened through most of the day).   Of course, once the first person arrived I totally forgot all about taking photos, so these are all pre-show pictures with no people.  I also forgot to take photos of my studio, which was set up  with paintings and ceramics...  

I have been  busy getting ready for the show this past month and look forward to getting back to the paint!   Thanks again to all who came and made the day a success - also to all who couldn't make it but sent their wishes - much appreciated.

Red Oak Leaf --- sold

Its that time of year when it is very easy to be overwhelmed by... not exactly sadness but a bittersweet feeling that comes with the wind and the crickets and the wafting leaves.   Reading a book called Art and Fear, it has some great things to say about the creative process.  Two quotes I like:

"Writing (painting) is easy:  all you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until the drops of blood form on your forehead."   --Gene Fowler

"Life is short, art long, opportunity fleeting, experience treacherous, judgement difficult."

--Hippoctates