Sunday, February 22, 2009

Invited back to Door County Plein Air Festival

"Walk on the Wild Side" - 11" x 14" - Oil on RayMar Panel. Copyright 2007
I painted this in during the inaugural Door County Plein Air Festival Invitational.
It was a very misty morning when fellow artist Karen LaValley and I found this spot deep in the woods behind the Edgewood Orchard Gallery. Close values and a variety of greens, punctuated with a trail and wildflowers.
Near the time I was almost finished this painting, a figure in fuchsia suddenly appeared at the end of the path. Just what this painting needed. "The Lady in Red" was delivering my lunch.
I'm happy to announce that I am invited back to paint in the 3rd Door County Plein Air Competition. If you're in Wisconsin's lovely Door County stop by the Penisula Art School to see where I will be painting that day. Dates are: July 19 - August 1, 2009.
Click on the link to see all the events: https://www.doorcountypleinair.com/

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

More Door County

I was pleased to be asked back to compete in the 3rd Annual Door County Plein Air Festival. Wisconsin's Door County is a gorgeous place filled with art galleries, interesting jewelry shops and lots of wonderful people.

I should know, I was part of the inaugural event in 2007. Stayed with a wonderful couple, the Miller's. They couldn't have been nicer or better hosts.

Mr. Miller and I shared a common interest: growing a meadow. He'd been working on his for about three years, and it was a fabulous thing to see when I first arrived at their place.

The unfortunate part is not getting to spend more time with the family that opens their house to you. But, you have to have time to paint! So . . . you have to be out.

Last day of the festival was the Quick Draw Competition. On the waterfront, well anyway within hearing distance of the horn they blow. I found this wonderful little dinghy named Happy Day. I loved the high contrast of values and the patterns in the water. I had to paint it. 8 x 10", Oil on RayMar Panel. Sold at the live auction in the park. What an exciting time!