Jean Ranstrom-artstrokes from the Prairie

Quick Study

2012-03-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

Quick study 6x8, to sharpen skills
I have been working on several larger pieces the past weeks, honing details to the point where I needed a break. I grabbed a photo that had some strong color and values, used three colors plus white, a #6 flat bristle brush and spent between 45-60min. I refrained from any diddling or reworking, Needless to say it does look strong in strokes etc. and if I do work on a larger version this will be a good resource to tell me what changes in composition I need to make. This is just one of many skill builders you can use to be more decisive in working on larger pieces.

Lookin for Lunch

2012-02-27T15:02:00.000-08:00

Lookin for Lunch 6x6 oil on linen panel
These flying recycle bins are so ugly that you can't help but notice them. They are always on the clean up committee whereever they are.
Just struck me as something that needed to be painted.

Walk Softly

2012-02-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

Walk Softly 11x14 oil on canvas
This is a scene from a meadow area in AZ, one of the few I ever saw in the time I was there. It has a quiet elegance as though you would not want to disturb anything there, rather just enjoy this intimate site.

Snow and Fire

2012-02-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

Snow and Fire 6 x 6 inch pastel on sanded paper
This was an unforgetable scene out of the window of the train as we drove through west to east from Washington state to North Dakota. It just cried, "paint me,paint me" so I did. I am allready thinking of a large version. it was the only color in many miles but worth waiting for.

High Water Pond

2012-02-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

High Water Pond 20x20 inches oil on linen panel
High water created scenes not seen for a very long time in many areas. This was found when I walked behind a hill at the Retreat Center where I spend much of my summer . This is a morning I took a walk in an area which had been in in accessable in all the times I had been to the Center before. This is what I call being in the right place at the right time something I remain grateful for.

Here Comes the Plow! Here Comes the Plow1

2012-02-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Here Comes the Plow! Here Comes the Plow! 6x12in. oil on linen panel

Our prairie winter has been fairly mild and storm free, however two weeks ago we had high wind and between 5 and 8 in. of snow, leaving the roads with snow drifts, and glazed with ice. Out the window we could see the snow plow coming to clear the roads so we could get out again, always a good feeling especially in case of emergency. After a storm the sky usually clears and this is typical of what you would see. This painting came together like magic and has subtle color changes, some not so visible in this photo.

The Sharing Path

2012-02-02T11:58:00.000-08:00

The Sharing Path 6x8 oil on panel
The title of this comes from time spent at a Paint Away with a small art group that we take each year, four days of sharing, painting walking and one afternoon at a nearby gallery. This birch appeared at the side of the path as we went on a walk one afternoon. Very Pristine bark among all the decaying leaves and waining foliage of late fall made it look like someone all dressed up and nowhere to go. These outings are always inspiring and reviewing sketches and photos lets me enjoy it in the middle of winter.

The Cottage

2012-02-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

The Cottage 10x10 in. oil on linen panel
My first trip to Washington state to visit my son, in spite of rain all but one day I found all the greenery almost overwhelming. Since we have nearly 9 months of cold or winter on the prairie. Most of all I couldn't believe that all the vines you see in the foreground are wild blackberries. They are considered nothing short of a plague as they grow everywhere. Needless to say in our climate we would be lucky to get them to grow even if we pampered them. So what is one persons poison is anothers good fortune, go figure.

Are You Listening?

2012-01-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Are You Listening? 6x6 oil on panel
All of us struggle when we paint and this was one of my challenges . Years ago I bought these two porcelain ducks and have tried to paint them several times. I found the heads and necks difficult and this is a second try. I loved their subtle colors and I have a feeling that one of them isn't listening to the other.
These challenges are what make us grow and stay in the pursuit of the next great painting.

By the Light of the Moon

2012-01-18T11:29:00.001-08:00

By the Light of the Moon 12x20 oil on canvas panel
These two trees stand in our front yard and I look at them daily in all the seasons. It is as though in spite of their years( they have been here long before I was) they remain proud. They have had trunks and branches amputated over the years but as the wind blows they seem to comfort one another as old friends do. They were so delicate and beautiful in the moonlight I thought it was fitting to give them a dignified presentation.

Permanent Parking

2012-01-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

Permanent Parking 6 x8 Oil on panel
These days so many city dwellers always want to know if there is parking for their condo or rental, well it seems these two have found permanent parking and it appears no one has bothered them for quite awhile.

Prairie Racing......1-2-3 Go?

2012-01-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

Prairie Racing......................1-2-3- Go 8x16 oil on panel
On a recent train trip out west I caught these two wonderful old pickups in the middle of the praire looking as though they were ready for a race to see who would be the winner. Unfortunately as you can see from their aged condition an impossibility! What fun to think of them in their prime and the years of hard work put in on a farm or ranch being good and faithful transportation. Perhaps in Pickup Heaven they will run this race.

The Lady in Red

2012-01-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

The Lady in Red oil on panel 8x12
On an annual Paint-away with my art group we passed an area of dead trees except for this beautiful lady . We passed the area several days in a row and finally got to stop and snap some photos. This painting seemed to paint itself. Mother Nature just can't help but be arrayed in spectacular fashion.

Beyond the Field

2012-01-08T14:04:00.000-08:00

Beyond the Field 5x11 pastel
This field is near our farm planted in native grasses in the season of change. We have sold the land and now it is black field that next year will have crops seeded on it. I will miss the blooming grasses and their fragile colors that seems to only disappear when I close my eyes.

Favorite Little Hen

2012-01-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

Favorite Little Hen 6x8 canvas on panel
This little lady is one of my friend's flock, her husband seemed to favor her over the other ladies of the group. This was done for them for a Christmas gift, a small thank you for the generous photography she does for our little paint group.

Pouff!

2012-01-01T15:16:00.000-08:00

Pouff! 12x6 oil on linen panel
A walk through the woods and around the pond on a recent PaintAway brought these in view and I just couldn't get them out of my mind. Among the reeds and grasses as fall progressed these once dull brown sausage shaped spears known as cattails had burst their seams to spread seeds for the following year. Natures way of constantly presenting us with new beauty the following year.

Out My Window

2011-12-30T07:03:00.000-08:00

Out My Window 9x12 oil on linen panel
This tree fascinates me and I see it every day out of my kitchen window, it has different light each time of the day and each season of the year. The birds find it a great retreat to hide in and when the wind blows it bends and bows like a ballerina. This is a do-over which now makes me happy with the mood I was trying to capture

2011-12-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

Nature's Memorial 20x24 oil on linen panel
Commission
Here on the prairie trees this size are in the minority. This beauty sits in what is now a large field where crops are planted but as an infant it was on the homestead of a local family's ancestors. It is all that remains of the hardwork, hardships and life of one of the many pioneers that settled this praire, flat and at the time of homesteader , sparsely poplulated. The shade and beauty of trees was honored. Thanks to the owner of this property the tree stands as a memorial to the family that homesteaded it and to the many pioneers who came to this area for a better life.

Bus-ted

2011-12-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

Bus-ted 6x12 oil on panel
This old bus caught my attention about 40 years ago, took a photo and somehow I just never got to it. Going through my files I found it again and immediately got to painting it. I truly hope someone gives it yet another life, who knows maybe it will have smiles and laughter again.

Softly Comes the Fall- study-final painting

2011-12-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

Softly Comes the Fall study 5x7----final painting 9x12

Looking out my studio window in late Oct. , I saw the subtle colors of fall with just a hint of light from the high overcast sky. I caught the feeling of the lovely greys and soft tones. I was pleased with the results and then completed the larger piece a week later. I am always captured by the subtle colors in the seasons rather than the bold gold and orange so frequently portrayed.

White on White

2011-11-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

White on White 6 x 8 oil on linen panel
I, like many artists struggle to improve or perhaps change/adapt. I want the goal of my paintings to be "less is more" I want the subject to merge with the background or if you prefer the space around it and I find working with white a challenge as well so this is yet another attempt at that. Just One Apple a previous post is also a study in losing edges and merging subject and space around it. Hmmm maybe I will make chicken for dinner. Enjoy!

Beauty in Purple

2011-10-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

Beauty in Purple pastel 12x9
Seems I just can't paint enough lilacs, one of my favorite flowers. We have in our yard plants and trees that were planted by my husbands parents and have survived the sub-zero winters, neglect and now again love and care. It is very nostalgic when they bloom they remind me of my Mother-in-law,no longer with us but their beauty is always a reminder of her spirit and good nature.

2011-10-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

Two Little Red Hens 6x8 canvas on panel
These two little hens belong to Emily, our cook at the Retreat Center in Alexandria, we have enjoyed the fruit of their labors in many a breakfast platter. I think their white tail feathers are a wonderful accent to their red/rust bodies, Here again I have tried to lose edges in the tail of the one on the right and keep all but the focal area softer rather than sharp.

Just One Little Apple

2011-10-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

Just One Little Apple

6x8 oil on panel
I think I finally got it. I have been working on simplifying and losing edges except on the center of interest. I am looking for a more ethereal feeling in expressing myself in paint. This went together very well and was purchased as soon as it was finished. So-----------------maybe I will see if I can get this effect again. I start extremely loose with just a few strokes of paint and I am encouraged so will perservere.

2011-09-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed I haven't posted for a bit. I have just completed my last week of teaching at Mt. Carmel Retreat Center in Alexandria, MN. What a wonderful group of students I have had during my weeks there. It is such a joy to introduce people to oils and pastels and see the excitement they feel when they have accomplished their first painting. It is quite a rush. I am never sure who has the better time, them or me.
Below is a poem written for me by one of my students this last week and thought I would share it with you all.
J is for jolly- she'll put a smile on your face,
E is for energetic - she keeps up the pace,
A is for artistic, is that a surprise?
N is for nature, a feast for her eyes.
Put them all together they spell JEAN- she is Mt. Carmel's Pastel Supreme!
Thank you Janis for this delightful poem.

A Ribbon Runs Through It

2011-09-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

A Ribbon Runs Through It 14 x 18 oil on canvas
One of my favorite subjects and colors as well. some years ago I needed a touch of color in a stilllife and added a ribbon, it is now a favorite touch to add especially to florals. The movement of the ribbon draws your eye around and back again. Hope this sparks your day.

July Storm Approaching

2011-08-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

July Storm Approaching
5 x 7 inches oil on linen panel
Tired of weeding and frustrated with not having painted for a week or so, I looked at the sky and thought, perfect painting. Dropped my hoe, ran into the studio and got my easel and paints out, in about 45 min. I had the painting done, storm passed over and more or less dissolved, and unfortunately I went back to weeding, feeling much better having had a chance to push some paint around. Every once in awhile, these spur of the moments depict something elusive from a photo.

Precious Little Hen

2011-08-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

Precious Little Hen 6 x 7 1/8 oil on panel
This little hen has been in several of my many chicken paintings. There is something beautiful and seemingly self confident about her. Perhaps only noticed by us chicken lovers.

Lipton- Eyes Only for You

2011-07-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Lipton- Eyes Only for You 6 x 8 in oil on canvas panel
I met Lipton at Mt. Carmel last week. He is the eyes for an elderly woman with a fantastic, sweet spirit. One evening as we sat at a service I looked over and Lipton had his head on her lap with the most adoring look I have ever seen. That look said I have eyes only for you and I love you more than you will ever know. This will be a gift to her even if she is unable to see it, she will know that someone was thinking of her and her Eyes.

2011-07-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

Join Me oil on linen panel 5 x7 in.
These beautiful chairs are all over the grounds at Mt. Carmel Ministries Retreat Center at Alexandria, MN. You can sit and relax, take a nap, read or join a friend for conversation and time together. I always feel they are an invitation to take time for myself and enjoy the surroundings.

Rooms for Rent

2011-07-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

Rooms for Rent
8x6 oil on panel
This is from a photo taken many years ago when my business partner and I were at a painters gathering for several days. We took a walk in the alleys of the small town and this popped out so much we took photos. In my head I think about what happened to the business, what people stayed there and how did it end up in rack and ruin.
The fun of this was doing it in two colors plus white which turned out to be a close match to the original colors. Transparent red oxide, ultramarine blue .
Perhaps this will bring some interesting scenerios to mind or even conjure up a story.

Pretty in Purple

2011-07-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

Pretty in Purple oil on linen panel 12x12
Lilacs are always nostalgic for me to paint. I remember them from the farm where I was born and how proud my Mother was because she had the deep dark purple that were more unusual than the usual medium colored violets. Now , many years later on the farmstead where my husband grew up and we have made our home, the lilacs his Mother planted so many years ago still bloom each spring. They seem to bring a connection to the seasons of my life. The fragrance fills the room and when I put them on the altar in our small country church it is a reminder of the many years these have been placed there by many generations. Perhaps others will have memories of these well known blooms.

Old Mill

2011-06-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

Old Mill oil 6x6 on linen panel

This old mill reminds me of the many years I was curator of our county museum and we would go to a historic mill not far from here, the water driven mill had been converted to being run by an antique steam engine, it was always hot and sticky our and since the flour was ground by huge millstones at the end of the day, the stones had to be lifted and cleaned, no small job since they weighed hundreds of pounds each. This job was made more difficult by the fact we dressed in period costumes , petticots and skirts , bonnets and high button shoes. Met many interesting people and of course became very sympathetic with our ancestors who did this to provide flour for themselves and the community. I can hear the water trickling by and on a hot day it was an especially soothing sound.

Geraniums before window box

2011-06-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

I snapped this just as I was about to plant them in the window box, this is a painting that just fell together and is a reminder that there is always good with the bad.( the weather has been the bad)

Summer Geraniums

2011-06-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

Summer Geraniums 6 x 8 oil on linen panel
These geraniums are the bright spot in my window planters, everything in the yard and garden is standing in water from way too much rain, much is rotting and it is hard to watch beautiful perenials die because of the excess water but my window boxes are glorious and I just had to paint this. I will publish the photo I worked from in my next blog, see if you can see the composition I saw.

Pretty and Proud in White

2011-06-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

Pretty and Proud in White 11 x 14 oil on panel
These chickens were commissioned by a man that had wonderful childhood memories of the chickens on his Grandparent's farm. He remembered the red building on the farm and I am fortunate in having the old barnwood from a hundred year old building on our farm which my husband made into a frame for it.It is wonderful to be able to fulfill a request that brings such pleasurabe memories to it's owner. This was one of those paintings that just flowed from my brush as it came to life. The pleasure was in the doing.

A Little Long in the Horns

2011-06-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

A Little Long in the Horns 11x14 oil on canvas panel
This is a recent painting commissioned by a local farmer who keeps cattle as well. This particular animal captured his attention because of her markings and long beautifully shaped horns. I loved her pink nose and her long eyelashes. Seems there is beauty everywhere if we just look.

Spring Work Awaits

2011-05-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

Spring Work Awaits 6 x 8 oil on panel
Our spring is late, cold and wet, I brought the wheelbarrow out to my flower garden in hopes I could do some cleaning and weeding, so far it hasn't worked but it has been a bright spot in my yard and is a reminder that at some future time I will have to use the tools to prepare my garden for summer. However, the most prolific thing in it right now is an over abundance of weeds.

Alvarado , Summer of 2011

2011-05-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Alvarado,MN. Summer of 2011 6 x 8 oil on linen panel
We live five miles north of the town of Alvarado, MN and because of our extremely flat land in the heart of the Red River Valley of the North we can clearly see the large elevator and storage bins from our yard. We have had an exceptionally wet, stormy spring and although you can see the green of the tree and grass line, the field is still shiny with water standing, delaying planting yet another few days. The unusual light of the the sun behind the storm clouds illuminates the tall structure, or as we call it here the skyscrapers of the prairie. To some this may seem a boring flat land but it truly has a beauty all its own.

Strawshine

2011-05-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Strawshine 9x12 pastel on board
This strawstack was in our neighbor's field across the road. Very unusual to have strawstacks here as most of the time the straw is chopped and left in the field as the grain is harvested. After several evenings of watching the sun hit the end of the stack , I was captured by the light and just had to take some photos so I could paint it . My painting is a bit more mellow than my photo but the light on the stack is still my focus.

Royal onion

2011-05-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Royal Onion 6x12 oil on canvas panel
lOnions, something I just can't pass up painting. The minute I see the sprouts starting to grow I am counting the days til they say, PAINT ME! I love the deep rich backgrounds to set off the beautiful twisting turning tops, and there you go.....................a painting.

The Flock

2011-05-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Flock 8x16 oil on panel

Living on a farm this is how we are used to seeing our chickens on a daily basis. Long before the term free range etc. the chickens were out during the day and locked in the hen house at night, hopefully to keep them from predators. They were like little children in the yard, picking seeds, bugs and worms and picking fights with each other as well. The greens of summer made all of the different varieties look like color jewels with their shiny feathers catching the sun. Our family dog would lie in the sun and just watch for awhile and then sleep in the sun, never bothering them at all. They co-existed with a leave me alone attitude which seemed to work just fine for everyone.

Thistle

2011-04-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

Thistle 6x6 on canvas
Thistles have been a long time love of mine, they go through such lovely changes from bud to spent blossoms which leave a fussy nub on the stem. Many of my favorite things to paint are considered weeds, but I believe beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. You be the judge. These are some of my favorite colors to work with as well, keep checking my blog you will see many more wild flowers and weeds in my intimate landscapes.

Crabby Baby

2011-04-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Crabby Baby 6x8 inches pastel
This poor little guy is obviously too young to be on his own. His baby feathers are sticking out among his new feathers and it seems there is nothing that is right in his little world, but I can't help wanting to pick him up and console him.
This pastel is done on pastel board and what I call drip and run. I lay the panel flat with the sketch on it. I then use soft pastels in colors I want in the area then use a small spray bottle and spritz the pastel and tilt the panel to get it to drip and run. I call these appropriately Drip and Run pastels. The co-mingling of colors is not unlike watercolor. I then move on with pastels in the regular way.

The Golden Girls

2011-04-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

The Golden Girls 5x7 in. oil on panel
I love chickens especially fluffy ones and chicken butts. Seems they are always eating and it is bottoms up. These girls were enjoying seeds and bugs as they roam free range

Grandma Minnie's Lilacs

2011-04-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

Grandma Minnie's Lilacs 6 x6 in. oil on canvas SOLD

When we moved back to my husband's home farm several years ago we were delighted that some of the shrubs and flowers were still growing and blooming, even tho many were hidden in weeds and grasses. His Mother's name was Minnie and each spring when these bloom we think of her, cut a bouquet and inhale the beautiful fragrance.

Chick and Chicklettes

2011-04-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

Chick and Chicklettes 6 x 6 in. oil on linen
Ever have something just tell you that you have to paint it. Well here it is. I picked up this wooden chicken at the Goodwill store, loved her colors. She had a piece of tape around her and when I got home couldn't figure out why. I removed the tape and the base came off and out dropped the Chicklettes. Now how is that for fun?

Glorious

2011-04-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

Glorious 5 x 7 oil on linen panel

These purple cone flowers are among my favorite garden flowers, their colors always stand out. They are alsoalong the steps and path to the Chapel at Mt. Carmel where I spend many weeks during the summer. They bloom after all the spring flowers are done in mid summer on and even after frost their centers hang on and add texture to the diminishing colors of late fall to winter.

Into the Sunshine

2011-04-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

Pathway 6 x 8 in. oil on linen panel SOLD
This was done as part of the Dailypainters challenge, fun to do, I did a warm underpainting in all areas and then let that show through the upper layer. I feel it gives a richer look to the paint surface. I can't help but wonder what is around the bend besides sunshine.

Lookin for Lunch

2011-04-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Lookin for Lunch 4.5x6.5 oil on panel

Some of my favorite subjects to paint are chickens, they come in all colors and sizes and are more fun to paint than to raise. These girls are out on the farm lookin for bugs, seeds etc. , something they seem to do anytime they are not in their nesting boxes laying eggs. And of course we love the HEN FRUIT for breakfast.

You Have to Kiss a Lot of Frogs...............................

2011-03-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

You Have to Kiss a Lot of Frogs............................ 6 x 6 in. oil on linen panel

This little guy is soooooooooooooooooooo cute he wouldn't be hard to kiss but I truly wonder if he would turn into a prince. I allready have my prince so I will forgo the kiss. This little guy was in an arboretum where we had a pastel workshop . It was extrememly hot and humid . We would arrive early in the morning and here he was to greet us. He was not at all frightened and posed for a number of photos. These are probably my favorite colors in flowers and it basically seemed to paint itself.

Emerging

2011-03-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Emerging pastel 7 x 5 inches

Spring is a time of newness to the earth. I love Spring and the new growth that pops up as though by magic from the blanket of leaves that kept it protected during our Minnesota winter. It is amazing to watch these seemingly tender ferns unfurl and send a shock of green against the woodland floor. They seem to be telling us that this is just the beginning so we must keep vigilant so as not to miss the other plants still sleeping beneath their leafy blanket.
This pastel was difficult in trying to keep from putting in more information than to simply tell the story. I agonize over that problem
frequently and keep telling myself,"Less is More".

My Walking Place

2011-03-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

My Walking Place 51/2 x 12 oil on panel SOLD

This is a painting that was more of a happening than doing a painting. It all fell together very quickly perhaps because walking in this type of wooded area occurs in our grove as well as many places I visit in the area. It isnt lush because many of the trees are old warriors and some are mature with others just gaining their growth spurt. Here on the prairie every tree is a blessing and you will frequently see one tree in an immense field where it has been left to grow among the cultivated field. The winter has been hard on the trees in the grove and broken limbs are laying on the snow so as Spring comes the ground will be littered with winters damage. But...........still enough trees and new growth to make my walk a quiet peaceful one.

Jewels of Winter

2011-03-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Jewels of Winter 12 x 12 oil on linen panel

Crisp and freezing cold kept me indoors but I stood with my easel and paints inside and painted looking through the window. The overcast, sometimes a peek of sun day made the snow on the branches seem like clusters of precious stones. This tree has survived much in its lifetime, almost bulldozed, crowded to the point of death by a locust tree and it's offspring. It seems most beautiful in winter with it's sprinkling of snow and seems happy that we have rescued it and given it a home with some space to breathe.

December Sunrise

2011-03-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Below 0 Sunrise 8 x 12 oil on panel SOLD

The Red River Valley is flat, flat land. This scene is seen from our living room and was a bitterly cold below zero day. The infusion of color on the clouds and snow made this view look as though a warm jewel was desperately trying to warm up the flat terrain below. No such luck. The beauty was surpassed by many more days of sub zero weather. These days are perfect for painting in the studio and enjoying the fact that even in this harsh season there is warmth, needless to say it was from the heater in my studio.

He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters....

2011-03-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters... oil 15x30 inches

This was a scene that called out to be painted . The water was crystal clear and the foliage a delight of color. This was a spot I could sit by for hours and still see another painting waiting to happen while I experienced a calmness and serenity that is hard to explain. I hope this painting makes you want to join me in Quiet Time.

Painting Impressionist Color

2011-03-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Painting Impressionist Color by Lois Griffel

Don't most of us want better color in our paintings? I think that is a resounding Yes . This book will give you a whole new approach to color to improve your own artwork no matter the medium or the style. Lois is an accomplished artist and a wonderful teacher. The book is clear in it's explainations and there are many artists paintings to illustrate the points she makes. Yes, I do have paintings in it as well. Add a new dimension to the color in your paintings by learning new ways to approach it.

And Then Comes The Evening

2011-03-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

Sunset Comes 9 x 12 pastel SOLD
What is not to love at the end of a long day in the garden then to gaze at the warm glow of the sun descending upon another day?
What was accomplished? Was I a blessing to those I saw and/or was in touch with? I hope so and if I haven't been, I will try harder tomorrow.

Leaf Ballet

2011-03-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Leaf Ballet oil 6 x 6 SOLD
My favorite subjects are trees and leaves, the last hangers-on of Fall seem to be doing a graceful dance across the branches letting the woods they live in have a last show before winter winds remove them from the stage. Living in Minnesota we have a change of seasons that we all look forward to sometimes the seasons seem too short and other times too long but God in his wisdom makes the choice for us and we can revel or grieve at the coming and going.

The Values of White

2011-03-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Values of White oil 6x6

This was a challenge of doing white on a print , multi colored background. I did set this up in my studio with a single light source and can truly say I could look like van Gogh and cut an ear off in frustration. That being said, I did pursue and came up with the above painting.
I think it is always interesting to see how much color white really has. So.......................the question continues, what color is white?

In My Easter Bonnet

2011-03-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

In My Easter Bonnet oil 6x6

Chickens are one of my favorite subjects to paint. This particular bird belonged to a Collector of my work and when I saw it I broke out laughing. What an outstanding plumage and it looks like it thinks it looks pretty special , who knows maybe even the envy of all the other birds in the flock. I am a hat lover and this truly makes me wonder if I looked as special as this in any of MY hats.

Into the Evening

2011-03-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Into the Evening oil 16x20 SOLD
This view is always awsome at any time of year but expecially in the summer. The field on the left is grain, ready to be harvested and these greens are as lush as they get in Northern Minnesota. At this time of day I always wonder if I have made good use of the day that I have been blessed with, if my answer is no I pray to do better the next day.

Tanked

2011-03-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

Tanked Oil 5 x 7

Sometimes, there is just a scene or subject that you just HAVE to paint. This is the tank that provides the gas to heat my studio and when I walked by it one summer day this beautiful pattern of light and shadow appeared. More often than not I find that ordinary objects a scenes at some point in time just call to you. Paint Me, Paint Me, this one did and I did. This fulfills the need I have to paint what I see as wonderful in a small space of time,. Perhaps these are not always the most salable paintings but there are sometimes the most fun to do. I also have been working on stronger colors and greater contrast with limited palettes such as this.
I am especially enjoying posting this today as this is covered in several feet of snow after a two day storm. But this is a reminder that summer will be here again .

Filler up at Mt. Carmel

2011-03-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

Filler Up at Mt. Carmel oil 7x5

This old gas pump sits near one of the shop buildings at Mt. Carmel. Standing proudly it looks as though it could serve up gas anytime and wouldn't we love to have gas at the price it was when this pump was in use. Many of the people who come here for a retreat have been coming since the 1930's. Families come to spend a week together in this beautiful quiet spot. Much has changed in all these years but the renewing of the spirit is as strong as ever.

Miller Farmstead

2011-03-05T14:50:00.000-08:00

Miller Farmstead oil 24x36
This was a commission piece done for a local farm family. Commissions are always an adventure. There are always specific things that need to be included. The choices are up to the person/s requesting the piece to be painted but there are always fun families to work with and this was one of them. I was given much artistic licence. Not only was their home and out buildings to be included but the garden in front and last of all way on the right side of the garage is their dog . Taking his picture to include him in the painting was hilarious. I went to their farm and since the dog is very friendly he came over and immediately began investigating me as I was walking around with my camera. Since he was what I came to photograph I gave the command to SIT, he looked at me like I was nuts, so the second command was given louder and firmer, still no compliance, the third time I broke the sound barrier and he plopped his butt firmly to the ground and just looked at me. After taking all the reference photos I needed I simply got in my car with him still staring at me as drove off. When I spoke to his owners the next week I found out he always got a treat when he would sit, so now of course I was feeling very guilty and the next week brought him the biggest bone I could find in the pet store. No wonder he looked at me as though I was cheating him of something.

Daylily

2011-03-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Daylily oil 6x4
You will frequently see paintings of daylilies on my blog. They are abundant at Mt. Carmel Retreat Center where I spend many weeks teaching oils and pastels. This was also done for the Dailypainters one stroke challenge and was both fun and frustrating. These day lilies are always a ray of sunshine whereever they are planted on the grounds and have become favorites.
Here in Northern Minnesota we have had a day of sunshine in the 20's not bad, we love anything these days that is not cloudy snowy or cloudy.
You may notice in a lot of my florals I work with a strong complimentary color to what my flower is. I have a tendency to paint with more subtle colors and soft edges so I constantly challenge myself by choosing a limited palette and often complimentary colors .

Hollyhocks

2011-02-27T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hollyhocks oil 7x5
A hope of the summer to come, done from pictures of the hollyhocks that surround the front of my studio . These bright little flowers always remind me of the farm homes in the area, I don't think there was a yard without them as well as lilacs in the Spring

Pipestone Vineyard

2011-02-27T11:42:00.000-08:00

Pipestone Vineyard oil 20x24

Private Collection

I tried to capture the moisture in the air early in the morning in this vineyard

This was a commission for a couple who had visited here and wanted a painting to record their memories of that very special place.

Golden Windrows

2011-02-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Golden Windrows pastel 6x12 (sold)

August begins the harvest season, here you see the grain cut and put in neat rows ready for the combine to come and separate the grain from the chaf. These golden rows dry only briefly in the sun and then are gone again for another year. They remind me of little paths that I could run through to some magical place.

End of the Season

2011-02-27T11:23:00.000-08:00

End of the Season pastel 14x21 SOLD

Yes, another winter painting. This painting is moody, a part of my artwork that I have been working on. Subdued color typical of the last of fall and the arrival of snow. Subtle tones predominate with the only bit of color that stands out being in the flowers themselves. This is a quieter time of year for us here on the farm and I will be spending more time in the studio rather than in the gardens weeding and harvesting the bounty they give. I have a summer kitchen in which everything picked goes into the refrigerator for immediate use or into the sinks to be washed, and either frozen or canned. Some will also go to a local food bank or sold to neighbors.

Some may look at this as a sad time of year but I look at it as a time for rest for all the plants and the soil.

Winter's Blanket

2011-02-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

Winter's Blanket, oil 12x12
If you think I am obsessed with winter, it is because we have so much of it here in northern Minnesota. I enjoy painting these intimate bits of nature and see the beauty of the living things that struggle to survive the climate..... in spite of all the odds.. they do and come Spring they will be filled with beautiful greens. I have always had a difficult time understanding how snow insulates and protects the plants and grasses when I am freezing in sub-zero weather and shoveling all this white stuff.

It seems God has creation covered in a blanket for a reason.

Mt. Carmel Hydrangias

2011-02-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

You will hear me mention Mt. Carmel in my writings frequently. Mt. Carmel is a Christian Retreat Center located on Lake Carlos near Alexandria , MN. During the summer months I am there about seven different weeks. Each week I teach two afternoons of pastels and two days of oils to the quests. It is a great opportunity for people 12-90+ to try their hand at creating a painting. It is rewarding and fun for me to get people excited about painting.
The grounds are lovely, these hydrangias surround the lodge and are always heavily laden with white blossoms, they remind me of snow in summer. I paint daily each morning on the grounds and the resulting plein air pieces are offered for sale to the quests in a silent auction and 50% of proceeds go toward their scholarship fund.

Winter Sunshine

2011-02-24T15:21:00.000-08:00

Winter Sunshine, oil, 9x12
The freezing crisp winter days let me spend time in the studio painting. Needless to say here in Minnesota it is winter and when the new snow falls (as too much of it has this winter) the purity and sparkle of the snow as the sun gets lower in the sky on our short days make this a common scene here on the farm. There seems to me to be a special beauty in the coldness of the snow with the quickly dropping sun. Makes the short days worth it to see this nearly every day.

View at the Sanctuary

2011-02-24T15:03:00.000-08:00

Memories of a beautiful day at a nearby Nature Sanctuary. My son and I spent a lovely July morning walking the many paths and stopping to take in the quiet and lovely plants ,pond and stream running through the area. A must do -again when summer comes returns to northern Minnesota.