A Portrait that's not a Face

While viewing photos of a new baby I was stopped by one of little feet. How cute were these!? Irresistible - they had to be painted. I hadn't gotten a baby gift yet for the new parents, and I thought they'd enjoy a painting of their little daughter. I got to work, wrapped it, and gave it to the mother. And yes, mom says, the painting is much enjoyed.

Art as gifts

It has been my pleasure to enrich the lives of a number of people lately - my paintings have been given as gifts for special occasions. The events included birthdays, wedding anniversaries, new baby, and (my favorite - husband points all over this one!) Honey, I thought of you today. Some of the paintings were commissions, others were chosen for the special meaning they have for the recipient. Commissions included loved ones, both human and pets, which are paintings that are treasured by all. Landscape paintings were chosen because they evoke fond memories of places and events whenever the painting is viewed. I expect recipients of these gifts to be happy, but an unexpected benefit is to see how happy the gift giver is for these events. Someone who gives the gift of art knows that the gift will be like no other, and it is truly from and to the heart: from me, the creator, through the giver, to the receiver. Thank you to all whose lives have been enhanced and who have done so for mine, too.

Summer Exhibits

Beautiful landscape paintings celebrate the natural world around us. We are blessed with lakes and trees and PALS gets outside in all seasons to bring you these paintings.

You are invited to join me and my painting PALS (Plein Air Lake Superior) to celebrate art exhibits.

Come visit with us and enjoy the paintings.

We will be at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Sunday June 27, 1:00-4:00. The wildlife refuge is a much under-appreciated treasure nestled amongst the strip malls and hotels of Bloomington. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes! The paintings will be exhibited until August 8.

Aug 9 - Aug 27: ArtReach St Croix, artist reception Aug 20, 6:00-9:00.

An Exhibit and an Interview

You just never know what is going to happen when you put paintings in an exhibit. Yearly I have paintings at a local coffee shop. I receive many comments from people who have seen my paintings there, and people are able to purchase a painting to enjoy in their own home. This year something different happened: an interview.

After the paintings had been exhibited for a few days I received an email asking me if I would be interested in being interviewed about being an artist. Of course, I'm always happy to share what I know about art and painting, especially if I get to talk about my passion, pastel painting! I spent an enjoyable hour at the coffee shop with a local college student. Check out the resulting article:

http://www.d.umn.edu/writ/jour/lakevoice/?p=1938

Artists of Minnesota Spring Conference 2010

Putting on a conference is a lot of work for those behind the scenes. How do all 255 paintings get hung? And awards decided? And food served?? And programs selected??? Fellow artists, that's how. In the end, it's all worth it. I had the opportunity to help with the 2010 Conference in Duluth. Conference is a chance to meet new friends, see old friends, and be surrounded by art and artists. Who else can better understand the joys and angst of painting than fellow artists?

There is always something new to learn from the demos and from looking at all the paintings. Here's Scott during his demo. It's such a great inspiration all around. I finished the weekend exhausted but fired up to take my paintings to new heights. Thank you to all the artists!

Art Calendar Magazine

I am pleased to celebrate publication in a national artist's magazine. Maybe next time I'll be on the cover!

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Every 10 years the Minneapolis Institute of Arts has an exhibit of art by Minnesotans. I was able to submit a painting this year, and went to see the show last week end. What an interesting event! Literally

thousands of artworks are exhibited in several rooms of the Institute.

It was fun to enjoy all the variety

and to find my own painting.

Which one here do you think is mine?