Flight Plan *SOLD

Flight Plan is a fun little ink painting. This piece was inspired by the shapes of the Kingfisher bird and Woodpeckers. I was told recently, that woodpeckers pair up after the winter solstice. Since learning of this - I have noticed the happy pairs dancing about.

Flight Plan is an original painting - ink on arches watercolor paper. Artwork is 6.5" x 7" - framed to 9" x 8.5". It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN | $98.00

First Light Amidst the Birch - original by Jessie Townsdin *SOLD

First Light Amidst the Birch is made up of many layers to give it a feel of being nestled amongst the rich trees of Northern Minnesota. With the leaves colored from green to red - I wanted it to feel like early Fall and plenty of time to enjoy the colorful palette of the season. As with many of my paintings, I exaggerated the colors, I added deep blues where you would normally see grey and browns. This is a colorful piece - a blanket of color to lift spirits and remind the viewer of the happiness being in the forest brings.

First Light Amidst the Birch is a large 30"x40" acrylic painting on stretched canvas with 1.5" thick stretcher bars and painted edges. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $875.00 | 218-547-3729

Modern Scandinavian Garden - Tiger-Iris *SOLD

This little painting is full of color and simple pleasures. In the style of my Modern Scandinavian Garden Series - I used simplified geometric lines and bright colors . This piece is about clean lines and COLOR.

Modern Scandinavian Garden - Tiger-Iris is 8"x16" on stretched canvas with painted edges. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $140.00 - original  | 218-547-3729

Modern Scandinavian Songbird Garden *SOLD

It's been too long since I have created a piece for my Modern Scandinavian garden series. I thought it was time for a cheerful little piece. What could be more cheerful than a sweet song bird sitting on whimsical blooms with a swirly backdrop? 

I contrasted geometric and elongated shapes against over-exaggerated organic shapes and then topped it with vibrant color to give this little painting a sweet and happy tone.

Modern Scandinavian Songbird Garden is professionally framed in a delicate modeled frame with conservation glass. It is approximately 6"x12" and available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $115.00 |  218-547-3729    

Shore Keeper *SOLD

While walking on my Grandmother's property, in northern Minnesota, I was pleased to discover a sweet grouping of grasses along the boarder of her harbor. With the cooler temperatures these grasses must have turned from green to yellow - creating a sweet and happy boarder to the lake. 

It didn't take me long to get to work on these flowing beauties. I had the color scheme in mind and started sketching. I felt a square 40"x40" canvas would work best for this piece. The final piece is meant to put the viewer at ease. It is a calm piece. Think of walking by the lake on a lovely autumn morning with a cup of coffee in hand and nothing but inspiration on your mind.

Shore Keeper is a 40"x40" acrylic painting on stretched canvas with 1.5" thick stretcher bars and painted edges. The last photo (shown above) is the photo I took for inspiration. Shore Keeper is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN  | 218-547-3729

This Land -SOLD

This Land is my newest painting on 140 lb paper. I used the technique of Red Earth FW ink for my base drawing and then overpainted with acrylic to give it a printed look. 

My inspiration for this piece was a fancy shawl dancer at an Onigum Pow Wow. I decided to create an open prairie feeling for the background to give the dancer a sense of limitless space and connection to the land. The dancer, in real life, wore pastel pinks, blacks and bright blue tones in her shawl. I decided to use earth tones to make her feel like she blended right into the landscape. We are all connected to the land and draw inspiration from her beauty. 

This Land is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. Artwork size is approximately 14"x18". Framed size is 19.5"x23". Call for more information 218-547-3729 | $300.00 framed

Natural Habitat *SOLD

Natural Habitat was inspired by golden sunsets and flowing fields. When the light starts to fade and everything is illuminated in a warm gorgeous glow - we can't help but take it all in and enjoy the beautiful world around us. 

A wild field with tall flowing wildflowers and grasses has a romance about it that calls to be painted. This piece is meant to be calming - to remind the viewer of warm Autumn sunsets and golden light over free fields. 

Natural Habitat is a 24"x48" acrylic painting on stretched canvas with 1.5" thick stretcher bars. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $625.00 | 218-547-3729

Fancy Shawl Dancer *SOLD

I have had the good fortune of being able to attend several Pow Wows in the Leech Lake area this summer. The Jingle Dress and Fancy Shawl dances are some of my favorite for accentuating the beautiful flowing style of the dancers. This illustration/painting is based on one of the fancy shawl dancers from the Leech Lake tribe. 

I sketched this piece with graphite and then overlaid my lines with FW Ink. My last step was to over paint with acrylic paint. I was careful to not overpower the dancer but hint at the vibrant colors of the dance. 

A good framer can really bring a piece alive. I went with Joel's advise at Heritage Framing and had him double matt the piece. He added a beautiful touch of raising the image slightly to give it a beautiful presence. 

Red Canoe *SOLD

FW artist inks have been a fun new tool for me. With this piece, I sketched my drawing using paynes grey ink and then over-painted with acrylic paint. The heavy-weight watercolor paper added a nice texture to the simple piece.

I felt like adding more pop to the piece with a bight cobalt turquoise coat of paint on the square frame. The final piece is a modern, simple - little piece with a lot of personality. The 4.25" artwork is framed to a final size of 7". Red Canoe is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $46.00 | 218-547-3729 

Dappled Forest *SOLD

This tiny little canvas packs a bold - naples yellow and teal punch. It is hard to see all the texture  on this canvas - from the photo - but you will see it in person. I used a modeled plaster - applied with palette knife - before adding the color. Because of this - light will hit the surface different from every angle - giving it a unique effect. 

Dappled Light is a 5" square acrylic painting on stretched canvas. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $65.00 | 218-547-3729

Hudson Bay Morning *SOLD

Who turns down a Hudson Bay coat in pristine condition - not me. When my Aunt and Godmother, called to say she had a Husdon Bay with my name on it - I said - YES Please! The best part is that the coat was originally purchased just down the road from my shop. Aunt Christy does have an eye for the Classics! 

It has been too warm to wear my new coat but it has inspired a little painting/illustration. This 4" square painting started out as a drawing. I then painted over my sketch in ink and finally overpainted with acrylic. Since it is a small piece - it needed a bold frame and red was my first choice. I used a rustic - hand painted - layer of paint on this little frame and played off the Hudson Bay stripes with a touch of yellow.

Hudson Bay morning is framed to 7" square and available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $46.00

Turning Point *SOLD

I don't know about you - but I'm excited for the fall colors and cooler temperatures. I've always been a lover of layers - both in clothing and paint. As we get ready for hats, scarves and jackets - my painting palette is moving to rich oranges, cobalt turquoise and yellow.

This piece has several layers of texture and color - creating a patchwork feeling with depth and movement. I thought a simple - natural floater frame would finish the piece nicely - giving it a modern and clean feeling. Turning Point is a 11"x14" acrylic painting on stretched canvas. It is framed to 15.5"x12.5" and available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $215.00 - framed. | 218-547-3729

Bittersweet - Bluebird Days *SOLD

Bittersweet is in it's full orange glory right now and inspiring new paintings. I tried to capture the end of summer - blue glory - against the bright pop of orange and red - with this piece. 

This 11"x14" acrylic painting is on stretched canvas and framed in a natural floater frame. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $150 - framed. | 218-547-3729

Modern Scandinavian Garden - Bluebell *SOLD

Modern Scandinavian Garden - Bluebell - is a new piece in my series of colorful - playful pieces. Once again, the shapes are elongated and simplified - making the piece about color - joyful color. 

Modern Scandinavian Garden - Bluebell - is a small 8"x10" acrylic painting on stretched canvas with 3/4" stretcher bars and painted edges. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $65.00 - 218-547-3729

Bittersweet Series Sept - 2015 *SOLD

Here is my newest series of little 6"x6" Bittersweet paintings. I'll never tire of painting these sweet, climbing, dancing, bright berries of the forest. 

Bittersweet series - August 2015 - is on hold at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN - $75.00 each | 218-547-3729

Scandinavian Garden - Allium *SOLD

Scandinavian Garden - Allium is a new piece from my Modern Scandinavian series. 2 weeks ago - I taught a class in this style and enjoyed all the paintings that the class created! The basis for this style includes elongated shapes, bright colors and whimsical lines which sit on top of very straight lines. 

I realized, during the class, how much time this process actually takes. The time goes by so fast that you don't realize 4-5 hours actually goes into a small 7" x 15" piece. This was the piece I was demonstrating with to show the inspiration and style that creates a modern Scandinavian garden feel.

Scandinavian Garden - Allium is framed and available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $76.00 | 218-547-3729

Evening Allium *SOLD

I'm starting to desire layers of clothing and dark rich colors again - fall must be in the air. This little watercolor started out as a study for a class, I was teaching, in layering watercolor and salt techniques. I thought it was worth finishing and framing. The colors make me want to go for a walk in the fall colors.

Evening Allium is a 6"x6.5" watercolor on 140 lb arches cold press watercolor paper. It is framed to be 12"x12.5" in a simple black frame. Evening Allium  is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $45.00 | 218-547-3729

Departure *SOLD

For this painting titled - Departure - I limited myself to titanium white, payne's gray, and burnt umber. I intentionally kept the piece loose and sketchy to convey movement and raw energy. The birds that I based the piece on are scavengers such as ravens and hawks. These large - powerful birds have a darkness about them but also a rich presence.  The lifecycle would be at a loss without these birds to clean and renew. 

Departure is a large 36" x 36" acrylic painting on stretched canvas with 1.5" thick stretcher bars and support bars. It will look best in a modern setting with white or grey walls. It will be available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN  | 218-547-3729

Reach for the Sun *SOLD

Reach for the Sun is similar in style to several smaller pieces I have done this year but I added more layers and color to this piece. I started out with a much brighter - flat palette and kept adding richness until the piece calmed down and sat still - as if watching the sun go down behind the trees. 

What surprised me is the dramatic difference in mood this piece has - depending on the light it is in. In a bright setting the yellows and greens come to life. In a darker setting the subtle reds in the background bring out the rich blues and teals. It will be fun to see where Reach for the Sun finds a home and what colors decide to dance for it's new owners. 

Reach for the Sun is a large painting at 3' x 4' - acrylic on stretched canvas with 1.5" thick - $925.00 | 218-547-3729

Northwood Beach *SOLD

Detail of Northwood Beach painting

Northwood Beach hanging

Until I was about 8 years old - my Grandparents owned and ran a little Motel called Northwood Beach in Walker, MN. I have happy memories here. I don't remember all the details but I do remember the view from their dining room of beautiful blue water - framed by 2 sweet birch trees. I believe the birch trees are gone now, and I know the skyline has more variation - but in the mind of an 8 year old - this is how I captured the view.

Northwood Beach is a 24" x 48" acrylic painting on stretched canvas with 1.5" thick stretcher bars and painted edges. To see the layers of color - click on the detail view or come in to Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN to see it in person. Northwood Beach is $865.00 | 218-547-3729

Breeze *SOLD

Breeze is a new technique for me. I used a process of: gesso base, then applied a brushed artist acrylic ink (red earth color) and my final layer was an acrylic overpainting, using payne's grey and white paint. The surface is stretched canvas.

My inspiration was a photo that I took in 2007 on Rainy Lake. These sailors looked content and relaxed - just playing with the wind. 

Artwork size is 11"x14" with a natural floater frame making it a little larger and giving it a modern touch. Breeze is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $150.00 | 218-547-3729

Branches and Blooms

Branches and Blooms is a small watercolor - with intense color. I was experimenting with salt, masking fluid and layers of M. Graham paint for this little piece. 

Branches and Blooms is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $78.00 - framed & with conservation glass. 218-547-3729

Fluid Motion

Fluid Motion is the result of visualizing an image and being in the right place at the right time. I have been wanting to paint a single rower for about a year now and the opportunity to take photos - for inspiration - arrived last month. The sport of rowing is such a graceful and all around athletic sport. I didn't realize exactly how important balance and timing were to the sport until I witnessed a beginner attempt the sport and then see the difference when an experienced rower took over. 

I first envisioned a graphite sketch but after sketching out the piece I decided a simple 2 tone ink piece would balance the flow of the water with the stability of the rower. The sketch took some time but the process of brushing on the ink was very fast. I started with the red layer and over painted with cool grey - leaving the white of the watercolor paper to represent the glimmer of light on water.  Something about acrylic ink on watercolor paper or hand made paper has a richness the appeals to me. 

Fluid Motion is a 12" square painting using FW ink and a touch of Chinese watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper. It is at the framer and will be available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN soon. | 218-547-3729

Raised Wild

So…. it is possible …I painted a poisonous weed but they were so interesting - I couldn't resist. I discovered this plant in a field on a winter day. The flower skeleton was crystalized with little snowflake droplets making it look like a magical field of wishes. For this painting - I painted the plant in a warmer grayish/ocher/sage/sky blue setting. I was going for a soft and soothing piece.

Raised wild is a 12"x36" acrylic painting on stretched canvas with 1.5" thick stretcher bars and painted edges. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $275.00 | 218-547-3729

Sunflower Sweetness *SOLD

Sunflower Sweetness is a mixed media piece - a result of testing out new art materials. I started out with a graphite sketch, added some Derwent Inktense washes and then tried a Chinese watercolor layer - using Yasutomo watercolors. The Chinese watercolor layer had some bubbling so I used this texture to hold a Prismacolor Nupastel layer of blue. The final product - I think you will agree - is a very bright little sunflower piece

Sunflower Sweetness is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. The final piece is 6"x17"on 140 lb. watercolor paper. | 218-547-3729

With the Wind *SOLD

I photographed this dancer at a pow-wow in 2007.  At only about 7 years old he already looked like he knew who he was. He had confidence and style about him. In the past I have sketched him dancing but decided this time to sketch his walk. I started out with just the boy walking and then added the path around him. I used very simple lines. 

As I thought about a title for the piece my friend Larry came to mind. Larry is a midwesterner with a farm in Iowa. When he's not covered in wood chips, charcoal soot, or dust from projects, he is dressed with style and confidence. Larry once told me that his name didn't suit him. I asked what name he would chose for himself - he said, "I don't know - I need to find out what the Lakota translation for With the Wind - would be" I have called him With the Wind since. I think With the Wind and this little dancer have a similar presence about them.

With the Wind is a 8" x 18" graphite sketch on 140 lb. paper. 

Dock-sitter *SOLD

Some of my favorite things are represented in this simple watercolor. I contemplated painting the woman fishing and then decided she would be content to dip her toes in the water and watch the incoming boat. Perhaps the boat is picking her up to go fishing? I wanted the dock to feel like a classic wood dock with solar lanterns above. I also wanted the woman to look timeless, elegant - a classic beauty. 

Dock-sitter is an 11"x14" painting on 140 lb. watercolor paper. I used graphite and payne's gray watercolor for this piece. It is framed in a simple 16"x20" black wood frame with off-white mat board. Dock-sitter is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $76.00 framed | 218-547-3729

Milkweed Tales *SOLD

As I painted Monarch Sanctuary - an acrylic painting on canvas - I thought the same subject would be fun to paint as a watercolor. I started out this watercolor in pale grey, washed blues and ochers but it took a turn for a brighter palette as I continued. Many transparent colors layer in this piece. I used a combination of loose washes - for the background - and tight detail for the front pods. 

The final size will be approximately 22"x26" framed and matted. Milkweed Tales will be available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $315.00

October Paddle *SOLD

October Paddle was inspired by a beautiful evening, a man (my husband) and his fishing rod, a canoe with ties to Minnesota and the reflection that a steady stroke makes on a calm lake. 

I have had this painting in mind for some time and finally had the right subject to paint. As with all my paintings, I started out with a sketch in paint - an underpainting. This portion came along fast as I was anxious to get this image down in paint. My husband says that he must inspire me - which he does. The layers happened over several weeks as I added many colors and details. I wanted the water to be just as much a part of the painting as the movement of the canoe. 

October Paddle is a 30" x 40" acrylic painting on stretched canvas with 1.5" thick stretcher bars and painted edges. Available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN | 218-547-3729

Angelica Protection -SOLD

Recently I was asked to do another Blue Angelica painting, based on my 40" square Blue Angelica painting from 2014. This painting was to hang in an entryway to bless a cabin home. I knew that the Angelica scent was know for protective qualities but found out that blue and violet are also colors signifying protection. Combining all 3 would be a sure sign of protective and healing elements and and ideal subject to hang at the entrance to a home.

This piece is 24"x24" acrylic on canvas with 1.5" thick stretcher bars and painted edges. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $425.00 | 218-547-3729

Bittersweet - Bright Afternoon II *SOLD

The bright blue sky, we have been seeing the last couple of days, has inspired yet another bittersweet painting. Cobalt Blue is my base for this happy little 8"x8" canvas.

Bittersweet - Bright Afternoon II is acrylic on stretched canvas with 3/4" stretcher bars and painted edges. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $68.00 | 218-547-3729

Bittersweet - Daybreak *SOLD

When it rains for 5 days straight - I'm bound to brighten my palette to try and bring a little sunshine to my eyes. That is the case with Bittersweet - Daybreak. 

One of my favorite color combinations is Naples Yellow Deep with Pyrolle Red because it creates a warm sunset base - as it did with this little painting.

Bittersweet - Daybreak is a 8"x8" acrylic painting on stretched canvas with painted edges. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $65.00 | 218-547-3729

Bittersweet - Headstong *SOLD

Bittersweet - Headstrong is at the framer receiving it's finishing touches. It will be mounted and displayed in a beautiful wood frame with just the right tone to really bring out the orange berries.

Actual artwork size is 8.5"x16.75" - final artwork in frame will be 10.25"x18.5". 

Bittersweet - Headstrong will be available soon at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN for $225.00  - framed | 218-547-3729