Growing Forward

This was my meditation painting. Many hot beverages were consumed while working on this piece. Many peaceful songs were listened to and many inspiring podcasts were taken in while sketching and painting. I hope you can feel the peace it holds. 

The original inspiration came from a colorful crop or perennials that were blooming where my Grandmother planted them years ago. We took down a giant Basswood tree the summer before and the lilies are now thriving from the direct sunshine. A lime green background would have been more fitting but the rich teal-blue was what called to me. You might notice a grasshopper hidden amongst the stems. I thought his presence and symbolism of moving forward would complement this piece. Hence the name - Growing Forward. 

Growing Forward is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. cold press arches paper. It is professionally framed with non-glare glass. The final framed size is 31" square. This piece is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. for $1,500.00 | 218-547-3729

 

Forest Breath

 I painted - Forest Breath - with a palette knife which gives it a nice thick texture. The texture also picks up the light differently depending on the time of day. I started out thinking this would be a summer scene but hints of autumn snuck in giving it a late summer feeling. This large painting would do well in an entryway or in a room with high ceilings. 

Forest Breath is an acrylic painting on deep edge, professionally stretched canvas with cross braces and painted edges. This piece measures 40"x60" and is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. for $3,400.00 | 218-547-3729

Summer Visitor

 

The sounds of summer are starting to return. Songbirds that leave us for the cold month have started to arrive. Soon we will see open water and hear frogs and then...the best song of all - the Loon call will fill our ears with hope.  Green and blue and flowers a bloom will be here soon! The sleek loon will fish the waters and dazzle us with its perfect patterns and haunting sounds. I'm so excited! 

Summer Visitor is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. arches watercolor paper. This piece is framed with conservation glass. Final framed size is 9.5" square. This painting is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. for $185.00 | 218-547-3729

Open Water •SOLD

 It's nearly Springtime and I'm ready to see the blue and movement of open water and all that comes with it. The flutter of activity, sound and movement of birds and ducks returning to the water is a welcome sight. They should be here soon! This painting was inspired by the Hooded Mergansers and Mallards that were visitors last Spring. 

Open Water is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. Arches paper. It is professionally framed with conservation glass. The final framed size is 15.25" x 7.75". This piece is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN.  | 218-547-3729

Reed Haven

 Layers and layers of paint make up Reed Haven. With every layer my family would tell me it was done....but I knew it wasn't done until now. I want you to feel the stillness, peace and color that I feel when I'm out for an evening paddle and come across calm habitats along the water. I can't tell you how many times I took my camera with me to try to capture the right reflections, color and light to create this piece. I hope you feel like you are out paddling with the birds in the calming light. 

Reed Haven is an acrylic painting on deep edge stretched canvas with painted edges. This piece is 30"x30" and available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. for $1,600.00 | 218-547-3729

Moonlight Dockside Picnic

 The idea for this painting came to mind last fall when the moon was huge in the sky - sending sparkles and deep blue tones everywhere. I hope you imagine yourself enjoying the moon, warmth and magic an evening like this creates. 

Moonlight Dockside Picnic is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. watercolor paper. This piece is professionally framed with conservation glass. The final framed size is 14.75"x12.75". This piece is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. for $389.00

Swallow Tales

 You might notice that Tree Swallows make it into my work quite often now. After observing their style and agile movements I am mesmerized by them. The way they dance over water with their metallic blue tone - capturing the sunshine is so inspiring.

Swallow Tales is a brushed acrylic painting on 140 lb. hot press paper. This piece is professionally framed with conservation glass. The final framed size is 9.75"x11.75". This painting is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. for $265.00 | 218-547-3729

Tigerlily Dots and Swirls

 I have a weekness for Tigerlilies . . especially the type that flows with polkadots and swooping shapes. Maybe they remind me of the whimsical universe ...maybe it's just because polka dots make everything more fun. Either way...these were fun to sketch and paint!

Tigerlily Dots and Swirls  is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. arches cold press paper. This painting is professionally framed with conservation glass. The final framed size it 14.75"x9.25". This painting is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. for $295.00 | 218-547-3729

Just a Few More Minutes •SOLD

When the day is coming to an end and the evening colors glow, this paddler keeps paddling for a few more minutes, to take in the warm night and breathe. 

Just a Few More Minutes is an acrylic painting on stretched canvas with painted edges. The last image shows a side view. I used a palette knife to paint this piece using layers of textured paint. The final size is 30"x10". This piece is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. | 218-547-3729

Little Cabin in the Woods •SOLD

 When I was a teenager I often heard my family talk about the days of skiing at Shingobee. I have photos of my Grandad with his giant wood skis and Norwegian sweaters - standing outside the lodge. My teenage  dream was to re-open Shingobee as a ski area. To this day, every time I see the old chalet I'm filled with visions of generations gathering to enjoy this little cabin in the woods. I know this spot holds a special place in the hearts of many who visit the north woods. 

Little Cabin in the Woods is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. arches paper. This painting is professionally framed to a final size of 7"x12" and is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. | 218-547-3729

Stoic Neighbor •SOLD

 A few months ago, I was on a mission to find a porcupine in a tree. I did not find a porcupine....but I did find this beautiful creature. I felt its eyes before spotting her/him. Every encounter with an owl feels spiritual. I don't know if its their eyes, the way they fly or just their presence...whatever it is - I am drawn to them. 

Stoic Neighbor is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. arches paper. This painting is professionally framed with conservation glass. Final framed size is 11.5"x8.25". Stoic Neighbor is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN.  | 218-547-3728

Lilies After the Rain *SOLD

 I was lucky enough to get to buy my Grandparents house. They planted wonderful perennials including yellow and orange lilies that dance along in untamed sections. After it rained these beauties had a fun art nouveau swirl to them. So, of course, I had to paint them.

Lilies After the Rain is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. arches paper. It is professionally framed with conservation glass to a final size of 16"x10". This piece is sold. but I do have 6"x12" prints on steel available. 

As It Should Be

 As it Should Be - is about a feeling. I hope it conjures up feelings of days where your space is clean and everything is in its place. You have no agenda except creating a peaceful environment with music and candles. The coffee is brewed exactly as you like it. The day is yours and everything is as it should be. Can you feel it?

As It Should Be - is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. Arches paper. It is professionally framed with non-glare glass. This final framed size is 24.5"x26.75". This piece will be available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. Price is $1,200.00 | 218-547-3739

Cards and prints on paper will be available soon. 

Evening Calm - City Dock *Sold

A couple of years ago, a mother and daughter stopped into my shop. They looked like they were enjoying each others company and savoring the day. As they walked along the sidewalk I snapped a couple of photos...thinking they would be fun to paint. I worked on this piece off and on over a year. Shortly after finishing this piece, a group of people came into the store. They were dressed in flowing summer clothes and I thought, "They would be fun to paint." The little girl seemed familiar to me and then I connected that I had just finished painting her. After asking a few questions I was sure it was the mother and daughter from my painting. It was fun to give them some cards - of this painting - as a thank you for the inspiration. 

Evening Calm - City Dock - is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. cold press paper. It is professionally framed with non-glare glass. Final framed size is 20" square. This piece is sold. I do have cards and prints on steel available at Peculiar Painter | 218-547-3729

Blue Heron in Flight •SOLD

I had to paint another Blue Heron painting! I actually started this one with Great Blue - my last Blue Heron Painting. This one has a completely different feel from my last piece. I used a palette knife to create most of this painting. I want you to hear the Blue Heron's wings on a silent bay as the sun sets. The thick layers of paint help give the painting a texture that plays colors off of each other. 

Blue Heron in Flight is an acrylic painting on deep edge stretched canvas with painted edges. This painting is 12"x36" and available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN.  | 218-547-3729

Two in a Yellow Canoe

 Two in a Yellow Canoe is a whimsical little painting with bright dancing summer colors. Our house sits between 2 resorts. We witness many canoes being paddled in the summer. This pair looked perfectly in tuned to each other and their surroundings. 

This is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. hot press Arches paper. It is professionally framed with conservation glass to a final framed size of 8"x10". Two in a Yellow Canoe is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. for $215.00 | 218-547-3729

Gold & Green •SOLD

 When the familiar humming-buzz of a Hummingbird's wings returns to northern Minnesota - they bring joy to our hearts and flowers. I have been getting buzzed a lot recently...maybe it's because I have been wearing bright colors or maybe they are saying hello. Either way - they make me happy. 

Gold & Green is a small brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. hot press arches paper. It is framed with conservation glass to a final size of 6.75"x8.75" and available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN.  | 218-547-3729

Great Blue •SOLD (prints available)

If you have encountered a Great Blue Heron - you know they bring a sense of calm. They harmonize with their environment and move at their on pace. This Heron was taking a walk around our house, last year. I'm not sure why he was visiting so close but he gave me plenty of time to observe him and take photos...which inspired this painting. 

Great Blue is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. hot press arches paper. This piece is professionally framed with non-glare glass to a final size of 25" square.  The original is no longer available but I do have 8" prints on steel with with hanging brackets as well as ornament, cards, 10" prints on steel and 12" prints on paper (paper with boarder is 16"). These prints are available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN. | 218-547-3729