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