Spring Thaw ©

This past weekend, friends and I went to a park just outside of Harvard, IL to paint.  It was fun watching the geese land on the ice…..in fact, it was even more fun listening to my friend Marybeth laugh when they did!!  I have entitled this small masterpiece, “Spring Thaw”, even though here in Illinois we wonder if spring will ever arrive this year.
Oil on canvas on panel, 8x8"

Hint of Spring ©

This is the first plein air piece of the year.  I painted with a friend in her back yard.  It was fabulous.....the birds were singing, squirrels were running around and I was in heaven painting outside!!!
Oil on canvas on panel, 6x6"

Quiet Place ©

It was spring in Minnesota and the calm waters of this small lake drew my attention.  The deep blue water against the fading dried underbrush, leads the viewer's attention to the center of my small masterpiece. 

Oil on canvas on panel, 6"H x 8"W
 

Plein Air Tip - Choose a Compact, Lightweight Easel

Lightening your load is rule number one in my Plein Air Tips book. I love my Richeson half easel, model #886026.  It is compact, light weight and easy to transport.  You can buy one on-line for less than $100!  Just google the words Richeson Easel and you will find many places to buy one, including the usual art supply sites, Amazon and even Walmart.

Cattails ©

It was a beautiful spring day in Wisconsin.  A group of plein air artists and myself ventured down the muddy trail where I found a perfect place to set up my easel.  I used my palette knife to capture the cattails, grass and such in the foreground.

Oil on canvas panel. 6"W x 8"H
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Tuesday Morning ©

I did this painting from a photo I took up in Ely, Minnesota.  It's another one of those beautiful lakes they have in Minnesota.  It was early spring and everything was coming back to life after a hard winter!

Oil on canvas panel, 6"H x 8"W
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Morning View ©

This beautiful field is across the street from my home.  I painted it from inside my porch with all my winter gear on!  I just love the way the sun plays across the field, giving the trees a beautiful bronze glow.  The shadows on the snow are awesome with the different blues and violets.   

Oil on canvas panel, 8"H x 10"W