Refuge

10"x10" acrylic on canvas

This painting was a blast to paint. I usually do a brown or burnt sienna underpainting. This time I decided a cerulean blue underpainting would work nicely. I took the reference for this painting on our trip to the Grand Portage National Monument in Minnesota. My family and I were having a picnic and watching these seagulls standing on the rocks. I loved the way the waves washed over the rocks leaving a beautiful shine.

Cascade River

24"x24" acrylic on canvas

This painting is based on reference from my trip to the North Shore of Minnesota. The river is so beautiful with rich amber colors. The color of the water is fascinating, I was inspired to paint it the moment I saw it.. It is so peaceful along the rivers edge. I could just sit and relax for hours.

Here is a description of why the water has this unique color... The brown color comes from the water that drains out of the swamps and bogs into the river.  The decaying organic matter in the swamps creates humic acid.  This is what colors the water brown. The foam comes from the water tumbling over the rocks and waterfalls.  The aerated water with the humic acid and natural organic matter causes the foam.  Some of the dark color comes from iron deposits located along the river's course.  How do we know it's not pollution?  Because there isn't any development along the 17 miles of the Cascade River.  The Root Beer look of the Cascade River comes from all natural ingredients.

If you love nature and rivers with beautiful waterfalls, I would recommend a trip to the Cascade River State Park. There is so much to see along the North Shore of Minnesota. Here is a link for park info http://www.northshorevisitor.com/state-parks/cascade.html

3x3

72"x36" acrylic on canvas

This was one of those paintings that I was inspired to paint. I felt that it would be great as a large horizontal painting.  The references were taken from a walk at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton IL. where my family and I frequently visit for Sunday afternoon walks. I love horses and each one is unique and fascinating in there own way. I painted them so that they are kind of morphing from white to brown to add more interest into the painting.

This is by far the largest painting I have ever done. It was very challenging, but I was determined to finish. Now, I can't wait to move onto my next subject.

Camping Trip

My family and I went on a camping trip to Warren Dunes in Michigan this past weekend. We had a lot of fun. I didn't do any plein air painting, but I did take my sketchbook along. It was very challenging to draw people and boats in motion. It forced me to draw from memory at times because the subject would move or go away all together.

Still Painting

I have not updated my blog lately, but I have been painting. Every night after work, I paint about an hour or so. I am currently working on this 72"x36" painting. It is really taking a long time, but I am determined to finish it before I start anything else.

Elmhurst Art Guild Members Show

I didn't make it to the Elmhurst Art Guild members show last night. So we went to check it out today... It is an amazing show with a lot of talented artists at the Elmhurst Art Museum in Elmhurst, IL. I didn't get an award for my painting "Daddy's Little Princess". But, there is no reward that can make me more proud than the one I am holding in my arms.

Vacation

My family and I had a great vacation on the North Shore in Minnesota. I took lots of reference photos of wildlife, waterfalls, boats and landscapes. I also painted some plein air. The weather was just beautiful. Much cooler than the 100 degree weather we have been having in Chicago. I wish I could have stayed longer.


I can't wait to paint some larger landscapes from my reference photos. Stay tuned.

Train Ride

14" x 11" acrylic on nature core paint board

I had fun painting this portrait for a friend of mine. It is painted on a Fredrix nature core paint board. The board consists of a blend of vegetable based and recycled components. Its a smooth canvas wrapped around 3/4 of an inch of a hard board and sandwiched with foam. Perfect for portrait work. I think I will paint on a board like this again in the future. I would recommend it.

Sisters

8"x10" acrylic on masonite

Here is a portrait commission I have just recently finished. Portraits are always a challenge, but I really do enjoy painting them. Sometimes a likeness can be achieved rather quickly and other times it seems to be a struggle to get there. This painting was a bit of both. In the end I am very happy with the finished piece. I hope the family will be happy with it too.

Daddy's Little Princess

18"x24" acrylic on canvas

close up of detail

This is a painting of my daughter doing what she loves to do best. Ride here little bike up and down the driveway. She is my little princess and that is what I love to call her. I am very pleased with the finished piece. I am looking forward to painting more people in the future.