An Artist's Mark

Painting Selected for Salon Show

2012-02-05T08:31:00.000-05:00

Tomato and Scallions, oil, 6x6

I am happy to announce that this little painting was selected for the 2012 Salon International Exhibition to be held at the Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio, Texas. I will add more information to this post with the dates of the show, the reception, and when the paintings will be posted on their website.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

2012-01-06T21:15:00.001-05:00

Pinot Noir, oil on linen panel, 9x12

Painted on location last August at the Silver Tree Winery, north of Suttons Bay, MI.
This painting trip inspired the following paintings. I just finished the Chardonnay Grapes (below) and it will be added to the web site in February.

Fruit of the Vine, oil on linen panel, 12x16, $900. framed

Chardonnay, oil on panel, 7x5, $250. framed in black with gold lip

A Spy and Pinot Noir, oil on panel, 6x6, $250. - SOLD

Paintings at the 654 Exhibit

2011-12-16T19:13:00.000-05:00

January Moon, oil, 6x6, $250.

Frozen Sanctuary, oil, 16x20, $1600.

Cows in the Pasture, pastel, 6x12, $395.

Pasture Fields and Beyond, oil, 11x14, $800.

Haybales and Hills, oil, 9x12, $650.

Shifting Sand, oil, 30x40, $4800.

Snowy Boughs, oil, 7x5, SOLD

Shown are some of the paintings in the 654 Exhibit.
654 Croswell, East Grand Rapids, MI

The exhibit at 654ART/workcottage, will be available for viewing until Jan.6, 2012. "Six Women Artists: Paintings Inside and Out" is the title of our exhibit. The artists are Kathleen Putnam, Connie Kuhnle, Kay Tiedt, Patti Mollema, Barb Schilling and myself. The venue is actually a work space for business, so it is open during business hours, 7:30am - 6pm during the week. The receptions last Friday evening and Saturday were very well attended with close to 150 people viewing and sipping wine. Contact me by e-mail, Kalinowski@chartermi.net if you are interested in purchasing any of these paintings.

New Winter Paintings

2011-12-16T18:50:00.000-05:00

Snow Trails, pastel, 6x6, $225.
framed in warm silver

Winter Thaw I, pastel, 6x6, $225.
framed in warm silver

Winter Thaw II, pastel, 6x6, $225.
Framed in warm silver

New Season, pastel, 9x12, $500.
framed in Black with gold lip

Snow Banks, pastel, $900., at Treeline Gallery
Framed in a black panel frame with silver lip and outside edges

Winter is becoming one of my favorite seasons to paint. I do paint outside, en plein air, in the cold weather. Although we do not have any snow yet here in Michigan (very unusual), I have been painting from my reference photos and plein air studies to produce this series of paintings.

Still Lifes with Silver and Copper

2011-12-05T11:59:00.001-05:00

I am venturing into painting metal vessels and larger still life set ups. Painting from life, whether a still life or landscape, involves skills in design, drawing, a vast knowledge of color and acute observation.
An artist must continually practice these skills.

Sugar Bowl With Orange, oil, 6x6
private collection, NFS

Copper Pitcher and Cherries, oil, 12x16
$800. uf or $950. framed

Sugar Bowl and Cherries, oil, 5x7
$125. uf or $250. framed

Kettle with Apples and Roses, oil, 12x16
$800. uf or $950. framed

Still Lifes For December

2011-12-05T11:49:00.001-05:00

When the days are dreary with overcast skies, cold winds and rain, my mood changes to painting from the still life. The pomegranate is a new challenge to paint. I like little stem which reminds me of a crown.

Pomegranate and Blackberries, oil, 6x6
$125.uf or $250 framed

Pomegranate and Holly, oil, 6x6
$125. uf or $250 framed

Pomegranate Still Life, oil, 6x6 SOLD

The Apple in Still Life

2011-11-25T19:00:00.001-05:00

Ida Red, oil, 6x6, $250 framed - SOLD

Kettle and Apples, oil, 8x8, $395. framed

Pitcher with Apples, oil, 12x12, $850. framed

Small Basket of Apples, oil, 6x6, $250.framed

Living near the fruit belt of western Michigan, I love to visit the farmer's fruit stands. I like to hand pick the fresh harvest for still lifes and then for eating. My apples of choice in these still lifes are Ida Reds and Golden Delicious. The basket was borrowed from Brechting Farm on Six Mile Rd.

End of the Rainbow

2011-11-19T23:36:00.001-05:00

Sign of the Covenant, oil on linen, 24x18

I never thought I would do a painting with a rainbow in it, but I just needed to try it to see if I could pull it off. I worked from some of my photo reference, and used my artistic license in a few places because photos are just not the same as the real thing. I did several plein air paintings of this same lake in the evening hours and some in the morning. A rainbow happens so fast it would be difficult to quickly capture it in a study, so observation is the key. The lake is in the Upper Peninsula, where wonderful things happen in nature.

2011-11-16T18:18:00.001-05:00

Plein air painting at Riverside Park.

Creek on November Day, oil, 10x8

Last Saturday the Plein Air Artists of West Michigan (PAAWM) met at Riverside Park to paint. Riverside is a well loved park along the Grand River in Grand Rapids. This creek (I need to research the name of it) flows past the Veteran's Facility on Monroe Ave. and into the Grand River. I painted just past the small footbridge along the creek. If you happened to be at the park last Saturday, you would have noticed about a dozen painters enjoying the lovely day. We had a group critique under a gazebo. It is always great to see everyone's work. To learn more about this active painting group, see the PAAWM website.

PAAWM.

November Still Lifes (so far)

2011-11-12T23:55:00.001-05:00

Bouquet and Milkweed Pod, oil, 6x6, $250. framed

Aubergine and Pumpkin, oil, 6x6, $250. framed

Golden Pear, oil, 6x6, $250. framed - SOLD

Golden Pear, Apple and Mums, oil, 6x6, $250. framed - SOLD

These little still lifes are a joy to set up and paint. I am hand picking the fruit from Brechting Farm. The flowers are from my gardens and the milkweed pod is growing in abundance along the road.

More Artwork on Bell's Amber Ale

2011-11-11T20:15:00.001-05:00

These are the other four paintings chosen by Bell's for the new Amber Ale collection.

Isa Lake, oil, 24x18, SOLD
This pond is on the Continental Divide in Yellowstone National Park. It also reminds me of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

A birch forest on Drummond Island, MI.

"Creek Banks - Spring", pastel, 24x18, SOLD
The wispy light purple of the red bud tree and white carpets of Trilliums assures us that spring is here.

"Shalda Creek", pastel, 24x18, SOLD
A beautiful place in the Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore near Glen Arbor, MI.

Paintings on the Amber Ale!

2011-11-09T11:35:00.001-05:00

Bell's Brewery Blog about the new Amber Ale paintings>

Yah! The newly designed Bell's Brewery Amber Ale is available for purchase! Earlier this year, Larry Bell purchased seven paintings with the idea of putting art on the labels of their Amber Ale Beer. The six pack carton has the "Lake Michigan Dunes" painting that was in ArtPrize last year. Each six pack will feature a different painting on the labels.

Lake Michigan Dunes, oil, 30x52

This painting is on the six pack I just purchased.

Sunset Over the Bay, pastel, 24x18

More pictures of the other label paintings in the next blog!

Painting Trip to Glen Lake

2011-10-29T23:16:00.000-04:00

Last week, I was invited by Holly to go on a day trip to Glen Arbor to do a little painting. The leaves were still on the trees and it looked like a promising day. Holly is very familiar with the area so we stopped at the base of Sleeping Bear Dunes to paint and then drove around Glen Lake. I was interested in painting Glen Lake, so we stopped at Inspiration Point, and it did not disappoint!

Birch and Sleeping Bear, oil, 8x10

Glen Lake - Autumn, oil, 9x12
Inspiration Point Looking West

Inspiration Point - Glen Lake, oil, 8x6
Inspiration Point Looking North

October Still Lifes

2011-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Red Cabbage and Tomatos, oil, 6x6, $250. framed

Pear, Nectarine and Concords, oil, 6x6, $250. Framed

Pumpkin Gourd and Concords, oil, 6x6, $250 framed

Plum, Nectarine and Concords, oil, 6x6, $250. framed

I bought some Concord Grapes and loved painting them as much as eating them.

Plein Air in October

2011-10-14T11:10:00.000-04:00

More plein air work during the Indian Summer we had here in West Michigan!

Lake at Ox-Bow, oil, 8x10
Painted from a dune at Oval Beach, looking east toward Ox-Bow.

Cornstalks and Pumpkins, oil, 10x8
Painted at Klein Cider Mill and Farm on Tuesday. One of the last warm days this month!

Farmyard Conversation, oil, 11x14
I have driven by this farm many times and finally decided to ask if I could paint on their property. I will definitely want to come back to this farm. I can imagine how it will look in the winter!

Pasture with Black Angus, oil, 11x14
This is another favorite painting spot that I just keep coming back to!

Maples and Fields, oil, 11x14
The fields are strawberry plants. I was attracted to the shapes and the contrasting trees in the distance. I think this painting could have been more like 11x18. Will have to do another one!

Apple Orchard, oil, 11x14
This was a lovely day spending time alone near this apple orchard owned by the Brechting family.
Painting in a quite place with no distractions is the best!

Leelanau Paintings

2011-10-14T10:08:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to spend three days with my best painting friends in beautiful Leelanau County. This northern Michigan area is ideal for the plein air painter with rolling hills, water, and old farmsteads. The added bonus was the warm, sunny weather and beautiful fall colors. I hope you enjoy the results of this plein air outing. Some of these paintings will be used as studies for larger works over the winter. If you are interested in one of these small works, I can save one just for you!

Omena Bay in Autumn, oil, 9x12

Little Cove, oil, 6x6
Same cove as below, just a different viewpoint.

Cove in Morning, oil, 11x14
Grand Traverse Bay. I loved the water color and fascinated by the color changes on the water with the morning shadows.

Vineyards in October, oil, 11x14
This was a challenging scene. The vineyards were illuminated from the late afternoon sun.
Typical Leenlanu land. Isn't it beautiful?

Bass Lake, oil, 11x14
A beautiful gem of a lake just off M-22.

Cove on Autumn Day, oil, 6x8
Another study of turquoise water and warm sand and trees. Love it!

Small Works

2011-10-12T23:03:00.000-04:00

Heavenly Blue, oil, 6x6
Painted in my garden.

Aubergine and Red Pepper, oil, 6x6
Vegetables from Brechting Farm.

Red Delicious, oil, 6x6
A reminder of this season's delicious harvest.

Pumpkin in the Field, oil, 6x6
Painted on a warm sunny morning.

All of these paintings were painted from life.

Plein Air in September

2011-10-12T21:46:00.000-04:00

"Birch in September", oil, 10x8
A study in textures and close color values. Not an easy subject to do.
This was painted at Townsend Park.

Yellow Bicycle II, oil, 9x12
I loved the yellow bike!

Rainy Morning - Haybales, oil, 9x12
I was hoping for some sunshine on these haybales, but it started raining instead.

September Day, oil, 9x12
I came back to one of my favorite painting places on a sunny morning. It was very peaceful except for the large farm trucks going by.

Autumn Paintings

2011-10-03T23:38:00.000-04:00

These paintings plus many more were featured in the St. James Court Art Fair in Louisville this past weekend. The show was a success, thanks to the many who came out to purchase art! Nine paintings were sold to happy collectors!

"Fly Fishing", pastel, 16x12, $900.

"Autumn's Beauty", pastel, 18x12, $875.

"October Morning", pastel, 18x24, $1500.

A classic October day with a soft sky, blazing red maples, and pumpkins left in the field.

Art Prize 2011

2011-09-22T22:53:00.000-04:00

"Sands of Time", oil on canvas, 30x40

My Artprize painting for this year, "Sands of Time", inspired by the dunes along Lake Michigan. Overtime, the shifting sand moves into dunes and valleys caused by winds off of the lake. Visitors walking on the dunes also have an effect on the fragile dune ecosystem. Plants help hold the sand, so care must be taken to tread lightly.

See my painting at Huntington Bank at 50 Monroe, next door to the BOB. It is hanging on the main floor, to the left of the front entrance next to the elevators. Please remember to register and vote for your favorite art works. There are about 1500 works of art within the 3 mile boundry in downtown Grand Rapids.See www.artprize.com for more information on hours and registration spots.

Enthusiasm Goes a Long Way

2011-09-19T13:13:00.000-04:00

"Summer's End", oil on linen, 9x12
This little farm was inherited by Don. I met Don while asking if I could do some painting on his property. He enthusiastically introduced me to the two cows, two pigs, his beautiful flowers and small vegetable garden. The fruit trees had the best nectorines and peaches that I have ever tasted! He generously gave me a bushel of peaches from which I made two pies and selected the best ones for my still lifes. You can tell that this little farm is a labor of love for Don and he is carrying out the farming traditions of his parents. A nice way to spend retirement!
I had fun painting this little barn with the nice shapes and surrounding gardens. The cows were challenging as they really do not keep still unless eating their breakfast of alfalfa and hay. I may try the painting with the cows again, with more careful study from my photos.

"Alfalfa and Hay", oil on linen, 11x14

"Pasture" in pastel

2011-09-17T21:40:00.000-04:00

"August Pasture", pastel, 18x24 SOLD

A new studio painting based on the plein air study I did in August, north of Bellaire. I added the hay bale and cows to this painting, just to give more life to the scene.
This painting will be shown at the Saint James Court Art Fair in Louisville, KY, the first weekend of October.

Peach Harvest

2011-09-17T21:38:00.000-04:00

"Peach and Two Plums", oil, 5x7

"German Plums", oil, 6x6 SOLD

The peach harvest has been very good this year in west Michigan. I just can't seem to stop buying them, they taste so good! Some have made their way into my recent still lifes along with the dark prune plums. I love those shapes! Call me crazy, but I love painting these intimate settings and just can't seem to stop, with more and more ideas. I think I should move on to tomatoes, or peppers, or beets, or....

"Fresh Picked" , oil, 6x6 SOLD

These new paintings will be on display at the Saint James Court Show in Louisville, KY, the first weekend in October.

Torch Lake Area II

2011-09-07T20:18:00.000-04:00

Hay for Horses, oil, 6x6, $250 framed
The last painting of the last day. I had to quickly come up with a composition of this barn for a small panel. Finding the hay bales inside the barn was a bonus. I was attracted to the negative shapes.

Pasture, oil, 11x14, $800 framed
This is the same barn as above, seen from a distance. When I started, there were horses near the water pail, so I took pictures of them, thinking I could use this study along with the photos to do a larger painting in the studio.

Weathered Barn - Evening, oil, 11x14, $800. framed
A weathered barn with an orange glow in the evening light. I liked how the foreground shadow pattern helped to lead the eye to the focal point.

Hay Bales and Hills, oil, 11x14, $800. framed
A very windy afternoon. This scene was along a main road leading to Bellaire. So not only the wind, but we had to contend with the noisy traffic and people stopping to talk to us as we were painting. I am surprised this painting is even a keeper. I hope to use this painting as a study for a larger piece.

Paintings of Torch Lake Area

2011-09-05T17:34:00.001-04:00

"Beach in Elk Rapids", oil on linen, 12x16

Several weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to spend a few days in Northern Michigan. Four other plein air artists and I found inspiration in the Torch Lake area, staying in a quaint log cottage. We didn't have to go far to paint. The hills and valleys around Torch Lake, weathered barns, old stone houses were there for the painting. There were actually more places to paint then we had time for, so a return trip next year will be planned. The shoreline town of Elk Rapids has numerous wonderful scenes. Marianna and I challenged ourselves to paint in the marina. We found a boat that we both liked...nice in the evening light. We found out from the Harbor Master that the boat belongs to local gallery owners. We think we will show them our paintings!

"Green Sail - Evening", oil on linen, 9x12

More northern Michigan paintings in the next post!

August Still Lifes

2011-08-31T18:58:00.000-04:00

Here are three new still lifes that I have managed to squeeze in this month. There are so many more that I want to do. On July 4, I went to the Burley Park Flea Market and bought some nice props...the cobalt bottle is one of them. Most recently, I discovered a great antique shop in Elk Rapids (will blog on that trip next) and now have a few more exciting finds to use in future still life set ups. I like to keep the small still lifes simple, with a nostalgic mood and warm color.

"Chicory, Cobalt and Peach", oil, 7x5

"Crock of Cherries", oil, 6x6 SOLD

"Plums and Peach", oil, 6x6 SOLD

Enjoy!

U.P. Vacation

2011-08-31T18:42:00.001-04:00

My Upper Peninsula vacation was with family, visiting my brother while camping on a beautiful lake. The weather was nice, the kids got to fish and play and I did a few paintings!

"Evening Color", oil, 6x6
A small study before sunset.

"Evening Reflections", oil, 10x8
Another evening painting of cloud reflections. I was glad to be almost finished before the wind changed direction and the water lost the reflections. Then it was time for a glass of wine and campfire songs.

"Tranquil Water", oil, 8x10
The lake shoreline became sandy. Behind me was a swimming area and a few people enjoyed the refreshing water. I met an artist from Grand Rapids while working on this one!

A Day in Leelanau County

2011-08-08T20:31:00.000-04:00

Leelanau View, oil on linen panel, 9x12

Leelanau Cherry Trees, oil on linen panel, 8x10, $475. Treeline Gallery

Last Sunday I was invited by artist Holly Sturgis to take a drive north. We dropped off paintings to Treeline Gallery, saw friend Margo Burian's work in Glen Arbor and painted in two different locations. It is a treat to paint in Leelanau County. Everywhere you turn, you see a painting. I should be living there for endless inspiration!

A Garden Study

2011-08-08T20:22:00.000-04:00

Phlox in August, oil on linen panel, 12x16 - SOLD

Every year I try to get to Betty's garden to paint. I have painted numerous versions of her gardens. Iris in June, Daylilies in July, the beautiful phlox in August and the waterlilies in the little pond. Her garden is a labor of love and she is out there every morning making sure it looks it's best. It is hard to do justice to so a lovely place!

Lakeshore Plein Air

2011-07-17T20:26:00.000-04:00

Beach Day, oil on linen panel, 9x12

Evening in the Dunes, oil on linen panel, 9x12

Sunset Glow-Dunes, oil on gesso board, 12x9

Quiet Morning-Dunes, oil on linen panel, 12x16

Plein air paintings from my camping trip at Muskegon Lakeshore State Park this past week.
We had beautiful Michigan weather, good company among many friends and many hours of relaxing beach time and good wine! What more can you ask for?

Downtown Painting

2011-07-17T20:12:00.000-04:00

Pearl Street Bridge, oil, 9x12

Painting along the river...warm sun and sounds of flowing water made for an enjoyable morning.

Here I am, set up near the Gerald R. Ford Museum, along the Grand River, painting with the Plein Air Artists of West Michigan (PAAWM). This was a challenging choice of subject matter...bridges and large buildings. I had decided to narrow down my focus to avoid a complicated view of the bridge and buildings on the other side of the river. I liked the morning light on the protruding bridge base and the color of the water as it rolled into sunlight from the small waterfall. Lots of reflected light that adds interest to the grays of the concrete. The blue pedestrian bridge can be seen under the arch of Pearl Street Bridge.

A Quaint Farm

2011-07-10T22:54:00.000-04:00

"Pasture Fields", oil, 11x14, $800. framed

A small farm down in a valley. Rows of fresh cut hay ready to be bailed. The barn is weathered and the home is a classic white farmhouse with a nice large front porch.
I have always wanted to paint here and last Thursday, I got the chance when the Thursday plein air painters received permission. There was a potential painting everywhere I looked and the morning had a bright overcast sky. So I choose this nice spot among many. I used my artistic license to help the composition along, by leaving out closed gate and a small foreground tree. The story is here though at this little farm...admire the gardens...and then let's wander through this gate and into the field of fresh cut hay. Summer.

Out West

2011-07-08T13:29:00.000-04:00

Collegiate Peaks-study, oil on linen panel, 6x8, NFS

Collegiate Peaks II-Study, oil on linen panel, 6x6, NFS

Utah Afternoon-study, oil on linen panel, 6x8, NFS

Our family returned last week from a two week trip out west! We drove to Colorado, Utah and the Grand Canyon. I did numerous watercolor sketches during our long hours of driving and some oil studies from various campgrounds. I was most amazed by Utah's ever changing landscape. As we drove, it seemed to change from green mountain passes to deep canyons. Yellow and red mesas and unearthly hoo doo rock formations in Bryce Canyon. What a beautiful state! Colorado was also amazing with the very high mountain peaks, most still snow covered. We had a great time and now Colorado is on my wish list of places to live along with Montana.

New Still life with Peaches

2011-06-16T13:21:00.001-04:00

"Dish with Peaches", oil 6x6 [ SOLD )

Another still life to add to the collection!

Plein Air with PAAWM

2011-06-16T13:19:00.000-04:00

"Treeline and Trail", oil on linen panel, 12x12

finished painting on easel

Last Saturday I participated at an Art Walk with the Plein Air Artists of West Michigan. We met at the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, south of Hastings, MI. During the art walk, visitors could observe the artists working. The artists were set up along the walking trails close to the Institute. This location is ideal for nature lovers with a varied terrain of trails through hills, forests, lowland, a creek and lake. The institute celebrated it's 10th year and the turn out for this event was great!

Small Still Lifes Two

2011-06-08T19:01:00.000-04:00

Aubergine and Tomatoes, oil, 6x6

More 6x6 squared still lifes, this time with a vegetable theme. We sometimes take vegetables for granted, because after all, they are for eating and cooking, not really known for their beauty.

Ready For Salad, oil, 6x6

Tomato and Scallions, oil, 6x6

I enjoyed painting them even more than eating them!

Small Still Lifes

2011-06-05T22:46:00.000-04:00

Over the course of the past few months, I have been challenging myself to paint small still lifes in between the landscapes. I am finding that I look forward to thinking about painting these objects, how to arrange them, colors that are harmonious and trying to keep a simple, yet engaging composition. It can be difficult at times, yet painting these little scenes from life is a learning experience and I am enjoying each one. I like the small square format and can envision them hanging in a kitchen or eating nook. Please feel free to give me feedback. I have framed a few and will be bringing them to the Ann Arbor show.

I decided to show them in groupings...I like how the colors go well together here.

Spring Bouquet and Sweet Cherries, oil, 6x6, $250.

Bosc Pear and Cherries, oil, 6x6, $250.

Two Pears, oil, 6x6, $250.

Spring Poem

2011-05-26T22:53:00.000-04:00

Spring
by Michael Kalinowski (age 13)

After Winter, when the snow melts,
When the air becomes wet and glum
At first it is chilly when felt
But it will be warmer to come

It rains and it pours, it never seems to stop
But the sun gets warmer every day
The the leaves begin to pop
And before you know it, it's May

Everything begins to grow
For one single reason
Everything begins to show
To prepare for a new season

Spring Landscape, oil, 6x6, Grand Gallery

Capturing the Essence of Spring

2011-05-25T22:51:00.000-04:00

"Red Barns and Orchard", oil, 12x16

I am always looking for the essence of the current season and trying to take advantage of the motifs that help communicate it in a painting. I sometimes paint at the same location off and on throughout the years, finding that there is always a new way to see what is there. "Creek in May" is one of those spots that I really love in the month of May. I had to change the scene slightly by moving the red bud tree and lowering it a bit like I remember it a few years ago, but the essence of the scene is the same as you see it in the painting.
I was looking forward this spring to painting "Red Barns and Orchard". I was in almost the same spot last fall painting the pumpkin field in the foreground, in front of the apple trees.

"Creek in May", oil on linen panel, 14x11

Spring Breezes

2011-05-25T10:35:00.000-04:00

Last week I went to back to paint at the farm that I had visited last fall. I remembered a few good spots and wondered how it would look with the orchard blossoms. The farm sits on one of the highest points in Ottawa County and on a clear day you can see Lake Michigan and the dunes. It is also very windy most of the time and that morning was no exception. I quickly painted my two pieces, hanging on to the easel from time to time so it would not blow over. The spot with the pond was the first painting that I started. As I was painting though, I kept turning around to see this incredible sky and the back lit orchard trees. I put the pond painting away after I got a good start and proceeded to paint the other scene. This is not the normal way that I work, but sometimes you have to try to catch those moments as they happen. After battling the wind, the paintings were finished and I was really glad to be back in the warm car but am happy that I took the chance to go back to this beautiful place.

Cherry Orchard Reflections, oil, 8x10

Cherry Orchard and May Skies, oil, 8x10

Still lifes with Iris

2011-05-18T22:19:00.000-04:00

Japanese Iris and Pear, pastel, 12x6

Dwarf Iris in Vase, oil, 6x6, Grand Gallery

The small iris are blooming in my garden and I could not resist painting them. The challenge was finding the right vessel to hold them! The small tete-de-tete daffodils provided just the right contrast to the purple.
The other still life was inspired from a Japanese Iris that was included in a bouquet of flowers. I liked the idea of a tall narrow composition. The green pear was a nice accent!

Magnolia Tree

2011-05-15T08:28:00.000-04:00

Magnolia Tree, oil on linen panel, 11x14, $800. framed

This week I also went back to paint a favorite plum orchard. The plum trees always bloom a few days before the apple trees. When admiring the plum orchard, I was struck by this beautiful old Magnolia tree in full bloom. The owner of the home came over to see what I was up to and said the tree has scale and will soon be cut down. So here I am painting something that will never be there again. I am glad I chose to paint it and think it turned into a nice painting. You can see the plum orchard behind the lovely farmhouse. I was able to finish the painting before the clouds rolled in.

Blossoms and Bees

2011-05-15T08:23:00.000-04:00

Pear Orchard, oil on linen panel, 8x10, $500. framed

Blossoms and Bees, oil on linen panel, 8x10, $500. framed

The warm weather has me outside painting on a regular basis...when it isn't raining. We have had our share of rainy weather lately. So when it rains I work in the studio.
I always look forward to painting the fruit trees in blossom and there are some wonderful orchards near my home. I so admire the farmers and their dedication and love of working the land. Some orchards are changing as the owners decide to take out the old trees and substitute young new, more efficient varieties of trees. This kind of makes me sad because the knarled old trees have so much character. As I paint in the orchards, I imagine the history behind the tree, how old it is and how much fruit it must have produced through the years for us to enjoy. The pear orchard is over 60 years old and I am sure the orchard has been in the same family for that long as well.

Tulip Time

2011-05-13T23:24:00.002-04:00

Tulip Beds, oil, 6x6

My Mother's day gift from my family was a trip to Holland, MI to paint with two painting friends! We had a great time finding a place to set our easels in this picturesque town. We settled on Veldheer Farm just to get as many tulips in our paintings as we could. Our goal was to do a painting during Tulip Festival to enter in the Plein Air Painting Exhibit at the Holland Arts Council. The paintings that are on display will be up for sale at their silent auction until May 14.

Tulip Farm, oil, 12x9, SOLD

Bear Creek - Old Mill

2011-05-13T23:14:00.000-04:00

Spring Landscape, oil, 6x6

Spring Landscape, oil, 12x9

Last week Thursday I gladly painted with some friends at the old Mill on Chauncy Road. Every year we paint there at least once and always find a nice composition. Bear Creek was still high from all the rain this spring. I choose a view looking towards the bridge where the road passes over the creek. A nice pond is on the other side! I thought the bridge made a really good focal point. I like painting here in the spring because the foliage doesn't obscure the view of the creek. The peachy tone of distant budding trees was very evident this day.

Jumping into Spring

2011-05-13T23:04:00.000-04:00

Blue Barn - Spring, oil, 9x12

Haybales and Rolling Hills, oil, 9x12

These two paintings were from the 1st Sunday of May. I ventured out to paint with my friend Holly and we ended up on Giles Road because of the high winds. It felt really good to paint something other than snow!!!

Art in Bloom

2011-05-01T08:54:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I participated along with Marianna Heule, Margo Burian, and Beth Charles (Tulip Time Poster winner), painting in the Grand Rapids Art Museum during an event called Art In Bloom. We set up a floral still life and painted for four hours while museum patrons watched. The paintings were sold during a silent auction. It was a fun event and we met some really great people! Here are some photos of us painting.

Margo and her painting in progress.

Marianna's painting in progress.

My painting is finished!

New Painting, New Print

2011-04-22T21:32:00.001-04:00

"A New Day", oil, 30x40, $4800. Treeline Gallery
Also now a giclee print - see my website for details

This oil painting will be the centerpiece of my new work being featured this season at Treeline Gallery. I look forward to hanging this new collection of paintings around mid-May.

Daffodils are Spring

2011-04-19T20:36:00.001-04:00

Two Daffodils, oil, 6x6

Daffodils and Pansies II, oil, 6x6

The daffodils are just arriving despite the unusually cold spring weather we have here in Michigan. I did a few small daffodil paintings this weekend to help cheer me up when they were predicting snow. When it did snow yesterday, I did several more daffodil paintings, this time with pansies, which always perk me up, they look so cheerful. My Grandmother's favorite flower.

Daffodils in a Bottle, oil, 8x6, Grand Gallery

Daffodils and Pansies, oil, 8x6 Grand Gallery

I hope these paintings cheer you up!

Spirit Springs Paintout

2011-04-17T22:53:00.000-04:00

"Spirit Springs", oil on linen panel, 9x12

I did this painting with the PAAWM paint out at the Spirit Springs Conservancy near Marcellus, MI. last week Saturday. The day was pleasant, and I was happy that the sun stayed behind the clouds until I was finished. This place was lovely. The subject seemed like a still life just waiting to be painted!

Frames make a difference

2011-04-12T10:57:00.000-04:00

Strawberries and Cream, oil, 6x6, $300. Button-Petter Gallery

Petite Peppers, oil, 6x6, $300. Button-Petter Gallery

Yellow Rose, oil, 6x6, $300. Button-Petter Gallery

As promised, here are the new miniature still lifes in their frames. Almost always the right frames make a big difference in a work of art. These frames are floater frames, allowing the whole image to be seen, not covered by the lip of the frame. These types of frames are used with mediums like oils. Since these small paintings are painted on Ampersand Gesso board, the edges are cleanly finished which make a nice presentation. It is not easy choosing the right frame for a painting!

Six Inch Squared Still Lifes

2011-04-07T22:17:00.000-04:00

"Petite Peppers", oil, 6x6, $300. with black floater frame

"Yellow Rose", oil, 6x6, $300. framed in dark gold floater frame

I have been enjoying working from life on these drab Spring days by painting lovely little still lifes. It often takes just as much thought in setting up a still life as it does painting it. I like to place the objects in my north window for a constant cool light source, so that means I must plan my painting time during daylight hours! I am placing two of them in beautiful black Larson-Juhl floater frames as shown in the framed picture. When the others are framed and photographed, I will show what they look like in their frames as well. I think the result is stunning. You can see these three paintings at the April 17 Button-Petter Gallery opening.

"Strawberries and Cream", oil, 6x6, $300.

Along Michgan's Coast

2011-04-03T15:20:00.001-04:00

"White Pine and Dunes", oil, 16x12, $950.

"Morning Mist - Dunes", pastel, 9x12, $525.

"Oval Beach - Autumn", pastel, 9x12, $525.

The Michigan shoreline has many moods and is beautiful in any season! These two pastels are of Oval Beach in Douglas, MI and the oil is north of Muskegon, though it could be anywhere along the coastline.
These paintings will be among the new work featured in the Button-Petter Gallery's opening exhibit on April 17. The artist reception is from 1-5pm.

April Showers

2011-04-02T22:15:00.000-04:00

"Beach Time", pastel, 9x12, $525.

For lack of a better title, I always think of April as the month of "April showers, bring May flowers". I think of April as a month of "hope", as I am primarily a plein air painter waiting for May blossoms and a gardener waiting to play in the dirt. So while I am waiting, I seem to be having a marathon of studio painting, which is a good thing considering the upcoming seasonal Gallery openings. After all the painting, I need to photograph the work, which I did today, varnish the oils and then frame.
Featured in the post is new work for the Button-Petter Gallery show, opening April 17, with a champagne artist reception from 1-5pm.

"Morning Breeze", oil on linen, 24x36, $3200.

Upcoming posts will feature more work for this show, new still lifes, and paintings of Leelanau for Treeline Gallery.

Class demo

2011-03-15T21:44:00.000-04:00

"Creek Reflections", pastel, 18x12

This painting was started as a demonstration for my beginning pastel class that I teach on Wednesdays. I believe it is now finished! I worked from a plein air painting and photo reference and combined the two to come up with the composition. The colors were mostly from the plein air study, though I went with the colors in the creek from the photo.

Melting Snow

2011-03-13T21:51:00.000-04:00

Photo of Mill Creek from bridge.

"Melting Snow", oil on linen panel, 8x10

Today was a mild March day, although the temps didn't get over 40, at least it didn't rain. I was anxious to paint the snow one more time before it melted. Since I could not make the PAAWM paint out on Saturday, Holly and I decided to paint this morning at Mill Creek. There was no sun but nice grayed color, so we did OK. We enjoyed the sounds of the rushing creek as we painted.

Still Lifes with Vegetables

2011-03-12T22:26:00.001-05:00

"Cabbage and Pepper", oil on panel, 8x8, Grand Gallery

Another recent still life with a beautiful cabbage. Who knew that a cabbage could be so beautiful?

"Vegetables and Bean Pot", oil on linen panel, 9x12

I like painting these little still lifes, especially with such ordinary subject matter. They feel down to earth and rustic like something you would find in a French market.

Inspiring View

2011-03-07T10:28:00.000-05:00

"Inspiring View", pastel, 18x24, Button-Petter Gallery, $1500.

"View from the Top", oil on panel, 8x10, plein air study, $500. framed

In this post, I thought I would share my "inspiration"for my recent pastel painting, "Inspiring View". As many of you Michiganders know, the Michigan Great Lakes and shoreline scenes can be quite spectacular. I painted this little study on site in the Nordhouse Dunes area in the Manistee National Forest. Morning here is the best time to capture the dune shadows that add that element of contrast and interest to a scene consisting of sand, grasses and water. I also photographed the area, but the real help when doing the studio painting was my plein air study. I am happy to say that the resulting studio pastel painting will be at the Button-Petter Gallery for the season kickoff reception, April 17 from 1-5pm, along with more new work. Hope to see you there!

Rainy day still life

2011-03-04T14:42:00.001-05:00

For the past three weeks on Thursday mornings, us Six Women Painters, have been gathering at Patti's studio to do some still life painting together. The idea was to throughout a theme, set up a still life and paint! This is a great alternative to plein air painting, esp. in the really cold temperatures we have had here in Michigan. This is the painting I did last week...I will post yesterday's painting tomorrow!

"Cabbage, Beets and Tomato", oil on panel, 12x12, Treeline Gallery

I like how this painting looks. It has a warm, earthy, country French appeal. I popped it in a wide plein air frame with a dark espresso finish and it looks great!

Snowy Days

2011-02-27T21:44:00.000-05:00

"Snow Boughs-Almost Noon", oil, 7x5 NFS

It had just finished snowing, and the sun was shining. I was in the mood to paint those bright blue shadows so I decided to just look out my studio window and paint a snow laden pine that just seemed to glow in the late morning sun. I thought I would try my new 5x7 Ampersand Gesso panels and just give it a go. The overall shape of the tree was lightly brushed in, the trunk indicated and some of the dark green placed. The most fun was the shape of the snow on the branches and trying to vary the shadow colors between warm and cool shades of blue and violet.
I had such fun with the first one, that I decided to do another as the sun went further west, the tree was still luminous.

"Snow Boughs-Afternoon", oil, 7x5 NFS

Gifts of Art Exhibit...Kathleen Putnam

2011-02-26T15:55:00.000-05:00

Featured here is one of the "Six Women Painters in Study to Studio" at the Gifts of Art Exhibit currently at the U of M Health Systems South Taubam South Gallery. Shown here are Kathleen's studio paintings. You will have to visit the show to see her studys! To see more of her work visit www.KathleenPutnam.com .

"After the Rain" oil, 16x20

"At Dusk", oil, 16x20

"Early Morning, Orchard", oil, 16x20

"Freshly Mowed Hay", oil, 16x20

"Kayaking the Jordon River", oil, 16x20

"Riding at Sunset", oil, 16x20

Beautiful!!!

Three Paintings - One Day

2011-02-26T15:37:00.000-05:00

"Snow Brilliance", oil, 9x12, $700. framed

"Snow Shadows", oil, 9x12, $700. framed

"Harmony", oil, 6x6, $285. framed

Three plein air paintings in one day. A beautiful winter morning beckoned Patti and I to paint at a private residence (with permission) with a creek flowing through the back yard. What a delight. Birds in song, creek sounds of water breaking up the ice shelves along the edges. Hope to paint here again!

Celebration of the Arts

2011-02-23T23:19:00.000-05:00

Celebration of the Arts, 38th Annual Juried Spiritual Art Competition opens Friday the 25 - March 9. This diverse exhibit showcases many art forms in a spiritual light and is a highly regarded Grand Rapids area competition. Friday evening from 7-9 is the much anticipated artist reception you will not want to miss.
My painting "Promise of Spring", oil, 12x24, was juried into this exhibit.

February Plein air paintings

2011-02-23T13:26:00.000-05:00

"Around the Bend", oil on panel, 6x6

"February Thaw", oil on linen panel, 11x14

These two paintings were painted last week when the temperatures were around 40 degrees. The snow was beginning to thaw and since I was short on time I decided against driving around until I found a spot. I went back to "Lonnie's Farm" a place where I have done a number of plein air paintings in all seasons. I changed the frozen pond in front to look like tracks...a good way for the eye to enter the painting. As usual, since I love red this place is a favorite place to paint.

Another day last week when the morning was crisp, I came across the scene featured on top and decided to do a small 6x6 study. The red house at the bend in the road was a nice focal point.

Winding Creek

2011-02-20T21:31:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the pastel painting that I had set out to paint from my recent plein air study "Winding Creek-Winter", oil, 8x10. A recent blog had mentioned that I wanted to paint this scene larger so I settled on the pastel medium, 24x18. I am happy with the outcome, though I may still tweek it a bit. The brilliant sun on that morning had started to melt the foreground snow as I was finishing the oil study so I added that to this larger studio painting.

"Winding Creek", pastel, 24x18, $1500.

Thinking of Summer

2011-02-16T17:34:00.000-05:00

I am thinking of summer as I work in my studio for the upcoming gallery shows. Here is a sneak preview of a few new pastel paintings.

"Windswept Dune", pastel, 18x12

"Morning Breeze", pastel, 18x24

Plein air with PAAWM

2011-02-13T12:34:00.000-05:00

It was a fine day yesterday with lots of sun and temps in the 30 degree range. I drove over an hour south to paint with the Plein Air Artists of West Michigan at the Cedar Creek Farm Conservation Easement. The property owners were very accomodating. Al drove us back in the property on his new deluxe four wheeler vehicle. Jean made a pot of chili for lunch and we had a very fine critique at the end of the paintout in the warmth of their beautiful home. What more could you ask for?

"Winding Creek-Winter", oil on linen panel, 10x8

"Winter Woodland Trail", oil on panel, 8x10

I am already to use these small paintings as a reference for a 24x18 pastel....starting today!

Gifts of Art Exhibit...Kay Tiedt

2011-02-12T21:21:00.001-05:00

Kay Tiedt's work in the Gift's of Art Exhibit at the U of M Hospital, are autumn landscapes all painted in pastel. Her small studies translate well into her larger studio works. Shown below are some examples of her work that you will see in the exhibit. You might be wondering by now how many paintings in total are there between us Six Women Artists...I believe the number is somewhere around sixty paintings. This exhibit is also an educational one...demonstrating how a plein air (on location) study can be used to paint a larger studio painting.
The shows are all up, and they look fabulous! Information about the exhibits is available on our website: http://www.med.umich.edu/goa/exhibits.htm

http://www.med.umich.edu/goa/exhibits.htm

Gifts of Art Exhibit...Connie Kuhnle

2011-02-12T21:09:00.000-05:00

Connie is one of our "Six Women Artists" and here are three of her beautiful paintings...you will have to visit the exhibit or her web site, www.conniekuhnle.com to see more work.

"Birdhouse", oil, 16x20

"The Morning Porch", pastel

"Thursday at Emma's", pastel, 18x24

More Exhibit Work...Marianna Heule

2011-02-10T19:37:00.000-05:00

"Three Barns, study", pastel, 11x14 (plein air)

"Pastorial View", pastel, 16x20 (studio)

Gifts of Art Exhibit...Marianna Heule

2011-02-10T19:26:00.002-05:00

Featuring the pastel work of Marianna Heule in the Gifts of Art Exhibit now at the U of M Health Systems. Much of Marianna's work in inspired by her roots of her native Netherlands. You can see more of Marianna's work at her web site, www.MariannaHeule.com

"Amish Harvest", studio, 16x20

"Amish Harvest, study", 9x12

"Fall Has Arrived", studio, 16x20

The shows are all up, and they look fabulous! Information about the exhibits is available on our website: http://www.med.umich.edu/goa/exhibits.htm

Gifts of Art Exhibit ...more

2011-02-10T18:32:00.001-05:00

"Road to Home, oil, (studio), 24x36 , $3000.

"October Morning", pastel, (studio), 18x24, $1500.

"Hillside with Pumpkins, study", oil, plein air, 8x10, $500

"On the Way Home, study, oil, plein air, 8x10, $500.

Gifts of Art..Patti Mollema

2011-02-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

"Leelanau", oil on panel, $700.

"Dune Walk", oil on panel, 32x25, $1600.

"Squirrel Crossing", oil on panel, $800

These three oil paintings are just a sampling by one of the Six Women Painters , Patti Mollema. They are now on display at the Gifts of Art exhibit mentioned in the previous posting. Patti paints light filled works with a palette knife. Her work is filled with beautiful pure color that makes your heart sing and yearn to see more. Thank you Patti for your all your gifts, and all the good times we have had during our plein air excursions!

Gifts of Art Exhibit

2011-02-08T23:42:00.001-05:00

"Winter Day", pastel, (studio) 24x18 $1500.

"From Study to Studio" is the title of the Gifts of Art exhibit by the Six Women Painters opening on Feb. 14 at the Taubman South Gallery at the University of Michigan Health Systems in Ann Arbor. My next few blogs will be featuring some of the artwork shown at the exhibit. Six Women Painters was formed a few years ago as a fellowship of like minded artists with goals of painting together outside, en plein air, to hone the craft of painting directly from nature. This group has formed a camaraderie of painting companions that breaks up the typical isolation that many artists experience. We use our plein air paintings as reference points to start larger works in the studio. This exhibit showcases that process of a work painted directly from nature and the studio piece that was inspired from that experience. In the next few blogs I hope to show a variety of work included in this educational exhibit.

"Winter Beauty, study", oil, (plein air) 12x9 $650.

Exciting News

2011-02-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to see that I have two paintings accepted in the Salon International 2011! This is a juried exhibition of oil paintings hosted by the Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art in San Antonio, TX. This is the third time my work has been accepted in this prestigious show. These are new paintings that will be put on my web site soon.

"Pond with Pink Lilies", oil on linen panel, 16x20, $1600.

"Tending Her Garden", oil on linen panel, 16x20, $1600.

Winter Beauty

2011-02-02T19:21:00.000-05:00

Winter can be irritating and inconvenient , especially with the excess of 12" of new snow last night. I was wishing that I could be somewhere painting this winter wonderland, except I was basically snowed in. My husband is now snow blowing out the drive and I am afraid it will be at least a four hour job. Since I could not paint outside today, I worked in the studio. On a winter scene. Something about this season...I find it more visually appealing the more I grow as an artist so many more winter landscapes are just waiting to be painted!

"On The Way Home", oil on linen panel, 16x20

Art Reception

2011-01-14T09:42:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to say thanks to all who came out on a snowy Michigan evening to my artist reception at the Forest Hills Fine Art Center. It is truly a wonderful venue for an exhibit. I am going to post some pictures of the reception and the artwork.

Plein air at Pierce Cedar Creek

2011-01-08T19:13:00.000-05:00

Today I had the opportunity to again paint with the PAAWM at the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. The institute is a beautiful facility for environmental education. It is also a great place to paint in any season with streams, wildlife, trails, and diverse habitats and land forms. Today was predicted to be cloudy and snowy, but to my surprise, just the opposite happened. My first painting, oil on a linen panel, was a challenge in simplification and painting that beautiful scene on a small 8x10. I had not planned on doing a second painting, but when looking at the creek from a different viewpoint, I loved how intense the colors were in the afternoon light and did a very quick study, also 8x10. I might even do a studio painting from this one.

Cedar Creek in Morning, oil, 8x10

Cedar Creek-Winter, oil, 8x10

More Exhibit Work

2011-01-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

The exhibit at the Forest Hills Fine Art Center is hung! With a lot of planning and expert help, 41 paintings were hung in about two hours. It looks really nice and I am sooo excited for the artist reception, Jan. 13, 6-7:30. Music will be by David Pickel. Hope you all can make it.
More featured work:

Dunes-Autumn Air, pastel, 24x36

Beach Shade, pastel, 14x14

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T17:14:00.000-05:00

I just want to say that 2010 was a very good year for continued growth in my artistic learning, a prolific output of work and an increased following of collectors that resulted in many nice sales. I am full of gratitude. New gallery representation and my first show at Button-Petter Gallery in Douglas, MI was also successful! I am happy to say that I have ready to hang up to 44 paintings for the one person exhibit in January at the Forest Hills Fine Art Center. I am going to feature a number of those paintings in the January blogs.

Autumn Solitude, pastel, 24x36

Katharina Dreaming, oil, 24x18

New Winter paintings

2010-12-30T15:47:00.000-05:00

These three new works will be part of my one person show at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. The show opens Jan.6 and the reception is Jan. 13 from 6-7:30. The work on display will include favorite plein air and studio paintings in oil and pastel.

Spring Thaw, oil, 16x20

Frozen Sanctuary, oil, 16x20

Winter Day, pastel, 24x18

Winter Painting

2010-12-14T23:52:00.000-05:00

"Fallas Barn-1866", oil on linen panel, 9x12

Last Saturday, I attended the paintout with the PAAWM group at Fallasburg Park. I met up with Patti M. and she directed us to the historic village of Fallasburg and this old barn. The day was cold and very gray with wonderful atmosphere. We heard the coyotes howl and duck hunters in the distance. It all added to the experience of being outside painting on location. My fingers and toes complained but I sure do get a charge in painting on the spot! I really like this painting and think I will try to add it to the next show collection.

Field Study to Studio Painting

2010-12-07T22:21:00.000-05:00

The upcoming exhibit at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center will have quite a few examples of Field Studies to Studio Paintings. "Woodland Phlox" is a field study from this past May. In fact I did several from that area and took numerous reference photos, thinking that I would want to do a studio painting or two from them. The field study helps capture the overall feeling of the subject as well as getting down some accurate colors of the lights and shadows. All this information is extremely helpful when working on a studio painting away from the actual location of the subject. My studio painting, "Through the Enchanted Forest", is much larger than the study, so the photo reference helped with the extra detail and areas that I did not put in the field study. Overall, I am happy with both of the paintings, and feel they captured the magical feeling of the phlox filled woods.

"Through the Enchanted Forest", oil, 30x20, $2300.

This painting and the field study, "Woodland Phlox", oil on lined, 12x9 , will be on exhibit at the Forest Hills Fine Art Center Exhibit show, Jan. 6 - 26, 2011.

Dawn's First Light

2010-12-06T19:33:00.000-05:00

I have been working back and forth from my field studies and reference photos with both oil and pastel. My trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula inspired this painting from a series of photos taken along the shore of Lake Superior during sunrise. I was taken by this immense White Pine, just kissed by the warm light of the rising sun against the serene calm of the water and sky.

""Dawn's First Light", pastel, 18x24, $1500.

First Snow

2010-12-01T20:22:00.004-05:00

Today was the first Snow!!!
New Miniatures, 6x6, framed in gold or warm silver, $225. including shipping. Visit my web site if you would like to see more.

"Sun Setting Over First Snow", pastel, 6x6 image

"Boughs of Snow", pastel, 6x6 image

"Birch Tree", pastel, 6x6 image

Skies

2010-11-29T23:05:00.000-05:00

I need to include this painting that I did in late October. My interest here was the dramatic sky over the dark gold rolling hills. I loved the color contrast. I also wanted to practice painting clouds and feel that this one was a success. I may paint a larger version of this soon.

"October Sky", oil, 12x12

I felt that this next sky was dramatic in a different way. I was attracted to the blue violet sky against the old white farm house and the way the shadows on the back of the farm house seemed to melt into the sky color. This is called a "lost edge". I took some artistic license here and left out a few trees, etc to create this composition, but still stayed true to the essence of the scene before me.

"Farm House - November Sky", oil on linen panel, 9x12

November plein air work

2010-11-29T22:48:00.001-05:00

November has gone by in a flash partly because I have been immersed in studio work as well as getting out during some really nice days in the first part of the month. The next few blogs will be playing catch-up with my favorite plein air works and then some new studio work.
Holly Sturgis and I went to paint at Klein's Farm and were treated to beautiful afternoon light and color with a great view of rolling hills and orchards. I love the colors of the orchards in fall almost as much as the blossoms in spring.

"Rolling Fields and Orchards", oil, 9x12

"Beauty Road", oil, 12x9

Sometimes I make plans to work in the studio all day, only to see that the day is shaping up fine and I know that I will regret not plein air painting. This day I painted with my friend, Kay Tiedt, in an area that I normally do not frequent, but she had been there a few days before. We met on 4 Mile off of Egypt Valley Rd., and discovered a winding Natural Beauty Road with a few spot to pull over and paint. The wind had picked up, so I was glad to be in a secluded place, with trees all around.

Late October plein air

2010-11-02T23:37:00.001-04:00

"Cherry Orchard and Morning Shadows", oil, 8x10

I had the opportunity to paint on a farm that is near the highest spot in Ottawa County. On a clear day you can see the dunes at Hoffmaster State Park! This is beautiful land, with cherry, apple, and other fruit trees in neat rows over rolling hills. The distant views are unique to most of Michigan until you travel north around Traverse City. So anyway, I loved painting here and look forward to do paintings of the spring blossoms.

"Little Stream in October", oil, 10x8

This little stream flows into the Rogue River a few miles from my home. I have driven by it countless times and finally decided to do a painting on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Sometimes you have to see something many times before realizing its potential. Of course, it could have been the late afternoon light and the warm colors of autumn that made it special this day.

Road to Home

2010-10-20T23:25:00.000-04:00

In this post I would like to show how two plein air studies along with several reference photos aided in the studio painting "Road to Home". I did the studies several weeks ago, not far from my home, and decided right away to do a larger painting from that experience. Study one:

"Poplars and Sumac", oil on linen panel, 10x8, $500. framed

Study number two on the same morning:

"On the Way Home", oil on linen panel, 8x10, $500. framed

In the studio I set up these studies and photographs up together, and did a small composition sketch. My canvas was 24x36 so I wanted to be sure the composition would work in that format.

This is a photo of my set up and partially finished work. You can see the sketchy underpainting on the bottom half.

The finished painting:

"Road to Home", oil, 24x36, $3000. framed

October Orchards

2010-10-19T23:43:00.000-04:00

"Apple Orchard - Morning", oil on linen panel, 9x12

Wow, what a beautiful morning to paint. Last week I went to Robinettes Orchard with two artist friends and we felt so fortunate to be there. The light was great and there was something to paint in every direction. I did two paintings with the help of an apple fritter and coffee. It was delish!

"Peach Orchard in October", oil on linen panel, 12x16

I loved this scene. The peach trees were just starting to turn a golden color and the morning shadows created nice patterns across the grass and hilly road. I had to paint fast to keep my initial inspiration as the sun rose, everything changed very quickly.

Plein air Work

2010-10-19T23:28:00.002-04:00

"Red Barns and Pumpkins", oil on linen panel, 9x12 SOLD

The beautiful October weather is starting to fade. We still have some sun, but with it comes the wind and chilly temps. I feel good that I was able to paint on location most of the month, accumulating many studies and finished works. I am going to feature some of my favorite ones in the next few blogs.

"Farm on the Hill", oil on linen panel, 9x12

"Pasture Creek", oil on linen panel, 14x11

A Commission

2010-10-17T21:36:00.000-04:00

"Summer Waves", pastel, 24x36 - SOLD

This painting was recently completed as a commission. The client wanted a pastel painting of Lake Michigan with the water and shoreline as the subject, and this was the result.

Favorite Creeks

2010-10-15T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Creek Bend", oil on linen panel, 11x14

"Sunlit Creek" oil on linen panel, 14x11

I can't help it that I love to paint water especially a small creek. Maybe it goes back to my childhood when I spent many hours playing in and around the little creek in the woods behind our home. All of those wonderful memories surface as I paint along a babbling creek. These two paintings were painted last week at two different creeks and I loved every minute of it.

Paintout at a Farm

2010-10-11T22:33:00.000-04:00

This past weekend continued with the beautiful painting weather for the Plein Air Artists of West Michigan to meet at a local farm to paint. I chose to paint the fresh produce building with the morning shadows cast from the 80 year old cherry trees. The most difficult part was the color of the building with the shadows so I tackled that first before the sun changed everything. I also wanted the shadows cast from the trees on the road to connect the shapes and create a lead in for the viewers eye to travel throughout the composition.

"Farm Market - Morning", oil on linen panel, 9x12
After a short break I drove towards the back of the property to find another subject and came across a recently cut cornfield. Last year I painted here when the corn stood tall and could not see the farm in the distance. I also liked the tree line that cast a purple shadow across the field. Beautiful atmosphere!

"Distant Farm in Morning", oil on linen panel, 8x10.

All paintings copyrighted by Kathleen Kalinowski, 2010.

To the Beach!

2010-10-11T21:56:00.000-04:00

"Over the Dune", oil on linen panel, 11x14

"Sun, Sand and Memories", oil on linen panel, 9x12

What beautiful October weather we have been blessed with! Since coming home from the St. James Court Art Fair, I have been painting almost everyday in my other studio...under the sky! These two new works were painted at Duck Lake State Park, obviously on the beach side of the park. Duck Lake empties into Lake Michigan north of Muskegon. It was absolutely a joy to be out painting on the beach when it was near deserted and the temperatures in the high 70's. Although I only had time to do these two paintings, I will soon want to paint the stunning views of Duck Lake in October that I photographed.

Patti, I and Barb on the dunes.

Two New Pastels

2010-09-28T10:46:00.000-04:00

I just finished two new paintings that will be shown at the St James Court Art Fair this weekend. I really like the pastorial motif and so that was my inspiration. There are many such scenes with farms, pastures and fields here in West Michigan and in the midwest. I try to capture not only the light but the atmophere of the day.

September Sunlight, pastel, 12x18, $900.

Out to Pasture, pastel, 18x24, $1400.

St. James Court Show

2010-09-26T23:05:00.000-04:00

More new work that will be featured at the St. James Court Show opening Oct. 1 - 3, 2010.

Lilies and Beebalm, pastel, 18x12, $500.

Grandma's Hollyhocks, pastel, 9x12, $500.

New Pastel Paintings

2010-09-26T22:56:00.001-04:00

The St. James Court Show is next week and I have been very busy getting new work ready to exhibit. My goal is to bring at least a dozen new pieces to add to my inventory. I am also bringing a few plein air oils to show on the outside of the booth if the weather is permitting. So the next few days I will be blogging my new work as a preview of what will be at the show. Hope to see you there!

A Country Road, pastel, 6x12

Three Haybales, pastel, 9x12

Flower Fields, pastel, 9x12

All posted paintings are original paintings by artist Kathleen Kalinowski, copyright, 2010.

September Plein Air Paintings

2010-09-21T22:17:00.002-04:00

Pumpkins and Apples, oil on linen panel, 9x12, 2010

Painted plein air last week at the Country Basket on Nine Mile. I wanted to paint the pumpkin patch and discovered this view that was unexpected and very delightful. As I was working, a young mother and her children approached the pumpkin patch and the little boy went immediately to the large pumpkin that I was about to paint in. I am glad they did not take it!

Harvest Fields, oil on linen panel, 9x12, 2010

This is another local farm that I have passed by most of my life and decided to stop to ask if I could paint there. A very nice couple by the name of Alt. I went down to the pumpkin fields and discovered this beautiful scene in morning light. I bought some of her beautiful pumpkins, quite a variety to choose from. I will be back to paint here again.

Plein Air Oils by Kathleen Kalinowski
Michigan Landscapes

August plein air paintings

2010-09-17T00:09:00.000-04:00

"Pond at Wau-ke-Na", oil on linen, 14x11

I did get a little behind in posting new work. I am going to feature four of my favorite plein air paintings from August. At least one will be used as a study for larger studio paintings. Contact me if you are interested in purchasing any of these works.

"Waiting for Perch", oil on linen, 12x9
Painted at AuTrain Lake in the UP

"Au Train Morning", oil on linen, 8x10

"Almost September" , oil on linen, 10x8

Painted at Wau-ke-na North Tract.