Blog

Last week I participated in one of the midwest's premier plein air events - The Cedarburg (WI) Plein Air Festival. This was the 15th year this event has been held, so you know it's going to be well run. I've been fortunate to participate for the last six years.

As I prepared for the event, I couldn't help feeling nervous anticipation. You never know when you sign up what the weather will be, whether your stamina be up to par, or what your paintings will look like at the end, although after years of doing plein air events, you know in your heart that the paintings will speak for themselves. A lot of the prep work is in my head. You have to go in with a positive mind and a fearless disposition. There is a lot of time and expense put into it, both by the artists and the event organizers. Painting live in front of an audience takes practice and fortitude.

We were blessed this year to be invited to stay with friends, who put up with crazy artists' schedules - late nights and early mornings - and lots of activity in their home. There were six artists staying at this particular home, so you know it was a bit wild and crazy. We are forever grateful to not have had the cost of housing, and left a gift of a portrait of their beautiful garden as a thank you.

Shown here is a painting of mine that sold on opening night. A few of my pieces remain hanging in the Cedarburg Cultural Center until August 8 (or until sold!). Please stop in to see them if you happen to be in the area!

July 9 - I'll be at Fine Line Designs, north of Ephraim, WI, for a reception and to do a little painting

July 10 - I'll be at the Art Bar on Burleigh in Milwaukee from 6-7:30pm for the opening of Wisconsin Plein Air Painters "We Came, We Saw, We Painted"

July 10 & 11 - Look for Water's Edge Artists painting at Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay (I hope to be there during the day on one or both days