Since I last blogged, several things have happened to slow me down. #1 being that my computer bit the dust. Of course it would. Especially since I had finally gotten around to doing some long procrastinated paper-work and forgot to save it to my thumb-drive. However, despite this and many other stressors I have marched forward! Propelled if by nothing else than the start of spring. A simple thunderstorm does wonders for the artist spirit. I have completed several more paintings for my June show. I thought it fitting to paint snow scenes just as the last of it is melting away. During the winter months I enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing. I didn't get out much this winter though as the temperature was rarely above 10 degrees and this makes being outside less than enjoyable.
In Northern Michigan springtime, the forests are carpeted with a beautiful white flower known as a "Trillium." Folks flock from everywhere to see these short lived flowers. The hills on Pleasant View Road between Pellston and Harbor Springs are especially beautiful. The photo I took shows them in abundance. I love strolling down the North Country Trail taking it all in. I can't say that the flowers smell heavenly but after 5 months of snow I'll take what I can get. My newest painting "Trilliums" is for...take a guess...."A Walk In The Woods!" Its peaceful to me and I can't wait for the snow to melt. 
My sister is in town today and its gonna be a blast. We don't see each other much anymore as we live at opposite ends of the state. I wish it was nicer outside so we could go out and go for a walk but I have no doubt we'll find something fun to do. And hopefully get an updated picture of us as this one is about a year or two old...This picture is us standing under "The Bean" at Millennium Park in Chicago. It was one of the best trips ever. We saw Shrek the musical which, in my opinion, was a HUGE disappointment were it not for Lord Farqua who impressed me be dancing on his knees the whole show. We also had lunch at a fantastic little Greek restaurant, and we visited Millennium Park and sat by the fountains and watched artists paint expressive pictures of "The Bean." If I had had more money on me I'm quite certain I would have come home with one of those paintings. 
I was sifting through my paintings folder on my computer and found more reasons to anticipate summer. Now only if the snow would melt.
My fiance and I are down at our parents for his spring break. Painting is....awkward here as it's not my normal painting spot! However, I worked on 2 today despite this.
The other painting isn't per-say "completed." I'm still messing with color and I need to add the shadows. In 2007 my father and I hiked part of the Pictured Rocks National Lake shore trail. It was gorgeous, but I was NOT prepared for 12 mile days with a 40 lb pack. Eventually I'll do it again and hike maybe 7 miles a day. That would allow for more gawking and sketching time but for now life is pulling me in other directions. This painting, however, is done from a few pictures of my father climbing the hill before "The Potato Patch." It will be included with my series "A Walk In The Woods." He and my mother thru-hiked the trail in 2009 and apparently this is one of the smaller hills. However, I remember this as THE LAST thing I wanted to climb at the end of the day. It was very steep and washed out. I was SO glad to reach our camping spot at the top.
