New Minis

This weekend I dropped off a handful of new miniature paintings at Northgoods in Petoskey. They would make a great addition to any stocking!
I have also finished my "100 Tiny Views Of Lake Michigan" series and am looking for a venue to exhibit with. The paintings are all 2.5"x3.5" framed in white to be 5"x7." If you have a suggestion I would love to hear it! Please leave a comment! 

These upcoming weeks are packed with travel and family! Looking forward to a change from the normal routine. 

In case I don't make it back beforehand, I wish everyone the very best holiday and a wonderful start to 2015! 

Emerging Artists Exhibit

I attended the reception for the "Emerging Artists" exhibit this past Friday at the Alberta House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. I was happy to see that it was well attended and wowed by all of the wonderful artworks! I was also quite flattered to win Honorable Mention. I'd say it was a success! 

Tanar and Me at the reception. I have such a wonderful husband! 

Busy Busy Busy

I've been quite busy lately so haven't been posting. Plan to get back to painting soon!

 Thanks for checking in! 

Emerging Artists Exhibit

"Sweetheart Lilacs" 

7"x5" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper

"The Sky Is Awake"

5"x7" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper 

"Sea Of Lavender"

8"x10" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper 

"Seed Eaters" 

5"x7" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper

"Gathering Lavender" 

8"x10" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper 

This next week I am exhibiting several works at the local art center here in the Sault. The Alberta House is hosting an "Emerging Artists" exhibit for the month of November and I was honored to be asked to show. All works are for sale. Contact the Alberta House at (906) 635-1312 if you'd like to purchase one of my pieces.

I am looking forward to exhibiting with other Sault area artists! Stop by and see the work, sample local fare and cast your vote! 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

Golden Field

"Golden Field"

5"x7" Original Watercolor And Pen On Paper

I drive past this field all year round. In spring it is full of new growth and wildflowers. In summer it gradually becomes one of the grandest displays of sunflowers I have ever seen! I drove past the other day in the dreary dark weather we've been having and wished there would have been these golden flowers bobbing their heads in the summer sunshine. Right now the field is full of soggy hay bales and those just weren't as inspiring to paint.

Wishing You Sunny Skies!

Insight

I thought maybe I would try something new and try to actually show you how I work.  I took this little video while I was working on a painting yesterday afternoon. It is by no means of professional quality but I hope it is interesting to you. 

The painting featured in the video clip is one that I am working on for Old Park City Gallery in Republic MI. My husband and I took a trip a few weeks ago to Munising and hiked out to Mosquito Beach on the Pictured Rocks trail. We ate lunch on a rock at the Mosquito River mouth and even made a chipmunk friend. Now, I know what you're thinking..."Mosquito Beach? Why would anybody EVER go there???" I assure you, at this time of year, with the winds coming off of Lake Superior there are ZERO mosquitoes. In fact, there aren't any bugs at all. It's a beautiful stretch of beach and a wonderful spot for an afternoon picnic. 

I'm still working on the painting and will post again when it is finished. 

Makin' Tracks

"Makin' Tracks" 

Original Watercolor and Pen on Aquaboard

                                             

My first painting in a while. The weather up here has been rainy and dreary and I haven't felt much like creating. Mostly I've been baking and catching up on my reading. I have an entire "to read" pile next to the bed that is now short a few books. 

However, I recently bought these aqua boards which is an alternative to regular watercolor paper. As they were something "new" I just had to give it a shot. And behold! A painting! 

Trees Like Fire M-119 Miniature Watercolor

"Trees Like Fire" 

Miniature Watercolor Painting 2.5"x3.5"

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey 

Here's one more of the miniature watercolors I did of Tunnel of Trees last week. This week I have plans to do some much larger paintings. I will post my progress! 

Coming up in November I have a show in Republic, Michigan at the Old Park City Gallery. The show is centered around some of the places I've enjoyed in the Republic/Marquette area. Stay tuned to check em out! 

Commission Work

I know it seems early and I don't mean to rush the season but if anyone is interested in commission work now is the time to start thinking about it! That is, if you're looking for a fun and unique Christmas present!

I have experience doing all kinds of commissions and would love to paint something special for you! I have done homes, pets, events, etc. The possibilities are endless! 

If you're interested in the idea there is a tab at the top of the page titled "Commissions." Click on it and you can read in more detail how I do commissions. Alternatively, you can email me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com or call me at (248) 977-0732 and we can chat. 

In this post are a couple of examples of commissions I have done. The top is Sturgeon River Pottery near Petoskey, second is a wedding at the Stafford Inn Gardens on Little Traverse Bay and finally an adorable little pug. I can work from photos or I can come to the site. Read more under the "Commissions" tab! 

The Straight And Narrow M-119 Miniature Watercolor

"The Straight And Narrow"

Miniature Original Watercolor 2.5"x3.5"

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey 

Another mini painting of M-119 that I completed this week. A stick straight portion of the road beneath the changing trees. 

The Leaves They Are A-Changin' M-119 Miniature

"The Leaves They Are A-Changin'"

Miniature Original Watercolor 2.5"x3.5"

Available at Northgoods In Petoskey 

This week I finished a couple more miniatures that I'm taking to Northgoods in Petoskey this weekend. I really enjoy painting these little bitty paintings. It's quick and stress free. I also use them as studies for larger works later on. 

The leaves are changing here in northern Michigan! It's sooooo beautiful! A great place to see color is along M-119 near Harbor Springs. You can follow this road along the shores of Lake Michigan up to Sturgeon Bay Dunes if you want to! Some of my favorite stops are the Good Hart General Store and Pond Hill Farm. 

Adirondack Trio Minis

A little series of mini paintings. Adirondacks on the beach. 

I'm beginning to feel summer is long gone, with temps barely getting to 60 here anymore. These helped me to reflect on summer sun, warm sand and a day at the beach. 

Check Northgoods in Petoskey soon for more minis! 

Feelin' Bookish

Above is an illustration I have been working on for a children's book that I'm writing. I really wanted to get it finished for my booth this weekend at EUP Bookfest where I will be offering my services as an illustrator. 

The first annual Eastern Upper Peninsula Book Fest is this Saturday, Sept 20th from 9am-3pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. There will be over 20 Upper Peninsula authors present, all reading from and promoting their books. 

If you come you can see more of my illustrations and hear about my upcoming book! 

Please come support the local authors! We'd love to see you! 

1st Annual EUP Book Festival

This coming Saturday look for me at the first annual Eastern Upper Peninsula Book Festival in Sault Ste. Marie, MI! Over twenty Michigan authors will be there, reading from and promoting their books. I will be there offering my services as an illustrator. 

If you can come we would love to see you! It's sure to be a good time for book lovers! 

New Studio Space!

My husband recently returned to college and so we moved back to Sault Michigan. (He attended LSSU for his first degree.) This, of course, meant giving up my studio space in Petoskey. I was bummed, figuring I would again be working from the dining room table. However, when we arrived in the Sault, a friend told me to check with one of the local shop owners as he might have an available space above his shop. 

I did and this is the GORGEOUS space he showed me, I can not explain how much I love this great new space. It. Is. Phenomenal. 

So anyway, for the past few days I have been moving all of my artsy stuff in and setting up shop which is why I haven't been painting. The space is HUGE and all of my things look dwarfed with it's high ceilings and large windows.

 It's going to be a wonderful space to create! 

Thanks Les! 

M-119 Minis

Finished a few M-119 mini paintings for Northgoods in Petoskey. 

The leaf colors aren't quite to this level yet, but I have noticed some leaves changing! Hard to believe it's already fall. When did that happen?

Have A Great Weekend! 

Minis for Northgoods

Apologies for my absence here! August was a crazy month for me and with so much  going on I let a few things slip away. Now that several things have fallen in to place I will be posting more regularly again. 

The above paintings are minis (2.5"x 3.5")  and are destined for Northgoods in Petoskey. They are a continuation of my series "100 Tiny Views Of Lake Michigan" which has been very well received. Thank you to those who have purchased them! They go fast! 

Also, I am teaching a set of beginners classes here in the Sault beginning on the 15th. There are a few spaces open if anyone else would like to join. Contact me at (248) 977-0732 and we'll get you all signed up! 

To find out the rest of the information on this set of classes and others I'll be teaching please click on the "Workshops and Classes" tab at the top of the page. 

Summer Clocktower

"Summer Clock-tower"

7"x5" Original Watercolor and Pen 

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey 

Down on the bay front in Petoskey there is a tall red clock-tower. I have now painted this in every season. Thinking about doing them up as a card pack...

Look for me this Friday as part of downtown Petoskey's "Petoskey Rocks!" event. I will be set up and demonstrating painting from 6-9pm somewhere in town. Other artists will be out too! Stop by and see what they're up to! 

Also! On Saturday I'll be in Kalkaska taking place in an Art Fair! Come check it out! 

Watercolor Classes and Workshops

I've finally begun to solidify my fall schedule! I will be teaching several classes and workshops, some in the U.P. and some in lower Michigan.

 If you've ever wanted to dabble in watercolor this is a great opportunity! I supply all the materials for my classes so there in no commitment if you discover that it's not for you. If you find that you do love watercolors however, you will walk away with the knowledge to begin!

Beginners Workshops are 2-3 hours and one day long. 

Beginners Classes are 4 days of 2-3 hours. 

Check out the "Classes and Workshops" tab at the top of the screen to see a schedule! 

Night At The Grand

"Night At The Grand"

5"x7" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper

The third in my series of the Grand Hotel. 

This one was a lot of fun to paint. I haven't done very many night scenes before as I find them difficult to execute correctly in watercolor. I feel like I need to blend to get from where the light is hitting as it fades into darkness. It's hard to do over large areas, working quickly, trying to control the paint. But I digress. 

In the night sky I used a salt technique to give the impression of stars and to add a little texture to the painting. It's a tricky technique as you never quite know what it will do but in this instance I think it worked great. 

I also found it hard to take an accurate photo of this and so the color is a touch off. The sky is actually darker than it appears as is some of the foliage. 

I hope you enjoy it! 

Have A Great Weekend! 

Grand Fountain

"Grand Fountain"

7"x5" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper

SOLD 

Another addition to my Grand Hotel series.

 This painting is based on photographs I took while eating my lunch one afternoon. 

In front of the Grand there is a park where you can play croquet or admire the flower gardens. There is also this gorgeous fountain with benches around it. A perfect place to relax and enjoy the view. 

Grand Hotel Welcome

"Grand Hotel Welcome"

5x7" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper

I've been working on several projects lately, along with trying to settle into the new apartment. One of the main projects is a series on the Grand Hotel. 

The Grand is an impressive, welcoming icon on your voyage to Mackinac Island. You can catch a ferry in Mackinaw or in St. Ignace and 20 minutes later you'll be stepping  back in time on Mackinac Island. If you can't travel here, watch Somewhere In Time featuring Christopher Reeves. You'll get to see much of the Grand Hotel. The only thing that isn't accurate in the film is the vehicles. Normally, there are no cars on the Island, other than emergency vehicles. Mr. Reeves wanted them in the movie for some reason. On Mackinac, everyone gets around by walking, or riding a horse or bike. It's only 9 miles around and  the perimeter can easily be made on a bike in a few hours. 

One of my studio assistants. This is Sophie. She makes sure I keep my nose to the grindstone. 

Keepin' Busy!

Just wanted to drop in a say that yes I am still alive and yes, I am still making art. Summer has been keeping me busy!

Thanks so much to the SOBO Arts Council! I won the "Best Booth Display" award at the show in June. I was tickled! 

•  I recently joined a new gallery in Republic, due to open at the end of this month. Check them out if you're up in the Marquette area! Old Park City Gallery and Cafe! 
• I am signed up for two more arts festivals in August
• Kalkaska August 2nd 
• Art On The Lake in Curtis August 30th
• Look for me in Petoskey on August 1st during Petoskey Rocks Art Night. Local artists will be out around town demonstrating. 

I am also in the process of adding to my lake tile collection and painting new pieces for all three galleries. 

• Mackinac's Little Gallery on Mackinac Island 
• Northgoods in Petoskey 
• Old Park City Gallery and Cafe in Republic 

Also in the works: Children's Books. 

Whew!

Will post again soon! Thanks for checking! 

SOBO

Looking for something to do on this wonderful Saturday? Come see all of the artists participating in the SOBO Arts Festival in Boyne City! It's a beautiful day to be near the lake celebrating the arts!

I'll see you there! 

www.soboartsfestival.com 

Upcoming SOBO Art Festival

Sorry I haven't been posting.  The truth is this place is a mad house lately. My husband and I are moving and packing up takes seemingly forever. I'm also preparing for the SOBO Arts Festival on the 28th. It's held in Boyne City and there are many fabulous artists attending. Please come!

The images are of some local lake paintings I did. I've made them into 4"x4" tiles and will be selling them at the festival. They'd be great for a kitchen backslash, a hot plate, coasters or just for display. 

Frozen Bay Minis

"Frozen Bay #2"

2.5"x3.5" Original Watercolor and Pen 

"Frozen Bay #1"

2.5"x3.5" Original Watercolor and Pen 

Here are a few more additions to my series "100 Tiny Views Of Lake Michigan." 

In stark contrast to our vibrant summer, these paintings only used 2 or 3 colors. 

I can't say that I miss winter yet. I'm enjoying the sun. Yet, the series wouldn't be complete without the heaps of snow that line the shore 4 months out of the year. 

Beach Path

"Beach Path" 

5"x7" Original Watercolor and Pen 

Available by clicking here. 

Who doesn't love a day at the beach? 

This painting is from several of my reference pictures from the Sturgeon Bay Dunes area along Lake Michigan. 

Dud

"Twilight On 119"

7"x5" Original Watercolor and Pen 

Sometimes the project you're working on just doesn't turn out like you want. It's a dud despite all of your best intentions. 

This painting, for me, is a dud. 

I thought "Oh how cool would it be if I painted 119 at sunset?" well....it might be a cool idea but I'm gonna have to try again cause this isn't it. 

On a brighter note;

 HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL THOSE GREAT DADS OUT THERE! 

Mim's Mediterranean Grill

"Mims Mediterranean Grill" 

5"x7" Original Watercolor And Pen 

Mim's is one of my favorite places to eat in Petoskey. Located just north of town, it's hard to miss with its bright exterior. The staff who work here are just as vibrant and the food.....mmmmmm......delicious!

View From Bills Farm Market

"View From Bill's Farm Market"

5"x7" Original Watercolor And Pen 

To purchase, please visit my Daily Paintworks Gallery 

(slide-show on right side)

Whoo! Just making it in under the wire today! 

This is the view of the Petoskey country side out on Mitchell Street near Bills Farm Market. It's gorgeous scenery 360 degrees around. The hills go on forever it seems. And all of the shades of green! 

Lake Michigan Sunset Minis

"Lake Michigan Sunset #1"

2.5"x 3.5" Original Watercolor And Pen 

"Lake Michigan Sunset #2"

2.5"x 3.5" Original Watercolor And Pen 

I struck me the other day as I was looking through the mini paintings I've completed for my series "100 Tiny Views Of Lake Michigan," I didn't have any sunset paintings. People love the sunsets over Lake Michigan! They drive for MILES to watch the sun set over the water. 

So....I decided to rectify that and paint a couple. My tiny paintings are not nearly as stunning as some of the actual sunsets I have witnessed but I hope they come close. I enjoy all of the colors that creep into the sky at the end of the day. Especially over the water. 

Today is my husband's birthday! We're having a cook out! 

Happy Birthday Hun! Love you! 

Little Sable Lighthouse Mini

"Little Sable Lighthouse"

3.5"x 2.5" Original Watercolor And Pen 

Following along with yesterday's post I will continue the lighthouse tour with Little Sable Lighhouse. 

Little Sable Light is located just south of Silver Lake State Park. This lighthouse reminds me of a fairy-tale Rapunzel type tower. It looks awkward to me standing there alone on the beach. 

This painting is included in my series "100 Tiny Views Of Lake Michigan"

Big Sable Lighthouse Minis

"Big Sable Light" 

3.5"x 2.5" Original Watercolor And Pen 

"Big Sable Storm" 

2.5"x 3.5" Original Watercolor And Pen 

I felt like adding a few more to my ongoing series "100 Tiny Views Of Lake Michigan." This time I headed down the coastline a bit to the Ludington area. Big Sable Lighthouse is located inside of Ludington State Park along the Lake Michigan shore. You can read more about it by clicking here. 

I've also started to do a bit more research about venues for this series of paintings. Suggestions are welcome! I'm looking fore several places along Lake Michigan. 

10 days down in my 100 Day Project! 90 more to go!