Book and Cards

Original Image Is SOLD 

Earlier this winter my friend Suzy Kedzierski and I put out a book together on public speaking. She wrote it and I illustrated. It's available as an ebook right now and it can be found here. It's chock full of useful information! 

I also have cards with some of the images from the book available. One of them is the image above of the little rabbit. I'll take pictures of the other images soon and get them on here. They will be available under the "Tiles, Prints and Cards" tab at the top of the page. 

To order a single card or a pack (mixed images or all one image) email me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com 

Single Cards: $2.95

5 Card Pack: $12.00 

"Going To The Chapel And We're Gonna Get Married"

"Holy Childhood Of Jesus Christ Church"

8"x10" original watercolor and pen on paper

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey

When you're in downtown Harbor Springs, this beautiful church is impossible to miss. It's located at the end of Main Street and as you come through town it lays before you. 

It's a popular wedding venue. 

Miniatures

Mini series currently available at 

Northgoods in Petoskey 

I recently began painting itsy bitsy paintings. They are 2.5"x 3.5" and come matted to fit in a 5"x7" frame. So far all of them feature Little Traverse Bay here in Petoskey. 

I began painting them because when I cut down a sheet of watercolor paper for my other paintings I am always left with a scrap strip. In the past I have kept these strips for students to test colors on in my classes. Now that I have enough test strips to last me through the apocalypse I decided to do something else with them. Paint on them! 

It's fun to do because it's quick and you're forced to focus on one main subject. There isn't really room for more than that at this minuscule size. 

Little Miracles

"Looking Over Little Traverse"

8"x10" original watercolor and pen on paper

SOLD 

Every once in a while I have the awesome luck of selling a piece right off the easel. 

Whenever it happens I'm always speechless. 

Sometimes I'm only half way through the work when someone offers to buy it and I can't help but think: "But you don't know how it's going to turn out!" 

In truth I suppose they have faith in me. At least, I hope that's the case. 

Thank you to all of those people who enjoy my work. Your kind words and gestures mean more than you know!

Skyline Sunset #3

"Skyline Sunset #3" 

5"x7" original watercolor and pen on paper

Available by clicking here. 

I've really been having a lot of fun painting these sunset silhouettes. The colors are a lot of fun to bring out because it can really almost be any color I want. Then I get to design a city full of skyscrapers and other interesting buildings. 

These paintings are little refreshers in-between more complicated works. I think I'll keep turning back to them in the future. 

Roast And Toast

"Roast And Toast #2"

8"x10" original watercolor and pen on paper

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey

Roast and Toast is a local hot spot here in Petoskey. It's a place so full of energy that you can't help but smile when you walk in. The fun begins in the front, where colorful mugs and plates adorn the entryway. Step inside and you're greeted with the aroma of everything coffee. The walls and booths are colorful as are the people who work here. 

My favorite thing to order is a "Chocolate Overload." I'm not a huge fan of coffee although I have tried my best to embrace it. My Chocolate Overload keeps my humming right along with the rest of them. 

If you're in the area you should stop in for a cup and see this eclectic place for yourself! They're located on Lake Street in downtown Petoskey, right next to McLean and Eakin Booksellers. (Another awesome place) 

The painting itself will be available at Northgoods in Petoskey. My work can also currently be viewed at the Petoskey District Library.  

Skyline Sunset #2

"Skyline Sunset #2"

5"x7" original watercolor and pen on paper

Available by clicking here. 

THIS is more what I was going for with the first skyline sunset. I like this one much better. 

Grand Sailing

"Grand Sailing"

8"x10" original watercolor and pen on paper

$120

Available by emailing me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com 

Here in Northern Michigan, we depend heavily on tourism. In the winters we have skiers and snowmobiles and in the summer we have sailors and campers and all manner of other outdoor enthusiasts. 

Mackinac Island is a popular destination for tourists. "Trapped" in the past, there are no motor vehicles on the island. It's only 9 miles in circumference and everyone gets around by walking, by bicycle or by horse. It's one of my favorite places to visit. 

The Grand Hotel is "the" place to stay. There are of course other beautiful bed and breakfasts and hotels but the Grand is quite luxurious. The promenade along the front is renowned for its gorgeous views. The gardens are overflowing with flowers and fountains. Its absolutely fabulous. 

Skyline Sunset #1

"Skyline Sunset #1"

5"x7" original watercolor and pen on paper

Every once in a while an artist finishes a piece that just...doesn't work. This was one of those pieces for me. When I'm stuck and can't think of anything to paint, or just don't feel like painting I do one of a sunset. The bright colors and quick pace help to get the ball rolling again. 

With this one I had the great idea of "Hey! I'll paint a city skyline at sunset! That would be cool!" 

Unfortunately, I hate the results. 

I chose to put this image up not to belittle my art but to show that everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Not everything is going to work out. It's okay. Crumple it up and move on. The next painting will be better. 

Summer Shadows on M-119

"Summer Shadows On M-119"

5"x7" original watercolor and pen on paper

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey 

In the summer, if you drive up M-119 from Harbor Springs to the dunes at Sturgeon Bay there are beautiful things to see. Striking views of Lake Michigan, the quaint bergs of Goodhart and Cross Village, and all of the beautiful woodlands. 

Late in the afternoon the sun falls through the leaves and dapples on the road.

 Drive slowly, windows down, breathing in the essence of summer. 

Morning At The Lake

"Morning At The Lake"

8"x10" original watercolor and pen on paper

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey

I am so so SO ready for summer to be here. I have had enough snow and cold to last me until well into next February. Luckily, spring is beginning to show up. Kind of. Most days. When it feels like it. 

All of this pining got me thinking about summer vacations and relaxing by the lake. Here in Michigan the thing to do is "go up north." If you live in Detroit, you might go up to the Midland area. If you live in Grand Rapids, you probably drive up 131 to Petoskey and Traverse City. If you live north of the 45th parallel you probably head to the U.P. We just keep migrating northward. It's our thing. 

I was imagining a quiet, lakeside retreat where you can go out onto your own dock, sip a cup of coffee and relax in your chair as you listen to the loons and watch the sun rise, casting everything in a rosy light. The day is just beginning, it's full of possibilities. 

Wanted: Actual Spring-like Conditions

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING! 

I recently discovered that downstate and elsewhere they are actually beginning to enjoy spring! There are rumors of grass and puddles and temperatures that don't require arctic apparel. This (the image above) is the reality here at the tip of the mitt. And there's better news: its supposed to SNOW this weekend. I think I may cry. 

But! Trying to remain positive, although it is becoming increasingly more difficult, I continue on with paintings of greener times. Below is one of my new pieces, showing the the Tunnel Of Trees in the spring time with trilliums in bloom and leaves on the trees. It is available at Northgoods in Petoskey. 

"Trilliums on M-119"

5"x7" original watercolor and pen on paper

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey 

From The Bay

"From The Bay"

8"x10" original watercolor and pen on paper

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey. 

This is a view you would see if you were out on a boat in Little Traverse Bay in the summer. As you're coming into the harbor you'll pass our breakwall. The hilly town of Petoskey rises up behind it. Locals and visitors alike are enjoying the warm summer day by jumping off the end of the breakwall into the cool, deep waters of Lake Michigan. 

Also, I recently switched out my paintings at Petoskey District Library. I brought in new ones so there's no more snowy pictures. If you're in the area head up to the second floor and check em out! I'd love to hear what you think! 

Winter Along The Creek

"Winter Along The Creek"

8"x10" original watercolor and pen on paper

Available by clicking here. 

My husband and I were thrilled when local temperatures recently broke freezing temps. We celebrated by going for a walk at a local fish hatchery.

 (It's been below zero since Christmas, this was a BIG DEAL)

  Oden Fish Hatchery is a neat place to bring kids in the warmer months. They have many unique educational experiences and great walking trails. You can view fish at every stage of life and there's a cool below-ground observation area where you can watch the fish in the stream. 

My parents took me and my sister here when we were kids and I loved it. It wasn't as "fancy" then as it is now. When I first  went it was a couple of long waterways that you walked around by precariously balancing on cement dividers. Today it is much more family friendly. 

In the winter, it's a quiet little place. We enjoyed our walk along the streams, basking in the sunlight we so craved. Here's hoping there's more of it on the way! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 

The weekend got away from me and I haven't had time to get images of my paintings on to the computer yet. Will post again tomorrow! 

Until then, enjoy the greenery that will be making an appearance today. 

Mining The Arts

This summer I am proud to be taking part in the 1st annual Mining The Arts Festival in Republic, MI. Republic was once a small mining town in the Upper Peninsula but since the mine closed in 1980 times have been hard on the community. This summer they are throwing the festival to bring people back into the small town.

If you are an artist or crafts person there are still spaces available to participate. Contact Stacy at stacyvaughndavis@gmail.com. 

Otherwise, mark your calendars for May 23rd- 25th and come out and support this cool little place! It's located in the western U.P. south of Marquette. 

Also, this coming week I will be switching out my paintings at Petoskey District Library so be sure to stop by and see what's new! 

Have A Great Weekend! 

Pictured Rocks Art Hike 2014

"Potato Patch Hill"

5"x7" original watercolor and pen on paper

$65.00 

Available by contacting me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com 

I'm very excited to announce that this summer I'm trying something new! 

I'm going to backpack the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Along the way I'm going to paint and sketch, compiling enough to make what I think will make a beautiful coffee table book. Portions of the proceeds from this book will go to assist upkeep of the trail and make it available for future generations. 

At the end of my hike I hope to be able to hold an educational lecture and workshop about my time on the trail. I have all of the camping equipment required but am raising donations for travel expenses. A button is available in the sidebar if you'd like to make a contribution. For those donating $50 or more I am giving a free copy of the book when it is finished. Please leave your name and address in the comments section of the process and I will add you to the list for a book. If you would like to see a breakdown of expenses, email me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com and I can get you a copy of my plans. 

McLaren Benefit Dinner

"Afternoon Shadows On Walloon Lake"

SOLD 

I was very flattered to discover that my image "Afternoon Shadows On Walloon Lake" is going to be used as the image for the McLaren Northern Michigan invitation for the donor dinner in July. 

Thank you!