Hotel Iroquois

"Hotel Iroquois Christmas" 

5"x7" Original Watercolor Painting

I was so pleased this year to be asked to make the Christmas cards for Hotel Iroquois on Mackinac Island! Here is the painting I did for them, with the hotel all decked out for Christmas. 

Cards are available at Mackinac's Little Gallery on Mackinac Island. 

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! 

100 Day Project

"Arch Rock"

7"x5" Original Watercolor And Pen On Paper

Available soon at Mackinac's Little Gallery on Mackinac Island! 

While I was at the Mining The Art Festival over Memorial Day weekend I met a few women who really inspired me. One of them introduced me to the idea of the 100 Day Project.

"It can be anything" she told me. Intrigued, I asked more and she produced her personal project. Every day for 100 days she had made a special luggage tag. The theme of them had gone along with that particular day, her birthday, Christmas, a cookout etc. 

I decided I'm going to attempt my own "100 Day Project." I'm going to paint and post for 100 consecutive days. I believe this will help me to focus and remain committed to my art and hopefully I will emerge enlightened in some way. 

To kick things off here is my first painting. 

99 more to go! 

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. 

Seasonal

Cycling Salamander Gallery, Charlevoix, MI 

Mackinac's Little Gallery, Mackinac Island, MI 

Northern Michigan is a seasonal place. 

No matter the season, we're dependent on the tourists. In spring they come for the trilliums and to celebrate the greenery. In summer they come for the beaches, camping, shopping, sailing and open spaces. In fall they come to see the colors and in winter they come for skiing and snowmobiling. 

However, usually after Labor Day things slow down quite a bit. The people don't come in droves anymore and shops slip into their off season hours. Some places, like the Cycling Salamander Gallery and Mackinac's Little Gallery close for the winter. It's a good option, saves money and makes them all the more special when they open again next spring. 

The time of year has come for that so if you haven't been to these neat little gems tucked away in the north you should come see them! They're open for a few more weeks yet. They'd love to see you and you won't have to fight the crowds. 

You can also click on the orange names under the photos to learn more about them.

Gallery Dash

"Arch Rock"

5"x7"

SOLD

Whew! I feel like I've been going non stop between galleries this summer! It's a good thing though!

First of all thank you to everyone who came out last night to my opening reception at Northgoods! It was a good time and I was glad you could make it!

Today I'm making my way to Mackinac Island to drop off more work at Mackinac's Little Gallery. I have several new paintings that should be on their walls soon and some packs of Mackinac Island themed cards. It's the best gallery on the Island and they always have something neat to see!

And if you've ever wanted to try your hand at watercolors mark Wednesday, August 14th on your calendar! I'm teaching a class for beginners at the Cycling Salamander Gallery in Charlevoix. The class is from 9:30am-noon and is $50/person. ALL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED! All you need to do is show up ready to paint! 

If you're interested in joining us contact me at (248) 977-0732 or call the gallery directly at (231) 838-6460

Have a great weekend! 

Mackinac Lilac Festival

"In Front Of The Grand"

5"x7"

SOLD

If you happen to be headed to Mackinac Island today for their annual Lilac Festival be sure to venture over to Market Street to see Mackinac's Little Gallery. I have several paintings available there and so do many other talented artists. 

The Lilac Parade is at 4pm and is a must see! At the Fort you'll find a special musician on the pipes. 

Enjoy!

Don't forget to "LIKE" Sarah Tule Artworks on Facebook!

Trees Like Fire

Ok! Time for another "Work In Progress!" This one is of Round Island Lighthouse in the autumn. Enjoy! 

I begin with a pencil sketch that I go over with my handy dandy Faber-Castell pen. This pen is waterproof and won't bleed. Now I basically have a coloring book page more or less. Not so daunting now is it?

First, I chose to paint in the sand, bringing the color down into the waterline so you can discern where the shallow areas are.  

While I was waiting for the sand to dry I picked an area that didn't touch it: the trees. Wouldn't want those colors to bleed together! But, speaking of bleeding colors, I began with a golden yellow and quickly added orange and reds to the trees so that they blended together instead of being blotchy. Once the sand was dry I painted the water and the rocks, adding a bit of gray to the water. Remember! It's still a bit shallow there! 

Then I finished the pine trees on shore, the roof and the windows. 

Finally, I painted the flag, the lighthouse and the shadows. I also added a bit of red to the water for the lighthouse reflection. Voila! 

I hope this was informational to you if nothing else. But every once in a while I like to show my process. If you have any questions you can contact me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com 

This painting will be for sale at Mackinac's Little Gallery on Mackinac Island. Be sure to stop in there when you visit the Island this summer! It's a fantastic little gallery! To purchase this painting you can contact them at (906) 847-6400. 

Also, check out my "Classes and Workshops" tab at the top of the page. I've added some new workshops! 

Don't forget to "LIKE" Sarah Tule Artworks on Facebook! 

Flower Delivery

"Flower Delivery"

5"x7"

Bikes are the main mode of transportation on Mackinac Island. Mackinac is also known for the large lilac festival that they hold each summer. Wouldn't it be nice to have a visitor bring you a basket full of lilacs one morning? 

This painting will be for sale at Mackinac's Little Gallery on Mackinac Island. To purchase, you can contact them at (906) 847-6400. 

Also, check out the "Classes and Workshops" tab at the top of the page! I've added some new workshops!

Don't forget to "LIKE" Sarah Tule Artworks on Facebook" 

Arch Rock

"Arch Rock"

7"x5" 

Arch Rock is located on Mackinac Island towering 146 feet above Lake Huron. It's a pull to many tourists that visit the Island, including me! Up until about a decade ago you could walk out onto the formation. However, due to erosion and other issues, you can now walk to the top of a flight of stairs and stand on a platform next to Arch Rock. Not as exhilarating, but still cool. 

To purchase this painting please contact Mackinac's Little Gallery at (906) 847-6400

Also my show "North of Here" opens tonight at the Tromblay Salon in Kalamazoo! The artist's reception is from 7-10pm. There is a live band, wine and snacks! FOR FREE! Come see us! 

Don't forget to "LIKE" Sarah Tule Artworks on Facebook! 

Watching Round Island

"Watching Round Island"

7"x5"

From the shores of Mackinac Island you are invited to sit in these adriondack chairs and watch the Straits of Mackinac. Smell the geraniums, warm yourself in the sunshine and enjoy the views of Round Island Lighthouse. 

This painting is on its way to Mackinac's Little Gallery on Mackinac Island. They're located on Market Street and are a fantastic little gallery! Stop by and visit them on your trip to the Island! 

To purchase this painting contact Mackinac's Little Gallery at (906) 847-6400.

Also, tomorrow starts another Manna Food Project Art Auction! Be sure to check back and see the painting for the month of May tomorrow! 

Don't forget to "LIKE" Sarah Tule Artworks on Facebook! 

Whirlwind

Okay! So to catch everyone up to speed...I've been preparing for several upcoming events! My life is a whirlwind right now! 

First of all I'm going to Kalamazoo on Friday to drop off work for Kalamazoo's May Art Hop event. My work will be shown at the Tromblay Salon for the months of May and June. So excited! Information on this can be found by clicking on the "Look for Me!" tab at the top of the page. You can also click on the name of the Salon above and it will take you to their site. Below are some of the paintings that will be included in the exhibit! 

 "Forest Of Light" 11"x14" Watercolor and Pen 

"Catching Up" 5"x7" Watercolor and Pen

Secondly, I've been finishing up illustrations for Jessica Schaub's "In His Garden." This is a wonderful children's book and will hopefully be available at the end of the summer! Keep in touch for more info! 

And last (BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST!) I've been preparing for galleries! This summer look for my work at Northgoods in Petoskey and Mackinac's Little Gallery on Mackinac Island! Click on either the "Look for Me" tab or the "Contact Me" tab at the top of the page to find links for their sites. 

I'll also be working at Northgoods so come on in and watch me work! I'll be demonstrating later in May. More details to follow on that! 

Whew! Well I've got to get back to work. Have a great weekend! 

Don't forget to "LIKE" Sarah Tule Artworks on Facebook! 

Round Island Rocks

Round Island Lighthouse graces the Straits of Mackinaw and is a popular landmark for tourists. If you take the ferry from Mackinaw to Mackinac Island, you'll pass quite close to here and be able to take some awesome pictures of your own. 

I took reference photos for this picture from the shores of the Island. I like that it feels close when, in actuality I believe it's almost a mile or more away. 

This painting is 5"x7" and can be purchased by bidding in the Daily Paintworks auction. To go to that auction, click here. 

Alternatively, you can email me at: sarahtuleart@yahoo.com or call me at (248) 977-0732. 

In Front Of The Grand

 A fine day for sailing on the Straits of Mackinac. These two boats are almost to Mackinac Island, the Grand Hotel in the background. 

To purchase this painting contact Mackinac's Little Gallery. 

St. Anne's Harbor

 When you take the ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island one of the things you'll notice as your boat pulls into the harbor is St. Anne's Church. It sits gracefully on the shoreline, surrounded by large estates.   From behind however, looking out into the straits, you can see Round Island lighthouse, another popular tourist attraction.
This painting is 5"x7" and will be for sale at Mackinac's Little Gallery on Mackinac Island later in September. I was recently accepted to the gallery and am looking forward to painting more scenes of the Island.

Come Sail Away

SOLD

I went out onto the front deck this morning to find that the sail boats that took off from Chicago on Friday had made their way north to their finishing place on Mackinaw Island. The water was an intoxicating blue and the colorful sails looked cheerful on the horizon.
To purchase this painting email me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com or check out the auction on Daily Paintworks by clicking here.

A Daring Trip

        Over the holiday my husband and I took the boat out and went for an afternoon tour of the straits. While we were out, we saw several kayakers, including this one who claimed to be returning home to St. Ignace. I admired her determination. The Straits of Mackinaw aren't exactly "friendly" waters. I hope she made it back safe and sound.