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. 

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.

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! 

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. 

Grandma's House

SOLD

Another request. 

A cozy cabin at the tip of Northern Michigan and it's owner returning from fishing. 

If interested in a commission please contact me by email at: sarahtuleart@yahoo.com or by phone at: (248) 977-0732. Also, please check out my "Commissions" tab at the top of the screen!