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! 

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! 

Merry Christmas!

"Off The Beaten Track"

5"x7" 

Original watercolor on paper

Available by clicking here. 

I wanted to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a wonderful beginning to their new year! 

Above is a painting that may not strike everyone as "Christmassy" but as a country girl it feels like coming home to me. And what better at Christmas time than being able to go home to spend time with family?

I apologize for not posting much this month I've been quite busy with commission work and getting ready for my two shows next month. 

Check out more on those by clicking the following links:

Forest Hills Fine Art Center

(Solo Show and Residency) 

Petoskey District Library

(My work will be displayed at the library January-March 2014)

I probably won't post again until 2014 but you never know, I might just get the urge to paint amidst all the hubbub. :)

Wishing everyone the very best! Have a wonderful holiday!

Skiing Through The Blue Wood

"Skiing Through The Blue Wood"

8"x10" original watercolor on paper

Available by clicking here. 

Next month, I'm showing my work at Charisma Salon in Traverse City. Portions of all the proceeds will benefit the Father Fred Foundation. Father Fred is a non-denominational charity based in Traverse City, MI. They provide several services to families in need within a five county radius. As the holiday season approaches I look forward to helping out. 

Charisma Salon is located on Eighth Street in Traverse City. My work will be up for the month and I will donate 50% of the profits from each painting sold! 

Through The Birches

"Through The Birches"

5"x7" watercolor on paper

To go to the auction page, click here. 

Have I mentioned I like cross country skiing? I guess it's been on my mind lately. 

Here in northern Michigan we're trapped somewhere between the end of fall and the beginning of winter. It's starting to pull more to the winter side of things but every once in a while we get a nice sunny "warm" day. Nature is teasing us. 

This painting is up for auction on Daily Paintworks. The bidding starts at $35. To bid, click on the link beneath the image above and it will take you to the site. 

Emerging From The Pines

"Emerging From The Pines"

5"x7" watercolor on paper

To go to the auction site, click here. 

It began snowing this week. Enough so that it's begun to stay on the ground. I love waking up to the first snowfall. Everything is dusted in a blanket of white and it feels clean and fresh. It gets me thinking about the coming holidays and I'm filled with a warm happy feeling. 

But since the snow has found us I'll also be digging out my snowshoes and my skis. Obviously I have a while but you just never know what northern Michigan is going to give you! 

This painting is up on auction on the Daily Paintworks site. Bidding starts at $35. To bid, click on the link below the image above and it will take you to the site. 

Have A Great Weekend! 

Warm Winter Sunset

"Warm Winter Sunset"

5"x7" watercolor on paper

$35

Available by clicking here. 

This painting was done from some photos I took a few winters ago while out cross country skiing for the afternoon. It was getting late (4 in the afternoon...whooo!) and we were headed back to the car. I am always intrigued by shadows and I paused to take this picture because of them. The soft purples and blues on the snow against the vibrant colors of the sky were too good to pass up. 

From now until Christmas my paintings are all reduced in price. If you're interested in purchasing I have them all listed on Daily Paintworks. You can find me on there by clicking on the little slideshow in the side bar to the right or by clicking here. 

Ice Fishin Buddies

"Ice Fishin' Buddies"

5"x7" watercolor on paper

$35

Available by clicking here. 

My Dad used to take my sister and me out ice fishing when we were younger. Sadly time changes things but I have all the fond memories and who knows, maybe when the lake freezes over (and I mean like a foot of ice. I am NOT brave enough to go out on anything less than that) I'll ask him to take me out again. 

As for these two, they sure have set up shop. They have their buckets to sit on, all bundled against the cold, tip ups ready to go and now they're gonna wait with a hot cup of coffee. 

From now until Christmas my paintings are all reduced in price. If you're interested in purchasing I have them all listed on Daily Paintworks. You can find me on there by clicking on the little slideshow in the side bar to the right or by clicking here. 

Follow The Leader

"Follow The Leader"

5"x7" watercolor on paper

$35

Available by clicking here. 

Soon a common phrase up here will be; "Great day to hit the slopes isn't it?" Hopefully its a little ways off yet but I know several people who are dusting off their skis and hoping to wake up to a winter wonderland. 

Speaking of winter wonderlands, Christmas is coming up. I know, Thanksgiving is first, but in this business I always need to be looking ahead. If I paint it while it's going on I miss the people who would like to have that painting. Anyways, back to Christmas. Last year I cleaned out my studio about this time with paintings I had had from earlier that year. I'm doing that again this year. From now until Christmas my paintings are all reduced in price. If you're interested in purchasing I have them all listed on Daily Paintworks. You can find me on there by clicking on the little slideshow in the side bar to the right or by clicking here. 

Need A Lift?

"Need A Lift?"

5"x7"

$85

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey or by clicking here. 

You know, I've never seen a painting done from the perspective of actually being ON the lift. And to be frank, the lift is one of my favorite parts. (Not a big skier.) So anyway, I figured I'd paint one! 

Here we go up the hill! Aren't you glad we don't have to walk! 

Boyne Highlands Hilltop

"Boyne Highlands Hilltop"

5"x7"

$85

Available at Northgoods in Petoskey or by clicking here. 

I know it's not actually ski season yet, (thank God, I think it would kill me if there was that much snow already!) but I'm trying to stay ahead of the curve! 

This couple is enjoying the view briefly before making the descent at Boyne Highlands up north here in Harbor Springs. 

Have A "Spooktacular" Halloween! 

Boyne Highlands

"Boyne Highlands"

5"x7"

$85

Available by clicking here. 

It began snowing earlier this week. Winter is trying to force its way back in. It's cold out, noses are running, kleenex is essential. It's hard to stay positive when it feels like we just got rid of the snow. Summer always seems to slip through my fingers. 

But on a fun note, ski resorts should be open again soon, we can bust out the hot coco and marshmallows and all will be well! 

This painting is of a local resort; Boyne Highlands. Find out more about this winter escape by clicking on the name. 

Clocktower Christmas

"Clocktower Christmas"

5"x7"

$85

Available by clicking here. 

Petoskey is a town that is pretty all year. In the spring there are trilliums. In the summer the bay is dotted with the white sails of clippers as they cut through the water. Autumn explodes in glorious color. And then there's winter. A quiet blanket of snow covers the bay and everything seems to settle into a soothing rhythm. 

But for the holidays the stops all come out again and the entire town becomes a winter wonderland. Lights bedeck the trees and lamp posts, wreaths adorn homes, and Christmas can pretty much be tasted on the air. 

This painting "Clocktower Christmas" is of the local clocktower down on the bayfront. I thought it wold be fun to paint it all decked out for Christmas. 

Christmas Cards with this image are available by contacting me at: sarahtuleart@yahoo.com

5 pk w/ envelopes- $12.00

Single Card w/ envelope- $2.50 

or pick up a pack at Northgoods in downtown Petoskey! 

Christmas Service

"Christmas Service"

8"x10"

Watercolor on Paper

Available by clicking here. 

A mother a daughter walk hand in hand through the freshly fallen snow to attend a Christmas service. 

Another of my Christmas card designs. 

If you'd like to purchase Christmas Cards with this image on it please email me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com 

Christmas cards are printed on recycled paper. 

5 pack w/ envelopes- $12.00

Single card w/ envelope $2.00

Candle In The Window

 "Candle In The Window"

5"x7"

Watercolor on Paper

Available by clicking here. 

I've been working on a few more designs for Christmas Cards. This is one of my new images; a festive collection of candles glows against the frosted window pane. 

To purchase Christmas cards with this image email me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com. Cards are printed on recycled paper. 

5 pack w/ envelopes- $ 12.00

Single Card w/ envelope- $ 2.50

Forest Of Light

I suppose it's a tribute and a final farewell to winter that drove me to paint this scene. I love in the spring when the sunlight feels so intense after what seems like endless months of drizzle and gray. The sunlight has broken through the trees to cast strong shadows upon the snow here in this painting. Something that seems to be a common theme for me. 

This painting is 11"x14" and is pen and watercolors on 300# cold pressed paper. 

It can be purchased by contacting me at (248) 977-0732 or by emailing me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com

It can also be purchased through my Etsy shop by clicking here. 

Don't forget to "Like" Sarah Tule Artworks on Facebook! You can also now follow me on twitter @sarahtuleart

Kincheloe Run

A few weeks ago we went to visit friends in "the north land." They live in a beautiful part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and we had a wonderful time.

While we were there we went to go see a sled dog race. What a fantastic sight! The dogs all looked happy beyond...well....words...as they went rushing by, their tongues lolling out of their mouths. If you've never been to a sled dog race I recommend it! Of course, I also recommend you bring a warm drink and a pair of mittens. 

This painting is 8"x10" and can be purchased through Daily Paintworks by clicking here. Alternatively, you can email me at: sarahtuleart@yahoo.com or call me at (248) 977-0732. 

Also, I'm proud to announce that I'll be teaching two local watercolor classes soon! One in Cheboygan and one in Petoskey. The classes are for beginners and if anyone is interested please contact me! 

Winter Pilgrimage

This painting is the product of me digging through old photographs.

 Near where I grew up, The University Of Michigan owns several hundred acres that they turned into a biological station. In the spring, summer and fall months the place has bio students walking around, studying the native plants, trees and whatever else it is they study. In the winter however, the little village is a ghost town and therefore the perfect place to do a little snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Last winter, however, there was hardly any snow and so the day after Christmas we simply went for a walk. It was a bright sunny day and I loved how the shadows fell across the path. 

This painting is 7"x5" and the bidding starts at $35. To buy this painting bid in the Daily Paintworks auction by clicking here.  Alternatively, you can call me at: (248) 977-0732 or email at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com. 

Morning Walk

My husband and I have a thing for driving on back roads. The thing is, sometimes we drive so far down them they're not really roads anymore at all. Nature begins to close in and soon trees are sweeping gently at your side mirrors. This painting is based off of several photos that I took. One photo being the two track in winter.   We were bored one day in December and went for a drive. We ended up in this beautiful area and I felt compelled to capture it. 

This painting is 11x14" and can be purchased by bidding in the Daily Paintworks auction by clicking here. Alternatively you can contact me about purchasing it by email at: sarahtuleart@yahoo.com or by phone at (248) 977-0732. 

Ice Fishing

Here in northern Michigan, a popular winter time activity is ice fishing. I indulge every once in a while when I know the ice is thick enough. Those guys that go out on an inch of ice...well...we have different opinions of what is safe and what isn't. 

I painted this piece for a friend. She has enjoyed ice fishing with her family her whole life. I hope she also enjoys the painting.