Nancy Laliberte’s Plein Air and Studio Paintings

Weekend Sketchbook

2012-01-27T16:37:00.000-06:00

"Bearded Iris"

sketchbook journal page

canson sketchbook, pentel brush pen, yarka pan watercolors,

golden fluid acrylics, zig paint pen

Flipping through my sketchbook, I realized I did not post this entry from a while back. I experimented with some new materials when I created it with some results being successful and some not so much. Let's just say, fluid acrylics you are my friend. : ) And that is what a sketchbook is all about. Experimenting, allowing for some oops, and just goofing around and not being perfect. As my artist friend Bob Burridge says, "Perfect is boring."

Now go grab your sketchbook, a notebook, even hotel stationery will work, and experiment--goof around with pens, crayons, make a mess, whatever. Just fill some pages and have some fun!

Winter's Garden Exhibit and More

2012-01-20T15:48:00.003-06:00

Square Foot Garden series

• sold

Nine 12" x 12" x 1-3/8" acrylic paintings on gallery-wrapped canvas

Available at the Riverfront Art Center

Stevens Point, WI

715.343.6251

The Steven's Point Riverfront Art Center's Winter's Garden exhibit opens today with a reception from 5- 7pm. Last week I was at the Riverfront Art Center to jury the show. What a rewarding and challenging experience with so many outstanding pieces of artwork. Nancy Thorson is the new director and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her. "Winter's Garden" also received some nice press coverage from the Steven's Point Journal. Reporter Jamie Jung wrote a great article promoting the show which runs through February 19th.

Below is the juror statement I wrote for the exhibit.

Juror's Statement

Winter's Garden 2012

It was a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to jury the Riverfront Art Center’s Winter’s Garden 2012 exhibition. The process was a rewarding and challenging experience. There are no hard fast rules; one comes armed only with an understanding of composition and design, an appreciation of a wide range of styles and media, and a good eye for images that manage to communicate something more than the sum of their basic elements. My approach is to look carefully and respectfully at every piece before making a decision. By looking at four key areas: concept, composition, commitment and craftsmanship/presentation, selections were made. Artwork was selected that fit this criteria standing on its own and as a part of the exhibit as a whole. Just as a living garden has design, shape, color and form, so, too, does this exhibit. It was my intent to not only showcase incredible works of art, but to make the experience of viewing and walking through Winter’s Garden as rewarding as possible.

I would like to congratulate and encourage every artist who submitted work for this show. Being an artist is a tough gig, but the opportunity to create makes it so worthwhile. Above all, follow your heart and keep sharing.

_________________________

Also opening tonight is Wausau's Center for the Visual Arts Midwest Season's show. The reception for that exhibit is from 5-7 pm. It too, is a wonderfully inspiring exhibit, and a favorite in the community. The show is up until March 3rd, so if you can't make it tonight, be sure to stop in before then.

Work and Play

2012-01-16T20:36:00.000-06:00

"Thinking of You"

4" x 4" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

$35 plus sh

side view

I have been busy with some freelance design work among other projects, but did manage to fit in some painting time. It is all about balance, right? That definitely applies to me. This is a painted version of a collage project. I loved the subject matter and wanted to paint it again.

In my last post I mentioned the warm weather we had been having. After that spell it snowed a bunch and as you can see in the pictures below we are enjoying our backyard playtime. These were from Sunday afternoon and it was beautiful outside.

My son Nicholas taking a spin while Dad (Mike) watches.

We had to build a berm to keep from hitting the trees.

Nicholas leading the way down the hill.

A double decker tube sandwich! Yum!

Summer in January

2012-01-06T16:11:00.000-06:00

"Lily Trio"

12" x 12" x 1-1/2" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas
$300 plus s/h

Sneak Peek

2012-01-02T21:36:00.000-06:00

work in progress

Happy New Year everyone! My family and I had a great holiday and I hope you did, too. Today, the kids went back to school and I was able to get back in the studio. It was a warm-up, get back in the groove kind of day as I worked on a couple of paintings that had been started a while back. Here's a sneak peek at a portion of one of the pieces...it's only January and I am already thinking summer. : )

Merry Christmas to all...

2011-12-25T20:40:00.000-06:00

"The Light of the World"

acrylic on canvas

private collection

Merry Christmas everyone!

Enjoy time with the special people in your life during this magical season. Here are a couple of mine...

Blessings and peace to all.

Petite Peinture: Love–Nest for Two

2011-12-19T11:44:00.000-06:00

"Love-Nest for Two"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

SOLD

A piece commissioned by some long time collectors. I won't mention names because at this time of year, most commission pieces are gifts for someone. And, I am not about to rain on Santa's parade.

Sketchbook Saturday: What's for Dinner?

2011-12-17T21:39:00.000-06:00

"What's for Dinner?

Oriental Chicken Salad"

sketchbook journal page

canson sketchbook, Pilot V Ball pen and Yarka pan watercolors

Sometimes you just have to eat something other than Chex mix, Christmas cookies and chocolate. Just saying.

I'm enjoying a wonderful, early Christmas weekend with my family including my oldest son who is home from college, and my parents. I hope you are having a great weekend, too.

Petite Peinture: As Evening Falls

2011-12-15T20:46:00.000-06:00

"As Evening Falls"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

SOLD

profile view

A midwest sky making a big impact on a small canvas. A special request from special collectors--thank you M & S ;-)

Joyful Journey

2011-12-12T18:39:00.000-06:00

"The Power of Pink"

12" x 12" x 1-1/2" collage on wood panel

detail of "The Power of Pink"

Trying new things, experimenting, and asking "what if" are all a part of my creative journey. A journey that I never take for granted. Art and the making of art is so much a part of me, I would be a lost soul without it. It is a part of my story. "The Power of Pink" is a piece that will be hanging in the Aspirus Women's Health department at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Several weeks back I facilitated an art project with a group of amazing women at a breast health event at the hospital. As a breast cancer survivor, this was a special experience in my joyful journey of art. By painting, stamping, doodling and writing our stories, we created collage paper as unique as each one of us. Back at my studio, I took the collage paper and piece by piece, layer by layer, "The Power of Pink" came to life.

Petite Peinture: In the Nest

2011-11-22T15:28:00.002-06:00

"In the Nest"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas
SOLD

This egg is looking mighty cozy all wrapped up in a colorful nest. Petite Peintures make the perfect gift for any one and every one on your holiday gift list.

Petite Peinture: Nest for Two

2011-11-15T21:20:00.003-06:00

"Nest for Two"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

SOLD

Weaving bits of color around and throughout, I feel like a mama bird making a nest while painting these. Ironically, I think about my kids, too, and how each one is special in their own wonderful way. Life is a beautiful thing.

Currently I have my work in four different shows and venues, and I am thrilled to announce that over the weekend, I received Best of Show for my painting "Beckoning" in the Up North Seasons exhibit currently on view at the Howard Young Art Gallery in Woodruff, WI.

This is a new gallery (and a new venue for me) located inside the Howard Young Medical Center. Howard Young was an avid art collector and staff and volunteers wanted to continue his legacy of his love for art. The gallery opened this past summer under the curatorship of artist Christine Alfery. At the opening reception, I had the opportunity to visit with old and new artist friends. I love that part. :-)

Here I am with the very energetic, tireless art cheerleader, and amazing artist Christine Alfery. If you have a copy of the December issue of the Artist's magazine, Christine is listed as a finalist in their annual art competition. Check out her work, it is pure joy!

Settling in

2011-11-10T17:27:00.001-06:00

"Nest for Three"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

SOLD

With the leaves off of the trees, it is amazing all of the birds nests now visible that had been previously hidden from view. While the eggs are long gone, it reminds me of how we tend to "nest" in the warmth of our cozy homes in winter. And maybe because we received our first major snowfall of the season, I'm feeling a lot like nesting. Or at least until the trails are ready for cross-country skiing!

This painting and several others from my Petite Peinture series are available at the Center for the Visual Arts in downtown Wausau, WI. Just stop in or give them a call at 715-842-4545 and they will take care of you. Petite Peintures are perfect for holiday gift-giving, ie: hostess gifts, teacher gifts, Secret Santa, and even for your own stocking!

Each painting can sit on a shelf or table top and is also wired for hanging.

One Day in June

2011-11-08T20:52:00.000-06:00

"Ridge View"

11" x 14" oil on canvas panel

One day in June...

on a very windy day, I started this painting out in a field in Wisconsin. It was so windy the paint would dry before I could get my brush to the canvas. Somehow I managed to lay in a few color notes and basic shapes. Fast forward months later when the ground is brown and the trees are leafless, I relive one day in June, in my studio, with no wind, and plenty of time to move paint from palette to canvas. While I love the comfort of my studio, there is something to be said for being out in the field, being in the moment and painting.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T12:19:00.001-05:00

"Pumpkin Worthy"

6" x 8" oil on panel

$100 plus s/h

And continuing in the spirit of Halloween, over the weekend my family and a friend carved up some Halloween fun. Three jack-o-lanterns now grace our front steps. We had a good time and my youngest is pretty stoked about heading out this evening for some trick-or-treating fun. He and a buddy are going as the Kratt brothers from the PBS show, "Wild Kratts."

Poppy Glow and more...

2011-10-27T21:22:00.000-05:00

"Poppy Glow"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" oil on gallery-wrapped canvas

$36 plus s/h

side view

In my previous post I talked about being open to new opportunities. Recently I was asked to judge the 2011 Colorama art show for the Wisconsin Visual Artist's Guild. They are a very talented group of artists who show their work at the Reaching New Heights gallery inside Marshfield Clinic in Weston, WI, among other venues. Last Friday evening they had the awards ceremony, and a fundraiser for Marshfield Clinic's cancer research foundation.

Every time I judge a show, I come away with an even deeper appreciation of what it takes to create, not only quality and meaningful art, but art in general. Every piece is a part of you. And that is pretty amazing.

Pictured here is Sharon Dowis receiving the Best of Show award for her piece, "My Kids." Sharon also won an Honorable Mention award for her photography.

Here, Cindy Markowski receives a second place award for her painting, "Coloration: Nuthatches." Cindy has also had her work in the Woodson Art Museum's international Birds in Art show.

Thank you to the Wisconsin Visual Artist's Guild for the opportunity to be a part of your event! And a big THANK YOU to artist Sharon Feathers who provided these photos of the evening, and also received First Place for her piece, "Lost Hopes and Dreams."

Click here to check out the Guild's blog and a complete listing of winners from the show.

Being open to opportunity

2011-10-25T12:01:00.004-05:00

Earlier this year a physician friend from Aspirus Wausau Hospital approached me about being a guest artist for a women's breast health event she was planning for October. As a woman, wife, mother, artist, and breast cancer survivor, I did not hesitate. Of course, I would help out and direct an art project as one of the sessions. I came up with the idea of a collage as it could incorporate journaling, doodling, painting, stamping, in other words a variety of techniques for all levels of "artists." I also contacted Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson (queen of collage), ordered her DVD and got started.

I painted a slew of collage papers prior to the event to experiment (what a blast!), and to have some on hand for participants who, perhaps, would be "shy" about actually painting. There are always a few in the mix. ;-)

I worked with five different groups of gals over the course of the evening. They came up with some pretty amazing collage papers that included journaling, doodling, painting and stamping. I am so proud and excited about the results--they are works of art in and of themselves.

Prior to the event I made an acrylic under painting on a 1-1/2" cradled wood panel from American Easel ordered from Blick. I had never used these before and I really like them!

The work in progress, incorporating collage papers made by "artists" from Aspirus Wausau Hospital's "Goin' Out for the Girls" event. I'll continue to post this as it progresses.

And, here is Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson's blog link, Paper Paintings. Her work and her life story are both pretty amazing!

Check back tomorrow and I'll have another post about being open to opportunity.
Have a great day!
N

For Maisie

2011-10-06T19:02:00.000-05:00

"A Sunny Day for Maisie"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

NFS

My step-daughter and her husband had a baby girl on Tuesday. Being the biased grandmother that I am, I have to admit little Maisie is beautiful! And, like my other two grandchildren, Maisie is now also an art collector. You're never too young to appreciate art.

Petite Peinture: Vacation Sky

2011-10-04T20:26:00.001-05:00

"Vacation Sky"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on canvas

SOLD

With a few beach combing finds...

Do sunrises and sunsets seem to be the most beautiful ever when we are on vacation? Is it because we are intentionally slowing down and savoring every moment away from the daily routine? I say, pause and take the time to make every sunrise or sunset a vacation sky.

Perfect for yourself or gift-giving, all of the petite peinture paintings are wired for hanging or can be displayed on a shelf or table top.

Petite Peinture: Heavenly

2011-09-23T12:43:00.001-05:00

"Heavenly"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

Petite Peinture: After the Storm

2011-09-19T17:06:00.000-05:00

"After the Storm"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on canvas

$33 plus s/h

...a nice vignette with your favorite farm toy...

A landscape today to change things up a bit after painting several fruit still lifes. I have to say, I love painting landscapes. Actually, I just love PAINTING. It doesn't matter what it is. Including the red flag thing-a-ma-bob on the mail box. Which is one of the things I painted today even though it was on hubby's to-do list and not mine. But since life is all about trade-offs, he kindly unloaded the dishwasher for me. : )

And before I forget, a big "Thank You" to my prop man, Nicholas, for providing me with the blue tractor for today's second photo.

Petite Peinture: Cherry Love

2011-09-13T16:44:00.000-05:00

"Cherry Love"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

$33 plus s/h

Petite Peinture: Apple Cherry

2011-09-10T17:27:00.000-05:00

"Apple Cherry"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on canvas

Another in my Petite Peinture series. These paintings can be hung on the wall or they also look great on a shelf. It's the perfect gift for for any occasion.

Hi-Ho Cherry-O

2011-09-07T21:00:00.001-05:00

"Hi-Ho Cherry-O"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas / $33 plus s/h
SOLD

After a while, these little guys seem to take on a life of their own. Thank you to my daughter Erika for providing the title to this piece. :-)

Something to Talk About

2011-09-05T22:38:00.002-05:00

"Something to Talk About"

Cherries have been my go-to favorite lately not only for eating, but also as a painting subject. It seems my family enjoys them immensely, as well. There have been a few times the cherries are gone before I get them to my studio. Which is why you haven't seen a whole lot of cherry paintings thus far. Don't worry, more are coming this week.

One more thing, please keep my dear, artist friend Carol Marine and her family in your prayers. They lost their home and studio to a fire over the weekend. Thankfully, they escaped, but have suffered a great deal of loss, nonetheless.

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" / acrylic on canvas /

It's a Wonderful Life continued

2011-08-26T19:23:00.000-05:00

Apple studies

Some more goodies from the Carol Marine workshop I attended earlier this month. I did a few of these to keep practicing the concepts we were learning.

Three Cherries value study

5" x 4"

I did a few of these, too, to work on seeing values. One can never practice these enough, IMO.

Door County night life includes miniature golfing in case you didn't know. We had so much fun and Carol hit the most incredible, wackiest hole-in-one I ever did see.

For my wall of fame :-) Thanks Carol for a fabulous week!

It's a Wonderful Life

2011-08-24T22:31:00.001-05:00

Apple Pair

oil on panel

In my last post, I mentioned I was headed to Door County, WI, for a painting workshop with Carol Marine. WOW what a workshop! would be the best way to summarize it. Carol is an amazing teacher. Somehow in the way she explains concepts, she knows the right analogies that work for my brain. I had A LOT of aha! moments. Now, I need a few months for my hand and eye to catch up with my brain and I am actually very excited about that-- The Process! WooHoo! Thanks, Carol!

Apple Pair is the first painting I did at the workshop. It was all about incorporating shapes, saturated color, highlights, shadows, edges, transitions, and about 500 other things you need to remember in painting. I think Carol was going easy on us as she wanted to make sure we would come back the next day. ;-)

Time(d) for Apples

oil on panel

A timed painting exercise in getting the essence of our subject in one or two strokes per color. Not as easy as you may think, but really fun and challenging.

Genius at Work

Carol's Completed Demo Painting

Note the handy panel holder the painting sits on--check out Carol's blog on how to get one of those. It really makes working on a 6 x 6 surface so much easier.

I will include more about the workshop in my next post--which will be this month yet. I think my summer travels are over. It's been a sweet time filled with family and art!

Teaching and Learning

2011-08-07T12:45:00.000-05:00

"Just One More"

6" x 6" acrylic on panel

It's been another whirlwind week where I just returned from "Egypt." Not really, but this past week I taught a five-day art camp based on "Egypt: Past and Present" for kids ages 6-14 at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau. We had a great time learning about Egypt and creating artwork, musical instruments and jewelry to sell at our Egyptian Bazaar on the 400 Block in Wausau. Our camp concluded with writing and illustrating letters to Egyptian students similar in age, and meeting Mostafa, an Egyptian student living in Wausau and studying at the Technical College. It was a fun week with a great group of kids!

Now, my car is all packed and I am ready to head to Fish Creek, WI, for a workshop with Carol Marine at the Peninsula Art School. Woo Hoo! I will share when I return next weekend.

7 Links Challenge

2011-08-01T22:26:00.001-05:00

The 7 links challenge has been circulating blog-land. This challenge lets you take a step back, reflect and share some posts again. It has been quite fun and interesting reading other bloggers choices. My friend Carrie Waller has challenged me. Be sure to visit her blog. She is a FABULOUS watercolorist!

The challenge asks you to revisit:

Your most beautiful post
Your most popular post
Your most controversial post
Your most helpful post
A post whose success surprised you
A post you feel didn't get the attention it deserved
The post you are most proud of

Then tag other bloggers and it goes on and on. I think this is a great idea because there are some gems hidden in most bloggers archives so this is a great way to dust them off and let them be seen again.

So here are my 7 links:

Your most beautiful post

"Midwest Quilt: A View From Above"

http://nancylaliberte.blogspot.com/2010/08/summer-in-wisconsin.html

This is probably my most favorite painting. It was one I painted shortly after I decided to follow my dream and become a painter. It depicts the farm and countryside where I grew up in western Wisconsin, where my love for landscapes became imbedded deep within my head and my heart. I submitted this piece in the first show I entered. I was worried it would be rejected for not following the theme of the show. It won Best of Show. Ignorance is bliss.

I held onto this piece, and gifted it to my parents this past winter on their 50th wedding anniversary. Hence my most beautiful post--THANK YOU Mom and Dad :-)

Your most popular post

Page visit-wise, my most popular post is the one where I am riding on Robert Bateman's coattails. In people's quest to find information about "Robert Bateman Painting Demo," Google sends inquiring minds to my blog. Shameless! What can I say other than, "THANK YOU Google"

http://nancylaliberte.blogspot.com/2010/09/pinch-merobert-bateman-painting-demo.html

Your most controversial post

Sorry to disappoint, but with so much controversy in the world, my work is about peace, beauty and tranquility. Painting from life versus a photo is about as controversial as I get, and, yes, I do both.

Your most helpful post

"Just Like Grandpa's"

http://nancylaliberte.blogspot.com/2010/08/old-and-new.html
I chose this as my most helpful post, because I painted this tractor plein air. I was a little daunted at first, but I kept reminding myself, shapes and color notes, shapes and color notes. Bit by bit, stroke by stroke a tractor emerged. It was empowering.

A post whose success surprised you

Definitely, my sketchbook posts. I had no idea! I sketch to have fun, play around with watercolor, different pens and to strengthen my drawing skills. I'm thrilled they are inspiring others to do the same. I will keep posting them, if you all keep sketching, too.
http://nancylaliberte.blogspot.com/2011/06/sketchbook-saturday.html

http://nancylaliberte.blogspot.com/2011/06/sketchbook-saturday-experimenting.html

A post you didn't feel get as much attention it deserved
This is a hard one. I have my personal favorite paintings regardless of the attention they may or may not receive. I liked this series of paintings and wanted to share them again : )

Square Foot Garden Series
© Nancy Laliberte

A series of nine 12" x 12" paintings colorfully depicting a square foot garden.
http://nancylaliberte.blogspot.com/2010/10/complete-garden.html

The post you are most proud of

Misty Day Bouquet

http://nancylaliberte.blogspot.com/2009/05/misty-day-bouquet-misty-day-bouquet-6-x.html
Hands down, my first blog post is the one of which I am most proud. After following other blogs for a few months, I made the commitment to begin blogging to record my progress and share with others my love of art and painting. I posted it on Mother's Day. Like other working moms, it is a juggling act balancing studio time with being a mom. My family inspires me in ways they may not realize. I am blessed.

Now I'm challenging:
Sharon Rotz
Marilyn Miller
Nancy Goldman
Nancy Standlee
Lynn Lancaster
Carol Horzempa

Pretty in Pink

2011-07-28T17:32:00.000-05:00

"Pretty in Pink"

6" x 6" oil on panel
$100

Early last week I was able to join my artist friend Val B at her cabin on Lake Superior for a mini-charrette. The scenery around there is beautiful, but rather than be sacrificial bodies for the mosquitoes and flies, we opted to paint indoors. Roaming their property, I found one last peony still blooming. For this painting I used a limited palette of water-soluble oil colors in cad yellow light, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, permanent green deep and titanium white.

Distractions

2011-07-25T13:08:00.000-05:00

"Watermelon Wedge"

6" x 6" oil on panel

While cutting up watermelon for my family's lunch one day, I was struck by the lighting and colors of the watermelon. The impulsive, artistic urge struck (oops, distraction) and lunch became postponed while I set up a watermelon still life and proceeded to paint. Sometimes a distraction can work in your favor.

Welcome Home!

2011-07-14T15:23:00.002-05:00

"Summer Home"

6" x 6" oil on panel

$100

I recently returned from a lengthy, "mostly unplugged," summer vacation with my family. We had a great time swimming, building sand castles, enjoying a concert at a winery (fun!), taking in a museum or two or three and even squeezed in a college tour (Drake University in Des Moines, IA) for my daughter who will be a high school senior this fall. While vacationing, I told myself to keep my painting expectations low, but a painter HAS to paint or they will go crazy. At least that is how it is for me.

This scene is from a golf resort we stayed at in Iowa. My husband took me for a golf cart ride (how romantic, right?!) after he had spent the whole day golfing--45 holes total. I am not kidding. This scene was from the fourth hole of the Lake Panorama National Golf Course.

Edit: "Mostly unplugged " meaning I only checked email 2x over the course of 16 days. :-)

Richeson 75: Landscapes, Seascapes and Architectural 2011 Show

2011-06-23T10:00:00.001-05:00

"The Family Farm"

18" x 24" Acrylic on canvas

$900

Available at Richeson Gallery

800-233-2404

I am very pleased to announce that my painting, "The Family Farm," has been juried into the Richeson 75: Landscapes, Seascapes and Architectural 2011 International Show. This painting was inspired by my Irish grandparents farm near Wilton, WI. I have a lot of treasured memories of my grandparents and their farm.

Also included in the exhibition book as Meritorious entries are two more paintings, "Northwoods Crossing" and "Beckoning."

"Northwoods Crossing"

16" x 20" Acrylic on canvas

$650

"Beckoning"

24" x 36" Acrylic on canvas

$1200

Colorful Wall

2011-06-21T10:00:00.001-05:00

Available paintings in the Gift Gallery at the

Center for the Visual Arts, Downtown Wausau, WI

The newly renovated 400 Block in downtown Wausau is finally completed and it looks fabulous! So when you venture down to see it, make a point to stop in at the Center for the Visual Arts right across the street. There are two new shows up and they have a wonderful gift gallery featuring everything from ceramics, garden art, jewelry, paintings and more.

The Week is Not Over Yet

2011-06-18T20:30:00.002-05:00

"Rhapsody in Blue III"

Petite Peinture

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

It's funny when something is on your radar--mine being iris' this week--every where you look, there they are! Looks like I am not the only one who enjoys this flower. ;-)

$33

Available at the Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, WI. 715.842.4545

The Week of the Iris

2011-06-16T21:15:00.000-05:00

"Rhapsody in Blue II"

Petite Peinture

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

I am having a blast painting irises this week. This is the second in a series from my June 2nd post. If you remember back in my June 4th post, I mentioned that it was looking like my iris plants were finally going to flower. And, guess what? They are blooming! And I am painting them.

$33

Available at the Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, WI. 715.842.4545

Sketchbook Saturday: Experimenting

2011-06-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

"African Violet"

sketchbook journal page

canson sketchbook, pentel brush pen and watercolor

I have an African Violet plant in my dining room that is in dire need of transplanting or something because it has a "twin" attached to it. I keep a coffee mug under the "twin" for stabilization. What amazes me is how, despite being in a teeny pot, both plants continue to flower and flourish on a regular basis. Maroon, the goldfish, may be the one to thank for that. ;-)

This page involved experimenting with a Pentel brush pen. It can make thin, thick or calligraphic lines depending on the angle and pressure. Sketchbooks are great for experimenting and practice. You don't have to show anyone if you don't want to; the main thing is to just dive in and do it.

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-06-04T14:04:00.000-05:00

"In The Garden"

sketchbook journal page

Canson sketchbook, micron pen and watercolors

A mini tour of a few plants and findings in my front garden. Our azalea bushes are looking beautiful this year. Pine needles and acid fertilizer seems to be the trick. And, yesterday I noticed that my iris bulbs are finally going to bloom; I'm so excited! Enjoy your weekend, and get out and sketch!

Discovering Inspiration

2011-06-02T21:13:00.000-05:00

"Rhapsody in Blue"

Petite Peinture

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

You just never know when inspiration will strike. Take for instance, folded laundry. I walked into my bedroom the other day and noticed the lovely color harmony of my folded laundry. So what is an artist to do? Use that color scheme in a painting, of course.

Side view

Inspirational pile of laundry. Who knew?

Love those Flowers

2011-06-01T21:18:00.000-05:00

"Proud Mama"

Recently my high school daughter's soccer team had their Parent's Night recognition game. All of the parent's received a flower from their daughter as they announced the player and parent names. I still had some of my Mother's Day flowers so I added my "Parent Night" carnation to the mix...and here they are for you to enjoy.
$100 / 6" x 6" acrylic on panel

Family Entertainment-Sketchbook Journal Page

2011-05-24T13:05:00.000-05:00

"Living in a Fish Bowl"

sketchbook journal page

watercolor and micron pen

A day in the life of our pet fish, Maroon. My son Nicholas won Maroon and another fish named Goldie last year in kindergarten in an end of the science unit about fish raffle at school. (Goldie is no longer with us and is buried in our backyard under some sea shells.) I must admit Maroon is entertaining to watch. Sometimes he swims around that bowl so fast you'd think he was training to take on Michael Phelps. One morning we thought he was dead, but he was just sleeping. Soon he was swimming laps as usual. Life in a fish bowl.

A Mother's Rose

2011-05-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

A Mother's Rose

6" x 6" acrylic on panel

A colorful rose painting that will never wilt. This Mother's Day flower came from my youngest son (7) who surprised me with it after church. He was so proud. I was so honored.

Journaling and Jurying

2011-05-16T21:57:00.000-05:00

"A Mother's Day Bouquet"

Flowers from my Family

watercolor and micron pen

Journaling...

I'm not sure when it happened. One day, a couple of years ago, I came across Danny Gregory's website and discovered his book, Every Day Matters. After reading it, I was hooked. I then purchased his book, Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to be the Artist You Truly Are. It's part drawing lessons, part pep talk and a whole lot of inspiration. So get yourself a sketchbook and a pen, any kind will do, and just start drawing, doodling and painting. There are no rules, just pages waiting for you to record your life, your every day matters.

Jurying...

Last week I had the opportunity and honor of judging, and then presenting the awards on Friday evening at the opening reception of the Wisconsin Valley Art Association's 34th Annual Memorial Exhibit. Artist Patrick Plunkett received the Best of Show with his sculpture, Christ on the Cross. Pat's work is extraordinary--very moving and thought provoking. If you are in the Wausau area, be sure to stop in at the Center for the Visual Arts to check out this show in the Loft Gallery, and the Lost and Found show in the main gallery featuring the mixed media paintings of my friend Ginnie Cappaert.

Just for the Art of It

2011-05-09T20:57:00.002-05:00

"Unleashing My Inner Artist"

12" x 12" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

SOLD

Every spring the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau has its annual "Just for the Art of It" fundraiser. For the past three years, Val Berkely and I have been co-chairs for the "Art by the Foot" grid. My painting donation for this year was a still life from my studio--some of my favorite art goodies. The winning bidder shared with me that he won an art award in ninth grade and was looking forward to getting back into art once he retired. I was very touched by his story. It is always exciting when your artwork inspires others.

Check out the CVA's Facebook page for more paintings that were a part of the auction. If you are bummed you missed out, mark your calendar for next year. It is usually the first Friday in May.

From the Stash

2011-04-14T15:17:00.001-05:00

"Gather 'Round"

6" x 6" acrylic on panel

$100

In my studio I have a drawer where I stash my unfinished, don't know what to do next, need to think about it paintings. Every so often I rummage through the contents, pull a piece out and start piling on whatever leftover paint is on my palette. Today, I had several various yellow colors staring at me. I grabbed a palette knife and a couple of brushes and painted, scraped, smoothed, and painted some more. That is the beauty of acrylics--layer, layer, layer and stash no more!

spring, Spring, SPRING!

2011-04-13T17:40:00.000-05:00

"Daffodil Trio"

6" x 6" acrylic on panel

$100

A bouquet of spring cheer to brighten your day.

Spring IS coming, isn't it?

2011-04-05T17:53:00.000-05:00

"Daffodil Dreaming"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

$36.00

From the Petite Peinture flower series, a daffodil dreaming of warmer days ahead. Sure sounds nice, doesn't it?

More Delicious

2011-03-29T21:07:00.000-05:00

"Onesome"

4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas
$36

Another in the Petite Peinture Apple series. These paintings often start out as a "study" but soon take on a life of their own. Time stands still and that is what I love about painting. BTW-Did you have your apple today? Delicious!

Delicious

2011-03-24T17:59:00.004-05:00

"Twosome"

We had a big snowstorm yesterday so it was a good day for painting a still life. Apples are great subjects--they sit still, don't talk back, actually, their simple shape allows for some good color and light exploration. Yummy!

This piece is from my Petite Peinture (French for little painting) series. The painting wraps around all four sides and looks great hanging on the wall or resting on a shelf.

Blooming

2011-03-17T16:22:00.004-05:00

Amaryllis Bloom

4 x4" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

$36 + $6 s/h

From my Petite Peinture (French for little painting) series, an amaryllis bloom. I love these plants--they are easy to grow and their flowers are beautiful. I have had some success getting these to bloom year after year, but just recently planted a pink and white variety and am (im)patiently waiting for it to bloom.

Every painting in my Petite Peinture series is painted on all four sides and looks great sitting on a shelf (as shown) or hanging on a wall. It also makes for a wonderful and unique gift.

Artists Helping Artists Thursday

2011-03-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

Need help with your art marketing? Then tune in tomorrow morning at 11 am CST to, "Artists Helping Artists," a blogtalk radio show hosted by artists Leslie Saeta and Dreama Tolle Perry. Each week Leslie and Dreama discuss a specific topic that addresses how to sell more art on-line, along with guest artists, gallerists, and others sharing their knowledge of the business side of art. Each show is archived so it can be listened to anytime after the live show is broadcast and shows are also available via itunes (love that feature).

Back from Vacation, Back to the Real World

2011-03-06T15:47:00.003-06:00

Hibiscus Study

watercolor on paper

I just recently returned from a Mexican vacation in Mazatlan. In the past I have brought my acrylics with me and plein air painted, but for the last couple of years I have brought my watercolors and travel sketchbook. It is small and light and easily fits into my carry-on or small backpack. I've sketched sights around the city, and our resort has beautifully landscaped grounds and interesting architecture so there is never a shortage of scenes for painting. This year on the flight down, I met another artist, Sharon D. from St. Paul, MN, and we were able to get together and paint at the resort. We had a great time, and I now have a new artist friend! Thanks Sharon!

Travel journal setup

Included in my travel setup is a compact set of Winsor Newton watercolors, a Hand•Book artist journal sketchbook in the 5-1/2" x 8-1/4" landscape size (available from Dick Blick), a Niji brush (also from Blick), a retractable pencil, part of a kneaded earaser and a paper towel square. Everything except the sketchbook fits into a soft pencil case I picked up for $1 at Walgreens.

Edible color mixing

A couple days after I returned from my trip, I taught at the Center for the Visual Arts Expressions Art Day for children. My afternoon class was all about color theory and was geared for students in kindergarten through third grade. After we made color wheels and talked about color theory the kids were able to put to practice color mixing with frosting and food dye in the primary colors. I had a delightful group and they really got into it. I think more frosting went on the fingers and in the mouth than on the cookies! A big THANK YOU goes out to Val Berkely of the CVA for coordinating this event and to all of the students, parents and volunteers for making it an awesome day filled with a lot of excitement, art and creativity!

Shop 'Til You Drop

2011-02-19T22:20:00.002-06:00

Last weekend my husband and youngest son accompanied me to the Richeson 75 Small Works opening reception in Kimberly, WI. This week I have been enthusiastically perusing through the Jack Richeson & Co. art supply catalog after being awarded 2nd Place in the Non-Oil Division for my painting, Farm and Field: September Afternoon. It is always exciting when a piece gets into a show especially when it is an international one. And it is really exciting to win an award--$500 in Richeson products. Now back to that catalog...I've got some shopping to do!

A Valentine's Wish...

2011-02-14T14:30:00.000-06:00

"Let Love Open the Door..."

5" x7" acrylic on acid-free paper

$75

Something fun for Valentine's Day.
Enjoy and let love open doors for you, too! :-)

Lyrics | Pete Townsend - Let My Love Open the Door lyrics

For Chris and Rick

2011-02-11T12:20:00.001-06:00

"Love is patient, Love is kind..."

4" x 4" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

nfs

A dear friend and fellow artist lost her husband a couple of days ago to cancer. This is dedicated to them. And while this Bible verse is most often heard at weddings, it makes me think of them and the love they've shared over the years.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous;

love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly;

it does not seek its own, is not provoked,

does not take into account a wrong suffered,

does not rejoice in unrighteousness,
but rejoices with the truth;

bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails...But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13

Rest in peace, Rick;

God bless you, Chris

Richeson 75 Small Works Finalist

2011-02-08T21:46:00.001-06:00

"Farm and Field: September Afternoon"

6" x 6" acrylic on panel, framed

SOLD

I am very pleased to announce that one of my paintings, Farm and Field: September Afternoon, has been juried into the Richeson 75 Small Works show. It will be hanging in the show Feb. 7th to March 25th at the Richeson School of Art in Kimberly, WI. The opening reception is this Friday, Feb. 11th, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. I will be attending so if you are in the Fox Cities area, please stop by and say hello.

"Ode to Joy"

8" x 8" acrylic on panel, framed

On Hold for a Collector

Another painting, Ode to Joy, has been judged a Meritorious Entry and will be featured in the Richeson 75 Small Works catalog. This piece is currently available at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, WI.

Game Day!

2011-02-06T15:36:00.000-06:00

"Cheering on the Green and Gold"

8" x 10" acrylic on panel

125.00 framed

Available at the Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau

I had something else to post for today, but it is not green and gold and this is! Can you tell which team I'll be cheering for? The excitement for the Super Bowl is in the air and has been for the last two weeks. Go Packers!

On another sports note, my daughter's high school curling team won the Bronze medal this morning in the Badger State Winter Games. Congrats ladies!

Magnolia Blossom

2011-02-04T19:48:00.006-06:00

"Steel Magnolia"

4" x 4" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

$36 + $6 shipping

I live a bit north to have a magnolia tree, however, my stepdaughter has one planted in her yard in a sheltered spot. This image was inspired from a trip to Tennessee a couple of years ago. We were driving along and I saw all of these pink blossoms covering a tree at a miniature golf course. My husband is used to me saying, "Quick, pullover!" or "Quick turn right ahead!" So quick turn right ahead he did. He is such a good sport, as is the rest of my family.

Burning Love

2011-02-02T12:32:00.014-06:00

"Burning Love"

11" x 11" acrylic on watercolor paper

$195 matted and framed

A demo piece from my drip tree workshop last Saturday at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau. With Valentine's Day approaching I chose a warm pink/red color palette for this piece. We focused on color theory, value (squint!), focal point and negative space. By the looks of their paintings, I think they got it.

My "kids"

Awesome job everyone! Thank you for such a rewarding afternoon and your willingness to step out of your comfort zone! Keep painting and always remember... "what if?"

Playing with Paint this Saturday

2011-01-25T11:17:00.007-06:00

"Beyond the Trees I"

16" x 20" acrylic on canvas

$325

"Beyond the Trees II"

16" x 20" acrylic on canvas

$325

Come join me this Saturday, January 29th, where I will be teaching a "One-Afternoon Wonder Workshop" at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau. Dab, pour, tilt and paint your way into a colorful, contemporary tree-lined landscape. We'll explore some of the fundamentals of painting in a FUN way using acrylic paints on canvas or gessoed paper. This class is for all levels and the perfect cure for cabin fever.

To register, call or stop-in at the Center for the Visual Arts.

Drip Trees in Acrylic Paint

Sat, Jan 29

1 – 4 pm

class fee: $50

materials: list provided at registration

The Center for the Visual Arts
427 N. 4th Street, Wausau, WI 54403
(715) 842-4545
fax (715) 848-8314

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T12:34:00.005-06:00

"The Light of the World"

20" x 24" acrylic on canvas

Private Collection

Wishing everyone a blessed Merry Christmas

and Peace on Earth.

Blooming for the Weekend

2010-12-03T12:47:00.006-06:00

"Echinacea Bloom"

5" x 5" acrylic on paper

$50, matted to fit an 11" x 14" frame

A must-have for your garden. I love how these flowers attract butterflies in the summer and provide a seed snack for birds in the winter. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

More from the Charrette

2010-11-30T12:36:00.007-06:00

"Floral Study"

10" x 8" oil on canvas panel

Continuing to work with the water-soluable oil paints, my good friend and fellow artist, Val Berkely and I, decided to follow an exercise from the book, Painting with Water-Soluable Oils by Sean Dye. Kevin Macpherson is a featured artist in the book so we followed his painting exercise to help us get a feel for working loosely and with lots of paint. In the end, our pieces didn't look like Kevin's but we had fun trying! My painting ended up looking better upside down, and somewhere hidden under the layers is a vase that is, well, upside down.

"Block Study"

8" x 10" oil on panel

A block study exercise adapted from Susan Sarback's book, Capturing Radiant Color in Oils. Susan studied with Henry Hensche at the Cape Cod School of Art. One of the artists featured in the book is John Ebersberger, whom I had the opportunity to study with in 2004. That was my first introduction to seeing color and palette knife painting. To this day I still remember, "light plane, shadow plane." Block studies are a great exercise in seeing color and breaking down the masses with more color--something I think I could have pushed more in the painting. This piece was done primarily with a palette knife with a bit of brushwork at the end.

A good charrette always includes some art videos and our favorite was Larry Seiler's Painting a Waterfalls in Oils. Larry is a high school art instructor and all I can say is he has some lucky kids. His video was very complete and he does a great job explaining palette colors, design, brushwork and more. Check out his blog and website for more painting tips and other good stuff.

Thankful

2010-11-26T14:54:00.005-06:00

"Pumpkin Worthy"

6" x 8" oil on panel

$95

I have one can of pumpkin and several pumpkin recipes. Pumpkin cookies? Pumpkin bread? Pumpkin cheesecake? Pumpkin pie (can't get enough!)? Pumpkin right out of the can? (My friend Suzanne's favorite!) They are ALL "Pumpkin Worthy!"

Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. The best part was listening to my children say what they were thankful for: family and being together.

Charrette

2010-11-24T20:57:00.006-06:00

"Apple Pair"

6" x 8" oil on canvas panel

$95

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to partake in a painting charrette with my good friend and fellow artist Val Berkely. A charrette is often referred to an intense period of work by one person or a group of people prior to a deadline. Val has a cabin on the south shore of Lake Superior near Ironwood, MI. In her cabin is a 12 foot long table which makes a great space for a temporary studio. While we didn't have any specific deadlines, we did have a focus and an intense period of work. Our focus was to experiment with water-soluable oil paints, specifically the Cobra brand and its mediums. It took a little getting use to, but we liked the paints; I loved being able to blend and work alla prima. We did not care for the mediums made by Cobra---too smelly and gave me a headache and Val itchy eyes. The apple painting was a piece I did with the Cobra paints, minimal water and no mediums.

While we waited for the in-floor heating to get up to temp, I successfully started a fire in the stove--on the first try. Might have to audition for Survivor or something.

A whole new spin to "painting warm-ups."

For Good Health

2010-11-22T21:34:00.003-06:00

"An Apple a Day"

6" x 6" acrylic on archival paper

An apple a day, a painting a day...

Busy Fun

2010-11-12T16:41:00.007-06:00

"Gather ’Round"

5" x 4" watercolor on paper

Been having all kinds of busy fun this past week! Isn't that what life is all about? :-) Busy fun included a watercolor workshop, an Excel class, the conclusion of Where We Live, disassembling the show, delivering paintings to Riverfront Art Center in Stevens Point, WI for their holiday show, delivering paintings to the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau for their holiday gift gallery and selling some more art--thank you collector friend! This painting is from the watercolor workshop I took at the Woodson Art Museum. I am vamping up my sketchbook journaling and travel journaling so a morning spent on watercolor techniques was very inspiring.

Speaking of Where We Live, I just want to thank my family at home--Nicholas, for your energy, enthusiasm and love of art; Erika, for all of your help with Nicholas and other "stuff;" and Mike, for your support, stability, and love; my family afar (you know who you are); my friends; the CVA staff; collectors who were touched enough by my work to give it a home--their home; and to my fellow artists and partners-in-crime, Val Berkely and Chris Mosse--you're both awesomely creative and I was honored to be in your company. Thanks everyone!

I love you all!

Last 4 Days...

2010-11-04T11:13:00.002-05:00

Take a break from your busy day and enjoy some colorful art therapy...

Now through Sunday, November 7th, you can view my most recent paintings along with the work of Wausau artists, Val Berkely and Chris Mosse at the Center for the Visual Arts, 427 4th Street, Wausau. Gallery hours are 10 am - 5 pm Thursday and Friday, and noon - 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.

One More

2010-11-02T12:33:00.003-05:00

Sous La Tonelle II

(Under the Arbor II)

12" x 12" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

SOLD

And in the gallery...with Val Berkely's grape portraits and Chris Mosse's hand-painted cabinet. Chris' cabinet has a very cool tree painting on the inside. The cabinet can fit bar/glassware or DVDs and CDs. It has been pure delight working with Val and Chris and the CVA staff on this show, Where We Live.

Putting it all Together

2010-11-01T12:10:00.007-05:00

Sous La Tonelle I

(Under the Arbor)

12" x 12" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

SOLD

It's funny how some paintings brew in your mind or subconscious for a while, perhaps years, and then something occurs, a trigger of some sort, where it all comes together and ends up on canvas. This painting was inspired by photos I took a few years ago of my brother Joe's grape arbor, by my parents' love of wine-making, and my desire to bring that all together visually.

From Where We Live, currently showing at the Center for the Visual Arts gallery in downtown Wausau, Wisconsin.

Inspiration and Joy

2010-10-26T21:45:00.005-05:00

"Lily Reaching"

12" x 12" Acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

SOLD

Available at the Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, WI

From the where we live exhibit at the Center for the Visual Arts gallery in Wausau, now through November 7, 2010. Something I have always wanted to paint: water lilies. Paint what inspires you. It will bring you joy.

Family Trees and More

2010-10-21T17:36:00.008-05:00

"Family Tree V"

7" x 5" Acrylic on archival paper, matted

$75

"Family Tree VI"

7" x 5" Acrylic on archival paper, matted

$75

"Family Tree VII"

7" x 5" Acrylic on archival paper, matted

nfs

Some daily paintings from the last couple of days painted during my "Artist in Residence" stint at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, WI. I am usually there from Tue-Fri 10:30 am until 2:30 pm happily painting away, greeting gallery guests and talking art. Very fun!

and More...

A big THANK YOU to Wausau Daily Herald photographer Corey Schjoth for stopping by this afternoon and taking photos of our show. You can click here to view.

Variation of a Theme

2010-10-18T20:02:00.010-05:00

"Beckoning"

24" x 36" acrylic on canvas

$1,200 framed

Available at the Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau WI

And the tree fix continues...

I started this painting by toning the canvas with a cadmium orange. Then, every time I cleaned my palette I added more brush strokes and blobs of paint. I just kept layering and layering, changing this and that, adding more paint, layering some more, and then finally I started seeing what I had been envisioning... color and lots of it. On view now at Where We Live at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, WI.

For the Love of Trees

2010-10-13T15:51:00.005-05:00

"In the Morning"

10" x 10" Acrylic on archival paper

$195 framed

Available at the Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, WI

"Afternoon Glow"

10" x 10" Acrylic on archival paper

$195 framed

Available at the Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, WI

We have been having absolutely gorgeous weather lately. Peak fall color is past us and now the leaves are falling like golden snowflakes from the trees. I love painting trees. Perhaps it is a metaphor of connecting to the earth, or for family, I'm not really sure. Regardless, I enjoy their shapes, gestures, personalities and color.

From my three person show, where we live, now on view at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, WI, our "hall" filled with color. Also featured is Chris Mosse's handpainted furniture and Val Berkely's paintings. If you are in the Wausau area, please stop by. The show is delightfully colorful and happy and that is a great place to be.

Barns and Farms

2010-10-10T20:02:00.008-05:00

"The Family Farm"

18" x 24" Acrylic on canvas

$800, framed

Available at the Center for Visual Arts, Wausau WI

This painting was inspired by my Irish grandparents farm near Wilton, WI. I love the hills and valleys and farm fields of that area. It is a beautiful part of the state!

And from my current show, where we live, at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau WI, a grouping of farm and field paintings. I guess I am a farm girl at heart. ;-)

October Painting Challenge

2010-10-06T15:15:00.003-05:00

"Pause for Reflection"

10" x 8" Acrylic on canvas panel

$165 framed

Available at the Center for Visual Arts, Wausau WI

I really enjoy listening to the Artists Helping Artists weekly blog radio show hosted by Leslie Saeta and Dreama Tolle Perry. Each month they issue a painting challenge to anyone who is interested. This month is October and since I love landscapes and fall colors, which we have plenty of right now in Wisconsin, this is my contribution to the challenge. Will a turkey dinner still life be next up for November? Hmmm, could be kind of fun actually...

The Complete Garden

2010-10-04T18:00:00.001-05:00

"Square Foot Garden ~ Zucchini"

12" x 12" x 1-3/8"

Acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

$285

Available at the Center for Visual Arts, Wausau WI

Zucchini falls under the "Summer Squash" category and personally, I love summer and winter squash. Summer squash for salads, stir fry, dipping in ranch dressing, lasagna, you name it; and winter squash for mixing it with cinnamon, butter and maple syrup. It makes my mouth water just typing!

And as promised, the whole square foot garden on view at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau, WI.

Square Foot Garden Series

A Foot of Flowers

2010-10-02T20:46:00.002-05:00

"Square Foot Garden ~ Nasturtiums"

12" x 12" x 1-3/8"

Acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

$285

Center for Visual Arts, Wausau WI

A classic edible flower for the garden – nasturtiums. I have not tried them myself, but I have heard that they have a "slightly sweet, strangely peppery flavor." So now I am curious, and am definitely planting them in my garden next year. I love the flowers and I love the curly tendrils – very organic and flowing. And I think the blossom would look lovely on a cupcake. ;-)