Old and New

"Just Like Grandpa's"

© Nancy Laliberte

6" x 8" Acrylic on panel

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It's been a busy several days since my last post. Last week I was at a plein air workshop with artist Ken DeWaard. The workshop took place "up north" in the Manitowish Waters, WI, area. The weather was a little challenging at times, but isn't that a part of the plein air experience?!! I studied with Ken last year and came away with a lot of information and this year was no different. I'll share more of that with my next post. This old Ford tractor was one of the subjects I painted during the workshop. It was in the middle of a grassy area at Voss' Birchwood Lodge. I don't know when it was last used or even if it works, but it reminded me of the old Ford tractor my Grandpa O'Gara had on his farm. Instantly, memories of childhood summer vacation stays with my grandparents on their farm outside of Wilton, Wisconsin, came flooding back. Here's to you, Grandpa!

From the South Shore of Lake Superior

"Water Play"

© Nancy Laliberte

8" x 6" Acrylic on panel

$95

I love the sound of moving water from the ocean, a brook or even a garden fountain. It is so peaceful and relaxing. While visiting and painting with my good friend, Val Berkely, I was captivated by the waves coming in and dancing on the rocks along the shore. My challenge was to capture the color changes in the water as it ebbed and flowed over the iron-rich rocks indigenous to Lake Superior.

Get Outside and Paint!

"Birches at Brockmeyer Park"

© 2010 Nancy Laliberte

8" x 6" acrylic on panel

The other day I took a much welcomed break from studio painting. I threw my plein air gear in the car and set up while my daughter had soccer practice at Brockmeyer Park in Wausau. I was attracted to the grouping of birch trees at the edge of the park. It was a beautiful day, albeit a bit warm for my thick northern blood, and the sun kept playing hide and seek with the clouds. It was a challenge for a plein air painter like me, but the point was to just get outside and paint.

Sunflowers and Snowflakes

"Sunflower Study"

© 2010 Nancy Laliberte

8" x 6" acrylic on panel

This piece began as a plein air study last fall. I had about 30 minutes to paint until I had to pick up my son from school. I was able to get a good start on it, take a photo or two,then pack up my gear and pick up my son. Just this past week, I noticed it sitting forlornly in my studio. Needing a warm-up painting project, I set it up with the assignment of playing with brush strokes and color, and light and shadow. I think I had too much caffeine when I did this. The brush work seems is a bit frenetic. I will try another study--but this time with decaf.

And this, no, this is not a photo-realism painting. It is a view of my backyard this morning. It started snowing Friday afternoon and we woke up to this! A lot of the snow had already fallen off of the trees and by late this afternoon, it was gone. And that is fine with me. It is MAY for cryin' out loud!

Merry Christmas and Happy Mother's Day ; )

Bouquet in Blue

"Bouquet in Blue"

© 2009 Nancy Laliberte

8" x 6" acrylic on panel

$120 plus shipping

Reviewing what I have posted so far, it is apparent how much I love painting flowers. These floral paintings are a great opportunity to play with color and composition. I think this one has some nice value contrasts and luminous passages. And I loved smooshing the paint around! Even the sides are painted so the panel can be displayed on a small easel instead of framed. All of my pieces have a satin UV varnish, as well.

Misty Day Bouquet

Misty Day Bouquet

8" x 6" acrylic on panel

© 2009 Nancy Laliberte

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A colorful bouquet for Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day and just in case you didn't get flowers today, you can enjoy these. My 17-year-old son gave me a huge bouquet of beautiful roses--I will be painting those this week!