Mackinac Island-No Fudgies allowed

Last Wednesday my husband and I made a quick trip to the island to paint on Thursday in front of Victorian Summer Gallery. Wednesday was a gorgeous day spent taking reference pictures. Mackinac Island is a very tight knit community. The more time I spend there, the more accepted I am. That acceptance enables me to explore new areas not open to the general public,called fudgies, by the residents of the island. This trip I was invited to explore Father Tim's gorgeous lakeside garden. Father Tim is priest at St. Anne's historic church where many brides choose to be married. I also met Molly Carroll, wife of the pastor of The Little Stone Church, another historic and popular wedding site. Molly also is an avid gardener and invited me to shoot her garden whenever in town. The gardens on the island are exceptional this year due to the wetter and cooler weather in Michigan this year. I know what I will be painting when the snow comes! Thursday, I painted outside with one of my favorite artists Bill Murcko. Bill does incredible portraits in oil and I always learn something new when I am with him. Our painting was interrupted mid afternoon by showers. It really felt like a fall day in Michigan. Got a craving for chili and football games! We said our goodbyes and headed to the ferry. After a 20 minute ferry ride and 4 hour car ride, we were home.

My View

This is the view from my studio window. I am very fortunate to be able to experience the seasons and serenity on a daily basis. Most days it is quiet. Sometimes I hear the laughter of kids out on the swim platform. Before I know it, I will be seeing yellow and orange leaves, and finally snow. The only thing that doesn't change is my love of miniature art.
I began painting in miniature about 14 years ago after discovering a wonderful German woman at the Germany pavilion at Disney World painting scenes on eggs. I became fascinated with art in miniature and have been ever since. I thought it would be easy to paint in miniature, but quickly discovered it is much harder (in my humble opinion) than painting large. Not any room for error and the fatigue factor hits quite quickly. On a typical day I can paint for about 6 hours. After that point my eyes are shot.
If you are ever in my area call or e-mail me for a visit of my view.
till next time,
Gail