Nose To The Grindstone

The last couple of weeks I have been pretty much living in my studio. Not that I am complaining! Once a day I will pop my head out the door to check the mail and remember what season it is. Also once in a while I will go outside long enough to let my neighbors know I am still alive. Our big splurge lately is to take the Wrangler out in the evening with the top down and soak in the summer night air. Um!!!
Last week we spent the day in Elk Rapids at Twisted Fish Gallery and next week we are off to Mackinac Island again. These little breaks are good for gathering reference material and recharging the batteries. I am looking forward, in particular to touring the new Manoogian Art Museum on the island that had its dedication on Wednesday evening. Mr Manoogian is well known in the Michigan area for his generosity and fabulous art collection. He also resides on the island during the summer.
The two paintings posted are only some of my completed works. The above is a view of the produce section of Doud's Grocery Store on Mackinac Island. It measures 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" and done in acrylic. The second painting is called Iroquois Autumn and is a view of the hotel patio area overlooking the ferry dock and downtown buildings. This painting measures 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" also done in acrylic.
Till next time,

Time Is Flying!

Hi all!
I just can't believe it has been so long since I updated my blog. Forgive me. We have been on the run like many of you. Had a wonderful time on Mackinac Island for a couple of days and have also been to Elk Rapids and Sugatuck, Michigan. We are currently camping a few miles from our home. We have been here for two weeks almost a necessity to get a decent campsite. In the two weeks here, we have dodging severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. I LOVE thunder storms, but not in a motorhome! Unfortunately, last week one man was killed in a campground not far from here after his motorhome was thrown into a tree, I believe. One night while sitting here, the tornado siren went off, the wind rocked the motorhome and the power went out. I looked at my husband and said "get me out of here!!!!" Unfortunately, we only had our little ranger pickup truck with us. He threw our two golden retrievers in the front seat with us (it only seats two) and struggled to drive home as our dog kept on throwing the truck out of gear by running into the stick shift. It seems funny now, but at the time quite scary.

I have been working on several pieces, but wanted to share this one with you. It is called Blessing of the Animals. This is a ceremony that takes place once a year on Mackinac Island during Lilac Festival. I couldn't resist painting these two darling girls having their dog blessed by the minister. Notice he wears gloves. He also blessed turtles and horses.

This weekend we are having our kids and their boyfriends/girlfriends out for a cookout and fireworks show put on by the campground. Hope the weather cooperates.
Happy 4th of July to everyone and stay safe.
Till next time,