New works to Michigan

Here are a couple of recent studio pieces that just went to Water Street Gallery in Douglas, Michigan.

Path to the Bay, oil, 24" x 48"

Summer afternoon, oil, 20" x 30"

A warmer shore

I'm tired of winter. Here’s a recent painting of a Maui shore looking toward Lanai. Just sent this off to Village Galleries of Maui.

Canoe on the shore, oil, 9" x 12"

Sun, snow, and 40 degrees

We had a perfect, spring-like day here in the Chicago area this week. I packed up my plein air stuff and went out for the first time this year. Just like the sun and shadows on the dunes, I love the shadow patterns in the snow. Unfortunately, we've gone back to colder weather now, but as soon as it warms up again I'll be back out. Until then, more studio work for upcoming summer shows.

Winter forest, oil, 12" x 9"

Arcadia

The Arcadia dunes lie between Onekama and Frankfort, Michigan. The little town of Arcadia might best be known for their world-class golf course, Arcadia Bluffs, but the shore and dunes there are just as magnificent. Luckily much of this beautiful natural area along the lake is protected. I painted at Green Point Dunes Preserve last summer. This painting is new studio work from a little different vantage point than my plein air.

South to Arcadia, oil, 12" x 16" SOLD

Planning commissions

It was great in the fall to get several commissions to work on over the winter. The subjects were mostly places where I had already painted, which of course, makes it easier. One was for a beach I hadn’t visited, down a private drive. Turned out to be a great spot. I made multiples visits, painted en plein air, and took lots of pictures. The final composition for the commission hasn't been established yet, but I’m having fun getting ready for it.

Here’s one of my studio versions of At the end of Sylvan Road, 
oil, 12" x 14"

Plein air revisit

While on Maui a couple of years ago I painted at Secret Beach (original here). It’s a tiny little cove beach not easily found in a residential neighborhood behind a wall. But it’s worth the trouble. I was never satisfied with what I produced that day, so I just got around to doing a studio version. Some editing, simplifying and arranging, I’m a little happier now.

Secret morning, oil, 16" x 13"

Along the shore

Summer along the Port Oneida shore. A part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Port Oneida was a rural farm and logging community established about 150 years ago on the lake in northern Michigan. Now preserved by the National Park Service, the beaches, farms, dunes and forests make it a great place to paint.

Port Oneida shore, oil, 11" x 14"