draw, draw, draw + frog

I've been sitting the same area for days to do that long drawing. The frogs (who are probably annoyed I'm always in their home) are getting used to me.

Pine Needles 15" x 15' Drawing

My project at this residency is a very long continuous drawing called “At Pine Needles.” Upon arriving at Pine Needles, I spent a couple of days scouting the area for the ideal location for the project. Upon finding a stretch of terrain on the bank of the St. Croix that had a variety of live and desiccated plants, exposed roots, rocks, branches and other objects of interest (like multiple dragonfly's exuvia) I measured out an area equal to the length and width of my roll of paper, 15 inches (with a couple extra at top and bottom) x 15+ feet. Each day the weather allows, I sit on the ground and draw the ground/embankment in front of me. The days where the weather doesn’t allow for working outside, I have a have a collection of objects I found in the area to use as reference for other smaller drawings. I've also thoroughly photographed the site (and re-photograph every day I draw outside) in case there are too many cold or wet days....I want the drawing to be complete by the end of the residency, so if needed, I might have to draw from the photos. I admit I'm getting tired of drawing rocks and pine needles, but I am determined to finish with the same attitude I started with. I plan to allow the drawing to breathe by having areas of just line work and moving in and out of extreme realism, but things could change. So far there has been some rain and lots of cold, hoping for more sun! 2 full weeks to go.

Textures from fallen trees

As always - I shoot texture where I find it. Most of the fallen trees at Pine Needles yield amazing textures and form.

Pine Needles Residency

I'm an artist in resident at Pine Needles for the month of June. Its through the Science Museum of Minneosota's St. Croix Watershed Research Station. Here are a few images from my first couple days here. Its situated on a short bluff overlooking the St Croix. I've already seen eagles, hawks, and herons the last 2 days.

View from the cabin.



Dragonflies are emerging at the banks of the river.

southwest CO

Some of my favorite shots of southwest CO from early may.

Grand Junction, CO

I'm in Grand Junction, CO for the week. It is in a large valley surrounded by mesas, mountains and cliffs.

upside-down jellyfish

here is my favorite shot from a visit at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. its an upside-down jellyfish at the aquarium.

cupboard doors

A commission from this month...cupboard doors for a loft. These patrons already own a couple of New Guinea artifacts and when they found out my PNG connections - they had me do whatever I felt inspired to do that could reflect how I like to work with movement combined with Sepik inspired pattern work. Thank goodness for such trusting patrons!

Laden II

At Gallery 360 March 25-April 10th.
"Laden II" 2009
Pencil, Ink, Colored Encaustic Gesso and Encaustic
30 x 30 inches

Dark Morning in Chetek

This painting is from a photo I took a while back in Chetek.
Currently at Gallery 360 through April 10th.
"Dark Morning in Chetek" 2009
Pencil, Ink, and Encaustic
12 x 24 inches