Winter Scenes

There is really something about the subtleties of the winter grays here. I always strive to be more of a colorist, always being excited by good color, but also loving tonal scenes however always struggling to find good grays, but this winter we have had has been absolutely magical.

Hard not to think about the old guys that really did it right.

This morning I was moved by Aldro Hibbard and then Redfield jumped in my head this afternoon. Gotta love those guys.

Another Gorgeous Day!

Being inspired by Edward Redfield as well as Aldro Hibbard this winter, I hate to even say this but , I am really going to miss this gorgeous winter weather we are having! It is only mid February and we can still get more snow, but it feels like we are already moving into spring. Still some pieces to finish off in the studio and yet so hard not to head off outdoors where the fun is.

Every time I go either east or west I always ask myself this but maybe this is why I chose to live in Wisconsin.

Time to eat and get back out before all the snow melts.

Back at Ernies

Love this old set of barn buildings, has a nice Russian feel. We had a little sun here today for a change. I usually enjoy the subtle winter time grays but throwing in a little sun light was a nice change of pace. Been looking at some Aldro Hibbard images lately, no sign of it here in this piece but definitely in the back of my mind. With this warm up we are having, 40°, there may not be much more snow to be had. Hard to believe it is the middle of February.

Getting out before the coming cold

I have admit, I am really enjoying the colors and subtly of this winter we are having.

Lots of really beautiful stuff out there.

Some weeks have been too darn cold, paint actually freezes up, but overall it has been very comfortable.

Snow Flake Ski Jump, Westby WI

This is considered to be our turning point during the long winter months in the state of Wisconsin.

It's a great event that has happened every February for the last 88 years.

We load up the truck with firewood, clam chowder, chili, some sweets, of course some liquor to help keep you warm, and lots of sleds for the kiddies.

We spend the day eating and watching jumpers fly off the hill, going as far as 130 meters this year!

The kids are busy sledding the smaller hills, either on a sled or going it head first without one.

Of course they head back to camp drenched and most of the gear hangs close to the fire trying to get dry enough to be able to go back at it.

Beautiful weather this year.

Winter in Wisconsin 2011

Winters in Wisconsin can definitely be cold, however this year and the end of last has provided some wonderful snow, mild temps, and great grays for painting in plein air.

Paul dropped in the other day and we went out and found some wonderful Russian Grays as I like to refer to them as.

Lots of great stuff out there.

Wisconsin in October

Last year I was off in Sedona AZ for their Plein Air Event in the end of October.

Totally enjoyed it and loved the color of those darn rocks! Tough to paint, but loved it just the same.

However this year, I have to admit, I was glad to be home!

Last year I missed Halloween and having 4 youngsters at home, it was really nice to be here for that. We had beautiful weather and got to stretch it out over 2 different evenings.

We also found some time to carve up some jack o lanterns as well.

Here in Viroqua the town business', up and down Main St. conduct their Halloween Trick or Treating on Friday night, while the town itself did it on Sunday night, what a blast and double the candy, especially after stopping by the neighbors for a huge baggy full of it.

Oh to be a kid again. : )