Lighthouse View

I started this one last week when my granddaughter, Kari, was visiting with us.  She wanted to paint a picture for her mom's birthday.  Her first attempt did not please her but instead of just letting it dry and painting over it she insisted on a fresh canvas. I think she was more satisfied with the second one.  I did not finish my painting and we were pretty busy so I did not get back to this until today.  I tried a couple of different things here, blurring the faraway hills with more blue, patches of plants instead of a uniform texture, adding a faraway lighthouse.  The sky is blue and yet does not appear clear.  Summer skies are often hazy over the lake.  This is a lonely spot, no figures walking on the beach. 

Morning Sail 05152016

I painted this piece last weekend after my visit to MIAD to see the Senior exhibit and to the Milwaukee Art Museum to see their special exhibit of landscape paintings.  It is warmer in the painting than it is here in Port Washington, however, the brave Wisconsin sailors are out on the lake enjoying the sun today.
I planted some annuals on Friday, taking a chance on Mother Nature being kind enough to keep our low temperatures above 32.  It was close last night, but it seems my flowers survived the night.

Overlook

My dad walks by my paintings and asks me "Is that a real place or did you make it up?" 

I said, " I look at the lake everyday, I watch the skies, the clouds, the birds.  I paint what I see in my mind.  Real and not real is the answer." 

Path to the Lake, Acrylic 07182014

I have done several versions of this piece in pastels and acrylics.  This is the first one with flowers and seagulls.  Each one adds more details.