1277. In the Forest of God

 

The Forest of God is such a breathtakingly beautiful place in Lebanon and the location of THE cedar tree that graces the Flag of Lebanon.  It is missing some of its branches due to disease, but it's still beautiful.  The forest is so peaceful and full of cedar trees, both alive and dead.  A French artist has taken the dead trees and carved into them.  One tree has the image of Jesus in his last moments, another carving that looks like it may be a child.  Here are a few photos:

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1277-in-the-forest-of-god/1166533

1269. Our Roots Run Deep

For better viewing, here are the two paintings stacked.

This row of trees, which is actually just a partial view, is located in the south of Lebanon as you approach the village in Marjeyoun, which is where my very large Lebanese family originated.  On my visits to Marjeyoun, these trees captivated me and it took several years for me to be able to paint them.  It was only after I learned that a family member planted them so that they could have pine nuts was I able to paint them.  It changed everything.

This painting,  is comprised of two 12 x 24" paintings which are intended to be hung side by side is called a diptych which measures 12 x 48".  Because they were so far in the distance, a lot was left to my imagination.  I hope that I have captured their mystery and beauty.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1269-our-roots-run-deep/1165301

1176. To the Beach

 This is the final painting (so far) in this series of get-away places near water, where I can lose everything of concern and bask in the tranquility.  I'm very happy with this painting because I was very loose and free with my gestures.  I hope it takes you away to your peaceful place.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1176-to-the-beach/1017084

1131 No Worries

 I came upon this scene in a kayak on a beautiful summer day at Upper Red Lake in Wisconsin.  It was so peaceful, and for the moment, everything is right with the world.12 x 8".

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1131-no-worries/978728

1129 Things Are Looking Up

 This is a spur of the moment painting without a lot of thought beforehand.  The tree is located in Peninsula State Park in Door County, one of my favorite places to visit and enjoy nature.  I'm happy with how the painting turned out and thought of naming it "The Height of Optimism" until I googled the phrase--- and discovered it is used cynically for one liner jokes. Nope.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1129-things-are-looking-up/974395

1048 Across the Zig Zag Bridge

 The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of my favorite places to visit.  Since we are members, we can go on a whim (within covid limitations) and enjoy a little or a lot of time in the gardens.  We recently visited when the mid-spring gardens were in full bloom.  These absolutely stunning irises en masse lined the banks of the island of the Japanese gardens when crossing the Zig Zag Bridge.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1048-across-the-zig-zag-bridge/895530

1044 The Cedar of Lebanon

 In 2011, my daughter and I visited Lebanon, our second of three trips there together.  Most memorable and meaningful that trip were visits to the Cedar Forest and the home of Lebanese poet and philosopher, Kahlil Gibran.  The cedar forest was so unbelievably tranquil and beautiful.  This tree that I painted is the original tree that was chosen for the flag of Lebanon, but in its 2011 condition with many branches missing.  It seems significant to me that this tree which represents Lebanon, has lost so many limbs, just as the country has experienced so much turmoil and pain.  Yet, a new generation is there to carry on, just as the young cedars in the forest.

In case you are interested, the current flag of Lebanon with two red horizontal stripes, top and bottom, with a middle center of white with the green cedar was created in 1943 when Lebanon became liberated from France.  The larger white stripe signifies peace and unity, while the red represents all the bloodshed Lebanon has experienced fighting off invaders.  The cedar tree is common in Lebanon and signifies eternity, holiness, peace and longevity.  There are 77 references to the Cedars of Lebanon in the bible.

1001 Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

I was recently treated to one of Mother Nature's most amazing places---right here in the city of Chicago, the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary.  There were so many people there to enjoy a beautiful day, and lots of very expensive cameras to photograph the birds.  It was a very peaceful place and I hope to visit again soon.  Here is how the website describes the sanctuary. 

"Located in Lincoln Park, Montrose Point is a 15-acre bird sanctuary that attracts tens of thousands of migratory birds of more than 300 different species, that stop here for rest, food and shelter. Within the natural area is “The Magic Hedge”, a 150 yard stretch of shrubs and several trees, so-called because it attracts a curiously high number of migratory birds. Important migrants include most species of Warblers seen in the Chicago area, Thrushes, Sparrows, Purple Martins, Woodpeckers and many others. Nesters include Common Yellowthroats, Catbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, Mourning Doves, and Brown Thrashers. It is no wonder “The Magic Hedge” has become an internationally recognized birding area.

“The Magic Hedge” did not just appear on its own. During the 1950’s through 1970’s, the Army leased land at Montrose and built two barracks. Honeysuckle was planted to screen them from public view. Long after the Army left, the honeysuckle remained and formed the basic feature of “The Magic Hedge." During the 1980’s and early 1990’s birding organizations and the Park District began cooperating to enhance bird-friendly plantings around “The Magic Hedge”. These plantings included blackhaw and nannyberry viburnum, serviceberry, chokeberry, fragrant sumac, and other shrubs. "

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1001--montrose-point-bird-sanctuary/840727

989 Don't Go, Summer

After my recent enjoyable plein air experience which produced disastrous paintings, I found myself slipping into that place that no artist wants to visit.  I needed to refocus and decide what kind of a painter I wanted to be, what style, what voice, what I want to communicate.  I know I'm different--I like painting on a black gessoed surface, and some may gasp at that, but I like it.  My work may not be technically perfect, but hey---it's "me."  I can take class after class and yes, I learn a lot from other artists, but what I so desperately need is to learn is to maintain my own style, method, voice.  

I'm not sure I am cut out to be a plein air painter.  I'm getting older and it is a fairly strenuous activity.  I hate to admit that, but it's true.  But, I'm not ready to give it up, so I may try again with more of what I am familiar with--my acrylics and all my unique practices that make me comfortable and therefore, more productive.  

A couple of days ago, it was warm, but very clearly, Fall was in the air.  I went for a walk near the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is located on beautiful wooded grounds.  I took lots of pictures of scenes including trees, which I failed to paint satisfactorily at the plein air event.  I needed to paint one of those scenes as a metaphor for "getting back on the horse."

I'm more of a still life painter, but I love landscapes and have painted a fair amount of them.  I will continue to appreciate the strong verticals of Mother Nature's most beautiful sculptures--TREES.  I will continue to focus on the large shapes, the light and the shadows, to capture what elements tell MY story, to simplify, and to find the hero in my story.  These are the teachings of Steve Puttrich, the extraordinarily talented and nice guy who was so patient with me, knowing there were many new components to my plein air experience.  Thank you, Steve.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/989--dont-go-sumer/828530

 

931 Springtime, Michigan Avenue

One of the things I love about Chicago is the ever-changing public gardens in the city.  Michigan Avenue is so beautiful, with unique displays changing with the seasons.  Springtime gardens are shocked with colorful tulips, and it is not unusual for people to stand in the middle of the boulevard to photograph them, as I did this past May.

I'm still getting acquainted with the oil paints, which force me to loosen up.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/931-springtime-michigan-avenue/752519

921 Prosecco

Life doesn't get any better than a glass of Prosecco and THIS view.  Heaven.

Happy Mothers Day to all of you.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/921-prosecco/740395

903 Quick Paint

I have been working on a large painting for months and had leftover paint on my palette.

I gave myself 20 - 30 minutes to push the paint around with only 4 colors, plus white.

I like this moody approach, and am learning how to transform a landscape with a very limited palette.

887 Tiny House on Stilts

On the slower, more scenic route home from Door County is the town of Algoma, where a cute little place called the Flying Pig Gallery and Green Space is a must see.  During the summer months, there is also a Farmers market and pretty landscape and gardens.  There amongst it all is this tiny "house" on stilts. Don't ask me how you get in or out of it.  I would guess it's just a little shed, but I think it's a very sweet vignette.  I hope you like the painting.

"887 Tiny House on Stilts"
acrylic - 9x12 in

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/887-tiny-house-on-stilts/645793

This painting has sold.

882 Hidden Away

In all the visits we've made to Door County, I had never seen this little vignette.  When we were there last month, there was a "Stop the car!" moment, when I got out to photograph this little house amidst the trees.  I love when that happens!

"882 Hidden Away"
acrylic - 20x16 in

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/882-hidden-away/640387

862 Sunset Trail, November

I never seem to tire of painting trees.  I love the strong vertical of these sculptural beauties and decided to make changes to the color of the tree trunks, just for fun.

The Sunset Trail in the Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek Door County provides endless inspiration.  I can't even guess at how many photos of trees I have taken there.

"862 Sunset Trail, November"
acrylic - 14x11 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/862-sunset-trail-november/598017

860 Looking East: 6:37 p.m. at Fred & Fuzzy's

Door County has the most breathtaking views of sunsets over Green Bay.  There is a popular restaurant in Sister Bay Door County, Wisconsin called Fred & Fuzzy's where you can sit outside and

enjoy the beautiful sunsets along with good food and a beautiful atmosphere.  

What I have discovered is that when the sun is setting in the west, sometimes the view is even more beautiful if you look to the EAST.  That is the view you are seeing here.  I thought it was spectacular!

I wasn't sure the actual intensity of the colors would be believable, so I modified them a little, so imagine the tree trunks even more vibrant than they are here!  Mother Nature has an amazing color palette!

"860 Looking East: 6:37 p.m. at Fred & Fuzzy's"

acrylic - 16x20 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/860-looking-east-637-pm-at-fred-and-fuzzys/584104

855 Around the Bend, Sunset Trail, Peninsula State Park

The Sunset Trail has many twists and turns.  The arrow points to the right but what other option is there?

In winter, you can snowmobile on certain paths, but we are not daring enough for this activity.

"855 Around the Bend, Sunset Trail, Peninsula State Park"
acrylic - 6x8 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/855-around-the-bend-sunset-trail-peninsula-state-park/576853

854 Sunset Trail, Peninsula State Park

The light shining through and on the trees on the Sunset Trail is captivating.  I find the undergrowth almost as interesting as the trees.  In the Spring, there are tiny purple irises that blanket the ground. The felled birches are so beautiful, too.  It's a beautiful place to hike or bike ride.

"854 Sunset Trail, Peninsula State Park"
acrylic - 6x8 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/854-sunset-trail-peninsula-state-park/576640

853 White Cedar Forest, Sunset Trail, Peninsula State Park

The Sunset Trail in the Peninsula State Park, Door County, Wisconsin is one of my sacred places.  I never miss a chance to walk the path and bask in the glorious light streaming through the trees.  I must have hundreds of photos of trees and light!

The path is 10 miles for the long version or 3 miles for the short one.  When our children were young, it was our tradition to ride bikes for the long trail. There is a spot where a sign urges "Parents, Watch Your Children"  at a steep incline, and our kids would always defiantly speed up and ride hands free. One recent visit, my husband and I took each other's pictures near the sign pretending to be frightened.  Those 10 miles seem much longer now that we are older, and certainly not as much fun without the "kids."

"853 White Cedar Forest, Sunset Trail, Peninsula State Park"
acrylic - 6x8 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/853-white-cedar-forest-sunset-trail-peninsula-state-park/576474

826 Russian Olive

I saw this tree in a garden tour of a beautiful property overlooking Lake Michigan, and was attracted to its graceful limbs and soft whispy leaves.  Little did I know until recently when I asked the question, it is an old Russion Olive tree, Eleagnus angustifolia.  It is difficult to find in nurseries because in some states it is considered a "noxious weed," and therefore cannot cross state lines.

I love learning new things during the process of painting.  In addition to learning about this lovely tree, I continued to learn about the color green.  I did not use any green paint in this painting, rather mixed a variety of greens from different blues and yellows.  It was lots of fun and amazing to learn how many combinations there are!

"826 Russian Olive"
acrylic - 15.75x20 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/826-russian-olive/515994

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