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

624 Slight Dip

This is another scene from the Sunset Trail in Peninsula State Park, Door County.  Painting these last few path scenes has helped me with a large painting I have on my easel of a path leading to the sea in Hilton Head.   There is a lot more to it than the path, but I feel I made good progress there today.   I'll keep plugging away.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/624-slight-dip/388401

623 Rest Stop

This is another vignette from the Sunset Trail at  Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin, a most beautiful and peaceful place.  This one gave me a little trouble. 

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/623-rest-stop/387981

621 Sunset Trail

Door County, Wisconsin is a beautiful place, a peninsula with Green Bay to the west side and Lake Michigan to the east and not much distance in between.  Peninsula State Park is a popular place for camping, biking, hiking and cross country skiing.  On Saturday, the day after my party, I walked along the beautiful Sunset Trail, so grateful for the beautiful scenery, the perfect lighting, and all the blessings of the weekend, reflecting on good friends, beautiful art, and admiration for Mother Nature. 

On Sunday, yesterday, I watched an artist demonstrate his painting technique at the gallery.  He uses inexpensive hardware store brushes and paints with liberation.  Maybe it was my mental return to this scene, or a reckless abandon, or possibly a new-found confidence, but I loved painting this so loose and without intimidation by the oil paints.   My bubble was burst when my husband asked, "What is it?" 

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/621-sunset-trail/387433

596 Retired

A long-time Garden Club member is a landscape architect and she has the most beautiful property overlooking Lake Michigan.  It is all simply magnificent.  In the Fall, she so graciously gave us a tour of the gardens and pathways.   On our way up the beautiful lannon stone steps from the Lake was this little vignette.  I knew I would paint it someday.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/596-retired/370253

281. Shadows in the Forest

This is a scene from Door County, a beautiful place all year round.  We visited there last January, and this is the view of the woods at the Peninsula State Park we saw out our door. 

245. Path to Tranquility

My daughter took the reference photo for this painting in high school.  It was taken at a nearby park, Doctor's Park.

172 Montgomery Reserve Sanctuary

This is the most peaceful place in the United States that I have ever visited.  The trees were so enormous and it was impossible not to feel very small in so many ways.