626 Lake Sinisippi

My friend Dawn posts the most beautiful pictures of sky/seascapes of Lake Sinisippi on Facebook and gave me permission to paint them.  Each one is more beautiful than the previous.  Dawn is also an artist, and she should be painting these beautiful scenes herself (ahem!).

Here's what I've learned:  The more beautiful and colorful the scene is, the more difficult it is to paint, at least for ME!  I would much rather paint a grey day seascape than a total blue sky/blue water sort of painting.  As an example, my neighbor friend sent me such a beautiful untouched picture of an exquisite sea/skyscape, complete with subtle pinks, purples, corals and blue.  I felt I had to paint it and yet, I've struggled for 3 days and who knows how many pounds of paint to get it right, which isn't happening.  I photographed it and was ready to post, but that inner voice said "May as well have painted a clown.  Don't do it."   Lake Sinisippi trumps Pine Lake today.

625 Door County Classic

Door County has always been known for it's cherry production.  They have become even more popular since research has shown the antioxidant health benefits of cherries.  You can buy cherry jam, wine, honey, juice, salsa, pies, sausage, dried cherries, frozen cherries, and the list goes on.  The cherry trees are in full bloom now, which means that the cherries will be ready to pick in approximately 60 days. 

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

622. Sunset Trail, Veering Right

Despite the humidity, the rain, and the intense allergy conditions, I am mentally back in Door County on the Sunset Trail.  Here is another scene, this time painted with acrylics, and fyi, I'm not asking my husband's opinion today after yesterday's response.  hmpff.  I wonder which scene and medium you prefer.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/622-sunset-trail-veering-right/387705

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

620 Door County!

Today is a special day.  My paintings are hanging on the walls of a gallery I have worked hard and long for.  I was honored with a party given by dear long-time friends, with many surprise guest friends who traveled far to celebrate with me.  I can't even think of adequate words to express how I feel, blessed indeed, and oh, so happy.