Still Waters II-Chicago

watercolor 21 x 14

Another day at the lake. Right now I would love to be on one of these boats taking a nap.

"Still Waters I" Chicago

watercolor 14 x 21

Thought I would do a few water scenes since Chicago's shore line is Lake Michigan. Come and sail along with me.....

I Want to Go Shopping, But There is No Place to Park-Chicago

watercolor 14 x 21

If you haven't been to Chicago, there is plenty of shopping and places to eat. One of the problems is trying to find a parking spot. If you find one, good luck trying to back into it or to try to get out of it. Your best bet is to use a parking garage. The only problem there is that they charge so much to use them. My advise to you...take public transportation. And remember...shop till you drop!!

Art Institute of Chicago

watercolor 14 x 21

Today we are back at the Art Institute of Chicago. Not all Lions are at the Zoo. This place always has people standing around or sitting and talking on these steps. I, too, have spent time on them. But behind those doors are the works of the great Masters. Come on in and spend the afternoon.

Fall Into Chicago-Lake Shore Drive

watercolor 14 x 21

Ok, we are back in Chicago. In fact, we are just entering the city on Lake Shore Drive. I decided to make this a fall day even though I took the photo while in the car in the summer. I have an artistic license so I can do that you know. I came up with the title so that is how I decided on the season. This one is painted on hot press 300# watercolor paper. Don't drive too fast!

I am thinking about changing the title to..."Chicago is on Fire, Again"

At the Pier--Navy Pier: Chicago

watercolor 14 x 21

Today we are still in Chicago, but this time we are at Navy Pier. If you hit Chicago, you must go and see Navy Pier. There is so much to see and do here. There is this giant Farris Wheel and you can see the whole city as you ride on it (well, lots of it anyways). There are shops, places to eat and drink, people are on stages performing, there is this gorgeous stained-glass exhibit, and tons of people...in all shapes and sizes. Today we are outside watching one of the tour boats leaving the docks.

People: Coming and Going -- Chicago

watercolor 21 x 14

Here we see the hustle of a typical day in Chicago. People are walking, taking taxis, or the EL (train) and many messengers are on bikes. It is a fast moving city. When I got off the bus on my first day of Art School (many years ago), I could not believe how fast people walked. If you didn't keep up the pace, you would be trampled on. Needless to say, I kept up the pace. It was great going to art school in the city and to work and teach there too. I have been blest.

Park Yourself and Have Something to Eat!

watercolor 14 x 21

We are back in Chicago today and this time we are taking time to eat under the umbrellas. I wanted to run up to the city this past Sunday to take more photos, but I like sunny days so that I can get nice shapes and shadows. Maybe next Sunday it will be sunny.
Enjoy!

Magnolias

watercolor 7" x 11"

Thought I would take a break from Chicago and do a painting of the Magnolias that are now in bloom. It is sad that they do not stay around for long, but they are pretty while they are here. The fruit trees are beginning to bloom, too. Take time out to smell the flowers.

At the Fountain--Buckingham Fountain~Chicago

watercolor 14 x 21

Ok, next in my Chicago series we find ourselves at Buckingham Fountain. This is another active area in Chicago. Everyone wants to get their picture taken at the fountain. Many brides are married here, too.
What will we see next on this little tour of the city???

There is Art Behind Those Doors..No Lion

watercolor 21 x 14

Another in my Chicago series. This is of the Art Institute of Chicago. In front of this building are these two lovely green lions. They protect the art?? At Christmas they have big wreaths around their necks. You can always see people sitting on the steps or just standing around and talking. I plan to do another of this area with the people doing just that, so keep watching.....

Another Snow Scene

watercolor 14 x 21

Ok, I think I was entitled to paint another snow scene. It dropped 40 degrees today. And, it was rainy so that brought chills to the bones. Next week they are saying that it will be in the 80's. Only in Chicago...but I am not responsible if it should snow tonight.
This was another experiment on the new watercolor board that my friend wanted me to try. Come see what I will have for you tomorrow.

Flowers at the Pier

watercolor 14 x 21

Here is another in the Chicago series. This one is at Navy Pier a neat fun place. This is indoors where all of the little shops are. Again I tried to paint loose, but it will take practise. Lots of practise. I was trying for the reflection of the floor and capturing the light coming from the window behind the flowers.
There are so many exciting things to see and do at Navy Pier so you may see more from this area. Back on my painting bus to see what scene I will paint next. Want to come along?

Come Tour Chicago.

watercolor 21 x 14

I decided to do a series of Chicago scenes. I do love the city and it is close enough to get reference material. People just love paintings of it. If you haven't been here yet, please come and visit...

Happy Easter

watercolor 20 x 14

Happy Easter everyone!!! Here is another attempt with me trying to paint looser. Being a loose painter just might not happen for me. I admire it so much, but wow...it doesn't seem to be my thing. I will not give up this quickly... I have been painting the way I am used to painting for many years. So it may take a while. But I will not give up my style totally. Just want to try new things.
This is also painted on a new board that my framer challenged me to try. So many challenges these days. But this is how we grow as artists.
And since I am not a starving artist, I am going to go now and make some Easter cookies. Enjoy your day!

Yellow Lilies

watercolor 7 x 11 Matted 12 x 16

This was one of the most glorious days I can remember. It has finally gotten warm out and it felt so good to get the gazebo all cleaned out and ready for sitting and relaxing.
Since this is Easter Weekend, I thought I would paint a lily. I went and bought me a yellow and a white lily. Good reason to buy flowers. As class demos I did these two paintings. I painted the top one in my usual manner and then I tried to paint loose. It is a bit looser, but I have a long way to go to paint really loose. But it was a challenge and it was fun.

May you all experience the joys of Easter as you sing your Hallelujahs of praise.
Happy Easter!!