En-route to Northport

# 112 En-route to Northport  6.25 H x 18 W ~ Acrylic on paper
Got back home yesterday, after spending 2 weeks up in northern lower peninsula, Michigan. One of the weeks was spent with a group of very talented artists at Camp Edee... (Edee Joppich organizes us) The other week near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. So very inspiring.

Gouache Ink Resist... Peterson Road Beach


And here's the newest gouache ink resist painting..."Peterson Beach." 
This beach is a nice 40 minute walk from our house over to Lake Michigan...My plan for these gouache ink resist pieces, is to offer prints and cards, giving a portion of the money to HARP. (Honor Area Restoration Project) I'll be sure to let you know all about it as the series unfolds. :)

Thoughts on Walks


"Thoughts on Walks"
watercolor and colored pencil on paper
8 x 8 inches

Those of you that know me... know that I've been helping out my mom as she deals with acute myelogenous leukemia, and the stroke she suffered because of it. I've been here in Honor, Michigan for just over 8 months (with a few quick trips home). I really feel lucky to be in the position to be able to do this for her. It is a gift to be able to help out where it's needed and appreciated.

Though, obviously there are some challenging parts to helping out a sick parent. One thing that's kept me somewhat sane and calm are my walks in the "Sleeping Bear Dune National Lake Shore" park. I can walk from the house straight down a dirt road that leads to Lake Michigan.... On some days I won't see another soul for the hour and a half it takes me. Imagine that! The most beautiful forest that leads to the dunes and then the lake in all it's magnificence enjoyed in complete solitude (other than the wildlife...and occasionally Ranger Jim). I listen to my Ipod... and have a notebook and pen for the wonderful insights that seem to pop into my head during these long walks. I really feel quite lucky.

The watercolor was painted from memory...and then the word stream that seems to ramble out of my head, was added with colored pencil. I can't even really read it, since I chose a pencil close in value and tone to the painting.

Lake Michigan and Platte River


This photo was taken a couple of years ago...It's where the Platte River flows into Lake Michigan....My absolute favorite rock finding spot. The rocks are worn smooth from the sand and water...and are just beautiful to look at and touch. I cannot leave them be...I have quite a collection. I use them for my finders keepers project.....speaking of which...I think it's time for another artwork release soon! :)