My Irish Love Affair!

Art, Travel and Painting
en plein aire
are passions of ths native Minnesotan

While traveling the far back roads when visiting Ireland, this picture was taken. The abandoned castle is featured in a painting that will be shown on this page along with other paintings of mine.

Walking the Great Wall of China, a dream fulfilled

At the age of ten,
after a few hours with Pearl S. Buck,
I knew I wanted to see
The Great Wall of China
and as much of this mysterious land as possible. We went for 3 weeks
with time spent in Beijing, Xian,
Chengde and getting lost in the farther reaches where we were invited into the
homes of cave dwellers.
What an incredible journey!

Ireland, beauty, the Sea, rock fences, good ale...

Click the link below to see my photos of
Dublin & the countryside of Ireland

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=miqtvmz.8wcscoyn&Uy=32b8vx&Ux=1
























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Words cannot express..



Click the links below to see the
Countryside of Sicily, Italy

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=miqtvmz.as2v0ozn&Uy=-mqxhqz&Ux=1

This is the wonderful island of
Sicily, Italy...What a magical, pleasurable trip!
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Portugal, Lisbon, Cabo da Roca, and the luscious countryside

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=miqtvmz.c9xgyemn&Uy=-tfamnw&Ux=1



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These are pictures compiled on the many trips taken to Italy
There was the Amalfi Coast one year, then Tuscany with Florence, Pisa, Portofino. Of course, there's Rome, Venice, and so much more...







http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=miqtvmz.99pahefj&Uy=1jeaov&Ux=1

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=miqtvmz.9sy37lzv&Uy=-s89own&Ux=0


I think I've been to Rome 7 or 8 times with many of the visits at least a week long. It never ceases to offer something new!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=miqtvmz.bggi5rdr&Uy=-9h742f&Ux=1

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What's next? New York City, Italy, Poland & Scotland 2006

China, land of ancient history, exotic people

click here to see more photos of China

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=miqtvmz.bc3gnqnj&Uy=tlpcnl&Ux=1

Vienna, Austria

Vienna...Sacher Torte, Cafes, Opera, Museums
A wonderfully cultural delight!

click the link to see more pictures of Vienna and Melk in Austria

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1&Uc=miqtvmz.bs0hd21b&Uy=duo9ms&Ux=1

Wales

A lovely, secluded village with a small church...


click the link below to see more of my
Wales pictures

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=miqtvmz.bakyb02z&Uy=-71x75i&Ux=1

Budapest, Szentendre Hungary

Wonderfully Olde World in this very interesting country

click the link shown to see more photos of Hungary
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=miqtvmz.6r4yxtir&Uy=-v07sa&Ux=1

Prague

Beautiful, old Prague
Truly, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe

click this link to see more of Prague:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1&Uc=miqtvmz.1n61543z&Uy=-1wfe3n&Ux=1

Istanbul, Turkey...a land of intrigue, mystery

Enjoy the wonderful sights of Istanbul...
I can't wait to return!

click the link to see more photos of Turkey:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1&Uc=miqtvmz.49bs9umz&Uy=n3mfdv&Ux=1

Mexico City! A delightful surprise!

Mexico City was a delight! It far exceeded my expectations
for beauty, architecture, museums and the pyramids!
click the link below to see more pictures or Mexico City:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1&Uc=miqtvmz.cjuxk2yn&Uy=-baqvfx&Ux=1

Still Life & Plein Aire pieces

See the links at the right to see more art~

A plein aire piece..."Twilight at the Campground"


Twilight at the campground
Done entirely with a knife

My Home & the Love Bug

Home...my refuge, my gathering space, my place in the world. It's a 112 year old home, one of the first in this community. It was built by the owner of the bank and the lumber yard. He incorporated many fine craftsman details


The formal living room...only used when more than 5 or 6 people are here.

I tend to use the library or the maid's room (as it was called when the house was built) for smaller gatherings.

The dining room, always the gathering point in any home.

Funny how the winerack on the right seems to need replenishing.

This is the sunroom that's perfect for morning coffee, lunch with friends, or
reading a book. Right now, it's a collection spot for some of my art.







MY NEW STUDIO!
This is the third floor of the house, about 18 feet wide by 42 feet long. The floor is the original 2 x 12 boards, unfinished with a nice grey patina. The walls and ceiling are going to get a french grey finish with a wax to give it an aged, comfortable feel.
The opposite wall will have a treatment on it when the windows arrive and are installed. This is likely a spring project as winter has arrived.

THE LOVEBUG, my chateau on wheels.

It has room for my art supplies and

everything I need while out painting!

This is a sketch I dide of the Love Bug last weekend while camping.

This below is the front rockguard. It will have the words, le Ritz, added. It's my room with a view! :)

le Ritz now has a bit of art. This is taken from a french chateau I had painted in oils and modified by using acrylics and a more muralistic approach.
I'll be adding some vinyl lettering to her and then it's off the an Art workshop! Yay!