Deb Kirkeeide: 2011

November 7, 2011

a spot of color

After the Rains

15 x 30 Oil
SOLD

This is a larger version of a plein air study I did earlier this summer. Always a challenge for me, painting on such a large scale. I've been working on this all summer, adding, subtracting, changing approaches - more or less experimenting and ending up painting it all with a knife. It's not quite the vision I had in my head - but it feels very peaceful to me in all it's muted tones. I remember that day out painting plein air with Outdoor Painters of Minnesota (OPM). Early morning, after a night of rain, the air heavy with moisture and the good company of fellow painters.

And speaking of OPM....for all of you local people looking for an art filled evening, we are having our opening reception on Saturday the 12th at The Frameworks Gallery in St Paul. Hope to see you there!

November 6, 2011

Swan Study

6x6 oil SOLD
©2011 Deb Kirkeeide

Wow, I guess it's been a while since I posted. It's been a busy month with lots of great things going on. I finished up this year's Motion Poem animation, which I'll try to post in the next day or two.

I've also been asked to animate another piece for Blank on Blank interviews. This one will be fun and I'm excited about this one. More about that later. I also will have one of my raven paintings gracing the cover of a book of poetry being published next year. Lots of things happening!

And I've managed to get some painting done as well. This little one is a study for a larger one coming up. Hopefully soon.

October 3, 2011

A Spot of Color Along the River

8x8 Oil

We didn't venture far for this. Just a short walk to the river on the ranch. Now, what to paint....hmmm... I know! I think I'll pick one of the more difficult things here. I started painting and the result to me was just a big mess. So in a last ditch effort I pulled out the pallette knife and went for it. It's still a bit of an abstract mess but I really kind of like this little spot of color along the river.

October 2, 2011

Over the Fence

Over The Fence

8x8 Oil

Another from the trip out west. Just a small part of the panoramic view before us. It's hard to decide what to paint when the world lays before you in all its glory!

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September 29, 2011

Basin Trail

Basin Trail

12x9 Oil

We followed this little one lane trail - way beyond the view you see here - and then drove halfway back. Along the way we stopped at the ranger station to ask where the trail led. Our fine cowboy ranger gave us some good information but we lost him during the debate to travel further or to just pick a spot before the light went flat. He said we lost him on that discussion and headed back to his cabin. (darn!)

We opted to paint and explore later. I love this view and the resulting painting. It was very inviting.

We did get a little nervous and wondered if we might have to head to the cars upon listening to some very vocal cows and a very distressed donkey off in the distance. I can be perfectly comfortable moving around the city but out there I was always looking over my shoulder for bear. Though towards the end of the week I was starting to feel a little more comfortable.

SOLD

Thanks for visiting!

September 27, 2011

Morning on the Creek

9x12 oil

I'm back from Wyoming where I spent some time painting at the 7D Ranch in Cody. This is the third time I've been there and it's always a great time. Our band of merry artists was smaller this time but it's always a treat to spend time with this group as we've formed a special bond over the years.

The weather was perfect, as was the scenery. Pretty much every waking hour was spent outdoors. I just couldn't seem to soak up enough of the peaceful beauty of this area. No bears this year, though there were plenty of bear attack stories told around the fire. (thanks, John!) The extent of wildlife was limited to the mouse in my cabin and the cows from the neighboring ranch. They broke out and hung out around the cabins for a while until the cowboys showed up to wrangle them home.

This was the first painting of the trip. Standing on the bridge overlooking the creek, the morning started out calm but soon the wind picked up and I had to finish quickly while holding down my easel.

More to come!

August 30, 2011

Purple Finch

8x8 Oil on linen panel

This guy seems to be a cheeky little fellow! I love his attitude. Due to my recent interest in birds (besides the ravens) I've been paying attention and find myself being more observant of their presence.

I'm also learning more about them from various websites and blogs One such source is Sharon Stiteler, aka The BirdChick. If you're interested in birds, be sure to check out her website and blog.

Friday night, we had our opening reception for the exhibition of this cycle for Project Art For Nature.

It is an awesome and beautiful show. So many diverse styles. I'm inspired to try some new techniques

and mediums. My experimentation will have to wait until I finish a few projects. I've got an animation I need to create art for and I'm headed out to Wyoming in two weeks with a group of artists to spend

5 days painting in the mountains. I'm really looking forward to our time back out at the 7D.

On Hold

Thanks!

August 25, 2011

August Morning

6x8 Oil SOLD

This was my morning warm up piece from our paint out at the winery. Since I don't go out and paint terribly often, I'm always a little rusty and tend to dive in for a quick study just to warm up.

I think I would like to try this one again a little bigger. Hopefully I'll have a chance to go back soon.

There's something very intriguing and poetic about the path leading through the pasture and into the woods. I wonder where it would have led me to.

August 23, 2011

Orchard Delight

Orchard Delight
6x8 Oil SOLD
©2011 Deb Kirkeeide

Another from the day at the vineyard. I was tempted to pick one, but I was good. I love this time of year when the apples start coming in. A sure sign it's about time for the State Fair, and fall is right around the corner and after that...well, I refuse to think about that yet.

August 22, 2011

The Winery Barn

9x12 Oil
©2011 Deb Kirkeeide

This past Saturday, Outdoor Painters of Minnesota had our paint-out at Parley Lake Winery in Victoria, MN. I have to say it was a fabulous event with over 20 painters showing up to paint. It's a beautiful

area with rolling hills, orchards and vineyards and wine tasting!

Add award winning wine, live music and art on display to a beautiful day and great camaraderie,

the day couldn't get any better!

This is where they make the wine. I heard they were serving wine slushies inside - I never had the chance to check it out. Though I did have a glass of the Frontenac Gris in hand while I painted this.

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August 15, 2011

Grace In Gravity

16 x 20 Oil

I've somehow tuned into Blue Herons and the White Egrets this year. Being fairly common along our lakes and ponds, the herons and egrets have captured my interest. It's amazing how these large birds can gracefully maneuver its surrender to gravity and set itself down in the reeds along the shoreline of our lakes and ponds.

This, along with some previous paintings, is off to our Project Art for Nature (PAN) exhibition coming up at The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, WI. Aug 19 - Sept 25. Opening reception Aug 26.

If you are in the area please be sure to stop by!

July 20, 2011

Morning Serenity

16x8 Oil on Linen

Same island. Different time. Different morning. Different surface.

This was painted on a linen panel which seemingly sucked up the paint as fast as I could put it down. Much different approach than the previous painting and panel, which didn't seem to absorb anything. I like how the surface dictates the style of the painting. In this case it was perfect.

For someone who is typically not subtle - I love the quiet and mysterious energy in this.

July 19, 2011

Island View - Minnesota Landscape

Island View

8x16 Oil on Panel

I recently spent some time painting and enjoying one of our many Minnesota lakes with artist Kristin Grevich. The weather was hot and humid but that made for some great blues and grays mixed in with the abundance of green we have here in our Minnesota summer landscapes.

This was painted on a very textured panel and the result is somewhat watercolor- like in nature. I'm liking the looseness of it. It was fun to get out and paint outdoors again. I have to say the view, the location and the company I was keeping, didn't hurt either!

To purchase click here.

July 12, 2011

Lesson Time - Wood Duck painting

Lesson Time

Triptych

8x8 oil

I was out painting one day and spotted this little wood duck family. I originally saw mom and one duckling but as I moved closer to take some pictures she swam out and revealed the rest sitting on the log. "Lesson number one, my little ones - stay away from the woman with the camera!"

Mom

8x8

Eyes to the Front

8x8

Wait for me!

8x8

July 10, 2011

Great White Egret Original Painting

Great Egret

18 x 18 Oil on Canvas
SOLD

This is a larger version of the earlier 6 x 6 Egret Flying I did a few weeks ago. I'm creating some new

pieces for our PAN show at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisconsin. This was an Egret I observed at my site in Carver County. Though these birds are pretty common and I've often seen them along the shores of marshes and small ponds, these and Great Blue herons have really captured my interest this year.

I've got a few more in the works for the show and will be posting those soon.

Hope your weekend was fabulous!

July 4, 2011

Peony Bouquet

6x8 Oil on Linen Panel

This has a completely different mood than the previous floral. It still amazes me how many different styles seem to flow through at any given time. I wonder what contributes to that? Just like our moods are in constant flux, it makes sense that any number of environmental and emotional responses influence the outcome of our artistic expression.

This is from a recent bouquet I received from Monsieur Trader Joe.
He's just the nicest, isn't he??

SOLD

June 30, 2011

Bright Eyes

6x8 Oil on canvas panel

Speaking of journeys in the last post... I journeyed to Utah for a visit with my daughter. It was great to get away. We mad a couple trips up the canyon to cooler temps and spent one afternoon on the patio watching the skiers. Yep, they were still skiing as of June 29th!

I've painted a few small pieces lately but I've been a bit behind in photographing and posting. This little piece makes a nice little companion to an earlier piece.

Sunkissed

6x8 Oil on canvas panel

Both paintings are available. Each priced at $130.00 + $12.00 S/H. If you are interested in both, I am offering both for $230.00 and free shipping. Happy Summer!

Bright Eyes $130 + 12 S/H

Sunkissed $130 + 12 S/H

Summer Celebration $230 / Free Shipping

June 20, 2011

It's all about the journey

Misty Morning in French Regional Park

8x16 oil
© 2011 Deb Kirkeeide

This is the result of a paint out with a few OPM members. It was a a pretty misty, grey day and it was early, but it was close to home and I decided it was time to get my butt out there and paint. I haven't

painted en plein air for over a year. I'm really glad I did. There were only four of us but it was a great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday.

In three separate conversations, the phrase "it's not about the end result, it's about the journey" came up.

Three times! That to me, is a definite message from the Universe to pay attention. Also mentioned was the book Art and Fear, which has prompted me to revisit that book. I'm only partway through it but I'm realizing a few truths here - stayed tuned... I'm expecting a big awakening here!

I have to admit, this Saturday, I let go of the results and just enjoyed the journey. And I have to admit I've gotten a great response from this painting.

Hope you all are focusing on the journey and havin' a blast!

May 25, 2011

Egret Flying

6x6 oil

On one of my recent trips to Carver Park Reserve, I spent some time watching an Egret feeding in one of the ponds there. She wouldn't let me get too "close" (not at all) and would take off and fly to the other end of the pond if she thought I was too close for comfort.

But I managed to watch her for a while and got a few reference photos. They are so beautiful.

I mentioned before that I was interested in these and the herons, among others, and have been researching areas where I can observe them. One such place was a heron rookery just north of downtown Minneapolis.

Yesterday I found out the rookery had been destroyed by the tornado that hit here recently. There were close to two hundred nests and all are gone. I believe they've managed to rescue about 7 chicks that managed to survive the storm. By their estimates, over 300 chicks were lost. A whole generation. Most of the adults survived but it was reported after the storm many of them circled the area looking for their nests. It's heartbreaking to see the destruction - from the many homes that were destroyed in its path, to the beautiful big trees and the animals.

Let's all stay safe from the storms, okay?

SOLD

May 24, 2011

Tiger Lily

6x6 Oil
© 2011 Deb Kirkeeide.

Another little Tiger Lily for your viewing pleasure. I can't help going back to my childhood and Tiger Lily as one of the characters in Peter Pan. She was always my favorite and I always wished I had a cool name like that!

150.00
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May 20, 2011

Two Tiger Lilies

Two Tiger Lilies
6 x 8 Oil

May 18, 2011

Wild Daisies

6 x 8 Oil

This is a little wild - thus the name. I'm experimenting and playing with some different surfaces and a looser style. Of course it feels a little foreign so it's still in the development stage. It was fun to try something a little different. Where it goes remains to be seen!

On another note, I wanted to share a couple birds I met this past weekend. I am an artist with Project Art for Nature and I've been exploring areas latley for study. I've decided I want to make my focus on birds - right now -herons and cranes.

And raptors.

These are two birds that are taken care of at the Lowry Nature Center in Carver Park Reserve. During an educational session I was able to get pretty close for some pics. The top one is a Merlin and the other is a Barred Owl. Definitely different personalities and both amazingly beautiful.

Thanks for visiting!

May 5, 2011

Summer Bloom

A Summer Bloom

6x6 Oil

©Deb Kirkeeide

SOLD

I painted this a while back and forgot to post it. It is one of the new pieces shown in the recent studio tour this past weekend. In spite of the cold and rainy weather it was a good turn out and I really enjoyed having it on my own turf. Thanks to all who made this such a great weekend. The best part of the weekend was when my daughter flew in from Salt Lake City to surprise me. Loved that!

For those who didn't make it, here's a little peek at my house/studio in it's role as a gallery. You can see this painting (and others) framed below.

Now that it's all over, I've got some new things I want to try and I am anxious to get started. Once I figure out where I put everything to make space!

Stay tuned, I'm going to extend the tour online and offer some of the paintings at special tour prices.

If you are interested in this painting please contact me. It is framed in gold.

April 17, 2011

I See Spots - Original Oil Painting of Rooster

I See Spots

12 x 16 Oil

I've discovered fancy chickens. I never knew there were so many kinds. And I just found out a friend of mine has a neighbor who is raising fancy chickens so I will be making a trip over for a photo shoot soon!

I've been getting my studio ready for the upcoming Lake Minnetonka Arts Tour April 30 and May 1st.

So I've been cleaning, and moving furniture and framing and hanging - and here I thought it would be easier to be a host rather than a guest!

If your in the area, stop by - I'm studio 17 on the map.

April 5, 2011

Sun Kissed

12 x 18 Oil

This may look familiar - it is a larger version of a little study I did a few weeks ago. I love these heavy sunflowers - there's something kind of sensuous and feminine about this one.

Today is definitely sun kissed and feeling like spring. It's amazing how the sun gets the energy flowing after the long winter. Spring fever has definitely set in, I have daydreams of traveling west to to the mountains to paint. Or maybe to the southwest to visit Santa Fe, paint the light there and absorb the art culture or...maybe the Pacific Northwest - so many places to go! I would love to pack up the car and hit the road for the summer.

April 4, 2011

Daisy On Blue

6x6 Oil

©Deb Kirkeeide

A bright spot of joy on this cold, rainy Minnesota Monday.

There's something about daisies that are just so happy.

SOLD

March 27, 2011

Sunday Backyard

6x8 Oil

I've been painting all day and happened to look out my studio window and loved how the shadows were casting across the snow. So I tried a little indoors plein air. Really difficult as the snow was pretty blinding in the sunlight. And my eyes weren't quite adjusting back and forth to the colors. But all in all

I like this little study. I haven't done that in quite a while (plein air, that is)

I can't believe the weekend is over already - just when I'm getting into the groove of it! Hope yours was a good one.

$145.00 + $12.00 S/H

March 22, 2011

One Summer Day

This is a painting I did a while back but never posted because I wasn't really happy with it. So I decided to sit down and have a little chat with it. We came to terms after I reworked it a little and we're both pleased with the outcome.

The title is a bit of wishful thinking - at this moment I am writing to the sound of sleet and snow hitting the windows.

At the Movies....

This weekend I saw a movie called Seraphine. The film is based on the true story of French painter Seraphine Louis de Senlis (1864–1942). I admit I was not aware of her work before this, but I found her story fascinating. Hers is one of passion and in her words she was sometimes frightened by what came through her onto the canvas. I recommend the movie and checking out her work.

March 8, 2011

And Then There Were Three

Raven Number 3

6x6 Oil

The last of this little study. It gave me a good idea of how (and if) I want to approach a larger

triptych of these guys. I see I need to warm up this particular bird to match the other two, but after seeing them together, I like this little trio. Can't wait to do a larger version!

Raven Triptych Study

After my PAN (Project Art For Nature) orientation on Saturday I have to say I'm really excited about this project and the fabulous and diverse group of artists. I was very inspired and am now wanting my studies to include more birds - especially the Sandhill Cranes. I am dreaming of a telephoto lens and trips out west to Yellowstone for more reference shots of the wildlife!

March 4, 2011

Raven Number Two

6x6

This is the second study in my little trio of Ravens.

March 3, 2011

The First of Three

Raven Triptych

6x6, Oil

This is a small study for a triptych of ravens I plan to do in a larger format. I wanted to experiment a little with texture but I think 6x6 is too small of a playing field for what I was thinking. But I still like

this little series of paintings. I even have the frames already picked out and think they will make a nice

little grouping.

In the news, for me, is that I have been juried into a group of Minnesota and Wisconsin artists for the next 3 yr cycle of Project Art For Nature. This Saturday is our orientation and I'm looking forward to participating in this worthy project, as well as meeting and working with other artists. Along with the exhibitions of the project, I'm considering starting another blog that will chronicle my own art and observations in the field. I'll keep you posted!

I've also been asked to participate as an animator again in this year's MotionPoems. You may remember my little animated piece from last year. This years work will be in partnership with Scribner's Best American Poetry Anthology which is published each year. So that's pretty exciting that they are getting national attention.

February 21, 2011

Really? More snow??

Shy

6x8 oil

As I look out on the latest 16" of snow we've just been blessed with, I am brought back from the false sense of spring that we were lulled into these past couple weeks. *sigh* but our warm spell did melt
all the ice dams on my roof and the snow is very pretty ....
And I have been painting - mostly little warm ups, getting back into the swing of things. I have to admit, I feel a little rusty. But, I did just finish another St Nick commission. (I know, just when you thought all the Christmas decorations were down...) but I'm pretty happy with this one and given our snowy weather I think he's appropriate! Maybe you can think of him as just another happy Norwegian with a thing for red.

Nicholas

8x10 Oil

SOLD

Hope all is warm and bright in your part of the world. Here's to dreams of spring!