Deb Kirkeeide: May 2017

May 25, 2017

Happy Hoilday! It's the Start of Summer!

Up North!

Memorial Weekend, our unofficial start of summer has arrived. Many Minnesotans start the first of their many summer migrations to their lake cabins "Up North".

My favorite destination is along the North Shore of Lake Superior near the Canadian border. I am in total peace in this magical area.

There are many places to pull over and explore the shore and this painting is from one such spot. Just looking at this, I can still feel the cool lake breezes, hear the gentle lap of the waves and watch the gulls overhead as light dance across the water

I think it's time to plan a visit back!

Memorial Weekend

This weekend's significance often gets overlooked in the excitement of a long weekend. For those who have served and sacrificed for this country, I thank you. Protecting our freedom is one thing that contributes to the continued opportunity to enjoy this beautiful country as we do.

This piece isn't framed yet but I've included an example of how great it will look when it is.

If you are interested in the framing, let me know, I can take care of that for you.

Along The North Shore | Unframed

$875.00 Purchase

Happy Memorial Weekend!

May 23, 2017

After the rain, comes a little sun!

Today we have sunshine!

After a weekend of endless rain, it is nice to see the sun again!

As I mentioned in my last post, sunflowers are always a spot of brightness for me on grey days.

Sunny - Framed - Purchase here.

Framing is shown to the left.

Wouldn't this make a great companion piece to my other sunflower painting, Girasole Piccolo?

Have a great day!

May 21, 2017

HAPPY MONDAY | The Glory of Flowers, Collections and Reflections

"Girasole Piccolo"- Little Sunflower

I've noticed over the years that I have "collections". I don't make a conscious decision to collect, but this is a discovery that there are certain symbols that have a strong presence in my surroundings without my realizing. One of these is the sunflower.

It dawned on me one day that I have more than just an inclination to paint them, but they are present in my home. I have a beautiful mosaic mirror that I bought from an artist during a visit to Chicago one year. It simply spoke to me with it's beautiful shape and sunny colors.

I also have a shrine in my studio that holds collected treasures of stones, feathers, twigs and ornaments. That have meaning to me. It holds a beautiful, carved Goddess watching over me and my creative endeavors. Unknown to me when I got home I realized it was actually carved to represent a sunflower.

Symbolically, the sunflower reminds us of the sun. A symbol of hope and optimism. I know certainly feel more energetic and happy when the sun is out in full force!

And then there is the raven. And the birds that I am so drawn to paint? I'll expand on that on another day!

We surround themselves with elements that are pleasing and attractive to us. It is a reflection of our sense of identity and at a deeper level encompasses the wider aspects of our psyche.

What about you? What do you collect? What are the symbols of your life?

Girasole Piccolo - Framed - Purchase here.

Have a sunny, happy day!

May 14, 2017

Bashful

Bashful | 6x6 Oil | ©Deb Kirkeeide

This painting is of one of the shy visitors who co-habit my yard. (and living beneath my deck)
This little bunny would probably fit comfortably in my hand, but I'm seeing her more and more as she experiments with her independence. It seemed only a few weeks ago that I saw what I assume to be her parents, cavorting around my yard. as it turns out, the gestation period for rabbits is only 31 days! No wonder they are so prolific!

I consider myself pretty lucky to be able to watch my woodland visitors from my studio window and I try to have my camera ready for any opportunities to record their visits. I have bunnies, racoons, chipmunks, squirrels, a lot of birds, the occasional deer and just the other day, a woodchuck who had ventured onto my screen porch! Note to self: must get that screen door fixed.

Bashful | 6x6 Oil |

May 4, 2017

Three Amigos - Wild Bird Painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Three Amigos SOLD

These little guys showed up together and hung out on my deck one day. I love being able to watch them go about their business from the windows in my studio.

Speaking of my studio, I've been busy cleaning and preparing for the annual Lake Minnetonka Studio Tour May 6-7

I'll have new paintings and a few mixed media 3 dimensional pieces that I've had fun creating.

If you are in this area please stop by!

Oh! And I created all the branding and graphics for the tour. It's been a busy winter!

May 1, 2017

Happiness - Original Floral Painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Aren't flowers just happiness?

This is another small floral painted from a bouquet that's been sitting on my desk. They really do just make me smile!

May Flowers - Floral Painting - Deb Kirkeeide

With all the April rain (and snow) we've gotten here in Minnesota, Spring has made her appearance with green returning to the landscape. And of course flowers are starting to make an appearance and I can't resist their blooms of color!

I love how soothing this turned out with it's creamy soft colors. I hope the flowers are blooming where you are!

And for something a little different....

I painted this for my favorite 4 year old's birthday. My granddaughter Eva turns 4 today and she said she wanted a puffin painting! (Among other subjects!)

My tradition is to make some art for her each birthday. I think it will be fun to see how her tastes evolve over the years to come!