Basin Trail

Basin Trail

12x9 Oil

©2011 Deb Kirkeeide.

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

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Morning on the Creek

Morning on the Creek

9x12 oil

©2011 Deb Kirkeeide

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!

Purple Finch

Purple Finch

8x8 Oil on linen panel

©2011 Deb Kirkeeide

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 Morning

August Morning

6x8 Oil SOLD

© 2011 Deb Kirkeeide

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.

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.

The Winery Barn

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.

Purchase here.

Grace In Gravity

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!