Ancient Rocks

Artists Point rocky outcropping is a favorite place to paint, especially in summer (hence the name!). We can enjoy the warm sun plus the cool breeze off the water. There is plenty of room to set up easels, and there is an ever changing pattern of pools on the rocks. The water changes in color throughout the day, contrasting with the permanence of the rocks, adding to the challenge of painting.

Cascade State Park Trees

Cascade State park was one of our stops during the week long painting intensive last summer. The park is named after the impressive waterfalls cascading over the rocks, but equally impressive is the stand of trees at the mouth of the river as it enters Lake Superior. The deepest part of the woods is barely penetrated by sunlight and smells of cedar, openings in the canopy add sparkle to the understory, and trees stand guard along the beach: a smorgasbord of painting delights!

Long Lake Cattail Pond

This cattail pond is in a park we frequently paint at. The pond is a favorite subject and we have painted it in many seasons-it always looks different and has something exciting to interest us. Plus there are bathrooms nearby and even a picnic area for us to have our lunch in the nice weather.

Midwest Seasons Art Exhibit

Lisa and I were honored to have paintings accepted into the Midwest Seasons Art Exhibit at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau, WI. Our paintings were well received by the viewers at the event. Many commented on how well our two pieces looked together! They would look great hanging together in someone's home or office.

Lisa's painting "Winter Birch" won an honorable mention award. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Gallery Gala on opening night, meet artists and art enthusiasts, and pick up Lisa's award for her.

Hudson Hospital Healing Arts

Our exhibit at the Hudson Hospital is up, many thanks to Margaret Welshons. The reception is not until February, so we haven't seen it yet. Many patients and their family and friends will be treated to viewing refreshing and restful paintings while at the hospital.

Healing Arts

The recognition of the power of art and its part in healing the mind, body, and spirit is growing. Art offers inspiration, reflection, and allows people to recover more quickly. PALS is proud to be a part of the Healing Arts Program at the Hudson Hospital. We are busy preparing our paintings for the exhibit, which starts Dec 16, 2009.

The hospital itself is beautiful inside and out, and the art exhibits add to the environment. There are several exhibits at any one time, so it's always enjoyable to see all the different work while we are there.

Grand Marais Plein Air Competition

PALS participated in this year's event sponsored by the Grand Marais Art Colony. Painting skills were prime, just having finished the mentoring program. The weather wasn't always fully cooperative, but we all finished paintings. We were each allowed to submit two paintings for the main event, plus a night scene, plus a "quick draw".

Michelle had not participated in a plein air event before. Her hope was to finish two paintings suitable for entry. She was able to do that, plus a night scene.

Lisa was a previous award winner at this event, completed her two paintings, a night scene, and a quick draw. She won Second Place, plus the People's Choice award.

Cheryl was new to this event, and an award winner from a different event this summer. She submitted her two paintings, a night scene, and a quick draw. She won First Place in the main event!