We just returned from a trip to upper Wisconsin to deliver a large group of our lighting we had designed and created for a client's guest cabin. Years ago, we created the lighting for their second home on this property. So it was great to return! Wonderful clients in a beautiful spot - you can't beat it. Above are some images of their guest cabin after the lighting was installed. It was a really enjoyable trip. The weather was perfect for traveling and we fit in a stop at the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts where we viewed their current exhibit - Masterpieces from the Louvre - www.artsmia.org. We also stopped at the Museum of Russian Art and 'indulged' ourselves - www.tmora.org. There was a one man show of an artist from the area, Jeffrey Larson, that was a treat to see too - www.jeffreytlarson.com. ... Happy Thanksgiving!

Let the painting begin....

I'm teaching a panting class this fall here at the Gallery in Gardiner. We had our first class Monday evening. The focus of the class will be composition and color. Particularly... what makes a good design (along with what doesn't!) and mixing your colors using complements to grey the colors down (opposites on the color wheel), We started working mostly with the complementary colors of red and green (apples were our subject) using a limited palette - only cadmium lemon, cadmium yellow light, cadmium red, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue and white. So everyone had to mix ALL their greens. ALWAYS a good exercise. It went really well - lots of creative energy packed into the room. I sent home directions for making color charts with everyone for homework. So much to learn, so little time!

A new studio painting....

Life Springs Eternal by Shirl Ireland oil on linen 24" x 30"

This area of Yellowstone (Upper Terraces) is just 5 miles from home, so I paint there often. It's a beautiful, almost surreal landscape. The colors, shapes and textures are great painting inspiration! I've been there many mornings plein air painting, often before the sun rises. It's my favorite time to be there. This particular morning was a gem. The reflected colors at dawn were absolutely amazing!