River Flats, Oil on Linen, 12x16

In a location better known as a great place to watch the big jets take off and land at MSP, I was treated to a sunset chorus of coyotes howling. Overlooking the Minnesota River, I had to remind myself how close I was to the downtowns of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Bloomington. You are looking at the results of decades of sedimentation; sediment that, in all likelihood, once covered farmers fields.

Early Morning Melt, Oil on Linen, 16x12 (SOLD)

It's feeling very Spring-like for the middle of February. I hiked up to the top of  a bluff just as the sun was making its entrance. Low and behold I was not alone. Who can resist mid 40s in February. Still I found myself drawn to the last lonely fragments of snow. Two to four inches are expected tonight. I hope they're right for a change. We could really use the snow.

Snow Pass, oil on linen, 12x9

(revised 2/22/12)

You don't expect to get overheated when you go out and paint in the middle of the winter in northern Minnesota, but that's exactly what happened on our second morning out. Lee Englund and I had all our winter gear on when we started up the trail to this overlook on West Bearskin Lake. By the time we reached the pinnacle, we had shed layers and were sweating profusely while carrying half our clothing as well as all our gear. We learned a valuable lesson about winter painting. Have an extra bag for extra clothing. Carry your gear to your location and THEN put it on. 

Rendezvous, Oil on Linen, 12x9 (SOLD)

We've been back from the Winter Paint Out on West Bearskin Lake for a couple weeks now and I am just now getting around to posting this painting from that trip. I was struck at how small the people appeared beside these ancient behemoths. This trip to the north woods was an excellent reminder to keep a proper perspective.

So Warm for February, Oil on Linen, 9x12

(revised 2/16/12)

The only true blue sky painting of the week was painted after we had left Menogyn and took a little side trip up the Superior coast.