Art Fair Time - Stockholm, WI

So....., Saturday, July 16, 2011, didn't really dawn. It boomed and crackled and blew and poured, and I thought Todd and my last words would be "Wow!!" Mr. T was simply driving out of Stillwater - heading for the Stockholm Art Festival. Weather forecasts promised a fine, if humid, day - if we didn't run into power lines or have a tree drop on our precious old red Ford truck. Thunder-lightning-way-too-close was our companion for most of the drive, but skies lifted and rain stopped as we slopped our way past River Falls,Ellsworth, Bay City and the like. Whew and whew.

The park grounds at Stockholm were darned damp but O.K. to drive in. Booths raised the night before appeared fine and dandy. Life was potentially good. We got our goodies out of the truck and up under the trees. Time for coffee and scones - Thanks to the festival folks. Thanks, festival folks!


As the photo above shows - I believe in the power of plastic..... The day was hot and muggy, and downpours often felt just-around-the-next-dark-cloud, but we survived the moisture early and settled in for a day Stockholm Festival shoppers. The small town fills up fast, and I have no idea where people end up parking. But they come early and stay late - a point we always appreciate. When one can make sales before the official opening of a show - ye ha!

We met people from all over the U. S., solved the UWRF Beck/Beckham confusion, and discussed possibilities for chat/art/eating event that's always in the back of my mind. People laughed and chatted and bought and laughed.

After a lovely evening plate of tasty goodies provided by the staff we parted ways with good buddies, gambled a bit at the casino, and napped - thunder and lightning free. A rare "free" summer Sunday was next. I spent it on the couch........ but that's another story.

Thanks, Stockholm - now, on to Ely!

Fare-thee-well,
Sue

A Summer Morning - July 4th, 2011

The garden looks like we know what we're doing.

Peppers and brussel sprouts and basils that we grew from seed look like they'll make the transition from babe to adult. That's exciting in almost any species!

I still don't know the varieties of perrenials that are growing from seed. Help, serious gardeners????

Art fair adventures are rolling in think and fast. I WILL post pictures. I WILL type details.

Lake Superior has been "friendly" toward our little white tents so far this year. It's got a few more chances this summer to do differently.

Appreciate each summer day, and fall, and winter, and spring? Some mornings it's a challenge - to relax into the possibilities instead of trying to steer most minutes into one's plans.

It's OK to relax. It'sOK to relax.

Relax?

OK.


hahahahahahahahah-

Have a safe and wonderfully sparkly 4th of July.
Thanks, Founding Moms and Dads and Aunts & Uncles!!!!!

Fare-the-well,
Sue

Small Pleasures - Tiny Cows

An artists can't live by pastels alone. Lately, some companions have been a small handfull of tiny cows. They are items left from a former life and only come upon by a chance deep cleaning of a closet. Ya yust neffer know.

So some live out in the patio garden, some stay in the house, and some come on our travels.

The above duo are trying out the acoustics at the Lakefront Park amphitheater in Hudson, Wisconsin. No, they are NOT doing "Moooooon River."


Later they took in the view from the bridge just south of the park. Folks were enjoying a day of sailing on the St. Croix River. The cows were content to stay on dry ground.

If one cow is good, are three cows better? I don't know, and they're not telling.

These strange little adventures will probably not end up as great art, but it appears that the Holsteins will be being hauled along for the rest of the summer.

Go clean a closet - you might be inspired by the mysteries you'll find there!

This weekend it's off to Virginia, MN and The Land of the Loons Festival for the bruins and me.

June 25 - 26 we will be at the Art Fair at beautiful Park Point in Duluth, Minnesota. If you make the trek "Up North" check out our goodies atBlue Lake Gallery in Duluth's Canal Park.

And Best of Luck to all you Grandma's Marathon -ers!!!

Fare-thee-well,
Sue

Sky

Bayfield, Wisconsin, on an early October, early A.M. Our efforts can be to enjoy our foggy days or do something to make them go away.


A great sunset is hard to beat. However, serious fogs have also had me mouthing "Wow."
May the atmosphere surrounding you today be what you hoped it'd be.


Fare-thee-well,
Sue

Fun with Fringe

Pastels back then -

While cleaning out a nook or a cranny I came upon this box of antique art-making stuff.
Have not taken the time to research the exact era, but I'm guessing 1930's?
(Oops, was I wrong - According to CrayonCollecting.com these little beauties were made only from 1905 to 1909!)


Although these pastel crayons are "for every use" I haven't had the heart to put one to use. They have survived this long - and they will a little longer.


These muted colors will never give the Terry Ludwig Dark collection a run for the money, but I hope that their original owner made some lovely work. On to making ours!

Fare-thee-well,
Sue

Pastel Magic

Some days pastels have to be loved for themselves.....



Having a bit of fun with a five by seven inch space, fuzzy board, and favorite shapes.


Playing with color. Playing with shapes. You have your own favorites. Use them - or dare to put a triangle where you'd always put a square!
I don't know why a sentence/thought will pop into the head, but I always try to write it down if it shows up. Ya never know if it might lead to the whole new next series.


These marks were made with some of the softest pastels on the table. Mostly Terry Ludwig goodies.


The marks ruled the composition. I tried to stay out of forcing anything. Play play pop pop. Very few areas of layering. The intensity of colors and their relationship to neighbors' colors and shapes became the main point of this little piece. Don't know if it's finished. But I do know that it's fun.

Goof off for even the tiniest part of your day today. In art, in taking a short walk, in ordering a different kind of coffee. In seeing how long you can hold your breath; dare to skip two, or maybe three skips down the sidewalk. It might be when the Magic happens!

Fare-thee-well and Good Luck!
Sue