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Friday, February 18, 2011

Michigan Seems Like a Dream to Me Now

This is one of my favorite paintings for three reasons. It's of my favorite people, at my favorite place, for my other favorite person's birthday. Now, to fill in the blanks, my sons Andrew and Wesley at ages 9 and 2, on the shore of Lake Huron, for my husband's birthday. Like all of my work, this piece has a layer of paper underneath the paint, and this time, it's map of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where we have a cabin that we visit for two weeks every other year.

Scottie's Bay
Scottie's Bay 11" X 14" mixed media

My husband's great grandfather homesteaded this land, and it's the most idyllic place I can imagine. The cabin is located in a very remote area on Beavertail Point, about an hour south of Sault Saint Marie, Canada, where there is virtually nothing to do but relax. We spend the days reading on the beach,looking for lucky stones swimming, canoeing, and hiking in the woods. At night we walk to Chet's Island across Scottie's Bay to watch the sun go down, and then we build a fire and make S'mores on the beach. Here the air in the forest smells like sugar; here the constellations stand out in perfect relief against the black night sky; here we can forget all our cares and responsibilities; here we are happier than anywhere else in the whole world.

for Inspiration Avenue and Illustration Friday

12 comments:

Janet Ghio said...

It sounds like an ideal place and a wonderful relaxing time. What a wonderful gift you have painted.

This Moment said...

Precious painting and beautiful description of the place :)

WrightStuff said...

What a beautiful post in every sense. I miss being able to see the stars like that - I need to on holiday somewhere nice and remote!

Marit said...

What a beautiful painting and such a beautiful place you describe! I'm happy you know such a place, where you can relax. We all need those!

Antonio Machado said...

Hello Kathy,
Very, very beautiful painting!
congratulations

Juan said...

Wonderful! Great piece, Kathy!

Daniele Valois said...

Hello! I just found you. I love this painting!

Theresa said...

Sounds like a magical place and there is something about just being in nature and enjoying walks on the beach to renew your spirit. Thanks for sharing! Lovely painting! ~Theresa

Priti Lisa said...

You have a beautiful, cheerful blog...I really dig your work...what talent <3

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I love the magic you created with the painting and the story.
We spend two weeks in remote Parrsboro, Nova Scotia every summer and it's Heaven. Being away from the 'real' world is just what the doctor ordered and we who can get away to such places are lucky, indeed!

Kat W said...

It sounds a wonderful perfect location. Your painting is lovely. I especially like that it includes your two children and is painted on this significant map. Its similar to how I painted over a memory for IA's faded challenge this week. I love the idea of tying in memories & ideas even if hidden.

Kat :-)

Weathered & Worn said...

Very lovely and sweet painting.