716 Drive By Photo Shoot

I am constantly reminded to squint when I am painting so as not to paint harsh lines and fussy details, in fact, I recall with a smile that in one class, our instructor asked us to smear Vaseline on our glasses to blur the image we would see. It was a fun exercise. This photo (reference) was very blurry because we were clipping along in Door County. I just can't resist a photo op when I am in the passenger seat.

"716 Drive By Photo Shoot"
acrylic - 6x8 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/716-drive-by-photo-shoot/423300

715 Welcome to the Sunset Trail

This striking maple tree is located at the base of the Sunset Trail of Peninsula State Park. It was magnificent to look at last weekend, especially on a blue sky Sunday.

"715 Welcome to the Sunset Trail"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/715-welcome-to-the-sunset-trail/423026

714 Changing Seasons

The reference photo for this painting was taken in Door County in late August. I love the softness of the colors of the leaves.

"714 Changing Seasons"
acrylic - 10x8 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/714-changing-seasons/422747

713 Somewhere in Door County

We spent the weekend in Door County, where the tourist season is wrapping up. Many of the stores, restaurants and galleries will be closed by November 1. The Fall colors were beautiful, even on the grey Friday, and the cold, rainy blustery Saturday. Sunday was beautiful with blue skies, a perfect day for a walk on the Sunset Trail at the Peninsula State Park. I took many photos from the car while in motion, otherwise we would have worn out the brakes.

"713 Somewhere in Door County"
acrylic - 6x8 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/713-somewhere-in-door-county/422406

674 Sunset Path, Door County

A visit to Door County wouldn't be complete without a walk on the Sunset Path in Door County's Peninsula State Park. It is so beautiful and calming and I love to observe how the light hits the trees and the path. This week, my husband and I rode the 9.75 mile path on bikes, just as we did so many times with our children when they were young. We stopped at all the old spots---near the Lake to skip stones, the lighthouse, the boat ramp, the camp grounds--- and reminisced about seeing deer in the woods, and how the kids pretended to be afraid at the entry to a steep slope with a warning sign "Parents, Watch Your Children!" We stopped many times to take pictures, but I got brave and photographed many path scenes, including this one, while riding my bike. yikes.

"674 Sunset Path, Door County"
oil - 6x8 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/674-sunset-path-door-county/407211

656 Rebellious

"656 Rebellious"
acrylic - 6x8 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/656-rebellious/398501

650 Red, White and Blue

Happy Fourth of July!

"650 Red, White and Blue"
acrylic - 6x8 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/650-red-white-and-blue/396373

633 A Painting of Eve, The Mother of All Living, a Sculpture

The sculpture. Isn't it beautiful?

If you've visited the Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek, Door County, Wisconsin, you would know of their beautiful sculpture gardens, paths speckled with impressive sculptures. This sculpture is one of my favorites, called "Eve, The Mother of All Living" by Carl Vanderheyden. It is beautifully patinaed and captivating. I never thought I could/would paint it, but I'm glad I gave it a try today. I needed a success (in my own eyes) after failing miserably with the sailboat paintings.

On that note, I spent some time at the lakefront today, a beautiful warm day with a cool breeze, perfect for sailing, I imagine. As expected, there were many sailboats on the Lake and I snapped quite a few pictures. Who knows if that will have made any difference in my next attempt. I don't easily give up.

625 Door County Classic

Door County has always been known for it's cherry production. They have become even more popular since research has shown the antioxidant health benefits of cherries. You can buy cherry jam, wine, honey, juice, salsa, pies, sausage, dried cherries, frozen cherries, and the list goes on. The cherry trees are in full bloom now, which means that the cherries will be ready to pick in approximately 60 days.

624 Slight Dip

This is another scene from the Sunset Trail in Peninsula State Park, Door County. Painting these last few path scenes has helped me with a large painting I have on my easel of a path leading to the sea in Hilton Head. There is a lot more to it than the path, but I feel I made good progress there today. I'll keep plugging away.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/624-slight-dip/388401

623 Rest Stop

This is another vignette from the Sunset Trail at Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin, a most beautiful and peaceful place. This one gave me a little trouble.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/623-rest-stop/387981

581 Door County Sunset

I thought I'd take a little break from the grey winter skies and seas and paint from a reference photo taken last Fall in Door County, Wisconsin where the sunsets are spectacular. There is a particular restaurant, Buster something or other, where tables are set outside for all to witness the breathtaking views.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/581-door-county-sunset/365578

570 Eggplant in a Door County Bowl

I bought this hand made bowl in Door County last summer and I really love how the color of the eggplant compliments the free form stripe of the bowl. I haven't been able to find much else to stage in this bowl that looks quite right for a painting. I painted a similar set up once before, but wanted to try it again.
"570 Eggplant in a Door County Bowl"
acrylic - 5x7 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/570-eggplant-in-a-door-county-bowl/352776