Christine Larson

Intertwined

2011-10-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

These beautiful fall days got me thinking I would paint a tree portrait, but that felt kinda lonely, so I added another tree. While painting, they intertwined back into one tree. That is how watercolor painting is, you need to be open to what the water wants to do. This painting did end up having a crisp fall feel to it like I had intended.

Easter Lily

2011-10-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

This painting was inspired by the Easter lily homeopathic remedy. After I read about it, I sat down and sketched this image and later turned it into a watercolor.

Reaching

2011-10-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Another blueish painting. I did this series of 5 in just a couple of days, and I was really into ultramarine blue. I played around with removing the blue to get back to white as 'light'. I like how alive the sun looks in this painting.

Ritual

2011-10-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

My parakeets look so sweet together. I wonder if they truly would have picked eachother, or if it is a case of love the one your with.

Creation

2011-10-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

This watercolor painting is titled Creation, because this is how I see the place where we each get 'our boat'.

An inspirational meeting . . .

2011-10-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

It's been way too long since I posted a painting on this blog site but I am inspired to start up again. This recent watercolor painting is called 'Feeding the Fish'. This is a tongue in cheek commentary on the dating scene - put your heart out there and see if you get a bite.

The Climb

2011-04-14T15:07:00.001-07:00

I painted this painting 17 years ago and an electronic image of it has recently come back to me. It makes perfect sense to me why I need to keep a copy of this painting on hand. For me, it represents the challenge of staying true to yourself, staying on the path and fighting off the distractions! Oh yes, and keep your loved ones near by :)

Autumn Sky

2009-10-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

available for sale -framed watercolor 12x18

I rented a new studio yesterday four blocks from my house. My life is too messy to work from home - too many distractions. I can't wait to get busy there!

2009-09-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have had quite a break from daily posting. The show at the Food Co-op is down and I had an art booth at the Soldiers Grove Art Festival last weekend. Today I took about 15 photos of various oil and watercolor paintings and will start posting more regularly again. There is a group art opening at Green Man Oct 1st (Thursday) and I am working on 5 oil paintings titled "Backyard Daydreams" for that show. I'll get photos taken as soon as I can and post them. I also re-shot a bunch of my paintings that just didn't look right when I posted them the first time.

Paintings for sale at the Viroqua Food Coop

2009-07-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have 8 of my latest oil landscape paintings for sale at the Viroqua Food Coop for the month of August. There are 6 shown here and the originals show much better than these photos! I am grateful for the chance to share with my hometown what I have been up to since the closure of Art Vision.

Sunlit Sailboats

2009-07-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

sold 8x10 -Door County plein air event

Three of my art group members went up to the Door County plein air paintout. Kathie Wheeler went for the whole week as a featured artist, and Carla Christ and I went for the Saturday Quick paint that was open for anyone who wanted to compete. I had 2 hours to capture these boats in the Fish Creek Harbor waiting to go for a sail. The whole atmosphere is festive and somewhat intense with 80 artists painting in a small designated area and hundreds of onlookers watching. I love it!

Studio photo

2009-07-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

I was straightening up my studio and it occured to me that it might be interesting to see my art space. I usually paint outdoors but I use this space to do my final touches and to keep my stuff organized and displayed. This fall I will have an open studio for anyone who wants to see the paintings in person.

Little red chickencoop

2009-07-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

available for sale 8x10 oil on panel $75 unframed $175 framed My painting group and I met way out in the country at the end of a dead-end gravel road. This charming group of buildings and hay field really struck me as "farm scene." I love it when we find a beautiful out of the way place to paint.

Covered bridge road

2009-07-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

available for sale 9x12 oil on panel $175 framed $100 unframed - Cedarburg plein air event I needed a break from people and the heat so I drove around and found this nice scene. There was a shade tree in just the right spot so the next morning I got up early and was done by 8:30.

Midday pause at the coffee shop

2009-07-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

available for sale 9x12 oil on panel $175 framed $75 unframed - Cedarburg Plein air event Across the street, I found a nice shady awning to paint under this sweltering day. People came and went very quickly at that table. It was unbearably hot!! This man was ready to go the minute they sat down.

Fishing reflections

2009-07-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

available for sale 9x12 oil on panel $75 unframed $175 framed - Cedarburg Plein air Event This fisherman had a beautiful day out in his boat, unfortunately he never caught a fish the whole time I painted this scene. Near the shore by my feet, fish splashed around in the weeds and startled me every so often.

Red Umbrellas

2009-07-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

sold 9x12 oil on panel - Cedarburg Plein air Event

Here is a Cedarburg classic -Red Umbrellas outside one of their popular coffehouses.

Downtown Beloit Street Scene

2009-06-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

sold 9x12 oil

Here I am painting again thanks to local Beloit Photographer John Spates. The sun came out and brightened up the colors after this photo was taken.

I entered this painting in the Plein air paint out competition and it sold at the reception. I have a soft spot for small town shops as I had one for 13 years. I also really like the skyline of these old buildings. The store on the far left is the Villager frame shop, I felt like I was painting my own store in some ways. Nice closure for me.

Brown Swiss headquarters

2009-06-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

available for sale 9x12 oil on panel $200 framed $100 unframed When I was driving around Beloit, looking for places to paint, this building caught my eye because it looked like an old boathouse from my childhood at my Grandparents cabin. Getting to the edge of the river to paint this painting took me through a maze of warehouses and no trespassing signs. I found an employee at the Box Company to ask permission to paint this scene. When I was done, everyone had gone home and there was a huge metal gate across the exit. My Mother would have fainted if she knew I was in an industrial park by myself at 8:00 at night. The gate opened as I approached, as the employee had promised, and I was really, really glad it did. This painting can be purchased at the Villager Art Gallery in Beloit until the end of July. 608-365-6007

Beloit Farmer's Market

2009-06-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

sold 9x12 oil on panel

Beloit has a great Farmer's Market on Saturday's. They block off two of their downtown streets and fill them with Venders and Customers. I was amazed by the amount of dogs there, I found out that two nearby Farmers' markets do not allow dogs, so dog owners from miles around go to the Beloit Market to buy their veggies and to show off their pooches. This particular booth was owned by a longstanding vegetable vender who had broken his leg at 80 years old. His two daughters were filling in for him and I could tell he was well liked by all of the well wishes his customers were sending him. I could also tell it was killing him not to be there because he kept calling and getting updates on sales! His red headed daughter bought this painting as a surprise for him.

Sunset Mallards

2009-06-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

available for sale 9x12 oil on panel $200 framed $100 unframed These two ducks were very active preeners, the female never stopped moving and fluffing.

It was beautiful to see the sunlight through their feathers and all the colors in the water. This painting is for sale at the Villager Art Gallery in Beloit until the end of July 608-365-6007.

Friday's in the Park - Blues music

2009-06-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

available for sale 9x12 oil on panel $200.oo framed $100 unframed

Here I am painting last weekend in Beloit WI while listening to great blues music. The town is working hard to improve it's image and it is working. Local Photographer John Spates took this photo of me while I painted.

I entered this one in the Plein air paintout competition and is available for sale until the end of July in Beloit at the Villager Art Gallery and Fabulous Framing 608-365-6007.

Blooming together

2009-06-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

watercolor 13x17 -sold
For today, here is a watercolor I painted on an Amish farm I call "Fannies". In the pond there are 2 enormous orange goldfish that surface often. I found the two blooming trees charming, as if they were an old married couple who sits atop the hill and have seen many seasons together.

Tourquoise umbrella

2009-06-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

available for sale 9x12 oil $50 unframed
Last week we were rained out and this week we had beautiful weather at Monica and Brian Woody's house. Their daughter Loran graciously posed for us.

Still Waters

2009-05-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

available for sale 8x10 oil $175 framed

I am definately going back to paint this peaceful oasis. I listened to birds and relaxed so completely I added 10 years to my life this day. This painting is for sale at the Driftless cafe until the end of June.

Showing at the Fair

2009-05-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

available for sale 11x14 oil $150 unframed $225 framed
My husband Terry is a great photographer. He has captured hundreds of glimpses of people living their lives. This painting was done from one of my favorite photos in my stash. I think I will enter this one in my local fair. It was taken there close to ten years ago.

Midsummer Pond

2009-05-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

available for sale watercolor 12x12
This painting started out as poured paint on watercolor paper. I knew it would become a landscape, but wanted to let the painting happen on its own to a degree. Once I can see areas forming, I can develop them more. This technique is very good when you need to loosen up, and reconnect with your intuition.

Pastel tree

2009-05-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

sold pastel 8x8
When I drove up to the painting site yesterday, I was amazed how many painters were there and already set up. We really had a great turnout. I had a nice time visiting though I came home empty handed. I found another older tree portrait in my files to post.

Sunrise

2009-05-20T05:50:00.000-07:00

for sale watercolor 6x10
I was doing a lot of tree portraits a few years ago, this is the only one I have left. I think it is time I start a new tree series. This time in oil.

Driftless Cafe Show - Plein air Group

2009-05-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

"Gandolf" aka - Jerome McGeorge -sold- oil on canvas

"Duck hunter" - Pete Strachen - sold - oil on canvas

My Wednesday Plein air group and I are showing our work at the Driftless Cafe thru the end of July. I have these two portraits plus the "Waterfall" (see below). All of my paintings are $175.00 for this show. This Thursday evening at 7:00, meet the artists, enjoy some great food and listen to music.

"Red Hat" - Grace Anders

2009-05-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Available for sale 9x12 oil on canvas
Grace was a recent portrait model. I made her look slightly older than she really is - she didn't seem to mind.

Waterfall

2009-05-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

9x12 oil on panel
My first venture outside this spring. This little waterfall was so inviting, three of us set up and painted the same scene. I am going to take a new photo, it is not quite right.

New Arrival

2009-05-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

8X10 Oil on Panel

This little calf painting is my donation to the Driftless art Festival held September 19 & 20th.

Thanks to Katie Lemley for buying it at the fundraiser auction.

I will have a booth in Sept. with lots of paintings for sale.

Red Sumac

2009-05-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hummingbird dance

2009-04-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

available for sale 11x14 watercolor
I have a rustic handcarved hummingbird mobile that I bought from Pier 1. It is really plain and old world looking. This is my portrayal of them coming to life.

The Meeting

2009-04-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

not for sale watercolor 12x18
This painting was inspired by the children's song "Row, row, row your boat". It struck me, we are all rowing our own little boats down the river of life. These two figures have paused for a moment to meet eachother.

Under the Willow

2009-04-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

12x18 Watercolor - matted and framed
This painting happenend on an outing to one of the Plein air group members' house. He had this adorable table set up for his kids to play under their willow.

Duck Hunter

2009-04-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

available for sale 9x12 canvas
One of my Wednesday morning portraits. Most of our models are people we know. This duck hunter brought along great props so we could see how he looks in the field. I didn't paint everything he brought but it really helped me place him in his environment. I especially love the classic thermos top as a cup.

Brenna Troy

2009-04-16T10:21:00.001-07:00

available for sale 9x12 oil on canvas
Our Plein air group is still inside on Wednesdays. We have one more model lined up and then we will be outside till fall. I have a stack of paintings to post of past portraits but this one is fresh from yesterday.

Guardians

2009-04-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

available for sale 5x7 oil on panel
Many of my images come from my dreams and daydreams. These two figures continue to be repeated in my sketchbooks, now they are finally in full color.

Exhale

2009-04-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

available 5x7 oil on panel

I recently closed my frame and art supply shop (Feb 7, 2009). This was how I felt when I realized now I can paint full time. There are many sad parts to closing a store after 13 years and there are many joyful parts too. I choose to dwell on the joy!

Sunbeams

2009-04-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

available for sale 11x14 oil on canvas panel
This painting has really tiny art glitter all over the sunbeam parts. Photos just don't capture it, the glitter looks like whitish specks. This figure is featured in many of my sketchbooks.

Quick Watercolor sketches- 2, 5 and 10 minute

2009-04-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

2009-04-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

2009-04-08T11:45:00.001-07:00

2009-04-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

2009-04-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Today our group did 3 hours of quick sketches with Kate. I went thru quite a stack of small pieces of paper and these are the five I liked the best.

Soaring Spirit

2009-04-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

available for sale 11x14 oil on canvas panel, unframed
It is hard to tell in this photo, but the whitish specks coming off the birds' wings and on the ground are tiny gold glitter. I did the sketch for this painting during one of my last days at Art Vision, for me, it represents "taking the leap" and being an artist full-time.

Nika

2009-04-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

sold 11x14 watercolor
This painting was done on commission for a couple who had lost their horse "Nika". She looks to me a little magical, like she is in horse heaven.

Portrait of Eve

2009-04-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

sold "Eve's portrait" 5x7
This little pastel painting reminded me of "Inner Calm". I have a couple brand new versions of these two poses done in oil last weekend, but I need to take a photo of them. This one was all ready to go.

Inner Calm

2009-04-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

sold 11x14 Watercolor
Strong Women are a common theme for me. Being comfortable in your own skin and keeping an inner calm are what we all strive for. This painting is one of my favorites, it was purchased as a wedding gift to a Woman in the town I live in. I see her around and she never fails to tell me how much she loves this painting and wants more. I just love collectors like her!!!

Funky goldfish

2009-04-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

sold 10x10 watercolor
My children had these goldfish and each one had a unique personality with a unique name to match. When I showed it to my friend Kim just minutes after I painted it, she really reacted to it and shouted "SOLD, I want that!" So this painting has the distinction of being in my life the shortest amount of time.

Sky into Water

2009-04-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

sold 14x14 watercolor
Kathie Wheeler and I had a show together at Organic Valley and this painting was purchased by them. It depicts a lush magical scene I would love to come across when out walking. The trees are a whimsical spring version of my favorite sumac tree.

Sunny Cabin - Bakkestuen cabin in Mapledale

2009-04-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

sold 14x24 Watercolor
This rustic little cabin sits right down the road from where I grew up. Although it is now being reabsorbed by Nature, I painted it like it once was when the Bakkestuen's lived there.

Windy Barn - McClurg Rd

2008-11-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

available
My Plein air group all painted this barn from a different angle. We battled the wind the whole time and my aluminum easle blew over three times before I got enough weight on it.

Autumn Hideaway - Gardner Rd

2008-10-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

$450 sold

Watercolor and Pastel

image 10.5 X 11

frame 21.5 X 22.5

double matted,

Museum glass & frame

Wednesday with the group- we were on the top of a ridge on a beautiful clear day. Behind me was a tiny strawbale house, no bigger than a garden shed, that a young family of four lived together in all winter. I kept trying to imagine how that might be possible and keep your sanity.

I like how this farm scene is tucked into the trees and hills.