Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Fresh From the Easel

"Current Of The 'Croix"
20x30 oil on linen
I just finished this painting in my studio and will be going to my show Dec. 4th in Marine on The St Croix, home. If you've followed my work, you've probably noticed I have a profound love for this river I've grown up near and am constantly curious to paint and try to understand. As I paint the river, I become more and more amazed at it's energy and power - yet peaceful and calming manner. This particular view is from a dear friends house nestled up in the bluffs and pines, this is literally her back yard! Just incredible! I used a small study I did a year ago to work from for this piece. I've painted this view in the past but until this piece, have not yet painted in the one last Great White Pine that does in fact still stand on the WI side of the river, so it's kinda fun to see it there standing so proud above the tree tops. I often times imagine what this valley was like when the White Pines were untouched . . .I'm sure it was an incredible sight!
"Spoon Lake"
16x20 oil on canvas
A sweet little connection of lakes 15 miles from my home is where I painted this charming little pond this October. I used my field study (8x10) to paint this studio piece. It's astounding how much information you can get not only in your painting but in your head from working from life. I had forgotten to take a photo when I was out this day so completely relied on my study to paint this piece. I was too busy visiting my new little friends who were spending the day catching supper for their families. :) 3 young boys hung out with me for a few hours while they pulled in one fish after another. It made me happy to see them doing JUST what kids should be doing on a day like that, enjoying being a kid!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Holiday Exhibition December 2-5, 2010

"Boom Site Winter Light"
16x20 oil on panel

2nd Annual Holiday Exhibition
December 2 - 5 , 2010
Opening Reception: Thursday December 2, 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Marine On The St Croix MN
101 Judd St Marine on St Croix MN 55047
Please join us for a show of paintings by
Kami Polzin and Tom Maakestad

Monday, November 8, 2010

Crimson Dahlias

"Crimson Dahlias"
14x11 oil on linen panel
This painting is a demo I did for my 2 day color temp workshop a couple of weeks ago. I'm just finally getting around to posting it! The dahlias painted here are from my yard since we've had a very warm fall, plants are lasting longer than usual, a treat for us here in Minnesota!
I used quite a bit of palette knife work in the beginning of this painting and ended up using the brush by the end breaking in subtle temperature notes.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Summer Memories. . .from the studio

This week in the studio.
I teach 2 studio classes every Monday. The paintings below are pieces I did as demos for my classes Monday. The top piece I did from an image I took with my son Nick this summer when we were taking a ride on the 4 wheeler, he insisted that "you should paint this Mom". He was right, I should, so I did! Fond memories of moments like this and painting them keeps them very alive. The bottom piece is a piece similar to one I did at the Door County plein Air invitational this summer. The piece I did in the field sold, I always wanted to explore this painting a little further so I used the memory and did it again. A pretty special moment painting in the rain! I'm thinking of doing that one on a large scale. . . we'll see! :)
"A Late Summer Moment"
11x14 oil on linen

"Standing In Queen Anne's Lace"
11x14 oil on linen