View of Bridge over the Des Moines river

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Oil - 6"x6"

A small group of us have started painting "Plein Air" on Friday and/or Sunday mornings in Bentonsport, IA.  This painting is the 2nd I've created during these paint outs.

There is endless subject matter in this quiet community and the experience of painting on location is sooooooooo energizing.  Each time spent at the easel in the garden has been uplifting with  an orchestra of birdsong and the sound of gentle movement of water from the river. 

For those wanting to share the experience, come join us on Friday and Sunday mornings, 8am to 10 am.  Artists are welcomed to set up anytime around the business district of Bentonsport.  The Rose Garden is located in the Riverside Park just across the main businesses along Hawk street.

Betty's Passion

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17"x13" Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

This is the second image I've created from a series of photos I took of  Betty working one day.  She loves pottery ....it, along with gardening, are true passions of hers.  Betty and Bill Printy own the Iron & Lace Store in Bentonsport, IA.   Betty is always giving demonstrations on the wheel for small groups interested in the craft.  Amazingly enough, she's shy when having her picture taken doing it.

This painting was commissioned by Betty's oldest daughter and given to her daughter for her 21st birthday.  I'm ever grateful for being a part of such joyous gifts of love.

Late in the Day

23"x17"  Pastel on Wallis paper

Here's a sunset picture I took one evening last summer.  This is a typical gravel road in Davis County, IA.  I was awe struck by the beautiful colors in the sky.  Iowa sunsets can be so inspiring  and change so quickly.

I'll be painting several different versions of this scene. All created from time lapse photos.

Lace in Full Bloom

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14"x18"  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

Here's the first of many to come pastel paintings of Bentonsport, IA.  I've been taking a lot of pictures of the area .... capturing not only different weather conditions, but the unique seasons as well.  I'm excited to create....Create....CREATE!

Studio Grand Opening Celebration

Lammert Art Studio is located on the 2nd floor of the Greef General Store in Bentonsport, IA.  There is an entrance from the store during the Greef business hours and all other hours are by the side door that is located on the East side of the building.  This door opens directly to the stairwell. 

This is a view as you walk into the room.

 This is the "Inspiration" wall where  favorite quotes, notes, and established artists works are posted.  It will also be filled with students works.  There are a few already pinned in place.

On the easels are works by Marybeth Heikes.  She is a master watercolorist that has been featured in American Artist magazine as well as other publications.  She will be conducting a workshop Sat., June 2nd  - "Mixed Media Collage".

Workshop hours: 10 to 4pm  - cost $60.

If interested in attending, please contact me either by email ginlammert@yahoo.com

or phone: 641-208-5968

Saturday, April 21st, is considered the Grand Opening of the above studio. It will be open to the public from 10am to 7pm.   Classes have been held here since February and more are scheduled for the rest of 2012.  You may check out the schedule on my website http://www.ginlammert.com 



First Pastel workshop in New Studio!

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This was the first One Day Pastel workshop held in the new studio in Bentonsport, Feb. 25th, 2012.  I think everyone had a good time....we laughed, shared stories and I was very impressed with everyone's progress for being 1st timers to this medium.  (3 out of the 5 had never worked with soft pastels before)

All the workshops I'm now hosting will be held here. (Upstairs of the Greef General Store in Bentonsport.  Side door entry)  Dates for workshops are listed on my website http://www.ginlammert.com    You can sign up by contacting me directly ginlammert@yahoo.com  or from the Villages Folk School site...  http://www.villagesfolkschool.com   
The next "Drawing" workshop is coming up...March 3rd.  "Pastel"...March 10th.

Wanting to give a unique Mother's Day gift?  Consider signing her and yourself up for the weekend workshop May 5th & 6th for Oil and Pastel.  Beginners welcomed along with those that already enjoy working in these mediums.  Class size is limited...up to 7 max.

Loving Parents

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23"x19"  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

This work was commissioned by a local area bank to give to one of it's employees getting ready to retire after years of devoted service.  I was given seperate images and asked to combine them to make one painting.  Changes I also made were of the direction the two were looking. 

The longer I studied these two, the more I felt I personally new them.  Reserved with a sense of humor to soften the rough spots in life.  Just enough mischief to make life interesting...never dull - coupled with a strong work ethic.  Hmmm...I'm describing most Iowans I know!