Ely Ford Crossing, Lacey-Keosauqua IA State Park



Size: 16.5" x 22.5"
Medium:   Soft (chalk) Pastel on Wallis sanded paper

Here's another for the series...."Along the Mormon Trail"  that I've been creating for the Burns Gallery in Bonaparte, IA.    I can understand how easy it would be to cross the Des Moines River in the 1800's if the water level was as it is today. 

It's been 10 years since I've seen the water level this low (lack of rain in Southern Iowa this summer) and I have to say....I think the river is beautiful when it's like this.  Sand bars and clear water for a change verses viewing a muddy-fast flowing river.

Along a Field of Gold

Size: 22"x17"
Medium:  Soft (chalk)Pastel on Wallis sanded paper

Here's another pastel included in the "Along the Mormon Trail" series that will be on exhibit/sale at Burns Gallery & Tea Imporium, Bonaparte, IA Nov.5th-Dec.5th, 2011.  For information about this piece during the show....call 319-592-3456.

  The inspiration here was a driveway just East of Lebanon, IA....off highway J40, Van Buren County.  All of J40 is considered a scenic byway in Southern Iowa and is part of  the trek the Mormon's took from Nauvoo, IL to Utah.

Looking Down River/ Bentonsport, IA

Size: 9.25" x 13.25"
Soft (chalk) Pastel on MiTentes Canson paper

I took the photo I used as reference just before the full affect of fall colors in the tree.  This view is from the campsite in Bentonsport, IA...looking SouthEast...the direction the Des Moines River flows to the Mississippi.

Storm coming from the West, on J40, IA

size:  13.5"x19.5"
Soft (chalk) Pastel on 100% rag paper.

Here's another landscape for the "Along the Mormon Trail" series that will be at Burns Gallery & Tea Imporium next month.  Busy trying to get frames finished to house the paintings.  Talk about multi-tasking.  My energy level is starting to drain.  S-l-o-w-i-n-g-     d--o--w--n!  Curling up on the couch with a good book with blanket and pillow sounds soooooooooooo inviting right now.

Late Afternoon near Farmington, IA

Size: 13.5"x19.5"
Part of "Along the Morman Trail" series

I am to be the featured artist for the month of November  (Nov. 5th -Dec. 5th) at Burns Gallery & Tea Imporium in Bonaparte, IA.  For more information about the show, hours, etc....call 319-592-3660.

This will be one of the pastel paintings that will be on exhibit/for sale.  I'll be posting more soon.  All are landscapes....maybe a few figurative pieces.  I'm pumped!

Tassel Ridge Winery Poster

21"x17"   Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

Here is the finished project I've been working on for Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton, IA.  I'm hoping it will be used as the Poster to announce their 2011 Iowa Nouveau wine.  I had fun working on this piece.....it created quite the stir while I had it on my easel at Iron & Lace Store.

Late Summer in the Midwest

5"x7"  soft pastel on LaCarte sanded paper.

Here's another Iowa scene.....when the Queen Anne's Lace is in full bloom everywhere.  I love living in a rural area.