2012 Iowa Nouveau Poster

24"x18"  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

Here's this years poster design for Tassel Ridge Winery's 2012 Iowa Nouveau wine.  It will be released when the wine is available to the public in November.  The winery is located just off Highway 163 between Oskaloosa, IA and Pella, IA.  You can read more about the winery by going to http://www.tasselridge.com

I have to say....Thanks April for being my model.  She has beautiful naturally curly hair and is so full of life.

I really enjoy creating in the Art Nouveau style.  I'm thinking of making it my signature style....what do ya think?  send me an email with "Art Nouveau Vote" in the subject line.  ginlammert@yahoo.com

Labor of Love

Size: 8.5 x 11.5    Soft Pastel on paper

Just finished this painting this morning.  The inspiration here was of the blacksmith, Bill Printy, giving a demonstration to a group of young admirers.  Here, he's making vein impressions on the grapevine leaf by hammering the chisel into the heated metal. 

Now I have 4 paintings completed that will be in the "2 Iowa Counties" book I'm creating.  The goal is to have at least 80 to 100 images to publish.  I'd better get back to work.  Loooong way to gooooo!

Grape Cluster

Acrylic outdoor paint on metal surface.

The guy that commissioned this work had wondered into my studio in Bentonsport this Spring and asked if could paint the door to his barn.  He brought the door to me and here is the end result. 

I finished working on it here, behind the bank building at Bentonsport.  When the gentleman came to pick up his door....he seemed very pleased.

Calm Sunset

15"x19"  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

Here's another "skyscape" I'm planning to take to the Mid Summer Art Faire in Quincy, IL June 22-24th.  I sold a skyscape last Saturday at the studio ...unframed.  Had it laying on the table, ready to take home to frame.  Now it's headed for Callifornia.

I love it when inspiration strikes someone and no matter what, they have to have a piece of original artwork.  Even better when it's something I've created.  I know then, it spoke to their heart and will inspire the viewer each time they look at it.

I can't think of a better compliment to an artist....unless it is a student that grows by leaps and bounds in their own creativity with having a start from something I've suggested.  Ego talking here...can't help it! Helpng others to enjoy the arts is who I am.

Evening Storm

12"x20" - soft pastel on wallis paper (mounted)

Here's another "skyscape" that I plan to take to Mid Summers Art Faire in Quincy, IL June 22-24th.  I'm planning to present several skyscape works, along with floral still life pastel paintings, during this show.  I'll have some of my giclee reproductions of earlier works too.  These will include the "Element" series and other favorite images.

So far, this will be the only outdoor show I attend this year.  To visit with me and purchase originals and prints, please stop by some Saturday at the Lammert Art Studio in Bentonsport, IA.   I have students works for sale and a few metal items created by Mika Sorak.

Now.....back to work. Commissioned paintings, new works for galleries, and plein air painting are filling up the daylight hours for me.  I manage to slip in a little bit of time to garden. I have to admit, I like staying busy!

View of Bridge over the Des Moines river

Click on image to enlarge
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

Click on image to enlarge
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.