The return of Erik.

Every summer for many years, former painting student Erik S. comes back to Mankato to paint.  This year he joined me at Minneopa State Park.

 His sensibility in painting is decidedly American and especially the Luminist style of painting the unspoiled American landscape.  So he liked the place. 

 Two days isn't enough to really take it all in, but it is a great way to spend a couple of days.

Sibley with the new path.

William Bukowski

oil on linen     30" X 40"

Sibley Park(in progress)

The newest Sibley Park painting is a bit of a throwback.  The view is from a safe distance and I am relying on brushstrokes to carry the "green-ness".   The space is layered and so far the paving stones haven't caused too much trouble.  My next painting here will be closer to where I ended last summer.  

It has been cloudy in the morning so I am a little behind.

Back to Sibley Park in the morning.

For the past 5 years, Sibley Park has been part of my summer mornings.  This summer, the park decided to "improve" it with a large donation from a local company.  The improvements included paving stones on the path and a vintage street light.

Hmmmm....  The flowers beds have really improved but so far the other additions are a little distracting.

My first painting of the summer is more of a warm up.  The path, the fountain, the background trees and the new street light........I am going for lyrical....

The State Park- a popular place.

William Bukowski               Minneopa I                   oil on linen   (in progress)

I have really enjoyed painting at Minneopa State Park.  One of the aspects of painting at a State Park that I didn't anticipate was the amount of people that come by to see what is going on.

I think some people expect me to try to sell them something and some people expect me to give them an art lecture.  Who knows what they really expect.  Some sneak a picture and don't say anything.

Nearly finished with the first of the Minneopa work.

There were quite a few people at the state park on Independence day this year.  I drew quite a crowd at times.  The sun wasn't shining as brightly as I would have liked, but there was no wind and it was relatively bright.  I am looking forward to the next painting and picking away to finish this one.

Destination: Minneopa State Park

William Bukowski

Minneopa I

oil on linen- in progress

The painting has been going well, the paint flies off the brush and lands in just the right places.  I can see 3 or 4 more paintings from where I am standing and can imagine working larger.  Painting from life in such a place is really a joy and a privilege.

Reality and Illusion

This is a picture of day 3 at Minneopa State Park. The image blends into the landscape.  My painting is done in a diagonal fashion without thinking about it to much.  There are three secrets to this kind of painting.  1. you have to find the rhythm of the image and 2. you have to find the mark you want to make.  3.  you have to study the light and pick the combination of effects that work. 

 It is compressing the 2-3 hour experience into one image.  It implies light and movement and wind but that is the illusion.  

The most fun part of this painting is painting the waterfall.  It seems like a cliche, but it is hypnotic when stare at moving water.