Matt Kania - Painter and Printmaker

Sailing to Duluth - 40x30

I was onboard this handmade vessel named the Ælfinna last October. The experience was remarkable – sailing on Lake Superior to Duluth. The boat and its attachments were crafted by the Duluth Faering Project, as part of the Nóatún Community Boat Works in Duluth.
After School - 6x8

I love creating small works – especially still life paintings like this one of a favorite snack. This was painted quickly (alla prima) and on a birch panel.
St. Francis Xavier – 12x9

This tiny church in 'Chippewa City' on the edge of Grand Marais is not only a simple country church – it is simply beautiful inside. And the childhood home of the famous (native Ojibwe) artist George Morrison. I only had a short amount of time to sketch and paint this interior view, so it's a little rough and ready. But so is the actual interior!
Sax-Zim Road – 12x9

In the heart of the Sax-Zim Bog area, near Meadowlands, MN. A great place for birding and beautiful landscapes. This was painted during a paint-out event with Outdoor Painters of Minnesota.
On the Border Route – 9x12

This enchanting place is along the Border Route Trail – en route to Magnetic Rock. Can you see the moose?
Elevator M – 14x11

A plein air oil painting of industrial beauty found in the Duluth (MN) and Superior (WI) harbor.
Monument Rock Revealed – 12x9

One of several plein air oil paintings and Conté crayon paintings created during a wilderness canoe trip to document the late 2021 Horne Fire burn area on Isle Royale National Park.
Bunkhouse – 14x11

I love the light and shadows in winter – painted plein air at Camp Menogyn on the edge of the BWCA.
Chicago's Bean – 9x12

A plein air gouache on canvas. Painted during the pandemic – a moment in time when Chicago's famous sculpture "Cloud Gate" wasn't surrounded by people!
Sacred Music – 32x24

A recent commissioned studio oil painting – honoring a professional pipe organ musician.
Good Morning, Duluth - 12x9

The Duluth north pier lighthouse – awakening and slowly warming to summer's morning light.
Smokey Morning on Minnesota Point – 8x10

There's been lots of wildfire smoke that's drifted into Duluth in summer of 2021. But it's produced some interesting atmospheric scenes for painting.
Irvin – 12x9

The laker William A. Irvin is back in Minnesota Slip – after being gone for a couple of years to complete a reclamation project in the slip. This was painted on a smokey summer afternoon.
Let's Go Outside! – 10x8

A loving portrait of two sweet dogs – a commission and gift to two loving patrons.
Tamarack – 20x16

The tamaracks and black spruce forests of late autumn are always a favorite subject for me.
Sweet Lilacs – 16x12

A fresh bouquet picked from my yard. I always enjoy direct painting flower arrangements.
Max The Young Welder - 38x30

This young man is on a mission, learning to work with his hands as he builds and fixes things.
Mr. Irvin - 9x9

A small painting in homage to the William A. Irvin – once a Great Lakes ore carrier, now a great floating maritime museum.
B is for Great British Baking - 16x20

Painted in response to a commemoration of WDSE/WRPT 55th Anniversary as a PBS broadcast affiliate in the Twin Ports. Needless to say, this is an homage to The Great British Baking Show and PBS broadcasting.
Pierre Wears A Mask - 14x11

Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur is a larger than life roadside attraction located on the grounds of the Earthwood Inn in Two Harbors. And he's wearing (a bed sheet as a) mask to do his part to social distance with the rest of us during the Covid pandemic!
Susie Islands - 11x14

An iconic September view of the Susie Islands located in Lake Superior, near the Minnesota and Ontario border crossing.
There's So Much I Want To Say - 10x8

A self portrait, painted during troubling times. Painted with immediacy in less than 90 minutes.
Northern Water - mural

This is one segment of a three-part mural, painted in a private Duluth residence.
White and Violet - 12x9

A still life oil painting of lovely white and pinkish violet lilacs from my yard. This painting was part of Duluth's Lilac LoveFest in 2020.
Paris Balcony - 32x24

This painting is in part an homage to Gustave Caillebotte, a French impressionist. And it's a self portrait of some happy times in the amazing city of ART – Paris!
High Above Alma - 14x11

A late summer hazy day, high above the Mississippi River in Alma, Wisconsin.
North House Way - 11x14

This back passageway on the North House Folk School campus in Grand Marais holds an endless fascination for me.
Scraps Are Good - 11x14

Save every scrap of wood! This scene is behind the woodworking building at the North House in Grand Marais.
Artists Point - 11x14

A magical view of Artists Point, as seen from Pincushion Lookout.
The Fish Out Back - 11x14

This magnificent fish sculpture is sitting in the back alley behind the Dockside Fish Market in Grand Marais – waiting for his next gig.
Wind Turbine Towers – 9x12

The Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth is host to industrial shipments from around the world – like these massive wind turbine towers.
Duluth Timber Yard – 14x11

A passageway through Duluth Timber Yard with the old General Mills Elevator A in the distance. A pleasant arrangement of lovely grays.
Freedom – 9x12

The freedom to collect just about anything, including old wooden sailboats. A scene found along a long slip in Duluth Harbor.
North House Alley – 14x11

A back alley view of the old yellow house – a part of the North House Folk School in Grand Marais.
Highway Department – 11x14

A giant canvas-covered structure for the Cook County Highway Department – a translucent dream for a plein air painter.
Welcome To – 11x14

Take a drive up the Gunflint Trail at night and you'll see this iconic illuminated landmark!
Stockton Rock – 9x12

A lone rock perched on a sandstone ledge above Lake Superior.
Pincushion Spring – 9x12

A view of Grand Marais's distinctive
T-shaped landscape.
Forming Loaves - 24x30

The joy of baking bread – at Great Harvest, my favorite bread shop in Duluth. See the News page on this website.
Open House - 14x11

Colorful canoes at rest and on display in mid-winter, at Camp Menogyn in the BWCA.
Silver Morning - 11x14

A soft, warm winter morning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Designer Outhouse - 14x11

This is the most beautiful outhouse I’ve ever seen!
Behind the Wood Shed - 8x10

A roof-born snow slide frozen in mid-slump. With garbage can muffin tops to boot!
In the Woods - 9x12

Evidence of a heavy winter along the Gunflint Trail – with a welcomed patch of light on an otherwise cold, snowy day.
Cascade River Gorge - 12x9

The middle falls of the Cascade River – a torrent in late spring.
South Breakwater Outer Light - 14x11

Duluth’s south breakwater outer light – home to a light, a power house and a fog horn.
North Breakwater Light - 12x9

The colors and atmosphere of a summer morning – at Duluth’s north breakwater light.
Afternoon Duluth Lighthouse - 12x9

A pleasant afternoon to visit one of Duluth’s historic lighthouses.
At Home – In the Library - 18x24

From the series “At Home, At Glensheen”, this is a corner of the library that inspires one to simply enjoy the space.
Kermit the Car - 11x14

A symphony in green and red – virtual candy for any painter. Yep, that car was green, that fish house was green, the transformer green, grass green. Red trim, red rear brake lights? – Of course!
Night Watch - 11x14

The breathtaking – and slightly scary – walleye sculpture thrusting out into the night sky from the corner of the Beaver House bait shop in Grand Marais, Minnesota. A local landmark best enjoyed as a nocturne.
Happy Duluth Day - 11x14

Winner of a Third Place Award at the 2016 Duluth Plein Air: Paint Du Nord festival. A proud green metal fish sculpture at Duluth's blue bridge.
Welcome Home - 16x12

Up close and personal – with the iconic lighthouse in Grand Marais Harbor!
Solo Picnic - 9x12

A resident gull on a concrete picnic table at East Bay Beach – Grand Marais. Painted during the 90-minute Quick Paint event of the 2016 Grand Marais Plein Air Competition.

A Clear View - 16x12

A clear view across the Glensheen Historic Estate toward Chester Congdon's boat house.

Minnesota Slip - 14x11

Painted during a rough weather day of the Duluth Plein Air festival, along Minnesota Slip.

El Galeon - 16x12

A faithful replica of a Sixteenth Century Spanish Galeon docked in Duluth Harbor during the 2016 Tall Ships festival.

Leonora The Llama - 8x10

How long will a llama sit to have her portrait painted? Just long enough, it seems. Painted on location at the Lake Superior Zoo.

Middletown at M - 16x20

The American Victory (former Middletown) sitting unused at Elevator M in Superior, Wisconsin.

Twelve Ton Duck - 14x11

Inflatable, adorable, and weighing in at 12 tons, this 'world's largest' rubby ducky delighted tens of thousands visitors in Duluth Harbor -- as well as this plein air painter.

113 Years And Counting - 12x16

That's the J.B. Ford -- built in 1903 -- waiting to be scrapped, but in no hurry to die.

Storm Watcher - 14x11

A selection from the painting event Plein Air Duluth: Paint Du Nord.

Making Dumplings - 18x24

Making dumplings at Chinatown Express in Washington, DC – a labor of love.

Marina Work - 11x14

A happy red tug getting ready for another day's work in Duluth Harbor.

Harley's World - 12x16

A Purchase Award selection at the 2015 Grand Marais Plein Air Competition and Exhibition.

Parisian Portraitist - 24x30

An artist hard at work along the River Seine in Paris.

Cascade Falls - 12x9

The lower falls of the Cascade River, along the north shore of Minnesota.

Street Artist at Night - 24x30

A Florentine artist creates a new work in the evening, which will be washed away in the morning by street cleaners.

I Love Duluth - 11x14

One of four metal fish sculptures protecting Duluth's infamous blue Minnesota Slip Bridge.

Printmaking - Studio oil painting, 16x20

That's Jerry Riach, a seasoned printmaker, working away in the Print Studio at the Grand Marais Art Colony – a center for fine arts education and exhibitions since 1947.

Turning Bowls - Studio oil painting, 18x24

The North House Folk School in Grand Marais seems to have a daily blur of craft and artisan activity. Wood turning is one such example.

Bartholdi Fountain - Studio oil painting, 16x12

This elaborate fountain – donated by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, designer and sculptor of the famous Statue of Liberty – reminds me of fountain scenes painted by John Singer Sargent in Italy.

Doing A Painting - Studio oil painting, 18x24

The setting is in Leif Ericson Park in Duluth – depicting the act of an artist painting en plein air. This painting received the "People's Choice Award" at the annual Members Show of the Duluth Art Institute (see News page).

Hanging Art in the Met - Studio oil painting, 18x24

One moment, a blank space on the gallery wall... the next moment, two stealthy curatorial assistants remount a painting for public viewing – at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

LaFarge Reworked - Plein air painting, 11x14

Now the site of the new Pier B Resort hotel and marina, the Lafarge Cement Terminal was once an industrial landmark of Duluth.

Misty Mountain Top - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

A cold, windy and drizzly day at Lake of the Clouds in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park of Michigan. The day was documented in the local media world (see News page).

Serpentine Valley - Plein air oil painting, 11x14

A favorite serpentine scene in the Flat Tops Wilderness of Colorado.

Bullers Island - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

The coastal landscape along Canada's half of Lake Superior is rugged and composed of magnificent wilderness. Bullers Bay is a particularly favorite spot for me.

They Come From Montreal - Plein air oil painting, 12x16

Within Grand Portage National Monument are a series of reconstructed settings that depict life during the voyageur days. This scarecrow stands guard next to a summer kitchen garden. This painting was a Finalist – Second Place – in the 2014 Red Suspender Invitational (see News page).

Visit Duluth - Plein air oil painting, 11x14

One of three brilliant lighthouses that mark Duluth's iconic and historic ship canal.

Summer Porch - Plein air oil painting, 16x20

Painted on location at Glensheen Historic Estate. The beautiful west porch of the mansion was a favorite hangout of the Congdon family.

Friday Night - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

What better to do on a Friday night in Grand Marais than to wash your car! ... and to paint a nocturne. This painting was an advancing entry in the 2014 Red Suspender Invitational (see News page).

Pointe Aux Chapeaux - Plein air oil painting, 11x14

Hat Point, just up the shore from Grand Portage National Monument, was named by the merchants and voyageurs of the historic fur trade during the Eighteenth Century across the lakes country of North America.

Painting in Spring - Studio oil painting, 16x20

The first in a series of paintings based on the theme of "DOing". This is my friend Kevin working on one of his first ever plein air paintings... and appropriately dressed for the weather.

Open til 9pm - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

The Blue Water Cafe in Grand Marais ... shortly before closing time.

In the Parlor at Glensheen - Direct oil painting, 16x12

The first canvas in a series of 'Inside Glensheen' paintings; scenes from within the Glensheen Historic Estate in Duluth, Minnesota.

Marjorie's Favorite Corner - Direct oil painting, 20x16

The second canvas in a series of 'Inside Glensheen' paintings; painted on location within the Glensheen Historic Estate. Marjorie Congdon had a most beautiful bedroom, with a perfect corner for reading or simply enjoying the sun through the windows.

Painting in the Library - Direct oil painting, 16x20

A third canvas in a series of 'Inside Glensheen' paintings; painted on location within the Glensheen Historic Estate. The library at Glensheen is not only filled with well-read books, the room is filled with great paintings and, for a time, this painter.

The Fish House Replica - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

In Grand Marais, Minnesota there's a tiny fish house museum. If you look through the doorway you'll see Woolrich-clad mannequins filleting wooden fish. I love it!

Twilight Enger Tower - Plein air oil painting, 16x12

Enger Tower, high on the great hill overlooking Duluth, has a vibrant green beacon. This painter, perhaps like a moth, was mesmerized by its luminous call to paint.

Final Days - Plein air oil painting, 16x20

I love this painting. The Lafarge (Portland) Cement Terminal is slated for possible demolition or as a renovated landmark and part of a new hotel, marina and convention center. Either way, I will miss this down ‘n dirty (and colorful) landscape.

Waiting All Year For This - Plein air oil painting, 12x16

It takes a while for summer to heat up the near shore waters of Lake Superior and the beach on Park Point in Duluth – but it’s well worth the wait. Residents and visitors alike enjoy beachgoing on a daily basis – for as long as they can.

Elevator A - Plein air oil painting, 20x16

Industrial scenes in Duluth offer endless possibilities for a plein air artist. It’s only a grain elevator, but I think this General Mills landmark to commerce is as interesting of an example of architecture as any skyscraper in New York or Chicago.

The Blue Heron Waits - Plein air oil painting, 16x12

She was only parked here for an hour or so when I set up my easel, but the Blue Heron captain and crew waited for me to finish the painting before casting off.

Parked Cars - Plein air oil painting, 12x16

The sign says 'no parking' but these colorful, almost play-toy-like railroad cars along Railroad Street in Duluth beg to differ.

Good Morning, William A. Irvin - Plein air oil painting, 16x12

A floating museum and a living snapshot of Great Lakes shipping, the William A. Irvin ore carrier sits handsomely in the Minnesota Slip in Duluth Harbor.

Fitgers by Night - Plein air oil painting, 12x9

An 1885 renovated brewery located on the shore of Lake Superior, Fitger's is an historic Duluth landmark enjoyed both by day and by night. This was painted on a hot, steamy night in July.

Sturgeon Fountain - Plein air oil painting, 12x16

The Fountain of the Wind sculpted by Doug Freeman is a uniquely inspiring public fountain found in Duluth's Canal Park... complete with a floating sea nymph and spitting sturgeons. It's engaging from all angles and at all times of day.

Glensheen Fountain - Plein air oil painting, 16x12

I love to visit the formal gardens at the historic Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. On the grounds are an endless array of colors and shapes for an artist to consider.

A Pleasant Path - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

A pleasant path in Lester River Park. The rich, vibrant greens and distinct shadows were stunning... and a joy to paint.

Winters Night Light - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

A late winter snowstorm with those giant flakes we all love. And heavy snow laden bows -- made even more beautiful at night.

On the Rocks - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

Spring in the Bay of Duluth, with a migrating gull resting on the rocks.

Time Marches On for The Armory - Plein air oil painting, 16x20

The historic Duluth Armory is coming up on its 100th birthday (2015)... a place of great history and inspiration. Just ask Bob Dylan and he'll tell you why this venue played a significant role in the fostering of his own legacy. Visit http://www.dulutharmory.org/history for more info.

Of Limestone and Taconite - Plein air oil painting, 12x16

I found the shapes and colors of these grand material stockpiles to be inviting and perfectly beautiful for an oil painting. That limestone pile is pink, green, blue and and a lovely warm gray.

Flowers for the Artist - Plein air oil painting, 20x16

A gift of flowers to be remembered forever – placed on a Chinese altar table, with a porcelain bowl. I loved painting the light penetrating the closed window blinds as much as I did the flowers.

Loitering at Bentleyville - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

Yes, it was a cold December night when this was painted – but I couldn't resist setting up the easel to capture this prehistoric scene at Duluth's "Bentleyville Tour of Lights" display.

Albert Woolson - Plein air oil painting, 12x16

Mr. Woolson was the last surviving veteran of the Civil War, who died in 1956 at the age of 109. He was a member of a Minnesota regiment during the war. Another casting of this beautifully sculpted statue can be found at Gettysburg.

Under the Bridge - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

This is under the bridge at Tischer Creek in Duluth. Fresh melt water produces my favorite color -- Indigo.

Peace Bell - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

Nearly everyone who visits Duluth's Enger Park comes upon this historic Peace Bell located in the park's Japanese Garden – and no one can resist the urge to strike the bell with its wooden log, sending out a deep resonant gong that permeates the air.

Into the Zirkels - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

Traveling into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness in northern Colorado is a special treat at any time of year. Yet, the golden orange aspen trees and ochre colored meadows are especially inviting for a painter.

Elk River - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

A swirl of late September colors along the Elk River in northern Colorado. The cottonwood trees were colorful magnets for painting.

Fish Creek Falls - Plein air oil painting, 12x9

Deep in the canyon of Fish Creek Falls, a favorite destination for visitors to Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Rainbow Ridge at Buffalo Pass - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

Yes, the autumn colors were really this intense at Buffalo Pass, at the southern edge of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Even the locals were commenting they hadn't seen colors this rich in decades.

Hallett Peak Evening - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

Hallett Peak is an iconic mountain that rises high above Bear Lake, in Rocky Mountain National Park. Quickly capturing the evening light in the Rocky Mountains is a dream for any plein air painter.

A Stairway to Heaven - Plein air oil painting, 12x9

This painting was my Quick Paint entry in the 2012 Grand Marais Plein Air Painting Competition and Exhibition. It depicts a favorite location on the Artists' Point. The act of painting at this location was indeed a spiritual event.

Closing Time at DQ - Plein air oil painting, 8x10

Out behind the Dairy Queen – late at night – in Grand Marais, Minnesota. This painting received First Place honors (Black Ribbon!) in the Night Paint category of the annual Grand Marais plein air painting festival.

Croftville Rocks - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

The Lake Superior shoreline community of Croftville – just outside of Grand Marais, Minnesota – is home to this orange lichen covered rocky shore.

Hidden Valley Gold - Plein air oil painting, 12x9

A late September trip to Rocky Mountain National Park was splendid for plein air painting. Vibrant aspen colors dotted the entire landscape.

SHRINK Wrap Me - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

This is roadside advertising at its best – complete with black spray paint and blue shrink wrap plastic. I loved painting this scene.

CrabbyBills (Nels J) - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

In a state of permanent dry dock, the Nels J – a former commercial fishing boat – now serves up hot dogs for visitors to Duluth’s Canal Park.

Easy Bake Oven - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

The summer kitchen hand had just stoked that fire in the historically accurate clay baking oven – outside the Great Hall and Kitchen at Grand Portage National Monument. The smoke baited me to paint.

Island Queen, Waiting for the Season - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

One of those lovely spring days in Bayfield Wisconsin. The “Island Queen” car ferry to Madeline Island patiently awaits at dock for the visitor season to begin.

Spring Pine at Split Rock - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

On the way home from Grand Marais I stopped to paint for one hour at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. This pine is situated on the approach to Ellingson Island.

The Cribs - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

Also known as Uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum, the cribs is a relic of Duluth’s historic waterfront. In summer, teenagers jump off this structure into the cold water of Lake Superior.

The Ancient Mariner - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

A detailed view of “The Determined Mariner” – one of several landmark sculptures located in Duluth’s Canal Park.

Steerage Study (William A. Irvin) - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

The William A. Irvin – an historic Great Lakes iron ore carrier – is now a floating museum in Duluth Harbor. The entire ship is the color of iron ore, right down to the water.

Fitgers - Plein air oil painting, 12x9

A quick study of the historic Fitgers Brewery complex in Duluth – from the Lake Walk in the late afternoon sun.

Menogyn Cedar - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

It was cloudy for a solid week at Camp Menogyn on the edge of the Boundary Waters Wilderness – yet the subtle colors of snow and ice made this scene cheery.

Snowbirds - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

After a long summer of paddling and portaging, these canoes enjoy the ‘rest’ of winter, while their occupants have flown to warmer climes.

Early Autumn, Tuscany - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

The light, the colors – the grape vines, the olive groves, the cypress trees, the strade bianche (white roads) – are a few of the reasons why painting in Tuscany is so special. This is what it really looked like on a hot and sunny October day.

Olive Grove, Tuscany - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

Forthcoming fierce winds and torrential rains meant I had to paint quickly at this olive grove. Painting on location – 'en plein air' – is not only challenging, it can be exhilarating and memorable. I think the storm clouds looming in the sky made for a wonderful painting.

Radda In Chianti - Plein air oil painting, 12x9

Hewn stone streets and pedestrian pathways finger their way through the Tuscan hill town of Radda – a perfect example of a medieval fortified city. A magical place to paint.

Tombolo Pond at Julian Bay - Plein air oil painting, 22x30

Julian Bay is located along the eastern shore of Stockton Island, a designated wilderness within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The tombolo of Stockton Island is truly an 'Eden' on earth and a place that I will return to forever.

Welcome To San Fedele - Plein air oil painting, 12x9

The white road (strada bianca) that leads into San Fedele descends a steep hill lined with cypress trees. The shapes and colors in this place are unlike anywhere else I've been.

Alongside Susie - Plein air oil painting, 12x16

One must travel by boat and have permission from The Nature Conservancy to visit Susie Island (of the Susie Islands on Lake Superior, near Grand Portage, MN). Magnificently calm weather and beautiful light provided two days of good painting in the islands. This painting was included in the 2011 Grand Marais Plein Air Painting Competition and Exhibition.

Cloudy Day, Pic Island - Plein air oil painting, 12x16

An imitation of a Lawren Harris painting? Not exactly. Some consider Lawren Harris paintings of Lake Superior landscapes – and in particular those of Pic Island – to be far removed from reality and overly stylized or abstract. Not in the least. The landscapes of northern Lake Superior really look this way.

Good Morning San Fedele - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

This is a quick paint – painted in less than 90 minutes, on location – in the Tuscany region of Italy. Sunrise light and colors are fleeting, so one has to work quickly. A true impression for me.

Night Life - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

Joynes Ben Franklin in Grand Marais, Minnesota is a slice from the past – and a favorite haunt. A perfect subject for a nocturne. This painting was included in the Night Paint category of the 2011 Grand Marais Plein Air Painting Competition and Exhibition.

The Gunflint Trail - Plein air oil painting, 12x16

The hand-painted sign that marks the gateway to the Gunflint Trail and the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota has been a landmark in Grand Marais since the early Twentieth Century. Look old timey? – it is!

Boozhoo - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

That’s Grand Portage Island – a long mile off shore from Grand Portage (MN). Lingering fog and unusually patterned water made me want to paint all day. I felt like the luckiest man in the world to paint this scene.

Bright And Cold At Bearskin Lake - Plein air oil painting, 12x9

Cold – You betcha! This scene on Bearskin Lake in the Boundary Waters Wilderness was painted in February near Camp Menogyn, during the Winter Plein Air Painting Festival hosted by the Grand Marais Art Colony.

Down The Cascade River - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

This plein air painting was featured in the 2010 Arrowhead Biennial. Only a small handful of landscape paintings were selected for the exhibition. Since 1919, the Arrowhead Biennial (juried) has showcased the work of artists from Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. The Cascade River gorge was a torrent of water on the June day this was painted.

March Floe - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

A magnificent early spring day at the entry of the Duluth Ship Canal. The air was warm and the water was cold. The ice floes moved in and out of Duluth Harbor during the three hours I was painting on location – as if Lake Superior was breathing in and out the fresh air of spring.

Squally Day - Plein air oil painting, 12x9

That was a cold and windy day! This is a quick study to portray a somewhat ‘out of place’ channel marker.

A Bright Fog - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

It was a superlative foggy start to an otherwise bright, sunny day in Grand Marais (MN). The soft colors and soft light were precious ... and fleeting. Painted at Artists’ Point, during the 2009 Grand Marais Plein Air Painting Competition & Exhibition.

Break Up in Duluth Harbor - Studio landscape oil painting, 12x16

A scene featuring the tug Edward H. breaking the spring ice in Duluth Harbor. The tug was working quickly, so a sketch, some notes and a bit of photography aided in the creation of this studio painting. For me, this painting feels as plein air as any of the others – I remembered it clearly.

Les Susies - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

It wasn’t a dramatic morning – yet the morning light was so pure and the breeze patterned water on Lake Superior was so pronounced that I couldn’t help but feel amazed by this compelling view of the Susie Islands.

October Morning On The Ledges - Plein air oil painting, 8x10

It was a superlative foggy start to an otherwise bright, sunny day in Grand Marais (MN). The soft colors and soft light were precious... and fleeting. Painted at Artists’ Point, during the 2009 Grand Marais Plein Air Painting Competition & Exhibition.

September Light Across The Susies- Plein air oil painting, 12x16

"September Light" was painted on location above the Susie Islands, from a lookout along Highway 61 near Grand Portage (MN) during the 2010 Grand Marais Plein Air Painting Competition & Exhibition. Isle Royale National Park and Rock of Ages Light were clearly visible in the distance during this spectacular day.

Weddings and Funerals — lithograph, 10x15

I may not be a victim of fashion – but there's evidence that I may be a victim of passion.

Above Gooseberry Falls — lithograph, 10x15

In the spring, Gooseberry Falls is pounding the landscape at full throttle. I love being near the precipice of the falls – surrounded by the almost deafening sound of the raging flow.

Red Pine — solarplate etching, 8x12

A wilderness lake coming to life in early May, near Lake Itasca – the headwaters of the Mississippi River. This drawing is loosely based on a photograph, taken just moments before two trumpeter swans broke the silence and glided onto the surface of this quiet spring lake.

Bunny at Lascaux — solarplate etching, 12x16

We’ve all seen photographs of the cave paintings at Lascaux and Altamira – some of the world’s oldest surviving works of art. They show magnificent bulls, horses, and other large game animals. But what about the smaller mammals? I imagine they’re there ... they simply don’t get the top billing. It was satisfying for me to bring one to light.

Elements — solarplate etching, 11x16

What are we made of? It’s my understanding that everything in the universe is constructed from the same set of elements. It’s comforting to know that a distant planet, a doughnut and I have something in common.

Picnic — solarplate etching, 8.5x11

That’s me and my partner, Laurie. Guess which one is me.

Porcelain — solarplate etching, 14x11

The dragons, clouds and wave imagery on Chinese porcelain seem very much alive today. Here is my version of a porcelain vase I would hope to design if I were alive during the early Ming dynasty. This print is in the collection of the Tweed Museum of Art at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

Shorty — solarplate etching, 5x4.5

Is that chicken boasting or broasting? For me, it’s all about my love for barbecue and the enjoyment I’ve had collecting matchbooks. This one is partially real and partially imagined.

Marina — solarplate etching, 6.5x8.5

The golden age of cartography gave us images of sea monsters, mermaids and unicorns. Perhaps today’s age of global positioning systems will finally locate the Loch Ness monster for us. Or maybe not. Some things are gained, some things are lost.

At Woodbine Harbor — lithograph, 7x13.5

I’d really like to keep this spot a secret. Let’s just say it’s a deep cove on a large island on Lake Superior. And a place I want to return to again and again to paint and draw.

Flood — solarplate etching, 9.5x5

I see beauty in everything. Those who have endured the damages of flood waters may disagree, but I can’t help but embrace the striking image that reflections add to a flooded landscape.

Rice Bowls — solarplate etching, 4.75x10.25

Simple bowls in a simple setting. Single objects and the simplicity of a scene are the essence of the images I create as a printmaker.

Bunchberry — lithograph, 7x7

The floor of a northern forest in June is a splendid experience. A carpet of Bunchberry flowers, as far as the eye can see, is one of the more memorable images for me.

Fruitful World — drypoint, 7x9

This print was hand etched in three colors, using a drypoint tool. This image means the world to me.

Cap Anson - relief - 7x4

Reminiscent of a Chicago Cubs baseball trading card – an impression that might have been.

Cascade River No.2 — lithograph, 10x8

Black and white imagery may be one of the better ways to represent the classic pattern of the Cascade River.

Cascade River No. 1 — lithograph, 10x8

The Cascade River is a quintessential North Shore river, with its pattern of twisting turns and repetition of cascades and pools.

A Mother's Driftwood Collection, No. 3 — lithograph, 15x9

My mother died in August of 2009. She left many wonderful collections. Among the simplest and most enjoyed by me are the pieces of driftwood she gathered from Lake Superior. I felt compelled to share some of them in print form.

Portfolio

Sailing to Duluth - 40x30

After School - 6x8

St. Francis Xavier – 12x9

Sax-Zim Road – 12x9

On the Border Route – 9x12

Elevator M – 14x11

Monument Rock Revealed – 12x9

Bunkhouse – 14x11

Chicago's Bean – 9x12

Sacred Music – 32x24

Good Morning, Duluth - 12x9

Smokey Morning on Minnesota Point – 8x10

Irvin – 12x9

Let's Go Outside! – 10x8

Tamarack – 20x16

Sweet Lilacs – 16x12

Max The Young Welder - 38x30

Mr. Irvin - 9x9

B is for Great British Baking - 16x20

Pierre Wears A Mask - 14x11

Susie Islands - 11x14

There's So Much I Want To Say - 10x8

Northern Water - mural

White and Violet - 12x9

Paris Balcony - 32x24

High Above Alma - 14x11

North House Way - 11x14

Scraps Are Good - 11x14

Artists Point - 11x14

The Fish Out Back - 11x14

Wind Turbine Towers – 9x12

Duluth Timber Yard – 14x11

Freedom – 9x12

North House Alley – 14x11

Highway Department – 11x14

Welcome To – 11x14

Stockton Rock – 9x12

Pincushion Spring – 9x12

Forming Loaves - 24x30

Open House - 14x11

Silver Morning - 11x14

Designer Outhouse - 14x11

Behind the Wood Shed - 8x10

In the Woods - 9x12

Cascade River Gorge - 12x9

South Breakwater Outer Light - 14x11

North Breakwater Light - 12x9

Afternoon Duluth Lighthouse - 12x9

At Home – In the Library - 18x24

Kermit the Car - 11x14

Night Watch - 11x14

Happy Duluth Day - 11x14

Welcome Home - 16x12

Solo Picnic - 9x12

A Clear View - 16x12

Minnesota Slip - 14x11

El Galeon - 16x12

Leonora The Llama - 8x10

Middletown at M - 16x20

Twelve Ton Duck - 14x11

113 Years And Counting - 12x16

Storm Watcher - 14x11

Making Dumplings - 18x24

Marina Work - 11x14

Harley's World - 12x16

Parisian Portraitist - 24x30

Cascade Falls - 12x9

Street Artist at Night - 24x30

I Love Duluth - 11x14

Printmaking - Studio oil painting, 16x20

Turning Bowls - Studio oil painting, 18x24

Bartholdi Fountain - Studio oil painting, 16x12

Doing A Painting - Studio oil painting, 18x24

Hanging Art in the Met - Studio oil painting, 18x24

LaFarge Reworked - Plein air painting, 11x14

Misty Mountain Top - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

Serpentine Valley - Plein air oil painting, 11x14

Bullers Island - Plein air oil painting, 9x12

They Come From Montreal - Plein air oil painting, 12x16