THE STORY BEHIND THE ART:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. My art is greatly inspired by nature, and the good nature of people.
My latest abstract painting is inspired by both!
Ever since we moved back to the Quad Cities back in 2007, I have taken an interest in watching the Bald Eagles each winter when they congregate at Lock and Dam 15 on the Mississippi River in January and February.
My dad used to take my brothers fishing there for walleye, but knew that I am not super cold hardy, so I never got to go, but I always wondered why they even would want to go out there in the cold!
Once I started seeing the eagles, I quickly learned why. There's so much action down at Lock and Dam 15 this time of year. So many sights and sounds, birds, and people either out fishing for walleye, or lined up with cameras trying to get the perfect shot of one of those majestic Bald Eagles.
Being the non cold hardy person that I am, I have found that going to see the eagles, people, and fishermen is possible to do without even having to get out of my vehicle!
After years of observation, I am only beginning to discover how I want to create art inspired by this place. This is just one of many yet to come.
It was created with a limited palette, that emulates the colors of the dormant trees, the feathers of the eagles, and the pale colors of the sky reflected by the waters of the Mississippi River.