Refuge Reflections by Colleen Shore at Elmaro

June 1 – June 30, 2023
Elmaro Vineyard & Winery | N14756 Delaney Rd. | Trempealeau, WI
cshoreartwork.blogspot.com

A collection of paintings by RAA member Colleen Shore will be on display at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery for the month of June. Colleen says:

“After being invited back to Elmaro Vineyard and Winery to display in June of 2023, I got to thinking what my focus would be. I’ve grown artistically into being able to feature larger collections of paintings that represent a theme. This is a more cohesive way of taking the viewer along a journey with me.

I chose the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge as my muse. Every season she takes us into another color palette and new textures. Each time I had a chance to visit I would try a new path to the Trempealeau Bottoms or revisit Pine Creek Dike to see the changes.

I had many photos from past visits to work with as I had been employed at Perrot State Park for six years and it was easy to start or end my day at the Refuge.

So let me take you on the seasonal changes of the Refuge and reflect on the land.

Notes from the Artist

Spring

My favorite green. The brightness of spring greens of the new foliage appears. There is still the starkness of winter but the colors of blue have changed and colors begin to pop. The sky turns stormy more often and who doesn’t love a spring rain to wash away the winter blues.

Summer

The lush greens in Wisconsin are a challenge against the variety of sky and water blues. I can almost hear the hum of mosquitos.

Fall

Probably my favorite time of year to get outside. Crisp air and no bugs. The color changes and textures are also the most impressive. Grasses are just fun to do, they really loosen up my paintings. Here’s where I was excited to begin using cold wax with my oil paints. You can get so much more texture out of the subject matter.

Winter

I never expected winter to be so much fun to paint. The snow has such a sculptural quality and the shadows in winter take on a whole new color.

 

I will also be onsite every Sunday in June at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery for their Sunday Street Market. Visit with me while I paint, draw or sip some wine. More at cshoreartwork.blogspot.com.”

Images (top to bottom): Spring Has Arrived in the Refuge, Soaking up the Vista in the Refuge, River Bottom Pathway, and Winter Waters through the Refuge; all oil paintings by Colleen Shore.

Colleen Shore is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.