Camping & Painting Trip in Wisconsin

I love camping.  I think there is nothing better than sleeping under the stars.  This last week I went on a camping/plein-air painting trip with some amazing friends who met me at Governor Dodge State park in Wisconsin.

I only had my camera the last day, but I tried to make good use of it.  

Governor Dodge State Park is in Wisconsin's 'driftless' region - it is an area that was not hit with the second round of glaciers that flattened out much of wisconsin's landscape.  

The four of us spent most of our time painting waterfalls, lakes, cliffs, and forests.  We also managed to see a lot of wildlife: raccoon, turtles, muskrats, chipmunks, birds, and snakes.  It was just the kind of mental break I needed after frantically preparing for my solo show.  Instead of working 25 or more hours on a piece, it was a good experience to work 20 minutes on paintings.

Amanda, painting in the sunshine.  

Michelle with quite possibly the best plein-air painting chair ever.

And the four of us after four days in the outdoors - we are looking pretty good!  Nina, Michelle, Amanda, and I.  

And, last but not least, a few of the 14 paintings that I did while relaxing in the woods.  

I had such an amazing time, and I hope we'll do it again next year!