Sitting Still in the Light

Original oil pastel drawing on Bristol paper

Measures approximately: 5.5" x 8.75"

Completed in 2010.

The landscapes and secret sanctuaries of central Minnesota look to me like living art. I finally found the time this weekend to begin a series of plein air drawings and paintings that I have longed to create for years now. This is from a group of three pieces created at the Lower Sioux Agency Historical Site. This is where the Dakota War of 1862 began. The battle here was lead by Thaóyate Dúta also known as Chief Little Crow.

These plein air pieces are begun in the field, first sketched in graphite and then with oil pastels. I add the finishing layers at home in my studio, mostly because my butt falls asleep sitting on the hard ground. And because we have mosquitoes here the size of small hummingbirds.

This is a small clearing near the agency storehouse. There is a path winding around that is barely visible in the tall grass. I was grateful to be sitting in a peaceful place on a beautiful sunny day. A bird sat above me in an old old tree and told me his story.

I hope this colorful drawing warms your home or office with a wee bit of natural light.