I pass over the Chicago River every time I go to work. Seeing this humble river surrounded by tall buildings and learning about the efforts of the Friends of the Chicago River inspire me to do more painting and help with conservation efforts.
The three of us have visited Illinois Beach State Park several time over the year and we love it up there. Seeing it each time feels like we are visiting an old friend. We discover new things about the place and soak up its peace and natural beauty.
I have many more watery adventures planned for the summer. I'd like to hike along the Illinois River near Starved Rock. I'm looking forward to painting the textured, richly colored limestone walls that abut the river. I'd like to travel down the Mississippi River,visit other Great Lakes, travel by Metra Train to the Indiana Dunes.
So here is a best of tribute the the project's first year:
Wilmington Ice Dam January 08
Something really clicked for me in January. (Oddly enough, this work was nine months into the project.) I think I started to relax and to allow myself to exaggerate forms and be more expressive with my use of color.
Chicago Lake Front July 07 (Inspired by Kurt Jackson)
Indiana Dune June 07 (A detail of this adorns the banner of this blog)
Des Plains River June 07
Chicago River Bridge House in May 07
Everybody loves a before and after picture. I'm posting this one to show you were I started in April.....Those cotton ball blossoms make me wince every time I see them now.
Des Plains River Trail April 07 (Hiking with the Sierra Club)
Now, I'd like to ask for your help. I'm currently reading Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi and loving it. Here's another person completely besotted with a river. Any suggestions for other river literature, poetry or films?
6 comments:
I like being mentioned in the same breath as KJ!!!
Your project went so well - you've got a lovely series of work here and I really think you should do a book (with blurb? I can highly recommend them, I was really pleased with my book) - it would be great to have all these pieces together, and you need to think about a local exhibition too :>)
I look forward to seeing the next in the series and do intend to get back on track with mine now the seascapes are out of the way for the time being
Hi,I love your banner!!!
It's just real,I can hear voice of the waves.Now I can see whole of it.
And sorry,I don't remember any suggestion about the river.
Vivien, I thought you'd appreciate that KJ side by side mention! It's totally true. I'm hoping I might be able to show these in the context of the Friends of The Chicago RIver. They raise money to help pass legislation to clean up the river. Thanks for the encouragment.
Speaking of a blurb book,
YOUR BLURB BOOK ARRIVED!!!!!MORE later and a review. IT'S BEAUTIFUL
Thanks Parisa. I love how you said you can hear the voice of the waves.....very poetic! I'm going to visit the zoo soon and I'm thinking of your beautiful beasties.
Lindsay what a wonderful series.
Hmm I keep getting ideas for your book. There is one I have had and this post just kind of made my mind up. Soon I will be able to begin it.
I don't know of any books but I'm sure there would be something on Pittsburgh, PA. I love Pittsburgh with the three rivers coming together in the downtown district.
the best way to get to know something intimately is to draw it! What a great project. Vivien introduced me to Kurt Jackson and I just love his work.
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