For four days, I joined with thirteen other artists at the Tree of Life Retreat Center in Greenbush, Wisconsin.  We enjoyed significant time surrounded by the changing colors of Autumn.  Those colors and patterns of life opened our eyes to this particular season in our lives and in our art. As you see, it was a wonderful setting to fill our imaginations with the gifts and wonders of life’s variety.

Alan Pape, whom you see below, a local artist and retired architect, organized and led the retreat.  He opened this space of four days for us to create art, learn from one another, and enjoy good food and drink.

Below you’ll see several of my paintings in progress.  We painted two days in beautiful sunshine, and two days in rain and fog.  Adapting to the changing environment was part of the challenge and adventure of the experience…

It was also enjoyable to catch up with Kitty Lynne Klich, from whom I took oil painting lessons for eleven years.  It was a joy to share a few days with her and other old and new friends as we shared together our passion for creating art and finding beauty even within the chaos of life.