Late August, cool fall weather

Here are my latest paintings.  These were all started plein air (outside) this summer and finished in the studio. Will have a few more in a week or so. Two of them are at Firefly on display in the show featured in August and September: "Birds and the Bees and the Flowers and the Trees". There will be a reception on August 24 from 4 to 6 P.M. I also have my painting of Neil skiing in the Cable Museum show in the art display room of the museum.

The art crawl last weekend and teaching my pastel class at the beginning of the month were both a lot of fun.

I'll be heading back to the chalkboard soon to teach kids about writing equations and using variables. I have to adjust my brain around mathematics, because it is something that doesn't mesh well with summer weather. Fortunately we have had some cool temps up here at the 46.4 degree latitude to help me get ready.

I am still recovering from some cancer treatments this summer. The cyberknife targeted radiation has caused some of the weirdest baldness so far of all my treatments so I have been wearing a hat. I am also taking some xeloda (capecitieine) and tykerb (lapatinib ) which are  oral chemos. They don't seem to have much of a side effect. They are in pill form rather than an IV infusion like many chemos. Before I had to deal with cancer and chemos, I didn't really understand how the chemo entered the body. Most are  in an IV infusion so you sit in a nice comfy chair in the infusion center and the drug enters your body slowly and peacefully. The nurses are all super nice and it is a peaceful experience until a few days later when you are sick as a dog at home. These new oral chemos I am taking are supposed to enter my brain somehow and put a halt on the cancer growth. Most chemo doesn't break through the blood brain barrier. They don't make me sick like a regular chemo and hopefully they'll work!

 Okay back to art! The first and third paintings are done at  Big Brook greenhouse garden and the middle one is my front garden. ! Five more coming from the Washburn class and Cable sites soon.

       'Solitude', 11" x 12" ,  pastel , © 2012 Mary McHugh

     'Roses and Peonies Too', 12" x 11", pastel , © 2012 Mary McHugh

     "A Touch of red", 7" x 7", pastel , © 2012 Mary McHugh

Perfect July Day. How do we get so lucky?

Hi everybody.
 I just finished up this painting of Neil skiing, called "Morning Ski". It is for the Charac "Face of the Sun" juried art exhibit. I hope it is accepted. Back in April, my Main Street Gallery banner painting was not accepted so I guess I am not immune from rejection! Just because you are a local artist doesn't mean everyone loves your work!

In my cancer news, I started an oral chemo today. I am hoping it is not a yucky experience. I'll keep you posted. So far, so good but it is only Day 1.

"Morning Ski", 12" x 12", pastel , © 2012 Mary McHugh

Namakagon Art and Music Fest Saturday July 7

HI everybody!
 I will have a tent tomorrow Saturday July 7 from 10- 4 at the NAM Fest, located behind the Sawmill Saloon and Mooselips Java Joint in Seeley Wisconsin. The weather is supposed to be nice so come on out and visit! There will be live music too.  Here are three new paintings I just finished. I have also included a schedule for tomorrow below.

"Cut Across Road"
pastel, 21 x 16, ©2012, Mary McHugh

"I'll Take You There"
pastel, 7 x 7, ©2012, Mary McHugh

"Black Eyed Susans"
7 x 7, pastel, © 2012, Mary McHugh

Tomorrow's schedule:

10:30 to noon Jason Rabuck Self-accompanied on guitar and harmonica; serving up a tangy blend of rock, blues, and originals.  

12:30 to 2:30 Take 3 - The trio of Kevin McMullin (fiddle, guitar, voice), Lisa McGinley (bass, bodran, whistle, voice), and Tom Draughon (guitars, banjo, fiddle voice.) Playing traditional folk, celtic, bluegrass, and original music.   

3:00 to 5:00 The "New" Namakagon String Band The trio of Jason Rabuck, Eric Schubring, and Bruce Qualey. Three part harmony, upright bass, guitars, banjo, and harmonica.  Innovative interpretations of traditional, rock, folk, blues, and original music.

Fine Art Booths representing jewelry, pottery, carving, painting, fiber art, etc.

Poetry Jam poetry competition for all ages. Pick up your words at noon, write until 1 pm and the read for the judges.  Winners announced at 2:30.

Kid's Art Tent, hosted by Jackie Olson, an elementary art teacher providing opportunities for kids of all ages.

Yes it is a beauty outside!

I forgot to post my itty bitty paintings for Firefly. These are called Art from the Heart and are in the May- June show at Firefly, as well as five others of mine.

Miriam’s Old Garden 
painting  5" x 7 "pastel, © 2012 Mary McHugh

Honeymoon  

painting  5" x 7 "pastel, © 2012 Mary McHugh

Arboretum Garden 

painting  5" x 7 "pastel, © 2012 Mary McHugh

Having the best June weather ever!

'Drummond Creek' 16.5 x 12, pastel , Mary McHugh ©2012 

'Colorful Shoreline' (Delta Lodge), 11 x 18, Mary McHugh  © 2012

'Tansies', 7 x 7, Mary McHugh  © 2012

Hi everybody! I have been enjoying the weather here in June. Usually is it kind of cold and nasty and I like to leave town, but we are enjoying some really nice weather. I finished up three paintings and took some pictures under the hot sunny sky and cool shade today. I think the shady ones look better but am posting the sunny ones.  I am feeling pretty good and hope to paint more this summer! 30 minutes at a time! Sending you all the best! Mary

April 2012

Enjoying a little Easter weekend at home. Also visited colleges with J and saw the McHugh side of the family in the Twin Cities on Thursday and Friday.

I have been working on some paintings and here are a few.

"Just Around the Bend", pastel, 16 x 20, Mary McHugh ©2012

"Campsite", pastel, 21.5 x 16, Mary McHugh© 2012

"Kayakers Taking a Break", pastel, 12 x 24, Mary McHugh©2012

Slowly but surely it'll get finished

                In the Shade of the Pines, pastel, 18 x 11, ©Mary McHugh 2012

HI everybody,
I am getting the itch to paint again and finished this painting today. It took over a period of four months to complete!  This is a view from the north end of Price Lake near Cable, WI. I am feeling pretty good, and have kept busy this winter with surgery, working, and ski team stuff, but not much actual skiing. Today was a beautiful day so I went skiing briefly and hope to get out again.
                     
I also started a new painting so I thought I'd show you below what my paintings look like when they are in their early stages. This is pastel on uart paper with a turpenoid wash.

Superior Artists Show at the Washburn Cultural Center in November. Plein Air show at Drummond Library January- March.

   'Urban Life', pastel, 8.5 x 7, ©2011Mary McHugh

   'Glow', pastel, 8.5 x 11.5, ©2011Mary McHugh

HI everybody
Today was a big CC day with our Sectional meet. It was heartbreaking again that our awesome boys team didn't make it to state for the second year in a row.  My daughter also didn't make it, but that was a long shot. We did have three boys from our team qualify for state as individuals. That was amazing.
I finished up four paintings last Sunday and can now post them and start some new ones! yeah!
Please try to stop by our new show in Washburn at the Cultural Center. it is the old bank building and the reception is Nov 3, from 5 to 7. 
I'll be laid up for awhile, going to have surgery this coming month too. Sending peace and love to all who are visiting my blog.
             

  'Misty Willow', pastel, 8.5 x 11.5, ©2011Mary McHugh

   'Hollyhocks and Barn', pastel, 5.5 x 11, ©2011Mary McHugh 

Fall Fest in Cable yesterday.
I enjoyed a chilly day of visiting with the fall fest crowd. Thanks to Linda and Mikael for helping with set up and take down. Will post again with pictures of recent paintings.

Four more framed and ready

Three are from painting on location on Monday mornings with some friends, and one is from a demo at my WITC community ed teaching experience this summer.

The first one is outside the Firefly Trading Company near Cable, WI

               'Good Morning', pastel, 10.5 x 10.5, © Mary McHugh 2011

The next one was painted near the Silverthorn Lake near Seeley, WI

            'Monday Minuet', pastel, 7 x 7, © Mary McHugh 2011

The next week we went to a friend's house to paint in her lovely garden and this is what I came home with. 

    'How Sweet It Is', pastel, 7 x 7, © Mary McHugh 2011

This fourth painting is from a demo I started in class. It is the rose garden in Duluth, when the peonies are blooming. Last summer I spent 30 mornings in Duluth getting radiation treatments.  Sometimes I would grab a sandwich with the friend that drove me that day and we would eat by the lake in this garden.

       'Lunchtime in Duluth', pastel, 7 x 7, © Mary McHugh 2011

Two studio paintings from July

I have been busy and feeling pretty well with lots of paintings to share from July. Here are the first two, using reference photos from last fall. I'll have more to post soon, paintings I did with my plein air friends, and demonstrations at the Washburn class. This first one was started as a demo in Washburn.

                  'Last Symphony in Birch', pastel, 11 x 17, © Mary McHugh 2011

         

                    'Last Symphony in Maple', pastel, 23.5 x 16, © Mary McHugh2011

New Paintings from June

HI everyone,
I am happy to report that I am feeling better and starting to enjoy summer. Here are the new paintings that I created in June 2011. The first two are from an outdoor painting session at my friend Mimi's garden in early June.

                           'June Poppies', pastel, 7 x 7, ©Mary McHugh 2011

                       'Poppies and Chickens', pastel, 7 x 7, ©Mary McHugh 2011

This is from an outdoor painting session in mid June at my friend Mary's lake home.

  'Marengo Lake', pastel, 10. 5 x 7.5, ©Mary McHugh 2011

This last one is from a photo I took on a canoe outing in 2008 on the river with the kids.

.  'Quiet River', pastel, 13 x 11, ©Mary McHugh 2011

Finished "Sailing Class"!

                       ' Sailing Class' ,  pastel. 24 x 18, ©Mary McHugh 2011


Today was my deadline to finish the big painting for the Superior Watershed show at the Great Lakes Visitor Center near Ashland, WI.  This was inspired by a photo (taken by Linda, my sister -in -law ) of my nephew's Mikael's sailing class in Bayfield, WI. I have been working on it since mid April. I could easily keep messing with it some more.  It is one of those paintings with lots of detail and the sails, clouds, water, and the people are not satisfied until I mess with it at least a dozen times. But it needs to go out the door and hitch a ride to Ashland today!

My show at Firefly has begun too so there are two options  if you want to see my work. Please join me for an Artist’s Reception on Sunday, June 12 from 3 - 4 PM in the “Art Around the Corner” gallery at Firefly. Firefly Trading Company is located one mile south of Cable. WI  on Highway 63.  For more information, visit their website at fireflytradingcompany.com or find them on Facebook.  Firefly is open everyday in the summer; Monday through Saturday from 10 – 5 and Sundays from Noon to 4.

Charac banner painting complete

Our local arts organization is having a Gallery on Main Street this summer in Cable and I painted a long painting of a "Sunlit Passage" for it and here it is. So now I am ready to start a new painting for  our Superior Watershed group show at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center which will run from June through October. I will also be having a one woman show at Firefly in Cable during the month of June.

For those of you that haven't heard, I am back in cancer treatment mode again, getting treated for brain tumors, with a series of ten whole brain scans, plus three targeted ones. However, I feel good, my diet has been very healthy, am very hopeful, and have energy to keep painting!

'Sunlit Passage', pastel, 12 x 24, ©Mary McHugh 2011

Spring Projects

the middle of March.. snow is melting and skiing season is over. It's been a rough few weeks with the Tsunami and other disasters plus all the bad politics in Wisconsin. The kids are enjoying track practice and I now have some time to myself. I started a painting for the banner project for Cable, I think they are calling it "Gallery on Main Street".  Next month I will be teaching a kids' watercolor class after school with the Edventure program.  I have been working on some proposals for summer classes in Washburn to help out with Doug Thomas's students. Our Superior Artists group is going to celebrate our 10 year anniversary with a series of shows this summer too. It'll be exciting! I'll post again when my banner painting is completed.

I am getting restless....

and ready for winter to wind down, but there is still at least another month of snow and cold. Today was the huge Birkebeiner ski race and that signals the beginning of the end of ski season. My kids did the 24 km.  Kortelopet which is like half of a Birkie. It was five below zero Fahrenheit when we left home and never really warmed up all that much.

I stopped by the Blue Show at Art Beat yesterday and snapped a photo of my painting (bottom left) . It is a wonderful show. Try to stop by, it lasts one more week.

Just in Time .....

for the February Cool Blue Show at Art Beat of Hayward.

So I didn't want to do water or snow and racked my brain to figure out what I really want to paint. What else is Blue out there in the landscape?  I decided to pick a good composition and see what happened. Anything can be made blue! So this is what happened. I like it a lot. Thanks Deanna and Catherine for making me stretch a little and come up with something cool and blue.
The reception for the show is Feb 12, from 3 to 6 P.M..  I won't be able to attend since I will be at the State Nordic Ski Meet with the team.The show runs through March 5. Stop by and have a look.

'Some Like It Blue', pastel, 16.75 x 12, ©Mary McHugh 2011

Go Packers!

This winter hasn't been very productive for me! Too many distractions. Skiing and Packer football. Most of my Saturdays have been taken up with skiing so that means painting on Saturday night and last night I just couldn't break away. I usually paint at night while my family watches football or action adventure movies. I really want go downstairs to paint but the Packers are doing so well and have been winning their play off games!

Here is a little painting that I did complete for L.J.'s Birch theme show. It's pretty sweet.
Opening reception for "All Things Birch and Beautiful" is February 22, 2011 at Firefly Trading Co., Cable, WI from 3-5 P.M.
My next project will be posted in a month!  (or less :))

'Winter Birch Hymnal', pastel, 7 x 7, ©Mary McHugh 2011

Sold Two Kayaks to the Rice Lake Hospital

I successfully had an online sale through the Portal Wisconsin website last month! So farewell to Two Kayaks!
I hope to post a new painting soon. I need to get downstairs and dig in.

   'Two Kayaks', pastel, 16.25 x 9.25, © Mary McHugh 2008

It's been awhile

HI everybody

It's been awhile since I last posted. I finally finished my last painting of my mountain biker series. It's a nice composition;  the train of bikers with the foliage. It's also the largest of the three and took longer than the others.
The dark season has arrived so I need to appreciate that instead of getting depressed by it. Today was so dark and slippery that I didn't even venture outside and it is the warmest day we are going to have all week! So I am a bit depressed but hopefully that will come and go and not dwell within for long.
I have been feeling pretty well lately and almost feel normal again.  After all I have been through, I wonder what normal is. I guess it is when your brain works pretty well, your energy level is good, and your attitude is good.
Peace, Mary

Short and Fat Bikers 2 , pastel, 13 x 21.5, © Mary McHugh 2010