HAPPENINGS
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to paint “en plein air,” as Claude Monet used to say. This French phrase describes the act of painting outdoors, and I do it as often as possible. You can find me occasionally outside Victorian Summer Gallery on Mackinac Island where in June I met Michael and Catrina, vacationing art lovers from Texas who bought three of my original framed works and my book, MACKINAC ISLAND MEDITATIONS. I meet the nicest people while I’m painting! Right now my themes are flowers, beaches, barns, boats, and whatever else comes along. Just when I think I’ve painted everything there is to paint, I discover something else. Summer in northern Michigan is an artist’s dream!
NEW PROJECT
When I painted a dog in front of a sweet shop on Mackinac Island, I didn’t realize what a fun project I’d launched! If you’d like me to paint YOUR dog in front of a sweet shop, please contact me at marylou@maryloupeters.com. I’ll need a color photo (front view, sitting) then I’ll be able to paint your own dog right into the picture. Cost is $90 for an original watercolor painting in an 8”x10” mat and I’ll pay for shipping. Take your dog on vacation without leaving home!
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MACKINAC ISLAND MEDITATIONS
 With its illustrated scenes of Mackinac Island and connection to scripture, my book continues to be a source of inspiration to readers. If you order your copy through my website, I’ll personalize it for you or for a special recipient. Just let me know the name and occasion..
A LITTLE "EXTRA"
If you’d like to see some wonderful photos of Mackinac Island and get the scoop on life behind the scenes , check out this blog: www.bree1972.wordpress.com. Brenda has a fresh approach to showing just what it’s like to live on this wonderful island. Looking at her blog is the next best thing to being there.
FEED YOUR SOUL
Are you remembering to take a “feed your soul” day once in a while? It doesn’t have to be a whole day—just time enough to relax and see evidence of creativity in the world: art, nature, and music all do this for me. Last month I attended an art exhibit opening reception—that in itself was inspiring, but on the way home I took reference photos of barns, rolling hills, and farm fields. When I’m painting them this winter, I’ll reflect back on the lovely summer day I spent feeding my soul.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Many children and adults take art classes in the summer—it’s the perfect time to relax and experiment with supplies and new media. Pablo Picasso was always trying something new and he made this observation about children becoming inhibited: “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain artists once they grow up.” As adults we can continue to encourage the children in our lives (as well as ourselves!) to continue to be creative.
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In this year’s INSIDE MACKINAC: A VISITOR’S GUIDE, also online at