Wisconsin Prairie

Wisconsin Prairie is a mural- sized painting that was commissioned,  measuring 54" by 72"  ( or 4 feet, 4 inches x  6 feet).  It is a much larger size than my typical watercolor paintings, which prompted the switch to a canvas support, since watercolor papers are not available in this size.  Canvas has the advantage of being  taken off of the stretcher bars for easier shipping. Furthermore, if the edges of the canvas are painted or finished for display, a frame and glass are not needed.  I have painted outdoor and indoor murals on stucco , concrete and plaster walls,  so the large size was exciting to work on.  I have included this artwork in my Works page as another option for clients with larger, more open spaces, who are interested in room defining art.

Wisconsin Prairie began with the request to include 39 species of plants, wildflowers, birds and wildlife, which were eventually reduced to half  of that number in order to integrate aesthetic principles of continuity, rhythm, repetition of shapes and focal points.  During the process, many decisions were discussed and agreed upon.  The painting depicts an oak savannah prairie in late summer with the  characteristic profusion of colors, shapes, and old  growth that is not manicured or planned by a designer.  Coreopsis, Tall Anemone, Lead Plant, Liatris, Purple Coneflowers, Butterfly Weed, Cardinal Flower, Rudbeckia, Shooting Star, Queen of the Prairie, Rattlesnake Master, Penstemon, White Oak, Monarch Butterflies, Dragonflies, and a Bobolink are featured in Wisconsin Prairie.