Greetings!

My dear wife Pat and I have just returned from a very enjoyable North Shore trip that included “The Legend of Minnesota” book signings at the Barnes and Noble in Duluth and Split Rock Lighthouse, a relaxing couple of days in Grand Marais, and a weekend in War of 1812 costume at Fort William in Thunder Bay, Ontario (whew!).

We met a number of wonderful people from throughout the Upper Midwest at the book signings, some of whom were willing to give me a hand painting the background for my Daniel Boone picture. The trip also gave me a chance to do some research for upcoming projects, (top secret, of course) and the Lake Superior views were truly inspiring.

I managed to create my first plein air painting of the year while perched on a rock shelf overlooking the Devil's Kettle waterfall in Judge Magney State Park, just north of Grand Marais. I was a little rusty, to say the least. I have left the painting untouched, blemishes and all, just as it was when I closed up my cigar box paint kit.

Progress continues on the three Fort Snelling paintings and I am about to embark on a new book project for Sleeping Bear Press. My life as an artist has been one of “feast or famine” and right now I feel like I do ten minutes after a Thanksgiving dinner. I am a very fortunate man.

Dave