Birdwatching in New Zealand: In Search of the Rare Fiordland Penguin

Penguin1

If you follow this blog, by now you know that I am a bird lover. Birds have always intrigued me...they are a piece of the wind, winged beings that go places where humans can only dream. As a child, I use to spend many summer hours trying to catch the birds that would flock to our Arizona yard and I would nurse the injured birds that hit our window back to health. As the years passed, I finally decided to capture the birds on paper. I have been … [Read more...]

New Zealand: Painting and Playing in “The God Zone”

boating on milford sound fjord-land new zealand

Although travel is one of my favorite pastimes, I have to admit that New Zealand was really never at the top on my list. I had heard tales of how beautiful it is, but the long plane flight kept me from exploring the idea any further...until this summer. My youngest son was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend the fall semester abroad in New Zealand where his 'classroom' would be in 'the bush'. Suddenly, I found myself escorting my … [Read more...]

OMW to the OPA Western Regional Exhibition in Jackson Hole

Rainbow's Bend ©2010 Lori McNee 24x18

Having just stepped off the plane yesterday from my vacation in New Zealand and Australia, I am jumping in my car and will be 'on my way' to the Oil Painters of America (OPA) Western Regional Exhibition on Saturday, October 9th. The reception for the juried artists will be held at Mountain Trails Gallery in one of my favorite places on earth, beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming!  This is extra fun for me because I am also proud to be represented by … [Read more...]

Sun Valley, Idaho: Small Town with a Big Art Attitude!

2008-2009_SVGA.indd

Although Sun Valley, Idaho originated as the first American ski resort over 70 years ago, a nationally recognized arts scene has emerged during the past 30 years. For such a small town, Sun Valley is culturally rich with a big art attitude that rivals many large cities! Year round, Sun Valley welcomes thousands of visitors and locals alike to view rotating exhibitions of painting, photography, glass, sculpture, video and installation … [Read more...]

My Day at “Idaho’s Wildest Rodeo”

tallest mountain in idaho, mount borah

  Where ever my travels take me, I always seem to find artistic inspiration. Today, I spent the day in the small town of Mackay, Idaho. Rustic Mackay is nestled below the tallest and most rugged mountains in Idaho. Standing at 12,668 tall, Mount Borah and its wild Lost Mountain Range would leave any landscape painter drooling. These majestic mountains were the backdrop for "Idaho's Wildest Rodeo." Many of my readers may never get … [Read more...]

Catch a Wave of Inspiration! The Big Wave Photography of Clark Little

inside-waves-clark-little

 Having just returned to the snow country from a quick break at the beach, I was daydreaming of warmer days while 'surfing' the web. I found these amazing big wave photographs that I had to share with you. Hawaiian shore-break surfing pioneer, Clark Little has quickly gained nationwide recognition for his big wave photography. It all started in 2007 when Clark 's wife wanted a nice piece of art to decorate a wall. Clark grabbed a camera, … [Read more...]

Maui’s Dynamic Art Scene

Wahine Looking Left- Suzy Papanikolas

Last night I took a stroll through many of Lahaina’s galleries. I was really impressed with the quality craftsmanship of the artists and the friendly gallery employees. Hawaii has become a diverse melting pot of many cultures which is reflected in Maui’s art scene. This trip, I chose to leave my little homemade pochade box at home and relax. But, I couldn’t stay away from art! Even when I am not painting, I am always adding to my … [Read more...]

Hawaiian Art – Not Just a Pretty Postcard

800px-'Kilauea_Volcano',_oil_on_canvas_painting_by_William_Pinkney_Toler,_c__1860s

Aloha! Right now, I am enjoying a two week Thanksgiving break in Hawaii with my family. This trip I chose not to bring my paints, but that has not stopped me from cultivating my own artistic knowledge. When I travel, whether on a family vacation or on a plein air painting excursion, I like to learn about the local art and culture of the area.  I hope you enjoy this brief art history lesson about the evolution of Hawaiian art from before and … [Read more...]

Painting for the Gilcrease Museum

moran_yellowstone-oil 1893

(Hummingbird & Teacup 8x10, by Lori McNee; 2009 American Art in Miniature entry) They say that ‘good things come in small packages’ and with art, there is no exception. In fact, sometimes a miniature painting can exude a gem-like quality that larger paintings often lack. The same can be said about miniature sculptures. For buyers and collectors, the attraction to these works by nationally recognized artists not only lies in the beauty of … [Read more...]

A Brush with Danger: Plein Air Painting in the Backcountry

High Country Cattle 30x40 72dpi

During the summer months here in Idaho, I spend a lot of time exploring and plein air painting in the mountains. Plein Air painting is the French term, which literally means, ‘painting in the open air’. Just like the Impressionists, artists venture out from the comfort of their studios and into the field in order to study the effects of light on a subject. But, painting pretty pictures in the backcountry isn’t as easy as it looks. It … [Read more...]


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