Warning: Get your comfy pants on, a cozy sweater and cup of tea or coffee because this is going to be a lengthy recap.
We’ve spent the last two weeks in my beautiful home state of Michigan, both visiting family and attending Paint Grand Traverse. This marks my sixth year attending this wonderful event, and this is the first year that I’ve truly felt comfortable.
The Grand Traverse area is one of the most stunning places in the country. The terrain varies from epic sand dunes, vibrant city life, turquoise lake views, rolling vineyards, to vast green forests - all bursting with wildlife.
Typically, my mom is my right hand person, but this time I was assisted by my lovely golden retriever husband (we joke that he’s a golden retriever and I’m a black cat). He is a social butterfly which really helped since I’m naturally very shy. He also had only seen Traverse City at night in a snowstorm, so I wanted him to see it in it’s peak beauty. Special thanks to him for many of the photos in this post!
Day 1 - Saturday
The first day was in Hannah Park, which is a beautiful little place next door to the gallery. I’ve done some of my best pieces there, so it wasn’t a surprise that I found my subject almost immediately, despite it being quite overcast and gloomy.
What drew me to this scene was of course that brilliant blue bike and eye-catching chrome detailing, but also the little white daisies on the ground, and a peek through the bushes to the river behind. Little black squirrels scampered all around and provided ample entertainment. I didn’t know how long the bike would be there, so I painted furiously. Luckily the owner was out fishing and gave me a good hour before taking it away.
After this painting was finished, I took a break to hang out with some family members that came by to visit. My priority this trip was relationships, so my neurotic work obsessed brain was put on mute.
However, at the end of the night I managed to squeeze in one little 6”x8” piece of the State Theatre, an iconic building downtown Traverse City. Meanwhile, Jon roamed the nightlife.
8”x6” oil on panel
Day 2 - Sunday
Each day we are scheduled to be painting in certain areas in the county. Day 2 was set in Leelanau County, an area of land northwest of Traverse City. We had a late start to the day though, because I really wanted to paint this window downtown. That angel statue is so devastatingly beautiful. The homeowner came out to talk, and told me it was for her son that had passed away. She then went on to tell me the history of the house and the area, which was just fascinating!
16”x12” gouache on paper
One spot that I wanted to make sure to show Jon was the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. While the entry fee is a little steep, it is SO worth it! You can enjoy a peaceful slow drive with several spots to get out and see the scenery. I decided to paint this covered bridge, because that dappled light was just too good to not.
This piece is sold :) 12”x16” gouache on paper
After a little more driving and we ended up at the infamous sand dune climb. There is a sign at the top warning visitors that a rescue is $3000 if they can’t climb back up. Many take this as a personal challenge but we decided to play it safe. It is dizzying just looking down!
For the last painting of the day, I decided to try something extra challenging and paint the light breaking through the clouds onto the water. It was frustrating and the whole time I just wanted to throw it off the cliff, but I persevered. Was it a success? Maybe not, but I don’t want to limit myself to what I know I can do.
12”x9” Gouache on paper
Day 3 - Monday
Day 3 the artists flocked to the Old Mission Peninsula. This skinny peninsula is basically just one road down the middle with water views on both sides, and has numerous wineries and quaint businesses.
A favorite that I always go back to is the Old Mission Flowers that’s right about in the middle. It’s a pick-your-own-flowers place with the most beautiful blooms you’ll ever see. Each year there’s something new to see, and this year Irises and peonies were the stars of the show.
9”x12” oil on panel
This spot had the perfect view of the water behind, and I loved how the orange irises complemented the blues of the lake.
We reluctantly left to visit the Mission Point Lighthouse, another frequent place I like, but can be a gamble with the bug situation. Last time my mom and I couldn’t even get out of the car because so many flies were flying around and biting.
This time it was the mosquitos wreaking havoc. I almost threw in the towel, but we ended up finding a nice spot with a breeze. That, in combination with super strong bug spray, kept them at bay. The water was unbelievably low, which made for some unpleasant smells but interesting sites. It looked like we were on another planet.
I was taken by these birch trees. Well, I’m always a sucker for birch trees, but the way the light was just hitting the tops of the trunk was so intriguing!
16”x20” gouache on paper
It was SO hot out, and we quickly realized that the car we were borrowing had broken air conditioning. As two people that have panic attacks and anxiety this isn’t the best, but we managed to calmly get back home to take a breather before going back for a sunset painting.
Sunset at the Bonobo Winery. 6”x8” oil on panel
The sun was actually setting as we drove home, and we stopped at a park to watch it and skip stones (very poorly). Did I want to paint it? Yes, but sometimes a sunset should just be enjoyed.
Day 4 - Tuesday
Tuesday was another day at Leelanau, but the area is so big that we ventured to the other side of the peninsula. Before that though, I did a morning painting at Clinch Park while Jon found some scenic running trails.
Can you see the fatigue and heat hitting me already? The day had barely started!
12”x9” gouache on panel
My furry little friend came by to visit!
If you haven’t been to Suttons Bay, you’re missing out. This is one of the cutest little towns, and is full of quaint shops and great restaurants. Jon said it was his favorite place we went to.
It took me a while to find a painting spot, but as soon as I saw these little boats side by side I knew they had to be painted. Don’t they seem like such good lifelong friends? I could relate to the little one that struggled and works twice as hard to keep up with the big one.
12”x16” gouache on panel
The heat was draining, so of course the only solution was to go shopping. Jon thought it was funny how my legs would suddenly get a burst of energy and endurance when shopping was involved. I was especially motivated by the thought of getting broasted chicken down the street. Apparently broasted chicken is a midwestern thing, invented in Wisconsin. It’s a combo of pressure cooking and deep frying but makes for such a crispy and moist meal! This place, named Roman Wheel Pizza, was SO GOOD, we really enjoyed all the food even though we had to practically roll out the door to the car.
We went searching for a third painting spot, but nothing was feeling right. It was partly because we were both just so hot and exhausted, but on the way home we made a little stop at Boardman Lake back in Traverse City. These little sailboats zooming chaotically and comically in the lake were so cute, I wanted to attempt to paint them.
6”x12” oil on panel
I started the painting at 8:02, and like clockwork, as soon as the first brush stroke was laid down, the boats all lined up and headed to shore. I tried my best to go from memory, luckily there wasn’t much to remember since they were all backlit. It was a nice way to end the long day though. Did I mention the sun didn’t set until 9:30?
Day 5 - Wednesday
Day 5 was in Elk Rapids and was also the same day as the Small Wonders event. It was kind of a shame because Elk Rapids is probably one of my favorite destinations (I realize I’ve been saying that about everything), but we didn’t get a ton of time to explore there.
The beaches there are GREAT for rock hunting! Rock hounding is a popular sport in Michigan, and the coasts of the Traverse area have lots of Petoskey stones and other gems. The wet weather made finding them even easier. Jon found one immediately and was hooked!
12”x6” oil on panel
Our next destination was the Small Works show which was held at the Flintfields Horse Park. Let me tell you, this horse girl was ECSTATIC. Imagine an entire village of elite horses, complete with countless barns, numerous arenas, private shops and food stands. We got the opportunity to paint there (to the confusion of many of the riders) and it was a blast.
12”x16” gouache on paper
It’s not an award winning painting, but I loved painting it. The horses were moved in and out like a well oiled machine, and we all just had to go with the flow and embrace the chaos.
Day 6 - Thursday
The final day of painting was set in downtown Traverse City. The Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park was one of my scheduled painting sites, which was and always is a joy. Pro tip: Check out their gift shop! It has lots of artsy gifts from local artists.
The peonies were show stopping, and were all weighed down with the recent rains. I decided to choose this inconvenient and slightly treacherous spot on a steep hill to paint them. Onlookers had to use extra caution, and I almost went rolling downhill numerous times. My “fanclub” came out (friends and family), and we all enjoyed a feast after.
This piece sold! 9”x12” oil on panel
The last painting was downtown at a busy intersection. Every time we drive through it I always talk about painting there, so that day was the day. It was very hot at that point, and the fan club was melting. Cars and trucks going by were so bone rattling loud, but…it was worth it?
16”x20” gouache on paper
The rest of the day and into the next early morning was spent framing and choosing which pieces to show on the wall. I could only pick five, which felt physically painful since I had completed fifteen.
Day 7 - Friday
Friday was the big day. We turned in all our work before 10am, and then could sit back and rest easy until the show. We went to lunch with family, and snuck in a quick nap.
The show was great! The room was buzzing with activity and excitement.
You could feel the love and support! Special thanks to my friend Katie for coming out (she was our host!).
There were no sales or awards won on my behalf, but that’s okay. I’m well aware at how subjective the awards are, and know by now that the important part is what the work means to me. The room was FILLED with gorgeous work from everyone, and the experiences were all worth it ten fold. It was a joy meeting new friends and seeing old ones.
Day 8 - Saturday
The last day was Saturday, and it felt like such an unusually long week. The gallery was now open to the public and many of the artists came for the day to stand by their work and chat.
One of the highlights of my trip was meeting Justin Donaldson, a fellow gouache painter (quite famous on Youtube!), who is a rare human that I felt instantly comfortable around. He was so nice, and has been exploring the US with his family in a camper.
I was able to bring out the rest of my paintings, and I admit, it was probably a bit much. Sorry, Thomas, for taking over some of your space at the tail end of the day!
I did make my first sale though! This lovely woman had worked with the gallery in previous years and it was a true honor that she chose my peony piece to take home. THANK YOU!!
So that’s a wrap! We had a long, HOT, panic-ridden drive home in our AC-less car, followed by more meet ups with family before the long voyage back home. I’ll be back in the midwest in three short weeks for the Door County Plein Air Festival, so brace yourselves for another long recap!
Absolutely dying in the heat, and also inconveniently in the sun most of the way back.
Oh and before I forget, this happened! Never thought I’d be on a billboard!
