Happy Holidays 2014
Giving Back 2014
I love being able to give back with fun and meaningful donations to non-profits in our community:
BrewNost at Czech Museum, Student Art Kit for auction
Peace Iowa, Student Art Kit for silent auction at annual meeting
Solon Dollars for Scholars, Student Art Kit for auction
Lord's Acre Sale (Shueyville Church), Student Art Kit for Silent Auction
BrewNost at Czech Museum, Student Art Kit for auction
Peace Iowa, Student Art Kit for silent auction at annual meeting
Solon Dollars for Scholars, Student Art Kit for auction
Lord's Acre Sale (Shueyville Church), Student Art Kit for Silent Auction

Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, Live Demo of plein air painting and raffle of finished painting at Art & Flower Show, their annual fundraiser. Left: Painting in progress at Geyer's Farm during the Art & Flower Show. Visitors can get a container and collect all the beautiful flowers that catch their eye. I roughed in the cockscomb (red & yellow flowers in center) early on, as they were eye-catching and completely gone by afternoon.
Central Iowa! Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge
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Left: One wall of the exhibit, Center & Right: Snapshots from around the visitor center.
A large portion of my work is on display at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City, Iowa. The exhibit runs through late October 2014 and is in the J.N "Ding" Darling Gallery in the Prairie Learning Center. The Preserve consists of a gently curving four-mile drive lined with restored prairie. When you reach the Learning Center, enjoy walking paths and sweeping views of restored prairie and Iowa's beautiful rolling hills. Stop inside to see the gallery, educational exhibits, and a gift shop.
You can also drive through an enclosure where elk, bison, and other Iowa wildlife reside. With good timing, you may catch of a glimpse of one of these creatures. The refuge is about 45 minutes southeast of Des Moines, at the Newton or Colfax exits off I-80. (Read visitor reviews here.)
A large portion of my work is on display at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City, Iowa. The exhibit runs through late October 2014 and is in the J.N "Ding" Darling Gallery in the Prairie Learning Center. The Preserve consists of a gently curving four-mile drive lined with restored prairie. When you reach the Learning Center, enjoy walking paths and sweeping views of restored prairie and Iowa's beautiful rolling hills. Stop inside to see the gallery, educational exhibits, and a gift shop.
You can also drive through an enclosure where elk, bison, and other Iowa wildlife reside. With good timing, you may catch of a glimpse of one of these creatures. The refuge is about 45 minutes southeast of Des Moines, at the Newton or Colfax exits off I-80. (Read visitor reviews here.)
Bordeaux & Brushes!
It was a wonderful time in September at Bordeaux & Brushes at the Secret Cellar!
See It Now! "The Seasons of Cedar Ridge"
The Seasons of Cedar Ridge is a set of 5 original paintings commissioned by Cedar Ridge Vineyards and Distillery near Swisher, Iowa. A 30' panorama of canvases show the vineyard at different times of the year, and different times of day. I spent 7 months working on the project and it was a great adventure in art! It is the first time I have worked at this scale. Cedar Ridge's vision was to show the vineyards in all seasons, and mission accomplished! The far left panel is a winter scene at daylight. Then comes spring, summer, and a panel just for the harvest in early fall. The far right panel depicts later fall and the sunset reflecting in a pond.
You are invited: Art unveiling at Cedar Ridge Vineyards
Update: Had a great evening at Cedar Ridge unveiling their new mural. It was a fun experience and I enjoyed seeing everyone who came out for the event. My appreciation to Cedar Ridge Vineyards for this wonderful opportunity!
Thursday, July 3, Unveiling at 6:00 pm
What? Unveiling of original artwork commissioned by Cedar Ridge Vineyards, and painted by Lianne Westcot
Where? The Event Center at Cedar Ridge
This original acrylic landscape panorama consists of five 4'x6' deep-panel canvases and will feature the seasons of an Iowa vineyard. The artwork will be unveiled at 6:00 pm. The artist (moi) has been working on the project for approximately 7 months, and will be glad to answer questions. There will also be sketches and progress photos to show some of the process.
Please come out early if possible: 5:00, 5:30 or sooner, to find a comfortable seat, visit, and sample wine or liquor, or to eat. Cedar Ridge gets quite busy in the evening and I don't want anyone who comes for the unveiling to miss out. There will be grilled brat & hamburger specials along with the regular menu.
[Images in this post: TOP: initial sketches on the work table, BOTTOM: 1) Detail from a fall scene, 2) Detail from a winter scene, 3) Detail from full size sketch, & 4) Rough painted sketch of a barrel.]
Thursday, July 3, Unveiling at 6:00 pm
What? Unveiling of original artwork commissioned by Cedar Ridge Vineyards, and painted by Lianne Westcot
Where? The Event Center at Cedar Ridge
This original acrylic landscape panorama consists of five 4'x6' deep-panel canvases and will feature the seasons of an Iowa vineyard. The artwork will be unveiled at 6:00 pm. The artist (moi) has been working on the project for approximately 7 months, and will be glad to answer questions. There will also be sketches and progress photos to show some of the process.
Please come out early if possible: 5:00, 5:30 or sooner, to find a comfortable seat, visit, and sample wine or liquor, or to eat. Cedar Ridge gets quite busy in the evening and I don't want anyone who comes for the unveiling to miss out. There will be grilled brat & hamburger specials along with the regular menu.
[Images in this post: TOP: initial sketches on the work table, BOTTOM: 1) Detail from a fall scene, 2) Detail from a winter scene, 3) Detail from full size sketch, & 4) Rough painted sketch of a barrel.]