This past weekend it was beautiful here in Michigan and it is supposed to get up to 73 on Wednesday!
WOO HOO!!!
We took advantage of the weather and headed out Saturday late afternoon/evening for a little drive to visit the beaches so I could do some "homework" for my paintings.
It was still really windy (hubby is still doing well, no repercussions from the run-in with the downed tree) and it was a perfect time to take some photos of the waves out in the lake, how they roll up on shore, how the light hits them and just their overall movement.
It was interesting because in the town that I live, which is about 20 miles south from where the photos above were taken, the waves were not as big.
However, that did not stop the surfers from trying to catch a few waves.
Mind you the water temp is still in the 30's.
(the kids thought it was cool that they could jump over the fence)
Monday was rainy and humid and some severe weather came rolling through late afternoon.
We actually had to leave my daughters basketball game due to a tornado watch, school policy for the area. We haven't had a tornado in our town in a LONG time but better safe than sorry.
After the storms passed my daughter and I went out to the lake to do some more "homework".
I wanted sunset pictures and to see how the sun displays its colors on the clouds and water while setting.
Here is what we got.
I love these and may have to attempt a painting in the future.
It was interesting to see how the colors changed from different angles and depending how much I zoomed in and out as well as when the sun was sinking lower.
I am so blessed to live in such a beautiful area.
My goal for myself for painting, after I become more confident in my abilities, is to go up and down our coastline and paint the places that I love so much here in Michigan.
My friend Ral, an artist that I featured a while back, mentioned in one of our conversations that she could paint one stretch of beach there in Hawaii and never get the same picture.
She is so right!
The beach, water and sky are ever changing and seem more and more beautiful and inspiring every time I look.
Sorry this is such a long post, I got really excited and inspired.
So I thank you again for letting me share this with you.
xoxoxo
Michelle- What gorgeous pictures. I thought for a second there-how did you get SUNSET pictures over Lake Michigan...and then realized that we are on the OTHER side...we get the sun UP pictures here. I, too, love the lake and its ever changing quality. You will have fun painting some of your beloved places. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle - those images are fabulous and yes the lake, ocean and sky never remains the same and your paintings will always be new.
ReplyDeleteWishing you much success in painting.
My plans this early summer are to spend some time in Southampton Onratio and like your beautiful corner of Michigan also sees sunsets of the rarest.
My best
Helen xx
what lovely homework! the sunset is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow, Michelle, those are all so beautiful! The first one actually looks like a painting and the pics with the sunset are amazing. You've got some talent there lady!!
ReplyDeleteStunning photos, Michelle! I love how motivated you are to do your "homework"!! hugs, cathy
ReplyDeleteStunning, Michelle! And wonderful inspiration for your canvas!
ReplyDeleteS
xo
Your photos are amazing - what inspiration for your paintings! I can't wait to see what you create. I am still so blown away by your talent! Have a great day!
ReplyDelete-Shelley
The sunset photos are so beautiful.
ReplyDelete-Shelly
Quiet Luxury
You are blessed indeed to live so close to that. Gorgeous! I'm wanting to go to the beach during spring break even though I know it'll be too cold to get in the water. Those surfers are crazy!
ReplyDeleteThat lake is like an ocean-great photos. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! :) Especially the ones with the sunset and the fence!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, but the ones of the sunset behind the fence were my favorite!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty spot..happy painting...lots of inspiration there. We woke up to snow today....and lots of it! Crazy. xoxoxo Happy week to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous sunset photos, Michelle! I can't get over the view...it makes me think of the ocean.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all of your "beach" photos... I now want to skip spring and head right into summer! And 75 degrees? If you even get close you'll be in great shape...
ReplyDeleteI must say that the first photo is breathtaking... you should frame it... or sell it, to me of course! I love how it turned out... also sunset picture number one... with the sand and the half buried fence... love them both the best :)
~Chris
Michelle these are so beautiful, and I know you will use them to create something even more beautiful! You are very lucky to live in such a scenic area. And surfers are crazy...I know they are wearing dry suits, but I always wonder how they keep their faces from freezing?!
ReplyDeleteKat :)
Michelle your photos are so mesmerizing; you do live in a glorious area!! Those skies!!
ReplyDeletePlease do come over to visit, I have a New Giveaway I think you will love!
Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
so many gorgeous shots, i am so drawn to your wild light house shots, you will have so much fun doing your homework~
ReplyDeleteYes, painting the coastline is just your thing Michelle - happy painting, keep working!
ReplyDeletethe shots of the waves! i mean! they are alive. midwestern surfers is another moment i love that you captured!
ReplyDeletepaint on, pretty girl.
michele
Oh sweetie...not only do you get to paint these but you get to gaze on them every day...how utterly beautiful they are!
ReplyDeleteMichigan is gorgeous and what you've captured here makes me bow my knee in awe of our Creator. He is the Perfect Artist!
Oh those beaches are looking more and more inviting...can't wait for summer sand and summer breezes!
Love you my coastal-loving friend :)
All my heart...Deborah xoxoxoxooxox
Nice that your "homework" is at the beach!! Interesting how painting leads to closer observations too. Lovely shots.
ReplyDeleteyour first photo actually looks like a painting! beautiful shots :)
ReplyDeletex
Gorgeous area! I can't wait to see the new paintings! xo K
ReplyDeleteMaking the most of a beautiful day is priceless. You are right about living in a gorgeous area.
ReplyDeleteLove your wave and sun flair shots. Beautiful.
No good about the bad weather, but I guess that makes the good all that more precious.
Carolyn xx
Wonderful phtots. Beautiful images of the shimmering ocean.
ReplyDeleteGood evening beautiful friend!!! You are so fortunate to be so close to a lake that LOOKS and probably FEELS so much like the ocean. But even still, it is a LOVELY LAKE and what a SPIRIT IT HAS!!! So much inspiration for you to carry on with your painting. I cannot wait to see what more you will have for us! Don't forget; I want to see you open up an Etsy shop. I want to buy a small painting with aqua seas.....Anita
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS photos, lil sis!!! Ever consider a career in photography...??? You're great at it!!! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
You do live in a beautiful place, lucky you! Your photographs are beautiful too!
ReplyDeleteSuch beauty! The sunset shots are really stunning. You taught me something new today - I've lived in MI all my life and had no idea people surfed here. Gosh, that water must be cold right now!
ReplyDeletewoooh you got some great shots, what a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteThe photos you captured are really amazing, Michelle. The ones with the sunset MUST be painted! What a lovely post today....put a big smile on my face. We've had over 4 inches of rain this week so am needing some sun :O)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Those picutres are just completely incredible. I had to drag myself away from them to write this comment!
ReplyDeleteMind you, I am barely speaking to you in a fit of jealousy about your high temperatures for next week!!!
Sarahx
wow...great pics! lot's of painting inspiration there for sure!! it was in the 70's in IL today...so nice! do you think it will last for us...i'll just die if it snows...
ReplyDeleteyou are so lucky to live near the water!! these images are filled with inspiration and i can feel your enthusiasm...now go forth and paint...and have fun.
ReplyDeleteerin
xxoo
The weather has truly been whacky, hasn't it? Glad you took the oppportunity to get out and soak it up! Awesome pictures that should, indeed, be inspiration for painting!
ReplyDeleteSimply gorgeous! Loved every image :)
ReplyDeleteStacy
Loved sharing
ReplyDeleteyour homework,
Michelle! The
barbed wire in
one of the fence
pics almost looks
like fairy lights,
the way the light
is shining : ) I
know I would find
endless inspiration
with scenery like
that, too. Gorgeous!
Happy Friday, sweet
friend,
xx Suzanne
what absolutely gorgeous photos! thanks so much for sharing...:) chris
ReplyDeletewhat absolutely gorgeous photos! thanks so much for sharing...:) chris
ReplyDeleteOh Michelle, your photos are absolutely gorgeous. I love Lake Michigan. You have captured it's beauty in the fury of the wind and waves, and also in the peacefulness of the sunset.
ReplyDeleteYou are so blessed to live so close to such a wonderful place.
Thank you for sharing with us.
xxoo
Your part of the state is especially beautiful, I think. But I appreciate the reminder about not getting complacent about what's in front of us because it really is an ever changing picture, and there's lots of beauty where I live, too, when I remember to look at it!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, those photos are so beautiful, and those sunsets are amazing! I can see why you are inspired! :)
ReplyDeleteI so much enjoy looking at the pictures you share of where you live, it is so lovely there! My grandma grew up in Michigan, and my mom was born in there, but doesn't remember much of it. I would love to visit Michigan for myself someday! :)
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, my friend!
Blessings,
Jenni
Your pictures are awesome! I especially love the sunset pictures.
ReplyDeleteThe painting you did of the sea grass is great too. I know you are critical of your own work (I am too), but most people couldn't begin to do so well. I think it's beautiful.
{{hugs}}
Deborah