Back to Madeline Island

In July, I had a fabulous time exploring Minneapolis and a bit of the state of Minnesota with my dear friend Aleta before heading into Wisconsin and staying for a few nights on the bank of Lake Superior. This is so massive - a fresh water ocean - and just beautiful day or night.

Highlights included seeing some gorgeous bald eagles and the amazing caves as we kayaked along the rocky cliffs of the lake. Another was the island cruise, going around many of the 22 Apostle islands.

Study of 4 of the lighthouses we saw.

I finally headed to Madeline Island - the largest of the 22 islands, accessed by a ferry - in time for the Fourth of July parade and fireworks. It was then time to prepare for a 5 day workshop with Eduardo Bajzek, Oliver Hoeller and Nina Johansson. We explored the island, sketched together and finalised our plans for the week.

It was run by the Madeline Island School of the Arts, which is a stunning purpose-built school with very comfortable and attractive student accommodation on site. 

The meals are amazing - colourful and fresh and exceptional quality. The salads alone would be worth painting for those who love sketching food!

Our fabulous students had a wonderful time, spending a day with each of us and the final day working all together. We also had fun events for some of the evenings.

We're going to return next July, 21st - 25th, with new workshops to make the most of the school and the island locations. Last time, I focused on working with primary triads to depict some lovely botanical subjects. This time I'll be exploring another passion - line and ink - based in the school and in the fabulous Madeline Island Museum. 

Eduardo concentrated on atmospheric trees in graphite this year. Next year he'll work with perspective and creating studies of buildings and extending to toned paper with white chalk for greater contrast.

Oliver worked on creating a story of a place in the museum with great layouts in pen and watercolour this year and next year he'll be based on the campus and add acrylic pens and coloured pencils to the lineup.

Nina took everyone on a trip to Bayfield this year, to capture the spirit of the town. Next year she'll be working on campus looking at some fabulous old cars from unusual angles!  

Here's the full information. We've limited the numbers so please apply early.

Urban Sketching and Beyond – Solid Foundations, Exciting Applications

Some of my sketches from Madeline Island.

Quick sketches from to boat, trying to capture the caves in the rocks. Twilight cruise.

Cropped sketch of a tree, sitting in a car with Eduardo to avoid the sprinkling of rain, 

with a Kakimori nib and Jane's Grey watercolour. See Eduardo's sketch here

Studies in the museum.

An old General Motors car Nina and I sketched together.

The Madeline Island Museum

Tom's Burnt Down Cafe - the hot spot of Madeline Island and a must visit! 

Have a look at all our sketches on Eduardo's post here.

Hope to see you there 🙂