I've finished up work on "Morning Light," which you can see in the top right image. I offered a sneak peek at the work in progress (April 5th journal entry, "Bold And Bright") and now you can see the work as a whole. As I mentioned earlier, I had a blast with this one, working with bright colors and bold movement. It's a piece in motion, and the more you look, the more you see. The bottom right image shows more of a piece in progress (April 7th and March 23rd journal entries). It's getting there, but there's a lot more to do. I'm having fun with this one!

Progress continues on this work, which I described in my March 23rd journal entry ("From Sketch To Painting"). I'm now laying down composition using markers on panel, layering transparent acrylic color with varnish over the markers until I achieve the final color I want. More on this work to come.

I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Missouri over Easter, where I took these photographs along the Lime Kiln Road. There are numerous creeks in this area and each have certain characteristics that appeal to my artistic sensibilities. For me, photography is an extension of painting, and I'll compose a scene for the camera the same way I do for canvas. Of course, nature is the master composer, which makes my job of "painting" with digital bits and bytes that much easier. These images were taken about an hour and a half before sunset, so there were a lot of crisscrossing of shadows, reflections and color -- all manner of neat stuff. In the top photo, this particular formation of limestone was interesting, and having a light overall color really separated it from the darker colors and shadows in the background. The bottom photo captures a sense of forever for me -- endless are the thoughts I have as I stand looking downstream. The river appears to flow beyond the horizon. I feel if I head toward the distance, I'll still be chasing what lies beyond the edges. Texture, form, perspective, twisted shapes -- it's a composition with no end.

I often take photos of scenes I might later use as inspiration in my paintings or other creative works. This particular scene jumped out at me in terms of all the textures and natural interactions between moss, stone and wood. It's not uncommon along streams to see areas of native moss growing given the amount of moisture and humidity. The tree trunks are often covered with this vegetation as well as objects that might be entangled within proximity of the stream. I remember times that I would go to these places with my parents and scrape the moss away from the surface, making sure to keep the dirt attached for replanting in my mother's flower garden. There is so much texture in the moss (softness) and rock formations (sharp and distinctive), all outlined by light and dark values. This is how nature paints a scene.

The two previews you see to the right are from a piece I'm working on called, "Morning Light." I'm having a blast with this one -- lots of bright colors and movement. I'm using Chartpak Markers on a lightly textured hardboard panel.

This piece on the right is being painted on an 18 X 48 inch tempered surface Masonite board and primed with several layers of eggshell blue. I like having the surface painted with an off white color, especially when working under bright lights or in direct sunlight. A nice, soft grey is often used as well. At the top you can see where I initially sketched a guiding framework for the scene and then added some solid, defining lines. At the bottom, you can see where I've begun filling in the scene. The original painting will be enlarged to a size of 8 X 23 feet and used as a backdrop. I'll share more about this piece as I continue with the project.

This is also a stretched canvas painting (close-ups on the right). As illustrated during the preliminary stages, I splattered the surface with several colors of paint to represent movement and texture. The subject matter should lend itself well to this technique.

This piece (close-ups on the right) is painted on a hard board with an egg shell texture. I really like this surface for applying transparent color -- it has enough texture that the color lays nicely in place can be worked with a soft watercolor brush. It also allows you the opportunity to detail areas as the painting progresses once the surface is dry. There are about five to six layers of paint represented in this piece.

I'm in the middle of a "creative burst" of activity, and I'm really enjoying working with different mediums and techniques. On this piece (featured at the right), I opted to choose oil pastels as my medium on illustration board. It's been quite some time since I worked with the oil pastels, but for what I wanted to accomplish, I felt that this medium would work the best. It gives me the opportunity to put down color quickly and also emphasize texture on a rather smooth surface.

On this painting (the close-ups on the right), I'm again using Ceramcoat on stretched canvas. I like the texture on this surface and by adding a varnish to the paint, it gives me the opportunity to work it more, like the technique I would use with oil paint.

I'm working on a piece using Ceramcoat acrylic paint on Strathmore illustration board and accenting areas with a ballpoint pen. The paint and pen complement each other and help accomplish a feeling of movement and direction. Some close-up examples are on the right. I'm having fun with this because, from an artistic point of view, half the fun is in the media you work with and the techniques you use to produce a finished piece.

How peaceful the feeling was as I took time to absorb this landscape bordered by distant buttes in western North Dakota. The tranquility felt as I watched the livestock grazing. The distant bales had been carefully harvested and placed, waiting to be moved to a convenient location for winter feeding. For me, this photo captures a time, a vision, a memory to enrichen an appreciation for what we have.

I call the first image, "Corner Post." Looking at this photo, I think about all the work and time ranchers and farmers have put into the building of fences: The twisted wire, the posts that were probably cut by hand, a chain hooked to a rusting metal rod used to secure the barbed wire fence. The second photo is an aerial view of the square buttes located north of Mandan. You really have to see these formations from the air to appreciate their unique shapes. I fly past these buttes often and in all seasons. And each time, I am struck by the beauty and wonder of these natural formations.

This photo of horses grazing was taken during a fall morning sunrise at the Handboy Creek Ranch, owned and operated by Jay and Brenda Jones. The early morning sun brings a nice, warm glow to the scene. Look close and you'll see how the gentle curve along the back of the horse in front mimics the curve of the general landscape in the background. The ranch is located a few miles southwest of Trail City, SD. I was there instructing a two-day watercolor painting class. It's a beautiful location to spend a weekend of relaxation, hunting or trail riding. And it's a place that offers the best home cooked meals in the country. You can learn more about the ranch at www.handboycreek.com.

This is a close-up of a group of deer -- or, to be more accurate, a 'herd' of deer (although some insist the term is 'mob' of deer). I caught this moment near my son's place in southeast Montana. The deer were crossing in front of me and I took the picture while sitting in my car waiting for them to get to the other side of the road. They apparently took note of me (as evidenced by the focus of their ears and eyes in my direction), but they didn't seem too concerned. It all made for a nice extreme horizontal photo. With the frame, the piece is about 30 inches wide.

Two additional "quick pieces" I recently created. The top one is "October's Gift," and the bottom piece is "Crusted Cover." The first project, "October's Gift," was actually done using oil pastels -- something I haven't used for years. It was refreshing to work in that medium again. I often find that switching mediums gives me the opportunity to explore the creative process in new ways and from different perspectives. By this I mean you can look at one scene and creatively interprete that scene in different ways using different mediums, producing distinctly different results. Switching mediums is the artistic version of exercising different muscles of your body. The "feel" that went into producing "October's Gift" was rather spontaneous as I walked into areas of natural textures and looked across the massive acres of flat lands that were draped with warm colors. How lucky I am to experience those moments. That's one of the secret joys of being an artist: It's as much about the personal experience as it is the final painting. These and other pieces are in the "Fine Art" section of my online gallery.

Here are two new pieces, literally created in "moments of inspiration." What do I mean by that? Well, these are smaller (about 8 X 10 in size) than my typical works. In these instances, I usually work rather quickly, finishing the pieces in one sitting. So what I capture in the lines, strokes, shades and shapes is what I'm seeing and feeling in that brief period of time. More expression than reflection, in that sense. The first one is titled, "Tongue Creek Flats," and the second piece is called "West Side Of Burgess Junction." Both were created in the Big Horn Mountains area of Wyoming. These and other pieces are in the "Fine Art" section of my online gallery.

I was in Ste. Genevieve for the winter holidays and, the day after Christmas, the area received a fresh, crisp cover of wet snow. It may have been a day late for a white Christmas, but it wasn't too late to keep the holiday spirit elevated for many of the locals. When I left North Dakota, there was hardly any snow on the ground, so I figured I had escaped shoveling duties back home. But it all caught up with me in Missouri. I had a chance to also get out and take some photos in the Ste. Genevieve area over the holidays. I often use photos as inspiration for projects I may paint at a later date. And there are times when I try to "paint" with the camera, hoping to capture through the lense what I see with an artistic eye. To the right are a few of the photos I took. The top one features trees in "winter bloom;" that is, they're decked out in snow and frost instead of leaves, giving them a full appearance. The second photo I call "Wet And Heavy," with clumps of wet snow gently bending the ground foliage and melting into the tiny trickle of a stream. I have several more photos that I've posted in my "Scenic Photographs" section of my online gallery.

Winter is, essentially, a "black and white" season -- white, snow covered expanses mixed with dark, cold shadows. But, every now and then, some color makes its way through the snow and, against nature's black and white backdrop, the colors are accentuated. I had a chance to venture out in the Ste. Genevieve area to take some photos after a recent wet snowfall. The top photo is called, "Partially Exposed," showing the red brick peeking out from under the snow. And the snow traces the open spaces between the bricks, creating an interesting visual pattern. The second photo is "Covered Bales Along The Way," capturing a frosty white blanket, draped across light yellow bales in a field. I've posted these and other photos in my "Scenic Photographs" section of my online gallery.

There's something appealing about the interplay between the brown, bare woods and the crisp, fresh snow. I call the top photo, "Rhythm And Motion," because the way the snow has randomly clumped in varying sizes and shapes along the center portion of the trees has created the illusion of motion. It's as if the snow is blowing from the right to the left in a horizontal line. The texture of the snow on the ground adds to the "feel" of the image. The second image is called, "Overnight Arrival." This wet snow that fell the day after Christmas in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area creates the appearance of a "foamy" white whipped topping at the bottom, blended within the brown wood and light blue shadows in the left corner. I've posted these and other photos in my "Scenic Photographs" section of my online gallery.

Few things speak more to solitude and peace than snow covered banks of a small creek. Hence my title for the top photo, "Snow Along The Creek Banks." Winter is often a time of reflection, and I thought the second photo captured the "contemplative past" -- an aging, abandoned building nestled behind bare trees and blanketed by snow. Finally, my third photo, "Covered Memories," took advantage of the golden late afternoon sun to highlight a snow-covered outdoor rocking bench. It sits there waiting -- waiting for spring and at least two people to share some warmer moments yet to come. I've posted these and other photos in my "Scenic Photographs" section of my online gallery.

On November 10th, I was in the Black Hills near Hill City, SD, and had a chance to capture the beauty of the snow that fell in the region. The images to the right are as close to painting with the camera as you can get. I can easily see the painting style and colors I would use to create these scenes on canvas. I call the first photo, "Low Mileage" and the second image, "Closed Until Spring."

A few more images from my rural explorations. First, I found the texture on the top photo very interesting -- the grass looks almost like fox fur. In the second photo, the contrast of the logs embedded in the ice and snow was kind of interesting.

Located in Aberdeen, SD, this is a very inviting place with great selections of soups and sandwiches, homemade chocolates and other delightful "sweet treats." Daily specials are offered in a very relaxing atmosphere. The colors and decor capture the feeling of being in a place closer to the oceanside than in mid-America.

I recently made a trip to Aberdeen and, on my way back, I ventured onto the back roads of rural America. And when I say "rural America," I mean some great small towns like Artas, Hosmer and Hillsview, just to name a few. My journey took me to Strasburg, ND, west to Lake Oaha and returning north on Highway 1804. It was a beautiful afternoon and I was excited to be able to experience the natural beauty and composition of so many elements: Thousands of Geese along Lake Oaha gathering for the night, the textures of the landscape and the richness of color, hues and definitions of shadows and shapes wherever I looked. Nature is the perfect artist, painting elements of strength, form and vision on a surface of creativity. This photo was taken near Lake Oaha.

The last in this series of examples of my work and current projects. The first piece is titled, "Pencil Study." The second item is a painting in progress for an upcoming exhibit. It is titled, "Vision Beyond The Horizon."

A few more examples of my recent work. The first is titled, "Winter Cover Along Rapid Creek." The second is, "Wet And Heavy Cover For The Hills."

Here are a few examples of my recent work. The first is titled, "Captured Within A Feeling Of Solitude." The second is titled, "The Wind Whispered As The Flakes Danced." These paintings will go to the Prairie Edge Gallery this week.

I've added a few more cartoons to my gallery collection. Go to "The Baseler Gallery" link, select "Cartooning," and you'll see the three new illustrations.

More sketches for current and future projects. First, a Native American village, another concept drawing that is related to the previous piece in my last journal entry. This one is a bit more simple in terms of composition compare to the first drawing. Next, an aircraft sketch that may serve as the basis for a recognition plaque. Finally, a cottonwood tree, drawn on location near the Cross Ranch area. This is one of the "napkin doodles" I drew that are featured in Clay Jenkinson's new book (see the Oct. 14 journal entry for details).

Here are a few rough sketches done while I was traveling through the badlands area. I'll use these sketches as references for future paintings. The geese and Native American scenes are studies that I might use later on an upcoming project. While I often use photos as reference images for later works, there are times when there's no substitute for simply sketching out what I'm seeing.

Sunday morning, Oct. 14, was a "picture perfect" morning for some aerial photography in the Bismarck-Mandan area. Some areas of the Missouri River were canopied with a low level of fog that contrasted with the dry brown and tan areas of limited vegetation. The top photo is Harmon Lake -- note the cloud reflections on the water. Vegetation is short and dry and the walking/bike trails are clearly visible in the foreground. To the right you can just make out a few fields with this year's harvest of hay bales. The bottom photo is a train with about 100 cars winding its way through the Hart River valley, heading east toward Mandan. I love this area with its scenic, rolling hills, winding roads and railroad tracks. I like flying this route every now and then, taking note of the abandoned buildings, old bridges and coulees that shoulder the winding railway to the west. Photos are great, but nothing can replace the experience of actually being there, of experiencing the global view from the air and taking in more than you can see from ground level.

Scholar and author Clay Jenkinson has as new book out titled, "For the Love of North Dakota and Other Essays." I had the priviledge of providing about a dozen illustrations for the 364-page book that is a compendium of columns and essays by Jenkinson that have appeared in the Bismarck Tribune. I call the images "napkin doodles" -- sparse in detail, but strong in visual presentation. The result is that the viewer mentally fills in the images with his or her own details, making the art more personal. Clay will be signing copies of his book Oct. 24 in the BSC Student Union in the Missouri Room. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. I had fun tackling this creative endeavor -- I plan to post some of the "doodles" here in the near future.

My recent trip to Missouri was great and the timing couldn't have been better to hit the peak of the fall color season. From Missouri, we drove over to Illinois, crossing the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau. The rolling hills ablaze with color can only be described as spiritually fufilling. The Alto Pass and Jonesboro areas are home to numerous wineries nestled in the lush landscape. Afternoons and evenings of winetasting are enjoyed by many locals and tourists and most of the wineries feature some type of weekend entertainment.

Located just north of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, this is a neat "hole in the wall" type of restaurant -- but the delicious aroma of mouthwatering food that seeps out of the place lures any passerby into the establishment for a great dining experience. This place is proof you can't judge a restaurant by the way it looks on the outside. It's the food -- and the food here is great. You can learn more about The Pilot House at this website or at at this location on FourSquare.

Located not too far from The Root Beer Saloon is the well known Bald Knob Cross. Standing 111 feet tall at an elevation of 1,034 feet above sea level, the white cross makes for an imposing sight again a clear blue sky. It overlooks the Shawnee National Forest and the community of Alto Pass is easily visible from that location. The pass was a shortcut from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River eliminating the need to cross the higher hills. This is a great place to be in the fall: Rolling hills surrounding by a valley blanketed with lavish colors. Simply breathtaking.

The Root Beer Saloon at Alto Pass, Illinois is a really neat place that features root beer drinks, shakes accented with whip cream, a cherry and a vanilla wafer the way I remember it all as a kid. The saloon's Interior is plastered with mounted water fowl, animals and such. This place is much more than just food -- the owner also handcrafts beautiful guitars that look as great as they sound. You owe it to yourself to check out the saloon's website for more photos and information. I took the exterior photo and the interiors are from The Root Beer Saloon's site. It's a really a unique place that I just happened to stubble upon while touring the area.

The colors of fall are emerging and lending themselves to some great photos. I often take photos of scenes that I might later use as inspiration for my paintings. These particular images caught my attention: First, a blazing yellow-orange grouping of brush at McDowell Dam. The moving water seems to turn the reflection into a watercolor painted reflection. Next, a neat gathering of fallen leaves on a picnic table at General Sibley Park in Bismarck. The random arrangement of the leaves on the table made for a nicely composed photo. I've posted both photos in the "Scenic Photographs" category of my "Gallery" section at the website.

More seasonal photos, this time down in the Ste. Genevieve, Missouri area. The first image shows a little creek I found in the area. Fall colors haven't hit this particular spot yet, but it still makes for a nice, relaxing scene. The second photo captures a little of the season's expression of color in the burnt red, yellow and green, with a portion of a fallen tree adding some texture. I've also posted these images in the "Scenic Photographs" category in my "Gallery" section of the website.

I've added nearly 20 pieces to my "Gallery" section in the "Fine Art" and "Aviation Art" categories. Yes, I've been busy!

I've added several new photos to my "Gallery" section in several categories (Scenic Photographs, Aerial Photographs, Fly Side of Life). I often take photos of scenes and activities to serve as reference points for many of my paintings. And there are times I takes photos simply to capture an interesting scene -- painting with a camera, if you will.

This one is a little departure from my traditional style of painting. It's an abstract art piece called "Morning Rhapsody." Thanks to the oil boom, North Dakota is growing rapidy in population, traffic and infrastructure. I wanted to capture some of that growth in the Bismarck area, which is coming at the expense of the open prairie. Thus, we see lines of force, lines of movement, all things modern coming from all directions, pushing away the plains, blocking the horizon. It's change and growth in all directions. It's neither good or bad -- it just is what it is.

I've added some new pieces to the "Gallery" section of my website. Two new images for the "Aviation Art" section and a new piece in the "Fine Art" section. Take a look here and in the "Gallery" for the full images ...

Had a delightful sub at the Parkside Deli in Huntley, Montana. Here's a great small town business trying to survive by offering excellent food.

Going through Montana, I stopped at a little cafe in Nye and got a tasty Mocha. There are a lot of neat little communities along the way that are worth stopping in for a bit to take in the atmosphere and fine food.

The facilities were super, just phenomenal. Some really talented people came in for this workshop.

I had a tent and some exhibits at the Dickinson Arts Roundup over the weekend. A nice event and nice crowd. A good day, overall.

This is the place to go - The Lighthouse At Emily's near Palmer, Minnesota. It's just a neat place to eat, plain and simple. Behind the restaurant is a deck with a great view of the river.

I'm honored to have a piece of mine handing in The Barrens Winery in Perryville, Missouri. Titled, "Morning Glory," this eagle piece hangs near the ceiling dividing two rooms of the winery.

I have two workshops coming up in the next few months. The first is March 30 and 31 at the Bismarck Art & Galleries Association (BAGA). Titled, "The Spirit & Creativity From Within," this class is aimed at anyone who would like to explore the excitement and various techniques associated with the use of water based paint. You can get more information at the BAGA website, or by calling BAGA at 710-223-5986. The second workshop is set for July 22-24 in Richardton, ND, at the Assumption Abbey. For more information on the event, please contact Bev Haas at 701-974-3738 or cbhaas@ndsupernet.com.

As I mentioned earlier, I've been busy this winter. Here's another award plaque I created called, "Sports of All Kinds." The artwork, frame and matting all come together to create a very nice finished piece.

I stumbled into this business while driving through Huntley, MT, located just a few miles east of Billings along the Interstate. It's a combination coffee/latte/beverage shop, an antiques store and a very decorative, stylish clothing and accent business for ladies young and old. Overall, it's a very interesting concept and quite inviting to anyone who drops in. An area in the back of the store is set up for customers to come in and relax on antique and modern furnishings. You can visit their Facebook page for more information.

This one has been fun -- a refreshing commissioned request called, "Abstract of 3." This is for the private collection of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Aasen of West Fargo, ND. Working in different painting styles is "mental exercise" for an artist. From realism to abstract, varying the style helps keep me creatively alert. It's one reason why painting never gets "old" for me -- there's so much to translate to the canvas and so many ways in which to do it.

Here's a little more on a painting in progress titled, "Morning Glory." Commissioned by Patricia Huber, it will hang in The Barrens Winery, located in Perryville, MO (here's their website). The top image gives you a view of the painting as a whole. The bottom picture shows you a close-up of the eagle's tail feathers.

It has been a busy winter for me so far -- and I'm loving it. In addition to my personal paintings, I'm also working on several commissioned pieces. As an example, the image at the top right is a piece called "Snowmobiling and Hunting" that I created for a large award plaque. Below that is a photo of me putting some finishing touches on a painting I call, "Morning Glory."

My exhibit of artwork in Sainte Genevieve, MO at Galleria Ste. Genevieve, 46 S. Main St., has been extended through the end of January. I've have the priviledge of selling a number of my prints and originals during the exhibition. A heartfelt thank you to those who have viewed or purchased my work -- I'm honored by your support and interest. Keep in mind, a portion of the sales will be donated to the Friends of the Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital. In fact, the photo at the right shows me standing at my exhibition with Friends member Jodi Uding. You can also still register for a print of mine to be given away when the exhibition finishes its run at the end of January. As always, I look forward to seeing you.

I have an exhibit of artwork scheduled for Dec. 30, 2011, from 2pm - 7pm, in Sainte Genevieve, MO at Galleria Ste. Genevieve, 46 S. Main St. A portion of the sales will be donated to the Friends of the Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital. You can register for a print of mine to be given away after the exhibition. I look forward to seeing you!

I've added more than a dozen new pieces to my gallery section -- I've been busy and inspired! Check out the latest in my Fine Art, Aviation Art and Cartooning Art collections. A few examples are to the right.

One of my new art pieces is titled, 'Art's Polar Pumpkin,' located in my Aviation Art section. This refers to Art Mortvedt and his 'Polar Flight 90' adventure -- a solo flight to the Geographic North Pole in a Cessna 185 N90SN. I had a chance to meet Art and I'll fill you in on that a little later. You can learn more abourt Art's flight at his website: www.polarflight90.com/.

Several of my family members and friends gathered for a few days at this guest ranch, located just four miles outside of Hill City. We rented three log cabins that were well furnished with all the necessities needed and featuring plenty of room to accommodate several people. The ranch property is bordered by the George S. Mickelson Trail, a 109 mile walking-riding-biking path into the heart of the Black Hills. This is a landscape covered with Ponderosa Pine, birch trees, lush meadows and rock formations to enjoy. The ranch is also home to horseback riding tours, a swimming pool, 99 cent flapjacks (pancakes) with country style fixin's and an evening dinner and country music show. You can learn more about the High Country Guest Ranch at its website here and discover more about the Mikelson Trail at this website.

A few places of note worth visiting while you're traveling through the Hill City area. First, Warrior's Work in Hill City, ND. This gallery represents some of the best original "American Art and Sculpture" in the region as well as the works of Sarah Rogers. You can discover more about her work at sararogers.com. Next, the Jon Crane Gallery, also in Hill City. Jon is nationally known as the "Artist of the Black Hills" and one look at his works will explain why. His website is at jonecranegallery.com.

A few more places worth visiting while you're traveling through the Hill City area. First, Jewels of the West, home to handcrafted jewelry, pottery and custom designed western wear items. Elegance, quality and design saturate the space of dimensional expression. Check out more at jewelsofthewest.com. Next, Desperados Cowboy Restaurant, a unique place that serves great food in a location that captures the atmosphere and history of the Hill City area. Owner Dan Dickey enjoys conversing with his customers and will make you feel right at home. A "must see" stop in the area. Check out their Facebook page, filled with photos and information.

Psst. Here are a few sneak previews of some paintings I'm working on at the moment. There is truly boundless beauty to behold in the colors, shapes and serenity of nature's landscape.

I've posted an edited highlights video of my first flight in the Aeronca Champ on May 2nd. The last time this plane flew was in 1974, and the last time I personally flew this aircraft was in 1968. I learned to fly in this Champ. I had the opportunity to buy the plane and restore it to flight status. The short video begins with Gary Johnson of Pietsch Aircraft, Minot, North Dakota, propping the plane and follows me on the plane's test flight from take-off to landing. Click here to visit my video gallery

On May 1, the Medcenter One Children's Hospital unveiled its "Amber's Dream" project to the public (see my earlier journal entries on this project). I had the privilege along with other artists such as Dwight Williams, Hans Gilsdorf and Ric Spryncynatyk to develop murals for the sixth floor hospital based on a Peter Pan theme. I have a few more photos of the murals I created as my contribution to this special effort. The top image to the right is a pirate map mural on the wall adjacent to the elevators on the sixth floor. The bottom image shows the dedication in the mural to Amber Des Roches.

The Peter Pan theme was inspired by Amber Des Roches, daughter of John and Pam Roches, who died of leukemia in 2007 at the age of 15. At the top right is the original painting of the pirate map mural. This framed version hangs in the Family Room on the sixth floor. The bottom image is of the underwater mural I created that is located in the Treatment Room. The scene helps take the cold sterility out of the traditional treatment room and replaces it with a more relaxing, warm atmosphere.

This final image is of the Sunrise mural, located at the end of the Starry Night hallway on the sixth floor. It's a nice "visual bookend" on the overall theme for the Children's Hospital. This project meant a lot to me and the others involved. You can read more about the "Amber's Dream" effort in this article at the Bismarck Tribune website.

I've just added a new gallery to my website -- "The Fly Side of Life," a place where I can show off various aircraft photographs and related images that I've had the pleasure to shoot over the years. After all, how can a guy who loves aviation not have a special section dedicated to the flying machines that fuel his passion? Check out the new gallery section and check back often for new additions.

One of my favorite places to visit when I'm in the Rapid City area is the Bully Blends Coffee & Tea Shop. It's now in a new location, 908 Main St. It's a nice place to enjoy a great cup of coffee, favorite tea and a menu that exhibits a good selection of breakfast or lunch sandwiches. The relaxing atmosphere is enriched with the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and homemade pastries (I'm getting hungry just thinking about it).

A moment of history for me on May 2nd. I took my restored Aeronca Champ out for a test flight, taking off from the Minot International Airport. It was the first time since 1974 that this plane had been in the air. Significantly, it was my first flight in this particular plane since 1968. I learned to fly in this Champ and I first soloed in it in 1967. What a thrill to be back in the pilot's seat of this aircraft. I can't begin to put into words the numerous fond memories that flooded back on the first flight around the patch. In the photos to the right, the top image shows the Champ before the flight. The middle photo was taken during the run up system check and the bottom image captures the Champ heading for its first take off in more than 35 years.

How do you put into words the feelings of a lifetime? How do you describe the mingling of past memories with present moments? During my first flight in the Aeronca Champ since soloing more than four decades ago, I was both the exhuberant youth of my past taking his first steps in aviation and the seasoned pilot of today enjoying another moment in a long passion for flying. The photos on the right show my approach following the Aeronca test flight (top), a three point landing (middle) and a moment of reflection after landing (bottom). Check out my Aeronca Champ slide show where you can review the path I took in bringing this special plane back to "flight status."

The Medcenter One Children's Hospital unveiled its "Amber's Dream" project to the public today. I had the privilege along with other artists such as Dwight Williams, Hans Gilsdorf and Ric Spryncynatyk to develop murals for the sixth floor hospital based on a Peter Pan theme. That theme was inspired by Amber Des Roches, daughter of John and Pam Roches, who died of leukemia in 2007 at the age of 15. At the top right is an island map mural I created that is located on the wall when exiting the elevators on the sixth floor. The image at the bottom right is a mural located at the end of the galaxy hallway on the floor. This project meant a lot to me and the others involved. You can read more about the "Amber's Dream" effort in this article at the Bismarck Tribune website.

I had a great time conducting a water media painting class at the Bismarck Art Gallery Association April 8 and 9. The atmosphere was great and the people thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks to all who attended. To the right are some photos from the event.

I'll be conducting a workshop April 8-9 at the Bismarck Art and Galleries Association building in Bismarck, ND. The cost is $60 -- you can register, get complete class details and materials needed at the BAGA website: http://www.bismarck-art.org. See you there!

The Minot YWCA featured one of my paintings, "Sister's Love," on the cover of its annual "Women of Distinction" awards dinner program. The Women of Distinction Program honors women for their achievements and contributions to community. The Minot YWCA also honors businesses and agencies who are committed to the empowerment of women. A copy of the cover with my painting is to the right. A larger image is in my Fine Art Gallery art the bottom of the page.

It seems this winter has been dragging on. Just when you think it's over, a quick blizzard moves in and drops five to nine inches of snow. As an artist, I look for interesting elements in a scene that I might be able to later incorporate in my paintings. A case in point are the two photos to the right, both taken in Ste. Genevieve, MO. The first is by the cemetery and captures a cold and somber mood. Old, grey tombstones and a grey wall stand in the quiet grey of winter, with a bit of red ribbon offering any hint of warmth and life. The second photo is of a house in town -- to me, the photo captures a Dickens-like quality surrounding the home and the wintry landscape. You can view a number of other winter scenes I've photographed in this short slide show, which includes some highway blizzard scenes and some snow covered evergreen tree branches after a recent snow storm.

I've been working on a wall mural for the "Amber's Dream" project at the MedCenter One Children's Hospital. I'm one of several people who are transforming the look and atmosphere of the sixth floor oncology unit at the medical center. Other artists involved in this project include Hans Gilsdorf of Detroit Lakes, Dwight Williams of Fargo and Ric Sprynczynatyk of Bismarck. The inspiration theme is Peter Pan. The images to the right offer a little "sneak peek" at the work I'm doing for the wall mural. The new unit is expected to be dedicated later in April. You can read more about Amber's Dream in an article at the "Inspired Woman" magazine website: http://www.inspiredwomanonline.com/831/ambers-dream/.

My 1946 Aeronca Champ is ready to fly -- I just need Mother Nature's cooperation at this point. I've spent the last several months restoring the plane in which I first learned to fly. It's been a labor of love for me, wrapped up in warm nostalgia. Once the weather improves, I'll take the Champ out for its inaugural restoration flight -- and the circle will then be complete. This is the plane in which I learned to fly and, decades later, through a series of connections and conversations, I was able to buy the same plane from Mick Coleman of Farmington, MO (who himself learned how to fly using the Champ). Check out my slide show where you can follow my progress in bringing this special plane back to "flight status."

If you're ever in the Mobridge area, you've got to stop at the Great Plains Family Restaurant and Rick's Cafe. These are excellent places to enjoy good food and great atmosphere. Rick's is known for their Homemade Salt Seasoning for fish, beef and pork -- and it's awesome!

Here's one commissioned project I enjoyed creating. It's a whimsical piece for a person who retired after 31 years on the job. The cartoon features numerous references to his years of work and his overall personality. I enjoyed working in the bits of information to create an overall portraitg of a unique and interesting individual.

Wow! Work is quickly progressing on my 1946 Aeronca Champ at this point. I'm about ready for a flight test and I'm excited. Very soon, I'll be in the air once more in the very plane in which I first learned to fly. Restoring this cherished craft over the past eight months has truly been a labor of love. You can view a few recent photos of the Aeronca Champ to the right and you can check out my slide show where you can follow my progress in bringing this special plane back to "flight status."

Some of the best views of a community or location are from the air. You truly do get to see the "whole picture;" that is, you get a sense of perspective and context on things we partially see from our normal, ground level experience. Over the course of several weeks this fall, my friend Tom of "Leutz Graphics" took a series of aerial photos as we flew over the greater Bismarck, Mandan and Wilton areas. I've collected some of those photos in a slide show you can watch by clicking this link. A few of the photos are to the right. See if you can recognize the state capitol, the Pinehurst Shopping Center, Mandan's "Strip," the Mandan waterpark, the geometrically intriguing ball fields south of Bismarck, the beautiful square buttes by Harmon Dam north of Bismarck and the wind farms near Wilton.

In addition to Texas (see the entry below this one), I also have a painting hanging in the newly remodeled terminal of the airport at Linton, ND. On November 2nd, the artwork was presented to the Linton Airport Authority. The painting depicts an antique biplane.

A painting I did of the P-51D Mustang "Dakota Kid II" fighter plane is now in a Houston, TX museum, along with the popular replica of the plane that has been a staple at the Dakota Terrritory Air Museum. In the images to the right, there's a photo of the "Dakota Kid II" in the Dakota Territory Air Museum, my painting in the middle and a view of the museum in Texas at the bottom with my painting in the middle of the photo. Visit the Dakota museum website for more details on the plane's history and how it will be shared between North Dakota and Texas.

I held a watercolor workshop in Minot, ND the weekend of October 23rd at The View near the Homesteaders Restaurant. It was a great mix of people with skills ranging from basic to advanced. The faciities were great for hosting the workshop -- and the coffee was great, too. There are a few photos from the workshop to the right and you can see more pictures by clicking here to visit the "Projects & Workshops" section of my website. I also have a watercolor class scheduled for Mobridge, SD, Nov. 19 - 21.

During a trip to Omaha, Nebraska in mid-October, I ate at Taxi's Grille and Bar. It's just a super place with a great atmosphere and great food. The crab cake salad was outstanding -- and the seafood enchilada was probably the best I've ever had. It's not a big place, but it is big on service, atmosphere and food. It's well worth a visit.

Just a quick update on the restoration work I'm doing on the Aeronca Champ, the plane in which I first learned to fly as a teen and which I was fortuitous enough to purchase earlier this year. As you can tell from the photos to the right, the wings have now been attached, and it is truly looking like a fun, little flying machine now. I've put together a slide show where you can follow my progress in bringing this special plane back to "flight status." You can also get to the slide show simply by visiting my "Workshops/Projects" section.

I fired up the engine on my Aeronca Champ today -- the first time I had personally started up this plane in 37 years. This is the plane in which I first learned to fly and a lot of special memories are tied with this fine flying machine. When I flew it for the last time in the early 1970s, I never dreamed I would one day be reunited with the Champ as its owner. I've been restoring the plane to mint flying condition with the help of some very good friends. When I heard that engine come to life, the sound took me back to a little grass runway strip in Missouri where my flight instructor would start the plane, hop inside and teach me how to fly from take off to landing. My moment of nostalgia was broken by the sound of backfiring -- the timing was off on the engine, so we had to shut things down and take care of that issue. In the photos next to this update, I'm working on the Champ's engine with Gary Johnson of Pietsch Flying on the right and my friend Steve Vigue in the middle. In the second photo, Gary is manually starting the engine by swinging the propeller -- there's no electric starter on this aircraft. In the third photo, the Aeronca engine is running. This was also a big week for the plane's restoration as we attached the wings, which had been removed for storage and transportation purposes. Soon, very soon, I'll be in the air once more in my Aeronca Champ. I've put together a slide show where you can follow my progress in bringing this special plane back to "flight status." You can also get to the slide show simply by visiting my "Workshops/Projects" section.

A wonderful brewery and restaurant to visit. Really -- great beer. I don't drink beer very often, but I sure did enjoy myself the day I visited. The brewery is located in the "Old Market" area of town, a place of old brick streets, turn of the century style buildings, arts centers and unique food shops. Check out the website at www.upstreambrewing.com.

What a wonderful atmosphere -- located along the St. Croix River, you can sit inside or outside and enjoy the river view. Add to this a great menu and you are in for a positive, flavorful dining experience. One neat feature of this place: The "Patio-Cam" and "River-Cam," which provide you with a live, "web eye's view" of activity at the restaurant. Check out the business website at www.dockcafe.com.

I've added a series of photos in my "Scenic Photos" section. These were taken recently at McDowell Dam in the Bismarck area. I call them "Reflections" as they play with scenes and images being reflected in the water and because they are the kinds of tranquil scenes that often lead to a little inner reflection. I hope you like them.

I've been working diligently on getting my 1946 Aeronca Champ restored and ready to fly once more. As I've mentioned earlier in this journal, this is the plane in which I learned how to fly in my early teens. The fact that the plane was still around and that I was able to purchase it earlier this year is a dream come true. So I'm lovingly and patiently updating the Aeronca for flight. I've put together a slide show where you can follow my progress in bringing this special plane back to "flight status." You can also get tob the slide show simply by visiting my "Workshops/Projects" section. I'll keep adding new photos to the show, so check back often.

I've done a little more work on my 'Riverwalk' piece. I'm posting progress updates on this project in my "Workshops/Projects" section so you can see the progression from beginning to end. Take a peek and let me know what you think.

The title of this painting is "River Walk," a 24 X 48 inch project. I'm planning to work on another piece called the "Champ" this weekend.

I'm in a "creative zone" right now. Here's a sneak peek at another piece I'm working on. Here, you can see the evolution of the painting between the top and bottom photos.

I'm working on two pieces at this time, one I call "Mountains In Montana" and the other, "Badlands." You can view early samples of the works in progress in the images to the right.

This is not your typical rural, small town restaurant. The menu selection and food quality rank up there with some of the best restaurants you'd find in the large cities. I had the walleye filet dinner and I have to say it was some of the best walleye I've had in quite some time -- it tasted as though it was freshly caught and prepared on the spot. i have it on good, local authority that Rick makes the best "belly bust'in" chili burgers in the country. Rick also serves a Saturday night buffet that has become the "talk of the town" -- ribs, chicken, smoked turkey (Rick's style) and a large selection of items to go with the main course. And I would suggest not leaving Rick's without purchasing a container of his well known "Rick's Cooking Salt." It's great when barbequeing burgers, chicken, fish, etc. I tried some of it last evening and it's good stuff.

If you like your nostalgia sweet and meals memorably tasty, then stop by the Rockin' Relics restaurant in Rugby. It's a neat little place with decor that goes back to the 1960s and a little earlier. They serve classic food with classic names. For example, I had the "Big Bopper" meal, a hamburger and shake that was to die for, as the old saying goes. You get a real and literal taste of nostalgia here. You won't be disappointed.

Here's a neat little restaurant tucked in the town of River Aux Vases. Great steaks, burgers and sandwiches along with a really neat buffet. The atmosphere and service are first-rate -- I recommend stopping at the Copper Mines Bar and Grill. By the way, the town is also known by the nickname, "Staabtown," because, throughout the town's history, so many members of the Staab family have lived there.

This place just opened up earlier this year and it's a delight -- both in design and menu. The owners converted an old, historic fire station in town at Main and Merchant into a restaurant named "Station 2 Cafe" The interior is phenomenal: Historic station artifacts pepper the walls near the tables. The huge fire station doors sport large windows, letting in a lot of light and providing great views of the outside. And the food? Excellent, period. And if you look at the pastry menu, you'll see featured items along with the name of the person creating those treats -- what a neat way to personalize the dining experience. If you're anywhere near Ste. Genevieve and you're hungry, this is a "must stop" place. You can check out the restaurant's Facebook page for more information.

I had the priviledge to help judge an art show in Mobridge April 16 and 17 at the Scherr-Howe Arena. The show featured student and adult art, and I have to tell you there were a lot of great pieces on exhibit. The student art in particular was well done, expressive, creative -- it was all fascinating to view and, frankly, tough to single out the best works. By the way, the arena is named after Oscar Howe, a well known Yanktonais Sioux artist. You can learn more about him through this link. And you can view a short slideshow of some photos I took at the art show.

On April 14th, my 20 foot long mural for the GIS classroom at Bismarck State College was unveiled. The acronym "GIS" stands for "Geographic Information System," a way of bringing or measuring three-dimensional objects like the topography of a specific location within a two-dimensional coordinate system. Think lines, latitude and longitude. My mural plays with those concepts, toying with the visual tension between the straight lines of the world as depicted on paper and the curves and bends of lines in the real world. I had a lot of fun with this project -- it gave me a chance to stretch artistically in terms of visual design And presentation.

In early April, my brother Terry and I donated a framed print of one of my paintings to the Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital in the memory of our parents, LaVerne and Francis J. Basler. The print is of my work, "Winter Solitude," a piece that draws from my walks along the Rapid City Creek in South Dakota. There's a lot of personal meaning on several different levels for me wrapped up in the painting and the hosital donation. The Ste. Genevieve Hearald ran a story on the donation -- you can view an image of the article here as well as read a text version here.

I don't think there are enough words or art canvasses to adequately express how I personally feel about a very special moment in my life. On March 27th, I took possession of an artifact from my youth, a nostalgic touchstone that has influenced my life and livelihood over the past four decades. It's a 1946 Aeronca Champ -- the very plane in which I learned how to fly.

When I was 14 years old, I took my first airplane ride -- and I was immediately hooked. I used to hang around the airport in Ste. Genevieve, looking for a chance to ride with anyone willing to take me along and teach me a few things about piloting.

Louis Sexauer took me up a lot in that 1946 Aeronca Champ, teaching me in bits and pieces the basics of flight. Louis was a private pilot, not an instructor, and I'll forever be indebted to him for his willingness to teach me the ropes and amazing patience with a young kid eager to earn his wings.

When I turned 16, I soloed in that plane to earn my pilot's license.

A lot of good memories for me are tied to that plane and those early days when my passion for flying was new and in full bloom. I saved the original flight log books from the plane during the time I had a chance to fly in the Champ.

Time passed, I grew up and left Ste. Genevieve to pursue my dreams.

I have a Polaroid Swinger black and white instant photo of the plane, taken around the time I soloed in the Champ. Over the years, looking at that photo, I wondered what became of the 1947 Aeronca Champ.

I found out about eight years ago, learning that, in 1971, Louis sold the plane to Mick Coleman of Farmington, MO, who himself went on to learn how to fly using the Champ.

I made a few inquiries over the years, asking if Mick was interested in selling the plane to me.

Earlier this year, he said yes and my heart just about lept out of my chest. On March 24th, I left for Ste. Genevieve with an 8 foot wide by 24 foot long aluminum trailer to collect the plane. I got to Farmington on Mar. 27th and loaded the plane into the trailer.

How do you load a plane into a trailer? With the wings off and stacked neatly next to the tube like fueselage.

I took my plane to Minot where the professional crew of Pietsch Aircraft and Restoration will assist me in re-assembly of the plane, test the engine, replace some parts and so on. The trailer I used belonged to airshow performer Kent Pietsch (I should perhaps express a Thank You to him for the trailer use).

The plane is in remarkably excellent condition -- very clean, no rust, no mildew. It's like it was preserved in a time capsule.

I don't have a firm timeline yet on when I plan to fly the 1946 Aereonca Champ. I'm going to take my time and be meticulous in getting the plane flight worthy so when I do fly, I'll be able to spend more time enjoying the ride and the memories and less time thinking about mechanical details.

But, believe me, I'll let you know all about that first flight back in the plane of my youth. And, later, I'll fill you in on some interesting side stories about the people involved in all this that I'm sure you'll find interesting and inspiring.

In the meantime, here's a link to an image of the article the Ste. Genevieve Herald ran about me and the plane. You can also read a text version here. And you can view a short slideshow of photos related to the plane.

On April 2, I had the pleasure to take a ride in a gyroplane piloted by Greg Gremminger. I've never been in one and, thanks to the kindness of Greg, I got a chance for 30 minutes. It was interesting - and for a pilot like me, a completely different concept and feel of flying than a fixed wing plane. We flew out over the Mississippi River along the shoreline on the Missouri side, about 300 feet up in the air and at about 60 mph. The first photo on the right shows me as a passenger in the gyroplane. The second shot is one I took from the aircraft looking south along the Mississippi River. Illinois is on the left, Missouri on the right and a barge is passing in the middle. Check out the river -- it's swollen over its banks right up to a levee on the right barely holding back the water. The third photo is a bird's eye view over a farm. The experience was great and I thank Greg for the ride and Stephanie Gremminger who helped set up the opportunity.

I have a permanent exhibit at Dr. James Brandt's dentist office in Ste. Genevieve. I'm showing 10 pieces there that can be viewed or puchased. My thanks to Dr. Brandt for the display area.

Earlier in the month, a commissioned work of mine was presented to retired North Dakota Air National Guard General Alexander P. McDonald at the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium in Fargo. The work features the planes he flew while serving in the Guard. During the symposium, General McDonald was also inducted into the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame. It was an honor and pleasure to create this painting for a person who has distinguished himself so well in service to his state and country.

Just a note that I've updated my photo gallery with new images from my recent travels. I've also included larger versions of some of the photos in journal entries below. Click here to view the scenic photo gallery.

I'm working on an interesting piece, something that plays with perception and highlights the unique tension between a perfect world of straight lines and grids and the natural contours of the real world. Click the images to the right for a "sneak peek" at portions of what will be a series of interconnected pieces that form a large work and a large presence. More to come in the near future...

I've also been working on a piece that will be given to a client in southeast Missouri who has devoted his life to promoting aviation in and around his community. Click the image for a larger view.

I'm working on a commission piece featuring the Chalk Buttes formation in southeast Montana. The client has a spiritual connection with the buttes and this piece will help celebrate that connection. This is the center panel with a left and right panel to come. CLick the image for a larger view.

I'm finishing up work on an project I've been working on in bits and pieces for quite some time now. I'll be using it in an exhibition at a later date. Click the image to the right to see a larger view of this work still in progress.

Photos of the Badlands in spring and summer are common: Sharp, rugged bluffs with brilliant bands of color stretching horizontally in the rock. I wanted to capture some uncommon views of the Badlands during winter. It's neat to see a different side of the region -- it helps expand one's appreciation of the landscape's overall character. The snow helps better define the contours of the landscape -- various curves and mounds often get lost in the thick foliage of summer. The snow also highlights wildlife and snowmobile tracks, allowing you to see for long distances the meandering trails left behind along and across the frozen Missouri River. And the sky -- I love the sky this time of year. The clouds have a different look, as if they were painted on with a brush stroke against a slightly gray canvas. Click the images for a larger view.

As evening approaches, deep shadows cut across the Badlands in winter to accentuate and exaggerate hidden details of the landscape. Several photos I took at this time of day will serve as great inspirations for a watercolor piece or two down the road. And then sunset: Warm, fading colors on a winter blue sea of land. Beautiful, just beautiful. Click the images to the right for a larger view.

Here's a great stopping place in Rapid City for a great selection of coffee, tea and good sandwiches and soup. It's really a neat place to relax -- no need to be in a hurry, just sit and absorb what crosses your mind. Their logo includes an image of Teddy Roosevelt on a coffee cup. What I thought was neat was were the large bags of coffee sitting around on the floor and the raw teas displayed in large old jars. The address is 410 Fifth St.

This new, unique restaurant chose President Day, Feb. 15, to open their doors for business. What makes it unique? It's located in a rennovated old fire station building. Check out their Facebook page for more details and photos. It's really something to see.

A unique menu, warm and comfortable atmosphere. A carefree feeling place to sit down and relax. Their sign says it all: "Lunch Cafe, Yummy Desserts, Unique Gifts." Janece Warden is the owner. Check out their page on Facebook.

Rocheport has a Norman Rockwell feel to it - the community is that warm and comfortable. The town has been around for a long time and it features building styles that reflect early 17th century America such as the red brick walls of buildings. This town embodies the early American/all American look. A highlight of the community is the Missouri River bluffs just outside of town. These aren't gently rolling bluffs but sheer, 100-foot drops to the bottom. They are breathtaking -- they're one of my favorites places to visit when going through town. Lewis and Clark went through this area on their mission of discovery and when I look at the area, I wonder what did Lewis and Clark think when they saw all this? Click the images to the right for a larger view.

I went through Hill City early in February. There is a sculpture of a horse in front of the Dakota Nature and Art Gallery and the "Jewels Of The West" stores that is built from scrap iron. When you look closer at the sculpture, you begin to discover interesting details: a shovel spade and other implements that, in the proper place, help shape the horse. Believe me, this is that rewards your afrtistic senses the longer you study it. There is a new discovery with every glance, every focus on details. Click the image to see a larger, detailed version.

Just to add a bit more to the discussion below, a small community like Ste. Genevieve tends to wrap itself around you like a warm blanket. There's something peaceful in being in the center of town at sunset. Night is coming, but the street lights flicker to life and provide a reassuring glow in the darkness. The silhouettes of the buildings against the dusky sky bring calm and quiet to the surroundings. Click the image for a larger view.

I spent the Christmas holidays back home in Ste. Genevieve. When the town puts up Christmas decorations, when the weather turns cooler and the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday are evident, you can't help but get that warm, comfortable, comforting feeling that small communities give off during the Christmas season. Most noticeable are the red wreaths hung in the windows of the old homes in town. There's a sense of continuity and tradition in that. And green moss growing on the steps of other old homes adds to the ancient color of the season. Click the photos to see larger versions.

Very soon, I'll start work on a special collaborative project for the MedCenter One Children's Hospital. Amber DesRoches was 11 when she was diagnosed with leukemia and spent four years as a patient of the Children's Hospital. Based on her experiences there, she wanted the pediatric unit of the hospital remodeled to be more appealing to patients and their families. Sadly, she died in 2007, but her vision lives on through an extensive remodeling project that will reflect what Amber had in mind for the unit. On the artistic side, I'll be working with Deb Jaeger and Ric Sprynczynatyk in bringing to life Amber's idea of a Peter Pan "Neverland" theme to the unit. I'll keep you posted on the progress of this special project. You can read a Bismarck Tribune article on the planned effort as well as a Bismarck Tribune editorial on the work.

After more than three month's of work and some unique painting techniques, the four mural Bismarck Public Library Children's Library project is complete! There are, of course, other aspects of the library project still in the works that have nothing to do with art, but everything is expected to be complete in time for the official ribboncutting ceremony Jan. 23, 2010. The remodeled Children's story room opened Oct. 21. This project presented some creative challenges and opportunities for me -- just the things I like. You can view a slideshow of photos taken over the course of my work in the library. You can also view the great page the Bismarck Tribune dedicated to my work at the library, and read the article from that page. This was a lot of work and fun for me. If you have any questions about the work I did, feel free to e-mail me and I'll answer where I can.

Valentine is a neat little town and Dunes Lodge and Suites is a wonderful small motel on the southeast side of town that boats reasonable rates, a friendly staff and a great continental breakfast. This area borders the Niobrara River, which is a great rafting and canoeing place. In fact, I bought a used 17 foot canoe there for use in some of my current and upcoming projects in the Dakotas. I had lunch at the Cedar Canyon Steakhouse on Main Street while in Valentine. The restaurant has a great menu, filled with a lot of variety. A good place to stop.

I've been doing a lot of traveling in the past few months and I've come across several places that you should make a point to check out if you're in the neighborhoods:

• Shea's Garden Grove, Crescent, IA. I found this great little coffee shop just a few miles off the beaten Interstate highway path. Located in a remodeled two-story house from around the turn of the 20th century, it's a delight to see and visit. I found Shea's Garden Grove because I was low on gas. When I stopped to fill my car, I asked if there were any good places to eat in the area. I was sent to Shea's -- and what a treat it was, both in terms of visual elements and food. A custom furniture shop is also located in the building. Shea's is one of the hidden treasures worth hunting for during your travels.

• La Minestra, Pierre, SD. Excellent Italian food. Just fabulous -- just really, really good. I can't say enough about this place, owned by Mark and Stacey Mancuso.

• La Tea Da, Cavalier, ND. It's like walking into a place in France: White tablecloths accented with nice silverware and flowers. Elegant, clear water glasses with long stems -- a beautiful interior that has a "welcome - come on in" feel. A great concept for a small town. Various coffees, teas, homemade desserts. Just a really neat place.

• Steve's Cafe, Helena, MT. Steve Vincelli is the owner of a small cafe that's big on a great selection of food, outstanding salads, a homestyle atmosphere and a professional staff. "Breakfast and lunch among friends" is the restaurant's slogan and the place lives up to those words. It was a good experience eating there.

I was commissioned to create a painting for LifeStar, an air rescue group based out of the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. The painting was to commemorate the 25th anniverary of the group, fearing the four foundeers of the organization and the various aircraft they've used over the past quarter century. The painting was presented in October during a gathering in California.

I've added a new gallery to the site. Called "Aerial Photography," it features a growing collection of photos I've taken while flying around the country. The idea is to bring some unfamiliar views to a lot of familiar places. For example, several "birds-eye views" of the North Dakota Capitol or the mountains near Jackson Hole, Wyoming offer perspectives that can be mesmerizing. We know how things look fromn the ground up. This gallery shows you the world from the sky down. Take a look!

I've been working on another paiting in my music themed series of large works. This one is called "Summertime," and features a southern music feel. It complements the "Blues Avenue" piece I did more than a year ago (which is currently on display at the Majrstic Theatre in Mandan). I'll have more on the "Summertime" project later.

I did a commission piece of a homestead in Missouri down in my old "stomping grounds" near Ste. Genevieve. Titled, "Eagle's View," it features an eagle soaring above the homestead which is nestled within the protective embrace of an expanse of trees.

I've started exhibiting at Merchant Street Publishing in Ste. Genevieve, MO. The photos to the right show the beautiful interior of the business along with some of my recent works: The Church of Ste. Genevieve painting and the Sydney, Montana Air Show piece. Behind my art works are historic black and white photos from Ste. Genevieve's past. Bill and Patty Naeger of Merchant Street Publishing, and Mark Evans published a beautiful, coffee table book on the history of Ste. Genevieve, drawing on photos and information from residents. And there's certainly a lot of history, given that the town can trace its existence back at least 300 years.

Phenomenal -- that's the only way to describe this event. The "Wings of Freedom II" air show Sept. 26-27 was one of the biggest air shows in the Midwest simply because of who was there: It's rare to get in one place at one time such an an amazing assortment of people and performers. What a lineup: The Canadian Snowbirds; Kent and Warren Pietsch out of Minot, ND; Jim Peitz, Apollo 8 astronaut Frank Borman; Gene Soucy; Phil Petrik; Skydive North Dakota; Wingwalker Teresa Stokes; John Mohr. This was big. Just getting the Snowbirds to perform was something of a minor miracle (it was actually the culmination of five years of lobbying by Sidney farmer-rancher and pilot Bryan Prevost. The Sidney show was only one of three civilian shows the Snowbirds planned for the U.S.). About 10,000 people attended the Saturday and Sunday event. I did a painting for the show ahead of time (later autographed by the performers) which was auctioned off at the end of the event. I'm also producing 50 giclee prints of the airshow painting.

I was in the Black Hills area of South Dakota in September 2009. I found some great places in Hill City -- I think you'll enjoy them, too:

• Alpine Inn: A "must experience." Excellent food.

• Horse Creek Inn: Outstanding menu and good service.

• Slate Creek Grill: Try the white cheddar amashed potatoes -- you should go "super size" on this tasty treat!

• Jon Crane Gallery: Features the works of an artist well known for his Black Hills watercolors.

• Warriors Work Gallery: Don't pass this one up. Beautiful presentation of works. The leather frames and beadwork that surround various paintings are works of art in themselves. A fabulous gallery that features the fantastic works of Frank Howell, Sarah Rogers and others.

I had a great time in Ste. Genevieve helping the church celebrate its 250 year history. The original painting I created commemorating the church was raffled off during the church's anniversary picnic. The winner was Mary Stuppy of Texas. Her brother, Dennis, accepted the painting on her behalf. Later, I was at the Merchant Street Publishing Company, signing giclee prints of the painting. All in all, it was a great time spent with a lot of wonderful people in Ste. Genevieve.

Here's an image to the right of my Church of Sainte Genevieve painting, which is now complete with linen liner minus frame. click here to see a larger version of the image. The painting features the church building as it looks today with round insets at the top left and top right of earlier buildings in the church's 250 year history. There'll be 150 giclee prints available for purchasing between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each giclee print will be reproduced on an 18 x 24 inch sheet of 100 percent velvet cotton rag fine art paper with a 14 x 20 inch image. Each print will be signed and available in Sainte Genevieve at a cost of $85.00 each. Please contact the Merchant Street Publishing Company or the Galleria Ste. Genevieve for prints. You can also contact me or the Church of Sainte Genevieve Parish Office if you're interested in purchasing a giclee. You can call me at (701) 527-9160 or use the contact form here at my site. You can also call Deanne at (573) 883-2731.

If you're ever in the St. Louis area, you've got to check out the City Museum. It's a museum unlike any other you've visited. It's 600,000 square feet of eclectic objects and design made from stuff collected around St. Louis. Old chimneys, steel, bridge pieces, construction materials, old tile -- even old planes -- are all linked together in a place that turns the old into something new. It's the ultimate playground for kids, too. Wire mesh allows young people to climb into musuem displays. There's a seven-story slide for the young and young at heart and a ferris wheel on the roof. Located in the former International Shoe Company warehouse, the museum is the work of artist-entrepreneur Bob Cassilly and a crew of 20 other artisans. The photos I took shown on the right don't even begin to do justice to this wonderful place. You've got to experience it in person. So, after touring the famous Gateway Arch, swing over to the City Museum. You can learn more about it online at www.citymuseum.com.

I got a chance to visit the Great Falls area recently. A beautiful community with a lot of history surrounded by a backdrop of mountains and open land. I stopped by Ulm Pishkum, site of perhaps the largest buffalo jump in the world. This is the place where Great Plains Indians chased herds of Buffalo over high cliffs where the animals fell to their deaths. It was a unique way of hunting that was also quite dangerous for the person who had to disguise himself as a member of the herd and lead the stampeding buffalo toward the cliffs. During their travels through Montana, members of the Lewis and Clark expedition got a chance to wintness one buffalo run. Meriwether Lewis wrote about it in the journals of the trip. It's hard to tell from the photo at the right, but about the middle of the photo just below Square Butte in the distance is the jump off point wehere the Buffalo were chased to their deaths. You can learn more about Ulm Pishkum online at The Lewis And Clark Trail website.

Passing through the Ste. Genevieve area once again I caught some photos of the Prairie du Rocher on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. The ferry used to carry up to 6 vehicles from one side of the river to the other. For a time, that was the only way to get across the river by car. There's a famous limestone quarry on the Illinois side and limestone was shipped all over the country and the world via river barges. I visited Fort de Chartres on the Illinois side: Surprisingly smaller than what you might imagine (TV and movie versions of forts are always larger than life). I also came across an old, abandoned Creole style house, quietly decaying and slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Whew! Have I been busy this year! So many exciting projects in the works, so many places visited around the country, so many new ideas generated (enough to keep me busy well into the next century at this rate). And that's only the first seven months of 2009 -- who knows what will come up in the last part of the year. Below is a rundown of what I'm doing and have done so far...

I'm doing a painting for the new General Aviation Terminal in Farmington, Missouri. It will depict the history and growth general aviation in the Farmington area. I started work on this project in January. The goal is to be done by the end of July or so.

I was fortunate to have had an art show at the First State Community Bank in Farmington, Missouri earlier this year. The hospitality of the staff was outstanding. Among my works displayed were many of my aircraft pieces, which perfectly fit in with the bank's interior motif featuring various aircraft models around the bank and suspended from the ceiling. I got a chance to reconnect with Ralph Pingel, the man who inspired me to do the painting for the General Aviation Terminal in Farmington. I've known Ralph for years, going back to when I was in high school and he ran the airport. He was instrumental in helping grow the Farmington airport and the Farmington community.

I love visiting the area around Ste. Genevieve by the river. There's so much history here as well as personal memories. I got some great photos (I often use photos as reference points for paintings I may later create). Here's one that shows the ferry crossing from the Missouri side to the Illinois side near Ste. Genevieve. In the old days, the ferry used to carry six cars at a time from one side of the river to the other. That was the way you got across the water in that location at the time. I like the imagery in the photo: The light mist around the boat provides some moody texture, he shadows, the colors. The other photo features a drege boat, used to clean out a channel in the river so heavy watercraft can effortlessly float by. Again, this photo captures a mood and feeling. These images can serve as inspirations for me in my artwork.

Here's a rare treat. I was flying into Bismarck back in June and I couldn't believe my eyes -- the landscape from the air was an emerald green, almost fluorescent in some areas. I'm used to seeing either a white, snowy landscape or a lot of browns, yellows and a hint of green. But the heavy winter snow and spring rains apparently soaked the area so well that green is now the name of the game in 2009. We're talking a lush green, something that takes on the feel of an Irish countryside. Check out the photos to the right to see what I mean. These are views coming into the Bismarck airport and the community around the airport, including portions of Lincoln. I love it -- this is one of the joys of flying: Getting to see areas as a whole that you can't visualize from the ground. It gives some context to the land.

Here are a few scenes from one of the oldest cemeteries in the St. Louis area. The architecture of the monuments here is phenomenal. In general, the older the cemetery, the more ornate the designs for headstones, grave markers and mausoleums. General William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition is buried in this cemetery.

Ali Cavanaugh is a great artist, and I had a wonderful time visiting with her in Ste. Genevieve at an art show in February. She has, in particular, a magnificent series of pieces featuring a cancer survivor. I urge you to visit her website and browse her works -- you will be impressed. Go to my "links" page to connect to her website.

An artist often uses, as reference points, burst of creative inspiration, photos and memories. Here's an example of how memories can influence my artistic efforts. When I was a kid, we used to play near a bridge in Ste. Genevieve that went across Gabouri Creek. This bridge is only nine feet high and, every so often, a truck with a height greater than nine feet would try to go under the bridge and inevitably get stuck or crash. Besides being a place to test human fallibility, the bridge also struck me as something interesting in design, shape and location. It had the right "art vibes" that I picked up on and kept in mind for future reference. I've taken photos of the bridge. Those images, along with my warm memories as a youth, keep that bridge always on my mind, always prodding me to capture it on canvas. I may just do that in the near future. In the meantime, the idea is maturing like a fine wine -- when it's ready to be painted, it'll feel right.

Carlson Aviation in Yankton is, for any pilot, a good place to visit -- great people there. Gary and Kati Carlson run the place. Exceptional people, you feel a friendship with them right off the bat. They focus on the needs of pilots and passengers. They're great promoters and ambassadors for the Yankton community. They may be a small FBO (fixed base operator), but their friendship and hospitality are as good as the big FBOs -- if not better.

Minuteman Aviation in Missoula, MT is another great FBO. Good people, good service, great atmosphere. The kind of place you can call a pilot's friend.

Sean Kelly's Stone of Accord, Missoula, MT features an Irish Pub atmosphere with great food. It's a really neat experience -- you've got to try it when you're in town.

If you want artistic inspiration or you just want to experience the power of nature, this area is for you. We followed the scenic route along Highway 296, which is just a beautiful, beautiful drive. This is the kind of landscape where sky and land seamlessly merge together. Mountains and clouds seem to exist together at the same level and you feel dwarfed by it all. The rust red hues of exposed rock provide a contrast to the blacktop of the highway and the blues and whites of the sky. No matter where you look, there's a panoramic view. In many places, you almost feel as if you're flying above the scene. These sample photos don't do justice to the view -- you need to experience it in person.

If you're ever in the Coffman, Missouri area, make time to visit the Twin Oaks Vineyard and Winery. The flavor of the wine is enhanced by the music from numerous musicans who perform at the establishment. It's one of many wonderful wineries in the area. In fact, this area of Missouri is getting to be like a little California in terms of vineyards and wine production.

The Cotter Arch Bridge across the White River is a beautiful piece of architecture. The drive along Highway 7 near the Buffalo River is a delight for the senses. I took a lot of photos along the way, photos that may serve as great references for future paintings. And what can I say about sunsets in the Kiamichi Mountains along Highway 258? Words can't do the view and feeling justice -- you need to see it.

Missoula is a beautiful community with phenomenal walking trails, most that pass over historic bridges. Missoula is home to several great colleges that, by design, blend in with the environment. Of particular interest in terms of architecture is Miller Hall on the "Mizu" campus. Go into town and check out the Missoula County Courthouse with the famous clock tower.
 
The downtown area offers a spectacular view in any direction. Look down any street and you see the mountains seemingly at the end of the road, almost a touch away, it seems. There are more specialty shops than you can imagine in the downtown area, ensuring that you will not lack for something to see and do. And food? Well, there are great places to eat just about everywhere you turn.
 
Lewis and Clark passed through the Missoula area on July 4, 1806 during their famous expedition of exploration.
 
The Nez Perce Historic Trail, a mountain pass within the Rocky Mountains and located on the border between Idaho and Montana, is a must see during any trip through the Missoula area toward Idaho.
 
There are a number of great websites about Missoula -- go to my "links" page to visit them.

Of course I'm partial to the Ste. Genevieve community because it's where I grew up. But it is also a place with a history going back more than 200 years, and that gives a lot of interesting character, personality to the area. There's the Green Tree Tavern, which was built in the 1700s. There are the fascinating courtyards behind one of the historic buildings in town. There are the bed and breakfasts as well, located inside buildings that go back centuries. This is really an artist's paradise, because there isn't a bad photo you can take or a boring scene you can paint. Everything has texture, color, unique imagery. By the way, if you're in Ste. Genevieve, stop by Studio de Michel on South Main and Jefferson. It's a great shop to visit and I have some of my work on display there. Click this link to see a mini slideshow of places around the Ste. genevieve area.

I had the pleasure of being able to showcase my aviation art during the North Dakota Aviation Symposium held in February. It was a lot of fun to visit with those in attendance.

I had a wonderful time during my exhibit at the Galleria in Ste. Genevieve in December. The shop itself is warm and intimate and helped highlight the pieces I had on display. A lot of fun!

My large painting, 'Blues Avenue,' has a new home for a while at the Majestic Theater in Mandan on Main Street. It's a perfect match: A big painting for a big location. A sample of the painting is to the right and a larger version can be found in the 'Fine Art' section of this site, six rows up from the bottom. But the best way to see this work is to go to the Majestic and experience it full size.

I've finished some commission pieces, I'm working on a few more and I'm working on a special piece for a special church. Here's a little of what I'm up to these days:
--Farmington, Missouri Airport Lobby: I'm working on a com missioned piece that depicts the history of aviation in the Farmington area.
--Ste. Genevieve Catholic Church: As part of the church's 250th anniversary celebration set for June 2009, I'm donating a piece that shows the history of the church and it community over the past two and a half centuries.
--Robert's Floral, Bismarck, ND: About two months ago, I finished a painting that spans the entryway of the business.
--I've also been busy with trips to Montana, South Dakota, Missouri, Wyoming and Canada, to name a few. Details are in the posts below this one.
--I have an exhibition coming up on December 26th in Ste. Genevieve, at the Galleria Ste. Gen, from 3pm - 8pm. I'll be showing about 30 works. If you can make it, stop in, look around and visit for awhile.

There's an old popular country song titled, "I've Been Everywhere," and it's the perfect theme song for my recent travels and activities. From the Painted Canyon area of West Yellowstone to Jackson Hole, Wyoming; from the Badlands of South Dakota to Banff, Canada, it sure feels like I've been everywhere. Below are a few quick notes, photos, observations and places to visit and eat.

The mountains here are pure artwork, painted by nature on a canvas of land and sky. Photos help tell the story, but they really can't capture the depth and breadth of the surroundings here. A photo of fog gently draping the steep and rough sides of a mountain looks great, but you've got to experience it to truly appreciate the sense of quiet majesty.

When you can look down Main Street and see towering mountains serving as the distant backdrop to your streets, you know you've got something special in your community. A beautiful town framed by beautiful scenery. The lake area around Banff is also "picture perfect." I got some great reference sketches here and in Montana for future works.

Standing on the edge looking over what seems to be a 500 foot drop or more, you constantly feel as if you're going to fall off -- it's that steep an area and view. The colors in the rock can be tough to accurately describe -- rust colored here, but not quite rust; brown color there, but not quite brown. Also, wherever you go in this area, you see buffalo -- lots of buffalo.

In the fall, the bright, flourescent colors of the leaves compete with the canyon views. There's something pleasing for the eye, whether directly in front of you or in the distance. It seems you're always looking up. Near the top of Spearfish Canyon is a popular waterfall area. Again, photos can only approximate the beauty of the surroundings -- you've got to experience it in person.

Located in the Black Hills, there is a very narrow stretch of road that cuts through rock. How narrow? Well, if you look at the photo, you'll see that a standard size tour bus barely fits through the opening. There's barely enough room for light to pass on either side of the bus. Here, the driver slowly and expertly "threaded the needle" on the road. Also featured in the Needles region is the "Cathedral" area -- stark, towering vertical rock formations that remind you of a medieval cathedral.

You can tell at a glance why this area is called the "Badlands" -- rough, rocky, sharp gouges in rock and earth that seems to go on for miles. Then there are the "stripes" in the rock, rust colored layers of sediment that mark ancient rivers and millenia of weathering. The starkness is breathtaking, and that realization creates a momentary contradiction between words and view: The Badlands are beautiful.

It's amazing, really -- the Badlands are a single geological chain that extends across North and South Dakota. Yet, the Badlands of North Dakota seem a little different from the Badlands of South Dakota. Here, the landscape seems to have a softer edge, a little more roundness and smoothness. The "stripes" are there in the rock and the landscape extends to the horizon. But it seems less desolate than its South Dakota cousin. Certainly you can find areas in the North Dakota Badlands that resemble South Dakota but, on the whole, it's a "kinder, gentler" Badlands in the north. Oh, and the deer -- everywhere, everywhere, everywere.

Tower Rock is in Perry County, Missouri. Lewis and Clark talked about this rock formation in the Mississipi. I'm working on a painting based on this unique landmark. The formation rises 90 feet above the river bed and has, over the years, been the source of numerous legends and tales. It's hard to tell in the photo, but it's reported that the waters passing Tower Rock can be quite turbulent at times.

Hill City is an art community, a heavy tourist center. Artists retire to this area and draw creative inspiration from the surroundings. One visit will tell you why. While you're in Hill City, take in a meal at the Alpine Inn -- it's an excellent place for eating. Some places to visit while in town include the Jon Crane Gallery and Warrior's Work Studio. Check out my links page for more on Hill City and artists featured in the galleries in town.

Here are a few places I've found during my recent travels that offer great meals and atmosphere: * Medora, ND: Iron Horse Saloon and Restaurant. * Helena, MT: Brewhouse Pub and Grill * Helena, MT: Montana Club * Helena, MT: Mediterranean Grill * Havre, MT: Duck In Supper Club. They have the best salad bar I think I've ever tried. * Buffalo, WY: Bozeman Trail Steakhouse. The best buffalo burger I ever had was here.

During the July 20th weekend, I was in Hulette, WY, for the 1st annual Wings and Wheels Airshow, which featured Pietsch Airshows of Minot, ND. It was truly a moment of superlatives: The weather was beautiful, the performance unbelievable, great attendance and the surrounding landscape breathless. To the artist, the nature lover, the weekend tourist or anyone looking for a refreshing escape, this is definitely a place to get away for a weekend and set up an easel and paint. Hulette is a town of about 400 people, minutes away from the iconic Devils Tower and surrounded by the beautiful foothills of the Black Hills National Forest. Rock formations accent many areas covered with ponderosa pine, cottonwood trees, cedar and the valleys are covered with low lying vegetation. The Belle Fourche River snakes its way along the northwest side of town and sets the feel for wanting to get the canvas ready for a masterpiece. Take time to fade back in time by walking through downtown Hulette. Among the places to visit: The Rogues Gallery and Museum, a small museum with tons of artifacts from the local area representing the early cowboy and Native American culture. The museum is owned and operated by nationally known western artist Bob Coronato and his wife, Lisa. They live in Hulette during the summers and return to Central Coast, CA for the winters. You can experience Bob's work at www.devilstowermuseum.com -- awesome. The Ponderosa Cafe and Bar is just down the street from the museum and offers a large selection of sandwiches as well as full dinners. You might want to try the Buffalo Burger -- more than a mouthful, to say the least. I will be coming back Hulette and, when I do, it will be with canvas and paint in hand. You can learn more about Hulette online by going to http://www.hulett.org.

Again, this is perfect country for an artist. Check out the colors and textures in this photo. The scene almost paints itself.

A quick note -- if you want an awesome burger with grilled onions, stop by the only restaurant/bar in York, Montana. Good food, good people.

This is a neat drive in some great country -- a perfect journey for anyone with an artistic sense. Everywhere you look, you'll see a scene or a moment that you'll want to capture in words, on film or on canvas. This is a drive worth making.

I'm driving from North Dakota and I'm on Highway 12 in Montana when I come across "Snowy Mountain Coffee," a small shop in Harlowton. I stopped in for a shake and, I've got to tell you, it was one of the best shakes I've had in a long time. It's a neat little shop in a quiet, scenic town that's definitely worth a visit. The shop has a website: www.snowymountaincoffee.com.