Island Chillin’ - 7/16/23
Back in late Spring, conversations amongst my coworkers usually end up being about what sorts of trips we’re planning for the summer. So when I would mention that I was planning to travel to Michigan, I’d get the confused looks. I don’t think Michigan was their idea of a destination. But it was for me. I had spent many summer vacations visiting my Grandparents, Aunt, Uncle, and cousins in Michigan and I could still remember visiting the historic Mackinaw region with my family. I really wanted to go back and visit family there and enjoy the change of scenery.
Historic Mackinaw Lighthouse - we got to tour inside and of course tackle the stairs to the top for great views!
Mackinaw Bridge looking mighty and majestic! There’s an annual ‘Bridge Walk’ every year that would have been fun to participate in.
There’s just something about lighthouses! I’d really like to paint a few. I think they would make a great watercolor landscape!
Sandy was having fun taking pictures with her ‘Traveling Gnome’. I thought it was such a fun idea that I was able to find this winged lion and couldn’t resist taking some photos with him. Sandy, Daryl, and I were marveling over the Viking Cruise Ship docked here at Mackinaw Island. It apparently cruises the whole Great Lakes region.
I found everything about Mackinaw Island charming! The complete change of scenery, including NO motorized vehicles on the island was such a breath of fresh air!
I got a chuckle out of this!
Lunch at the Tea Room was a must and the views didn’t disappoint!
Seeing a working blacksmith shop was pretty interesting! It’s so hard to imagine life back then, but it was certainly simple in comparison to today. I wonder if they sat by the fire in the evening wondering why life was so complicated?
The beauty of Lake Heron and Lake Superior was stunning! Possible inspiration for a future watercolor?
The historic Grand Hotel didn’t disappoint! The full-course lunch buffet was stellar and worth every calorie! Then walking the grounds and enjoying the vistas was a sublime afternoon!
And this is the back door of the Library! Dang…I really like my local public library but it’s back entry doesn’t compare to this!
A very Zen and surreal sunset. Just beautiful! I was also captivated by the different textures and sizes of the rocks.
Sandy, Daryl, and I visited several lighthouses along Lake Michigan. We agreed it would be fun to do the whole lake loop of lighthouses, of which there are A LOT!
There were flowers everywhere! The sizes, colors, and shapes were all captivating and I really wanted to paint them!
The gardens on Mackinaw Island were aplenty and all so beautifully arranged! I’d like to paint a scene with an old-fashioned bike like this…
After returning home from the Michigan trip, Sandy sent me a picture of her favorite Hibiscus and asked if I could paint it. So I got started on this painting titled Hibiscus Glory. I was pleased with the final result and added some shiny metallic gold accents to the stamens for some added shine.
