Get Your Kicks On Scenic 61

"Get Your Kicks on Scenic 61"  16"w x 40"h

While this painting, titled Get Your Kicks on Scenic 61, may remind you of a classic song, this painting features a familiar landmark to those who travel north out of Duluth ... the Scenic 61. This road represents many things to many people, and to me it best represents nostalgia. From a childhood trip up to Lutsen resort, to many trips to Grand Marais ... Boy Scout adventures in the BWCA, and simple Sunday afternoon drives to a secluded picnic spot, this road has taken me away from the hustle and bustle of life and for that I'm grateful. As far as this particular painting, I thought quite a bit on this before attempting to paint. First of all, how to you make a road sign interesting? And how do you place it in the landscape? The sign is square, but I wanted to add more color to the painting, and so I featured autumn color behind the signpost. A lone cardinal sits atop the sign, balancing the color between the warm tones below and the red cardinal feathers. A cool cobalt blue distant ridge and sky finish off this piece, all color working in harmony with the blues and golds of the sign. Well it winds from Duluth to Grand Marais ... over 100 miles all the way ... get your kicks on Scenic 61. This painting can be found in Grand Marais at Sivertson Gallery. I suggest taking the scenic route. :)