The Tavern on the Lake

"The Tavern on the Lake" 36"w x 24"h

Here is a new painting which is 36"w x 24"h and the subject is the familiar business located on Superior Street in Duluth named Sir Benedict's Tavern on the Lake. This painting is a donation to the Duluth Art Institute's annual fundraiser called Artistic Duluth. The event is held Saturday, October 18, 2014, 7 - 10 PM, at the Kitchi Gammi Club here in Duluth, MN. Ironically, the Kitchi Gammi Club is right next to Sir Ben's, which wasn't planned by me, but interesting nonetheless. I've thoroughly enjoyed painting this piece, and I'm confident it's new owner will enjoy it for years to come, it literally lights up the room just like Sir Ben's warms up a cold rainy autumn evening with the familiar warm glow of light, music, and fellowship which emanates from the building like warm crackling fire. On the donation form, I was asked to write a description of this piece, which I'll include below. For now, please contact the Duluth Art Institute to inquire about tickets to Artistic Duluth if you're interested in this piece, or many other beautiful works of art by other local and regional artists for auction.

All my best,
–A.Kloss

The Tavern on the Lake (acrylic on 36”w x 24”h canvas) is a painting inspired by a familiar restaurant on the shores of lake Superior. While I'm not a frequent guest at Sir Benedict's Tavern on the Lake, I enjoy the architecture and color of the building every time I pass by. During my college years I would stop by and listen to the music coming from over a dozen guitar, fiddle, mandolin and tin whistle players who were packed into a small space off in the corner. This music was spontaneous and the warmth and joy of the place made me remenisce of my ancestral country Ireland which is known for it's music … and taverns.

Sunrise Birches

"Sunrise Birches", 24"w x 30"h

Wow, it's been a while since I posted a painting! I've been working hard, just not doing a good job of posting work here. There's a reason for that ... I've been working out of a space that doesn't have internet, funny how integral my website and blog have been to me in terms of chronicling my work and helping me keep track of things. I've been working on a body of work for an art exhibition coming soon ... more on that next week.

For now, here's a painting I'm submitting for Artistic Duluth which is a fine art auction benefiting the Duluth Art Institute. This piece titled Sunrise Birches features a bright sunrise rising through a brightening cobalt blue sky. The birches are in their golden autumn glow and the sun reflects off the distant golden ridges. The foreground also sparkles with the golds and the birches cast long shadows across the burnt sienna landscape.

Back to the Duluth Art Institute ... my family takes advantage of the free art instructional days the DAI provides once a month. It's a joy to watch my kids express themselves in clay, sculpture, color and texture. So it's a good feeling to support the DAI with this piece which will be on auction at the event. More information here. I promise to put down the paintbrush and blog more often .. so much to do .. so little time! -A

Autumn At The Lake Triptych

"Autumn At The Lake Triptych" 30"w x 20"h

This piece will be available through the Duluth Art Institute's Artistic Duluth fine art auction  November 3, 2012 at the historic Kitchi Gammi Club in Duluth.

This painting incorporates trees in the forms that I've been viewing them in with all their seasonal color. With the trees decked out in reds, yellows and oranges, their foliage form is very interesting ... something you don't pick up when they're all in their summer greens. Soon snow will cover the ground and the trees will be barren but 'til then I'll enjoy their festive color.