Sixty Cardinals Triptych

"Sixty Cardinals Triptych"  36"w x 36"h

While the end of the year always brings hustle and bustle to my life, I thought I'd try to end the blogging efforts of 2015 with a favorite subject of mine: birds. So I plan to publish a new bird painting here on this blog frequently as we approach 2016 ... and I'll be sure to write my year in review which is a perennial favorite. Sometimes you have to stop and take a look at where you've been to appreciate where you're going. And with commissioned paintings to do and many other things, it's great to publish works here to give me a moment to pause and reflect. This particular painting was so fun to paint, and the simple evergreen forest in December is anchored by a rocky foreground, but stealing the spotlight are sixty cardinals perched in the birches. Go ahead and count them, I'll wait. ;) They are talking to each other about how warm this winter has been, about what surprises and blessings 2016 holds, about how to avoid those loud blue jays and ravens, about why some guy in Duluth MN insists on painting them ... What does 2016 hold? Wait and see. And for now, enjoy Sixty Cardinals, a new piece that's 36"w x 36"h and available at Lizzards Gallery in Duluth, MN.

Christmas Sky and book signing at Zeitgeist

"Christmas Sky"  Acrylic on 20"w x 16"h canvas

This is a painting titled Christmas Sky which is 20"w x 16"h, acrylic on canvas. This piece is featured in the book I collaborated with author Chuck Haavik to create and this evening I'm pleased to announce that I will be signing books at the Zeitgeist Arts center in downtown Duluth. Joining me is the author of the book I illustrated titled Christmas Here in Northern Lands. We will be signing books from 7 - 9:00 p.m., please stop by and say hi if you're in the area. There will be live music, treats, and the original paintings from the book will be displayed. Be there or be square! ;)
The book may be purchased online at the following link: http://www.chuckhaavikauthor.com/

Christmas Here in Northern Lands

Cover of the book 'Christmas here in Northern Lands'

I'm happy to announce that my artwork has been published! Local author Chuck Haavik has written a beautiful poem about Christmas Here in Northern Lands, and I've painted 12 works to correspond with the poem. The result is a 24 page hardcover book printed in full color. 

The book has been a labor of love for both the author and myself. When Chuck first approached me with the idea of collaborating on a book, my heart skipped a beat as illustrating a book is something I've always wanted to do ... and why not as I have fond memories of reading children's books as a child, so there was already a strong desire on my part to do this project. We worked on this book for the past four months and are excited to be distributing the book at over 30 retailers and galleries. 

I will be publishing images from the book on this book over the next several days, so please stop back soon, and if you'd like to purchase the book online, please visit the following link

All my best, Aaron

Autumn Moonlight

Featured today is a sweet little autumn landscape titled Autumn Moonlight which is 9"w x 12"h, acrylic on canvas, at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, MN. I've heard some reports of snow flurries this week, but we've had a wonderful warm autumn season this year which has inspired many paintings ... like this one. :) Please contact Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, MN for more information on this piece.

It's Fun to Stay at the B.W.C.A.

"It's Fun To Stay At The B.W.C.A."  48"w x 24"h

Today's painting is a colorful take on a beautiful place to paddle your canoe ... the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Minnesota (B.W.C.A.) The BWCA consists of hundreds of lakes connected by portages. I made several trips to the BWCA as a youngster in Boy Scouts, and I'll never forget the landscapes there in which the shorelines were covered with large boulders, there was wilderness as far as the horizon, the fish were plentiful and we drank water right out of the lake. Bears, moose, deer, eagles and more could be found ... along with the quiet solitude of a paddle slipping in and out of a lake as the canoe glided through glassy waters. I've always wanted to go back to the BWCA, maybe some day I will, but for now the lakes and woods there will live on in my dreams and memories ... and make their way onto canvases such as this one titled It's Fun To Stay At The B.W.C.A. which is a new 48"w x 24"h acrylic on canvas I brought in to Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais.

Colors of the Wind

"Colors of the Wind"  15"w x 30"h

Colors of the Wind is the title of this new 15"w x 30"h acrylic on canvas, part of some new work brought in to Lizzards Gallery in Duluth today. I love the calm color in this piece, the large areas of rich deep blues really pop the fall colors off the canvas. And then there's that irresistible moon glowing in the center, radiating across the sky while the distant stars sparkle. It's a place I'd like to call home, a quiet place full of color and light. Please contact Lizzards Gallery for more information.

Autumn Reprise Nos. 1-3

Featured this Friday are three sweet cardinal landscapes from my St. Luke's show which is displayed in the A building. The show is titled Autumn Encore, and will be up now through the end of 2015. These fun paintings are full of color and playfulness, the cardinals sprinkled throughout, adding their color and intrigue to the compositions. These new acrylics on canvas are titled Autumn Reprise 1 - 3 and measure 5"w x 7"h each. Please contact me for purchase information.

October Blue Jay

"October Blue Jay"  8"w x 8

I love blue jays. They fly in from out of nowhere, squaking and carrying on, announcing their presence to the entire world and driving away all the other birds. I've never been able to watch them nest, so all I know about them is their behavior around my house. They are a large bird, and they have beautiful blue feathers. So fun to watch in the wild and attempt to capture on canvas. In this piece, titled October Blue Jay, the golds of the birch leaves complement the blue jay, who is quite camouflaged against the cobalt blue sky. And he's at Siiviis Gallery in Canal Park now too ... hopefully not scaring away all the other birds. :) Please contact the gallery for more info.

Baltimore Oriole

"Baltimore Oriole"  8"w x 8"h

Ahhhhhhh the colors of fall. That's what this little fella is thinking. Who doesn't just love the warm colors of the leaves and the bright blue skies? Not to mention the cool temps, no bugs, ripe apples, crackling fires ... don't get me started. :) Today's painting is titled Baltimore Oriole and is a new acrylic on canvas, 8"w x 8"h. This little fella thinks he's hiding in the orange maple leaves, but he can't fool us. When I see a baltimore oriole, it's always a treat, and I stop to watch them. They're a quiet, colorful bird with striking features. And he's available at Siiviis Gallery in Duluth today, please contact the gallery for more information. Ahhhhhh fall .....

Cardinal-A-Dee

"Cardinal-A-Dee" 8"w x 8"h

This fun little piece is titled Cardinal-A-Dee, and is acrylic on canvas, 8"w x 8"h. You may have guessed it by the title .. this painting features none other than the two all time top selling birds for me, the chickadee and the cardinal. The cardinal may have a heck of time locating the chickadee in the birch forest as they blend right in, but these hardy little birds aren't afraid of northern Minnesota winters, and if they can handle the snow, so should we. It won't be long before the snow flies, but in the meatime I'm enjoying the colorful leaves still clinging to the trees in this last week of October. Please contact Siiviis Gallery in Duluth for more information on this piece.

October Moonrise & new paintings at Siiviis Gallery in Duluth's Canal Park

"October Moonrise"  8"w x 8"h, Siiviis Gallery, Duluth

Today's painting is titled October Moonrise, and is one of six new acrylic on canvas paintings I just brought in to Siiviis Gallery in Duluth this afternoon. The wind was cold off lake Superior today, along with a light wind, but the color and warmth of the gallery brightened my spirits. The six new works feature birds and birch trees to coincide with the works from the show I'm having at the gallery, along with another local painter Adam Swanson. So far the show is going well, many pieces have found new homes, and I'm happy to keep the wall fresh with some vibrant colors. This piece has a rich blue sky and waters to complement the golds of the moon and reflection ... framed in by birch and stones. Sometimes I forget how awesome it is to live here as the hustle and bustle of life pulls and tugs on me. So painting landscapes settles me down and reminds me to slow down ... and not let the wind and rain dampen my spirits. Please stop by Siiviis Gallery to view my new work, you may also find a nice gallery of works for sale at the gallery on my website by clicking here. Have a great weekend! -A

Autumn Sonata

"Autumn Sonata"  24"w x 20"h, acrylic on canvas

Autumn Sonata is the title of this new 24"w x 20"h acrylic painting on canvas. I brightened up the sky and the colors on this piece, really endeavoring to capture the crispness of an autumn sky. This scene is familiar for me, I've come across birches, rocks, maples, and colorful underbrush so many times while hiking through the area that I work primarily from memory. Working this way can be exciting to see what happens at the end .. and also a little nerve racking from time to time as there is always the feeling of what if I don't like the outcome? But I approach my art like I do my hikes ... just head out, go explore, have fun, enjoy the hike. Perhaps I should approach life this way too .. like another trail waiting to be explored ...
This painting is part of my Autumn Encore show at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, MN now through the end of 2015.

Autumn Encore

"Autumn Encore"  48"w x 24"h, acrylic on canvas

Today's painting, titled Autumn Encore, is a new 48"w x 24"h acrylic on canvas which is part of my show at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth. This large painting anchors the show right in the center of the wall where the 25 paintings and prints are hung. This piece features birches and rocks, which is what I see everywhere I go along the north shore of lake Superior where I live ... but the subject of this painting is really the background which is filled with the blazing colors of fall. Layer upon layer of color rises, giving way to distant cool blue ridges before meeting the bright blue sky. I wish this view was what I looked at in the window year round, but alas the colors of the changing leaves are only around a couple weeks, so I just have to capture it on canvas.

Autumn Symphony (Autumn Encore Show at St. Luke's Hospital)

"Autumn Symphony"  24"w x 20"h

Today's piece comes with an exciting show announcement. This painting, titled Autumn Symphony, is an acrylic on 24"w x 20"h canvas. This color piece is part of an equally colorful art show titled Autumn Encore which is at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth on floor 5 of the new A Building. The fall colors surrounding me in the landscape have influenced me to sling color onto the canvas in new boldness, the vibrant colors of the season play off the skies and waters in pieces such as this one today. Please stop by St. Luke's to view the show now through the end of 2015.

Autumn Sparkle Numbers 1 & 2

"Autumn Sparkle No. 1" 

These fun new acrylics on canvas, titled Autumn Sparkle No. 1 & 2, feature my tiny cardinal series, along with the luscious color of the late autumn landscape: deep golds and browns. Many people travel along the Scenic 61 up the north shore from where I live to view the leaves as they change color. But while I enjoy the blazing colors of the season, I also equally enjoy walking through the woods after the leaves are down and enjoying the crunchy leaves beneath my feet and long shadows cast by barren trees. I can't venture to far out though, as the deer hunters are also out in the woods as we approach winter. Back to these paintings feature today ... they are arriving at Sivertson Gallery this weekend, feel free to contact the gallery for more information on these and other landscapes. Have a great weekend! -Aaron

Leaves in the Wind No. 1 & 2

"Leaves in the Wind No. 1"  10"w x 8"h

"Leaves in the Wind No. 2"

Here's an interesting new original acrylic on canvas painting, titled Leaves in the Wind No. 1, that is available through Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, MN. I'm really digging the background colors that make the cardinals featured in the piece want to say 'hey, what about us? We're colorful too!' These tiny cardinals are fun to paint and fun to hang in the gallery .. and ultimately in someone's home. Please contact Sivertson Gallery for more information on these paintings.

Snowshowers

"Snowshowers"  20"w x 10"h

On a day which saw snowflakes I thought this piece would be fitting, titled Snowshowers, acrylic on 20"w x 10"h canvas. This piece is part of five new tiny cardinal paintings being shipped to Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, MN to arrive this weekend. This painting features a limited palette of red, white and blue, which could be viewed in a patriotic sense, but that isn't the intention of the piece. Instead, this birch landscape celebrates the changing seasons and the arrival of snow. The cardinal, ever present in this rugged part of the world called northern Minnesota, is a hardy bird, not phased by the hottest of summer days or dark and coldest nights of the year. Long live the cardinal. Please contact Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, where the cardinals live, for more information on this piece.

Colors on the Lake

"Colors on the Lake No. 1"  10"w x 10"h

"Colors on the Lake No 2"

These pieces, titled Colors on the Lake, are part of the latest group of works available at Your Arts Desire Gallery in Minnetonka, MN. These paintings are a colorful celebration of the season of autumn ... and follow along the theme of water reflections. I'm particularly drawn to the browns and blues and how they play off each other. Autumn is so full of color I find I'm never at a loss for inspiration this time of year. Please contact the gallery for more information on these and other original acrylic landscapes on canvas.

Season of Color

"Season of Color"  48"w x 36"h, Siiviis Gallery Duluth, MN

Featured today is a new acrylic painting on canvas titled Season of Color which I just brought in to Siiviis Gallery in Duluth's Canal Park. This painting was actually the 'demo' painting I worked on while doing a painting demo at the opening of the Birds, Birch & Bicycles show along with fellow painter Adam Swanson. This painting was nothing but pure gold while I was working on it, adding all the base golds throughout the piece while I chatted with people walking by. I've never painting outside before, it was a fun experience, even if the wind off lake Superior dropped the temp into the 50's and I painted fairly briskly to stay warm. :)  This piece also continues my reflection series, with the golden birches reflecting on the deep blue lake, the complementary colors playing off eachother and increasing the vibrancy of the color during this wonderful autumn season of color we are experiencing here in northern Minnesota. Please contact Siiviis Gallery for more information on this piece.

'Cause Every Cardinal's Crazy 'Bout a Sharp Dressed Penguin

"'Cause Every Cardinal's Crazy 'Bout a Sharp Dressed Penguin"

Prior to the opening of the Birds, Birch & Bicycles show at Siiviis Gallery in Duluth, I met with fellow painter Adam Swanson to work on a top secret project. The gallery suggested we try swapping subjects for a painting, so Adam worked on a cardinal painting, and I painted a penguin. I couldn't resist having a little fun and whimsy with this piece, and so a cardinal made an appearance on the canvas. There's lots of blue and gold which you know are my favorite colors .. and an abstract reflection in the water at the bottom of the piece adds some mystery, along with the moon sparkling in the sky. All in all it was fun to talk about each other's approach to art and the ups and downs of life as a full time painter. It's been a great experience having a show with Adam .. filling the gallery walls with color. This painting is titled 'Cause Every Cardinal's Crazy 'Bout a Sharp Dressed Penguin and is 24"w x 36"h. Please contact the sharp dressed staff at Siiviis for more information on this piece and many others from the show.

The Most Colorful Time of the Year

"The Most Colorful Time of the Year"

Today's painting, titled The Most Colorful Time of the Year, is part of show recently hung at Fire Roast Café which is on display now through October 31, 2015. This show is a fun collection of new paintings, older fall favorites of mine, as well as prints ... all featuring the warm colors of the season. This painting is along a series of works I've been completing lately that feature the colors blue and gold. I love working in themes and this series really emphasizes color and speaks volumes about why I love the landscape in the autumn. I sometimes wish the trees would have fall color year round, but it's only a couple weeks and you need to get out in the woods and enjoy the color while you can. And if you can, please stop in to Fire Roast Café in Minneapolis, MN in the next few weeks for some great coffee ... after all, it's The Most Colorful Time of the Year.

October Morning

"October Morning"

You just can't beat a lake Superior sunrise. Endless skies and waters ignited by the rising sun sparkling across the lake with thousands of dots of bright yellows. That's the inspiration behind this new 20"w x 16"h acrylic on canvas titled October Morning. This piece was just brought in to Amity Coffee, where I've had an ongoing art show for the past year. Please stop by Amity for some great coffee .. and art too, what a sweet deal! :)

To You I Will Always Return

"To You I Will Always Return"  36"w x 24"h, Siiviis Gallery Duluth

Many times artists, especially painters, have a familiar theme, color, brush stroke, etc. that runs through their work like a common thread. For my work, I've found myself drawn to familiar themes such as lakes, birch trees, woods, the autumn season ... and familiar colors such as deep blues and vibrant golds which complement eachother well. It's along this idea that I've been completing several new works such as this 36"w x 24"h original acrylic on canvas at Siiviis Gallery titled To You I Will Always Return. This title was influenced by the thought that artists return to what feels right, almost like returning home and finding a warmth and familiar space. While I must return to the easel, the sun is shining and the leaves are a vibrant gold on the birch trees which are inspiring me to continue working. Hope you have a great week! And please return soon ...

This painting is part of my Birds, Bicycles and Birch show at Siiviis Gallery now through Nov. 2015

Warm Autumn Moon 1 & 2

"Warm Autumn Moon No. 1"

"Warm Autumn Moon No. 2"

Warm Autumn Moon No. 1 is the title of this autumn cardinal themed acrylic on canvas painting which is part of my current show at Siiviis Gallery in Duluth, MN now through Oct. 25, 2015. Color is the word I'd use to describe the works from this show, with a special emphasis on the season of autumn, and the birch tree as a recurring theme that runs through the work. Also featured here is a bookend piece titled Warm Autumn Moon No. 2. The moon has been bright lately, shining in the window at night and making it difficult to fall asleep. :) So many ideas, inspirations, tasks to complete ... so little time. If you happen to have some extra time, please stop in at Siiviis to view the show. All my best, Aaron

Autumn Lake Reflection

"Autumn Lake Reflection"  36"w x 24"h

Autumn Lake Reflection is a new 36"w x 24"h canvas which is part of my show at Siiviis Gallery in Duluth, MN.

The show is titled Birds, Birch & Bicycles. The show may be viewed now through Oct. 25 2015. The show features work by colleague Adam Swanson and yours truly, and please stop by Siiviis Gallery soon to view the work.

I'll be posting new pieces from the show periodically ... and have a great weekend!
All my best, Aaron

Changing Leaves

Here's a colorful piece titled Changing Leaves, which is acrylic on 20"w x 16"h canvas, Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, MN. This fun painting hints at the changing of green to gold in leaf color in the landscape ... kind of like the last greens of summer.

Daisies

"Daisies"  6"w x 8"h

Here's a fun little floral piece to go with today's bright sunny weather. This new acrylic on canvas is 6"w x 8"h. Please contact Sivertson Gallery for more information.

Black Eyed Susans

This self explanatory titled new 6"w x 8"h acrylic on canvas features black eyed susans, which happens to be one of my wife's favorite flowers. I'm more into marigolds and roses myself ... although I've been favoring irises too recently. I basically like anything that is colorful I guess. :)
Please contact Sivertson Gallery for more information on this piece.

Approaching Autumn

"Approaching Autumn"  20"w x 10"h

This piece titled Approaching Autumn is 20"w x 10"h and is one of 18 acrylic on canvas paintings available at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais. Last weekend of summer before autumn approaches and fills the landscape with color. Can't wait! :)

Summer at Split Rock

This new painting is titled Summer at Split Rock, and is 36"w x 36"h on canvas, and was delivered to Lizzards Gallery in Duluth just yesterday. This painting is probably my third effort at painting Split Rock Lighthouse, and I enjoyed painting the rocks, waters and sky of this piece. Here are links to my other paintings of Split Rock from the past:
Why Can't This Night Go On Forever?
Hope Springs Eternal

As you well know, at least you know if you read my blog ... I love painting negative spaces and backgrounds of compositions. The subject is frequently an afterthought, as I work to draw attention to other areas of the painting. In this piece, I focused on the hue of the water first, using blues, purples and teals to give the water a rich color. I then continued that color palette into the stones and sky, increasing the value until I was happy with the contrast between the different elements. The lighthouse perched on top of the rocks is the brightest part of the painting and draws the eye, but I hope the viewer lingers to enjoy the waters and rocks ... at least that's where you'll find me, sitting on the rocks and skipping stones into lake Superior while I listen to the waves crash against the rocky shoreline. That never gets old.

Cadmium Cardinal Triptych

Here's a delightful little new acrylic on canvas titled Cadmium Cardinal Triptych which was recently brought in to Siiviis Gallery in Duluth, MN. In this piece a familiar favorite subject of mine .. tiny cardinals .. are set off by a bright sparkly gold background. This painting may measure in at a mere 12"w x 4"h, but it packs a bright colorful visual punch nonetheless. Also, just finished up my Split Rock painting which will be posted tomorrow. :) Have a great day! -A.Kloss

Cardinal Colors

Featured today is a sweet little 7x5" original on canvas titled Cardinal Colors, available at Siiviis Gallery in Duluth, MN. This is a cheerful piece, the cardinals and bright blues and golds of the background combining for a colorful visual treat. Lots going on ... I'm hard at work on a large piece that features Split Rock Lighthouse that should be finished today.... and thinking ahead to new works next week. Have a great weekend. -A.Kloss

Summer Splendor numbers 1 - 3

Summer Splendor No. 1 

Three new paintings featured today titled Summer Splendor Nos. 1-3, 6"w x 6"h, available at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, MN. These cardinals are set off by a bright blue/teal colored sky, along with a few sun sparkles thrown in for good measure. Hope you have a great day! I'm off to the easel again ... working on a large summer scene of Split Rock Lighthouse that will be completed in the next day or two.

Chick a Dee Dee Dee Dee Dees

Here's a fun piece titled Chick A Dee Dee Dee Dee Dees (24"w x 12"h) which is currently at Siiviis Gallery in Duluth, MN. The call the chickadee makes inspired the titled of this new acrylic on canvas which is filled with summer's bountiful color and seven happy little chickadees. I love walking in the woods and hearing the call of the chickadee. It's the first bird I was able to identify as a child, and like many people, I find them the friendliest bird in the forest. They're hardy too ... spending the winters here in the great northland. Many birds migrate through the forests and regions, but the chickadee is always there, like an old friend that greets you with a smile when you meet.

Lavender Lake

This new painting, titled Lavender Lake, is 12"w x 12"h, acrylic on canvas. I recently brought this one in to Siiviis Gallery in Duluth along with other bird themed paintings. The cardinals have been requested by every gallery that represents my work, and their customers love the red birds. I've been painting cardinals for several years now, often wondering if they will ever 'go out of style'. I'll stray from them as a subject matter, only to get pulled back by requests from people who love them. I've been told it has to do with the bright red and crisp birch .. along with complementary colors. While I don't mind painting cardinals, I don't want to duplicate a previous painting and so I often think about how to present the birds in a new way. I've used color, composition, perspective, style, repetition ... many different design aspects to portray the subject matter over the years. In this case, I've brought in some color close to blue on the color wheel ... lavender. When you add red to blue you get purple, and when you add purple to a red and blue landscape you get ... cardinals at a lake. And not just any lake ... a Lavender Lake. :)

Three new cardinal paintings at Lizzards Gallery (Golden Curtain Ns. 1-3)

Happy Monday! Mondays are made much better with colorful artwork and coffee. Featured today are three new cardinal paintings at Lizzards Gallery in Duluth. These warm works include bright red cardinals on crisp white birch trees, and the background sparkles with golds and browns. The warmth of these paintings remind me that the autumn season is soon upon us, and I just love hiking through the colorful landscapes that will inspire my work through the long cold winter. But we have some beautiful weather to enjoy in Duluth this week with highs in the mid 80s and sun. I think a trip to lake Superior is in order. Have a great week. -A.Kloss

To view my inventory of current works for sale at Lizzards Gallery, please visit my website: http://www.aaronkloss.com/lizzards-gallery-duluth.html

Beaky Boys

Here's a sweet little painting for Sunday which is available at Siiviis Gallery in Duluth, titled Beaky Boys which measures in at a whopping 4"w x 4"h.

Autumn Lake Excursion

"Autumn Lake Excursion"  36"w x 12"h

Here is a new piece titled Autumn Lake Excursion which is 36"w x 12"h, acrylic on canvas. This one is part of a group of work recently delivered to Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, MN. Gold leaves on maples, rich blue waters and skies and random stones scattered about ... sounds like a recipe for a sweet landscape scene to me. :)