Wild Turkey

We have been seeing wild turkeys in the neighborhood for several years, but this is the first time we"ve seen them in our yard.

Practice Painting People Project Continues

Practice Painting People Project Continues

The Fighter of the Spirit

At the 24th st. entrance of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts are a pair of 18th century style Chinese lions and this 18 foot tall bronze sculpture by Ernst Barlach. This is one of two copies of the 1928 untitled sculpture by Barlach, who said, "that it shows the external representation of an internal process." It has been titled "Der Geistkampfer" (The Ghostfighter) or "The Fighter of the Spirit". The winged man holding a sword is standing on the back of a wolf/lioness/beast and may symbolize the victory of the spirit of goodness over evil.

Sonnet for the Sparrows

Sonnet for the Sparrows

I watch the sparrows scatter seeds
Into deep snow where once were weeds.
I take my bucket, footsteps slow.
To fill their feeder, fill their needs.

They watch me from the elm.  I know.
And hear the last seeds as they flow.
They wait until I reach my door;
By then they're peeking in a row.

These pale skies chill us to the core.
Bright spring is what we're longing for.
Then, under the feeder and warm rays.
Sunflower sprouts begin to soar.

Soon taller than I, they'll bow a ways
Toward scattered seeds of winter days.

                                     -Robin Stryker

On the Horizon

Plein Air Events

I had fun participating in the Port Wing, WI and Grand Marais, MN Plein Air Painting Events this summer.

Common Good Books Poetry Contest 2018 Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 Common Good Poetry Contest, and thank you again to all who entered. 

Here is one of the four winning poems.

ICE FISHING ON LAKE PHALEN

He sits hunched over on a camp stool
under the arching dome of gray plastic
that nearly disappears in a wilderness

of gray ice.  He is creating a quiet place,
a chance to collect himself or think
of nothing at all.  There is only the muffled

sound of a winter wind and the slight slap
of water at the hole.  He could easily buy
a fish at the market, but it would be only 

a fleeting moment, whereas fishing lasts
until he wishes to leave, and the fish
is really not the most important thing.

--Norman Holen

Here is one of the losing poems.


                                       Come and Gone 

by Richard Stryker 

It was my first winter in St. Paul; 

At just 15, I was walking tall. 

I worked at the St. Clair Theater 

Taking tickets from guys and girls. 

Every week I'd change the marquee 

To announce the title of the new movie. 

On an old ladder I would stand, 

Wool jacket, hat, and gloves on hands. 

Flash ahead 50 years; nothing's the same. 

The life hack apps are not what they claim. 

Never bought a Bitcoin 'til it rose higher, 

Nothing much saved for when I retire. 

So this winter I ask my dog, "Why?" 

My old Scotty looks up with a cry, 

And that answer is his last sad song. 

A full life has quickly come and gone. 

So be kind, be humble, and wise in your way, 

And be glad that winter always ends one day. 

Soon it will be spring again, my dear, 

After I shed an occasional tear.

Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition

I was lucky enough to get into the Minnesota State Fair show this year.  A nice man from Indianapolis, IN purchased the painting.  So happy and thankful for the sale.

Plein Air Grand Marais

I think this is my seventh year participating in this event.  I always stay in the Mangy Moose Motel.  A nice couple, Bill and Danielle, are the new owners.  Their kindness and the charming motel (all of the 10 rooms are different) help to make the visit fun.  The weather was ever changing and always beautiful.  All of our meals were delicious.  Walleye fish at My Sister's Place, cod fish/chips and coleslaw at the Dockside Cafe, white fish and lake trout at the Angry Trout, breakfast at the Naniboujou Lodge and frozen custard cones from Sidney's while watching a thunder storm with lightning over the Sawtooth Mountains.  We took our annual pilgrimage to see the Spirit Tree in Grand Portage and felt the past memories of the previous visits over the course of 35 years.  I did six paintings in three days.  The "quick paint" and "night paint" are still challenging, but not as stressful as the first few years.  I've learned to do the "night paint" in my car.  Sitting in the passenger's seat I duct tape the canvas board to cardboard and then duct tape that to the dashboard.  Then small led lights are attached to the visor, rear-view mirror and ceiling handle.  The "quick paint" went well except for the fact that three other artists decided to paint the the same yellow boat parked in the owners side yard.  All the paintings were done from different angles, but mine paled in comparison.  I sold one painting at the opening reception!  A total of 60 artists and over 250 paintings created in a few days.  I luckily ran into all of my artists acquaintances, that I mostly only see once a year.  Which is, highly unlikely considering how big the Cook County boundaries are.  I didn't get a very good photo of my "night paint" (Robin's favorite.)  But, whenever I'm having a bad day, I can remind myself I have painting in Grand Marais next September to look forward to.  Then everything will seem a little bit better.