In folklore and mythology, lupines are associated with various symbolic meanings, including imagination, creativity, and renewal. Lupines, when given as a gift, tells the receiver that a positive outlook leads to the discovery of new opportunities- may the next journey in life be filled with more joy and happiness (if that’s possible).
Blog
Passports on Parade- Winner!
PublishedKareen, the winner of Passports on Parade, decided on the artwork she wanted, and I’m blessed to announce it was one of my works, a Formal photozaic Titled Gateway to Racepoint Beach.
The back story on Passports on Parade can be found here:
Gateway to Racepoint Beach
Gateway can offer up an over welcoming feeling of “come on in”. This scene offers that feeling with a side of warning to those that don’t pay attention to their environment. I don’t mind the locals and will respect their home. If I’m not meant to be in the ocean I will sit quietly on the shore watching a movie of waves play on repeat for my pleasure.
Keller Prize -2024
Publishedhttps://www.thekellerprize.com/copy-of-2023-gallery
Blessed to have a few samples of my works for the Keller prize and up for a prize and publication in early 2025. Fingers crossed my work is selected…
https://www.thekellerprize.com/2024-artist-gallery-m-r
My work under this tab- Natalie McGuire
Sample works: Orange watercolor, Yellow Gerbera Daisy, Hint of Gold, Gateway to Racepoint Beach, and Beach Life.
Commando Photozaic – artwork statement
My award-winning Photozaics are inspired by where Van Gogh’s textures meet Ansel Adam’s simplicity near the intersection of Bob Ross’ healing vibes. This technique is a labor-intensive multi-step process and starts with my journey into nature; recording the landscapes that spark my eye whether it be rolling hills or a babbling brook. After modifying the composition, I take the print and head to the stained-glass shop to find matching colors. I cut the glass by hand by taking smaller shards and placing them in a rock tumbler to remove sharp edges while larger pieces are sanded by hand and assembled in the frame. Grouting finishes the artwork allowing the detail of each cut glass shape to add texture to my art. I call commando, is liberating for me because it’s liberating to see the photo in sync with the frame, with no boundaries separating these two mediums from dancing: just beautiful fluid flow.
Art this Way- Solar Arts and Northrup King BLDGS
Published711 15th Ave NE MPLS, MN 55413
Website: https://solarartsbuilding.com/
Dates: November 7th -10th
Times: Thursday 5-9 pm
Friday 5-10 pm
Saturday 12-6 pm
Sunday 12-5 pm
It’s that time of year again when the air is crisp, tanks and shorts are replaced with wool sweaters and knee-high boots, and spiced beverages warm the chilled hands.  The start of the holiday season has arrived and Solar arts along with Northrup King Bldg. will have their studios open to the public. What better way to kick off the holiday season by shopping locally handmade artist creations, nothing! Need more? Well Indeed Brewery is located on the 1st floor of Solar Arts, still not enough? Well Quincy Street is home to various restaurants. So, no more excuses!!!
Photo Artfolio
PublishedOnline Exhibition- “Travel Dreams”
https://www.photo-artfolio.com/galleries/travel-dreams-exhibit
About exhibition:
This collection of images captures the spirit of exploration, inviting photographers to share the emotions, stories, and moments that have shaped their journeys. Whether venturing to far-off destinations or discovering the hidden gems within their own communities, each photograph reflects the unique perspectives that arise from immersing ourselves in new environments and cultures. As we wind down the year, we celebrate the adventures that define us and invite you to relive the essence of travel through this inspiring visual experience.
I was blessed to have two images selected for this online exhibition, Beach Life and Watercolor Tree.
Beach Life- digital infrared photography
Life is like an Ocean or in this case a Great Lake; sometimes it can be calm, rough waves, gorgeous blue waters, or jet black with white caps but at the end of the day it is always beautiful. Simple views like this help me recharge my soul, releasing the creativity like endorphins after a workout so I can share my visual art to the world.
Watercolor Tree- I phone fine art photography
Steamy Monday morning here in Cabin Country Minnesota. At first glance, this looks dreary, but find the peace this dew-covered window gives. Mother Nature grabs my attention again and gives me something to see that I haven’t paid attention to in the past. I give thanks for simple blessings like this image, I find beauty in the storm; I find my inner peace.
Letters to CheeBah- The day were born.
PublishedI met your parents Mia and Dakotah on a cold February Sunday. I knew instantly when your dog momma couldn’t stop putting her paw on me, letting me know she approved of me having one of her babies. I already had the deposit check written out and gave it to the breeder, Cheryl. She said births would happen around the end of March and the beginning of April, so I patiently waited for the call.
On April 4th, 2015, you and your siblings came into the world, and I couldn’t wait to meet you. CheeBah you had one other sister and four brothers. Sadly, your sister didn’t make it, and her name was Hope it was then I knew we were destined to be together as I was the only girl with two brothers and two male cousins that were my dad’s twin brother’s boys; we were all very close.Â
Cheryl was awesome allowing us pawrents weekly visits (pre-pandemic) so we could bond with our furbabies. Week 1, you were black and white with a dot on your head (that’s how you got your middle name, Dotti). Week 2, I was able to hold you and give you kisses as you can see in the pictures I took of you, nothing could stop your growth and markings started to form. Week 3 you knew your name and got a wiggle butt going when I can to get you out of the whelping box. You would hug my arm as I talked to you and give you more kisses, letting you know you are a good girl.Â
Week 4 you were walking around with confidence not wanting to hang out in Kaos that a few of your rumbustious brothers were causing; wanting to explore the world around you. Week 5 more of your makings developed, and your bark was growing, still loved hugging my arm. At 7 weeks I picked you up and took you home, you loved the car ride and had no fear just an inquisitive nature to explore what was around you. It was Memorial Day weekend, and we continued to bond over that weekend,; I introduced you to my family and friends. Your first pup friend was Elli, and you loved him right away even though he didn’t care for you and snapped at your face. You thought that was love and changed that old pup’s heart.
To be continued…… Dog Park Peeps the next chapter
Steamy August in Lake Country
PublishedHello steamy Monday morning here in the Cabin Country. Looking dreary but I still find the peace this has to offer. I Love these images taken from Mom’s lakeside windows, look closely and you will find peace.
backstory: I snapped these images with my iPhone because the dew added a lot of texture to the landscape outside, a watercolor vibe. The dew was on the outside part of the windows.
Two new works of art added to website
PublishedTwo new works of Art ready for their forever home! Sunset flows small commando photozaic and Presque Isle River medium commando photozaic
Sunset flows- It is the sky that makes the earth so lovely at sunrise, and so splendid at sunset. In one it breathes over the earth the crystal-like ether, in the other the liquid gold. By Thomas Cole. I found fitting as I named Sunset Flow at image taken at Cole Beach. Love synchronicities like this one, it was meant for me to photograph and share with you, the viewer.
Presque Isle River –And there I marveled at the forest’s trees; my soul rooted to its deep verdant sea. I could no more leave it, than it could walk from me. By Angie Weiland- Crosby. A combination of the forest and water is what recharges my soul’s needs. For me nature is nourishment for the soul, so make sure to include this in your daily routine.
Floral & Botanical 4
Published2024 online exhibition
https://www.gallery4percent.com/juried-art-contest-26
Yellow Gerbera Daisy received the Distinction award
There’s a difference between pretty and beautiful. When someone is pretty, they have a good appearance, but when someone is beautiful, they shine from the inside out. – by Rishikajain.
MVA Gallery
PublishedThe Pleasure of Small Art
Exhibition date October 23rd through November 21st2024
Location: MVA gallery
35 E Elizabeth Ave, Suite 313
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Website: https://www.mvaartgallery.com/
Hill is alive with color
Accepted work: Hill is alive with color
Autumn is Summer’s last party celebrating a colorful season, so step outside and participate in Mother Nature’s gorgeous grand finale! For me, it’s like the trees are excited to shed the old in a colorful magical way; getting ready for their much-needed hibernation to rejuvenate and start fresh coming spring.
Commando photoziac artwork series statement:
My award-winning Photozaics are inspired by where Van Gogh’s textures meet Ansel Adam’s simplicity near the intersection of Bob Ross’ healing vibes. This technique is a labor-intensive multi-step process and starts with my journey into nature; recording the landscapes that spark my eye whether it be rolling hills or a babbling brook. After modifying the composition, I take the print and head to the stained-glass shop to find matching colors. I cut the glass by hand by taking smaller shards and placing them in a rock tumbler to remove sharp edges while larger pieces are sanded by hand and assembled in the frame. Grouting finishes the artwork allowing the detail of each cut glass shape to add texture to my art. This series I call commando, it’s liberating to see the photo in sync with the frame no boundaries separating these two mediums from dancing: just beautiful fluid flow.