I am happy to report I have been taking time this month to enjoy all the many sunflower fields in Central Wisconsin. Planting and sharing sunflowers with the public has become quite popular! I was able to visit four different fields and the last one I was able to return to four times so far. I spent time taking photos, sketching, and painting while quietly enjoying the pleasant conversations of other visitors as well as the buzzing of bees, purring of cats, rustling winds, a few sprinkles of rain and the warmth of the sun. Some of my pictures and paintings I will share below. Overall, a great way to practice painting “en plein air” and having fun while creating A Lasting Impression.
“Ah! sunflower, weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the sun,
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the traveller’s journey is done;
Where the youth pined away with desire,
And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,
Arise from their graves and aspire;
Where my sunflower wishes to go.”
William Blake
My first location was Auburndale School Forrest. A field was planted behind the high school and donations were accepted for the Toys for Tots program. On the day of my visit, the skies were a little overcast and I did receive a bit of light rain as I was finishing.
“I am working with the enthusiasm of a man from Marseilles eating bouillabaisse, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to you because I am busy painting huge sunflowers.”
Vincent Van Gogh
My next location was Arnolds Strawberry Farm in Rudolf, WI. New to the farm this year, a field was planted in honor of two family members. I had a bit of a hike from the parking area to the field and the day was sunny, warm and breezy. Donations were being accepted to help the Wood and Portage County Humane Societies.
“Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.”
Old French Proverb
My third location was in Wild Rose, WI at Kuckuk Farms. I was amazed at their 15 acres of flowers, with paths to walk through (just like a corn maze) and even areas set up to enjoy a picnic. I was there on a busy sunny Saturday and loved hearing all the nice comments, conversations and joyful chatter.
My fourth location was in Amherst, WI at Sopa Fairview Farm. The view from the road was magnificent! Seeing over 500,000 sunflowers reaching upwards to greet you was fantastic! Cash donations were accepted as a thank you. I visited 4 times and each one I was able to discover and paint something just a little differently. This farm was the closest to my home and their planting and bloom time was a little later than the others which helped spread out seeing so many blooms in Wisconsin this year. I loved the experience and will plan to visit again next year!
“Turn your face to the sun, and shadows follow behind you.”
Maori Proverb
Karin McDonald Art 