Here's an update from my studio. If you enjoy entries like this you can sign up for them directly at laurelsundberg.com
Hi everyone,
My studio has been on wheels lately. Traveling to Crow-Hassan prairie for a bumble bee survey resulted in a jolt of inspiration and a strong desire to paint more of this particular subject. So begins my Prairie Project. There aren't many of these landscapes left. Prairies form deep, rich soil. Millions of acres of native prairie fell to cultivation during the pioneer days. It's what makes the midwest such an important agricultural area. As a result only about 1% of Minnesota's original prairies remain. In fact the paintings in this post are from a restored prairie.
Prairie restoration is a careful, multi-year undertaking. Imagine gardening, but over 3000 acres and dealing with all the "things beyond your control" on a scale I really can't imagine as a backyard gardener. Matching seed profiles with soil components, timing burns to maximize recharge of nutrients, knock out invasive plants, and minimize harm to organisms that call the prairie home. It's an overwhelming undertaking, BUT luckily one that is being tackled, or we'd have none of these once-common vistas left in this part of Minnesota.
This late summer and early fall I hope to get regular trips out to paint under the sweeping prairie skies. So stay tuned. Do you know someone who might be interested in following this project? Ask them to join my newsletter to get updates right to their inbox. (I don't ever share emails, I hate spam too.)
Until next time,
Laurel
PS
My Solo Show in Bemidji is up for 2 more weeks! The show comes down on Labor Day. So if you're in the area be sure to check it out!
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