Attending The SAA Board Meeting

A Great Time In Colorado and Chicago!

By Rachelle Siegrist

We spent our last day in Colorado, inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Freshly fallen snow covered the upper elevations, and parting gray clouds revealed sunshine and blue skies, creating some nice photo-ops!  The wind was unbelievable however, gusting well over 60 mph and making it quite cold! Snow blowing off the surrounding mountains, made it look like snow showers in the distance!  We had to be careful when walking near edges and the fierce winds pelted us with snow blowing from miles away, as we walked through fields below!  It was a beautiful day though, and it is always an amazing treat to spend time in the park!

 

That evening Wes and I hiked to the top of the hill behind our friends’ house to enjoy the gorgeous 360-degree view.  Amazingly the wind was blowing even harder there, making it difficult to stand up at times, and impossible to talk to each other, and at one point I had to squat to keep from getting blown over! I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to be out in a hurricane . . . now I know!

We had an awesome send off Monday morning, when a herd of elk came to say goodbye, as we packed and left Bob and Diane’s.  We all boarded the plane in Denver, heading to Chicago, where we were met by more wind, cold and snow flurries.

Within an hour we arrived at friend and SAA President Reneé and Brian’s home, where we spent this past week. While Wes and Bob continued working on SAA business  on Tuesday, Renée and I took their gorgeous English Setters, Max and Marlin for a nice long walk, and afterwards Diane helped us make twice baked potatoes and other things for the big dinner party the next evening. After a delicious dinner that evening, we all enjoyed watching a movie in their personal home theater!

 

Max takes a nap while Marlin helps out

Wednesday was spent jurying for the SAA annual show which is all done anonymously and in random order (The jurors don’t know who they are voting for or how their peers vote until the end).  Neither of us served as jurors, Wes (in training to become the Executive Director) worked with Bob and I read aloud the mediums of each artwork submitted for the show for the jurors and helped run errands.  We were extremely delighted to each have a painting selected for the annual exhibition and with this being my 15th year of being accepted, it makes me a Distinguished Signature Member! Congratulations also to everyone whose work was accepted for the upcoming 58th Annual Exhibition at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art!

Hanging out in comfort and style!

That evening Renée and Brian graciously treated everyone to a wonderful time and dinner at their home.  Thursday was spent at the Herrington Inn with the SAA’s Spring  board meeting and new members’ jury. That afternoon friend Pat joined me for a nice hike along the Fox River, where we visited a Japanese Garden, hillsides covered in beautiful blue flowers and an old Dutch Windmill, as well as other things of interest.  It was a warm, sunny day, making it even more enjoyable!  That evening the entire board enjoyed a nice dinner at a local Irish Pub.

 

Friday brought an amazing treat for us, while getting to ride in the “Man Van” as Renée and Brian call their big black office van, while driver Dave took us four along with Renée, to Barabou, WI.

Arriving in style, we met Brian at their beautiful distillery and restaurant, Driftless Glen, and were delighted to get a personal tour of the distillery and facility while seeing the backbones of the operation.

Brian, Reneé and Max giving us a personal tour

Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious lunch in their restaurant, while enjoying a beautiful view of the river!  Working on a new dessert, the chef treated us all to the first tasting of his Tres’ Leches cake, which was of course totally scrumptious, as well as his bread pudding with bourbon sauce!

Yes . . . you have to share it with the rest of us!

With happy and full tummies, we hit the infused Balsamic vinegars and olive oil tasting bar, and what a delightful treat it was!  Scott offered us different pairings to taste, which were all delicious in unique ways!  It was truly a wonderful experience, and if you are ever in the area, I highly recommend a visit to Driftless Glen!

YUM . . . look at all those balsamic vinegars and olive oils!

Wes and I want to personally thank Reneé, Brian, Diane and Bob again for opening their beautiful homes to us and blessing us with a truly wonderful past two weeks!!!  I’ll share the images of our accepted paintings next week.

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Until next time . . .

~ Rachelle

SAA Part III Encounters With Elk in the Rockies!

Playing in Rocky Mountain National Park

By Rachelle Siegrist

The lovely view from our picnic spot!

I can’t believe it’s already been two weeks ago yesterday, since Wes and I spent our last day in Rocky Mountain National Park! After enjoying an early morning walk with friends Diane and Allen, followed by a delicious breakfast, Wes and I headed into Rocky Mountain National Park, to enjoy our last day there before flying back home to the Smokies the next day. The clouds that shrouded the sky earlier that morning had somewhat parted, allowing the brilliant blue sky to show through above as we enjoyed picnicking in a flower filled meadow. We then took a scenic drive to the Alpine Visitor Center, which seems to rest on top of the world! From the parking lot of the visitor center, we followed a path consisting of about 250 steps, which literally did lead to the top of the world, in that section of the Park anyway! Having previously seen two Blue Grouse during our drive up earlier, and just a couple of feet away at that, the day was already going great! For me personally, it was getting even better, as I love climbing to the top of mountains, and that’s exactly what we did, as we ascended the large stone steps, the air getting thinner and colder, as we went along, climbing ever higher!

Shiver me legs . . . Feeling on top of the world!

A few of the 250 plus steps leading to the top

Wes walking on the top

Once at the top, the 46-degree temperature felt even colder, accompanied by a strong, cold wind! Thanks to the cutbacks of the airlines and the limited space of our one small carry on, my long pants were left at home, so my bare legs were quite chilly! Nonetheless, the stunning 360-degree view was simply breathtaking! As I quietly stood at the top for several minutes, I noticed that there were small patches of snow remaining here and there, with the blossoms of alpine wildflowers, scattered about. “Such hearty little flowers” I thought!

Me with two snow skiers . . . the little specks on the right in the snow

Another gorgeous view from the top

One of the hearty little Alpine wildflowers

Then we noticed a large herd of Elk bedded down in the far off distance. With legs now numb, the cold no longer bothered me as I walked back down the steps. After a visit to the visitor center, we began our journey back down, stopping several times along the way to take photos of vistas and critters. While driving along, we were simply amazed at the number of cyclists slowly and methodically pedaling their way to the top of this upper part of the world! During our stops we saw Yellow-bellied Marmots, Pika and different bird species.

The herd of Elk up high

Suited up and photographing the Marmots

A precious Pika posses sweetly

A camouflaged young Marmot . . . can you spot him?

We left this frigid part of the Park behind as we slowly drove down through the sub-alpine region, entering the Montane region once again. We came to a halt when a couple of cars were stopped in the road ahead of us. Immediately we saw the two large bull Elk in the edge of the woods, to the right. Barking dogs in the vehicle in front of us scared the one back into the woods, and just as Wes was starting to go, the other large male jumped out in front of our car and walked right up to the front of it, were he stood for a minute or so, before walking directly beside our car, so close in fact, that his side rubbed my side mirror. Suddenly he stopped and looked into my open window for a couple of seconds before slowly walking away, then disappearing back into the woods. “How amazing was that?” . . . we both said in unison, before continuing on our journey!

Mmmmm . . . did someone say chocolate?

Well . . . Hello there!

After another enjoyable hike around Sprague Lake, I was thrilled to discover that we still had enough time to hike to Alberta Falls! Loving waterfalls, I never tire of seeing a new one, so off we went enjoying yet another delightful walk in the woods. Hearing the roar of the rushing water, we knew we were getting close and after rounding one last bend in the path, there it was in full splendor! It was as beautiful as I had imagined, and after enjoying it for a bit, we started the hike back.

 

Me by beautiful Alberta Falls

The trail junctions with another one half way down, and upon noticing a couple of people photographing something from a nearby footbridge, we walked over to see what it was. Amazingly it was a beautiful female Elk standing at the edge of the stream, nibbling and eating leaves from a tree above. So I quickly and quietly knelt on the bridge and took a few photos. Just then she stepped out into the glistening water, with rays of sun streaming down on her from above, and slowly lowered her head to get a drink. I felt like I was in the middle of a fairytale, as I watched her slowly wade through the water, stopping to eat and occasionally get more drinks. As I watched her, time stood still, and it seemed as if only she and I existed in this beautiful, serene setting. I quietly thanked her for the fantastic photo-op, knowing that I would someday immortalize her in a miniature painting!

Me with a new friend

Wes on one of the large foot bridges

I felt so truly blessed to have yet another amazing encounter that day, and finished the hike with a big smile spread across my face! Before long we had returned to the trailhead, and started the journey back to our friends’ home in Berthoud. We saw a couple more Elk, and lots of gorgeous scenery, as we drove along the Park road. Before long we found ourselves driving through Big Thompson Canyon, where the river below is encompassed by tall rocky cliffs on either side, creating a setting that looks like it should include John Wayne mounted on his horse and Indians scattered above! That evening we enjoyed dinner, conversation and laughs, with Bob, Diane, and Julie Bender at their local Thai restaurant. The next morning it was time to say good-bye, before driving back to Denver and flying home.

Two stunning views of Big Thompson Canyon

~ The latest paintings off of the Siegrists’ Easels ~

I finished my miniature painting of one of my new best buddies, Herschel this past week, while Wes finished his two paintings of a gorgeous male and female Goldfinch.  I also finished a drawing of a Black Bear which I’m donating to the Appalachian Bear Rescue, for their upcoming fundraising event.

“Herschel” dog portrait painting by Rachelle

“Female Goldfinch on Salvia” by Wes“Male Goldfinch on Salvia” by Wes

“Smoky” Black Bear drawing by Rachelle

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Until next time . . .
Rachelle

SAA Part II ~ Playing in Rocky Mountain National Park

Playing in Rocky Mountain National Park

By Rachelle Siegrist

Happy kids we are while enjoying Sprague Lake

I can’t believe it’s been a week and a half already since Wes and I landed in Denver, CO, anxious to spend a week out there! Although we were there to attend the 54th Society of Animal Artists’ Annual Exhibition, we spent several days playing in Rocky Mountain National Park, while staying with dear friends Bob and Diane at their beautiful place in nearby Berthoud, CO. Wednesday, over a week ago, the four of us headed to Estes Park, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Poppy’s Pizza and Grill. While sitting on the backporch enjoying the cool breeze, we were treated to the lovely sites and sounds of the stream and mountainside adjacent to the open air dining area. After lots of talking and laughing and with tummies happy and full, we drove into Rocky Mountain National Park, with our first stop being Sprague Lake. It was a most relaxing walk, just meandering along the path leading around the lake, accompanied by beautiful blue skies above! The air was full of bird song as we occasionally stopped to admire the numerous wildflowers still blooming along the lakeside. We also spotted a couple of Mallard Ducks as well as several other bird species, many of which we photographed for possible future paintings.

Me with dear friends Bob and Diane by Sprague Lake

A lovely female Mallard Duck, by what I call “Lazy Grass”, since it appeared to grow tall . . . get tired . . .

then fall over and keep growing while lying down!

She posed so sweetly for Wes!

Leaving there, we headed up to the high country, where we spent sometime at one of the overlooks, while enjoying the view and watching the numerous resident chipmunks, squirrels and pikas all running busily about. The gorgeous views were accompanied with strong, brisk winds, which I must admit caused me to hide my bare legs behind the rock ledges as much as possible! Leaving there, we headed back down the mountainside, while enjoying the gorgeous ride back through the Park. That evening the four of us met our dear artist friend, Karryl, at Bob and Diane’s favorite Thai restaurant, where we enjoyed great food, conversation and of course lots of laughs!

Thick grasses border beautiful Sprague Lake

Another gorgeous view of the lake, one in which I can just imagine a bull Moose!

A curious resident at one of  the upper elevation overlooks

Sitting on the edge . . .  literally!  . . . Another treat for this thrill seeker!

Thursday, after a delightful early morning walk and yummy breakfast with several other friends on the Mason’s porch, artist friend Allen Blagden joined Wes and I for another adventurous day in the Park! We enjoyed once again, driving through the beautiful canyon area leading from our friends’ house in Berthoud to Estes Park, where we stopped at a Subway to grab sandwiches to take for a picnic in the Park. After a bit of confusion with the man making our sandwiches and a small disaster with Allen and I at the drink machines, we headed back to our car, while laughing our heads off! We were off once again, and before we knew it, we were entering the Park. Reading maps is not a strong point of mine, so unfortunately we managed to miss all of the main picturesque picnic areas and ended up at a table by a large parking lot. Although we had a grand view of the Rockies in the distance, a huge RV filled up much of our view! But not to worry, we had great fun anyway, laughing and shivering, as we ate while trying to hold down our sandwich wrappers in what seemed like 60 mph cold winds!

Allen and I at our picturesque picnic spot

With tummies full, we loaded a shuttle bus, where we rode to the Bear Lake trailhead. It was another beautiful day as we started the walk around the picturesque lake, stopping numerous times to take photos. Allen and I both had to feel the water to see just how cold it was, and just as we imagined it was icy! Wildflowers were blooming all along the hike with chipmunks and little ground squirrels occasionally making appearances. Before we knew it, we had rounded the lake, at which point we decided to hike up to Nymph Lake. On the way there and out of breath from the elevation, Allen decided he better keep his greetings to those passing by to just one syllable!

Wes and I are all smiles at Bear Lake . . . notice how many jackets I have on . . . Ha!

A  stunning view of Nymph Lake

A gorgeous view of Bear Lake

Reaching the upper elevation lake, we could see that it was filled with water lilies and several of them were blooming. It was a gorgeous lake, and I could just imagine myself gliding across the smooth surface in a kayak, thus quickly deciding it would make a spectacular backyard! Having enjoyed the stunning setting and seeing several different birds once again, we decided it was time to hike back down. Before long we were back at the Bear Lake trailhead and parking area, where we loaded back onto the shuttle bus. Soon we arrived at the parking area, where our adventures had started earlier that day. With many happy memories made and stories to tell, we started the journey back to our friends’ home, where later that evening we all drove into Denver for the weekend.

Wild Asters bloom by Sprague Lake

The gorgeous drive to our “Colorado home”

~ The latest paintings off of the Siegrists’ Easels~

This past week, I finished my miniature painting of a sculpture room in The National Gallery of Art.  It features 19 sculptures and a shadowy figure in the back, which was a docent.  I felt as if I had managed a major feat upon completing this very tiny detailed painting!

FINE ART IN LITTLE II by Rachelle

Come back this Sunday to read about part III of our exciting adventure with Elk and other critters in Rocky Mountain National Park!

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Until next time . . .
Rachelle