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Original oil pastel drawing titled: When All Americans Lived Green

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The landscapes and secret sanctuaries of central Minnesota look to me like living art. I finally found the time this weekend to begin a series of plein air drawings and paintings that I have longed to create for years now. This is from a group of three pieces created at the Lower Sioux Agency Historical Site. This is where the Dakota War of 1862 began. The battle here was lead by Thaóyate Dúta also known as Chief Little Crow.

These plein air pieces are begun in the field, first sketched in graphite and then with oil pastels. I add the finishing layers at home in my studio, mostly because my butt falls asleep sitting on the hard ground. And because we have mosquitoes here the size of small hummingbirds.

This image feels so good to me. Simple and clean and quiet. Natural. It is a huge drawing by my standards, but I never tired of working on it. I am really happy with this drawing.

I think something about the idea of people who could live by their wits - not in nature, but with nature. With the Earth. Is so amazing in our fragmented world. In this day and age when homelessness is a real fear for so many now being foreclosed upon or otherwise unable to pay their rent. Imagine being able to construct shelter with your own hands. Having the skills and knowledge to find and acquire food. To create your own clothing and tools and musical instruments. I am not romanticising the past. There was starvation and disease and a host of problems. But the idea of living simply and having such broad skills captivates me.

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<font size="2"> (Please note that all my images are copyrighted and may not be used for purposes outside of the Zazzle products I am offering here without my written permission.)

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