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“Tall Tales” original acrylic painting in pointillism by Gail Niebrugge, sold.

Back to my series on living and painting in the Wrangell-St. Elias region of Alaska. The telling of tall tales is an annual tradition in McCarthy held on the street in front of the lodge one Sunday each summer. Tourists and locals are entertained by fantastic yarns and silly stories all afternoon, and the tale spinners enhance the experience by dressing in costume. I don’t know if this tradition continues today, but to encourage participation a cash prize is given for the best story. In this painting two of my favorite local characters are performing, both are gone now but this painting remains a testament to a wild life and wild spins in McCarthy. And, to memories of personalities that are missed…..
More tomorrow,

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska art

Frigid winds and chill factor well below zero did not stop crowds of people who stood in line the length of the Palmer Depot, Alaska, from casting their vote for a presidential candidate during the Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses.  Inside the lines snaked back and forth from one end of the Depot to the other, people politely accommodating, making space for as many inside the warm building as possible.  Poll workers were swamped, doing their best to process the crowd efficiently.  It is exciting to be a part of the presidential primary selection process, and I’m proud that Alaska is now a viable and important part of Super Tuesday.

More tomorrow.

Gail Niebrugge, Artist of Alaska

Details and information regarding my Summer Workshop July 14-18 are now posted on my website. Click on the above link to find out how to register and what to bring. We are planning to paint a lot, learn much and have a really great time in the height of Alaska’s beautiful summer. Included will be an informal tour, a gourmet dinner and lunch every day, as well as working on location in some very scenic places. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

Alaska Artist, Gail Niebrugge

My reference photo of the lodge circa 1979, a period that I really enjoy painting. The buildings were rough, and authentic, not gussied up to look “old”.

Photo circa 1985, not much has changed except the new red new roof. Note the multi-level birdhouse in the tree

Circa 2002, this photo shows a new screened porch is added to the side and a new “old” building built next door to the lodge on the right.

2007 photo, the screened porch is enclosed, a covered porch added to the front of the lodge and is repainted white, the new “old” building next door also has a covered porch. It is hard to see here, but the multi-story birdhouse that graced the big tree is now mounted on the peak of the lodge roof. Details are my thing.
More tomorrow,

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska landscape painter

“Showers” original painting in pointillism by Gail Niebrugge, original sold, limited editions sold out, a few Artist Proofs available.

The McCarthy Lodge during fall with the icon old truck. I put the truck in the painting because I think it is an important part of the history of this remote town. I have no idea where the truck is today, I wish someone would clean it up and put it back on main street. This painting was done from research that I obtained while I was serving as the first Artist- in-Residence for the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The residents and park rangers were at a town meeting inside the lodge discussing improvements to the McCarthy Road, I stayed outside to watch the “termination dust” on the mountains and found this great water puddle with a reflection. The mechanics of politics do not interest me, I leave that to others who are emotionally tougher and stronger, I am better at finding the heart and soul of a place and presenting what I see to the world in a painting. Quietly watching, waiting, observing, sketching, photographing, writing in my journal, this is my life as an artist.
More tomorrow,

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Art

“Under Cover” original watercolor painting in pointillism by Gail Niebrugge, original sold, prints available.

Ptarmigan look like a small grouse, their feathers change from brown in summer to pure white in winter. They nest on the ground as soon as the snow melts. The baby chicks can be found with their parents in late June and early July. I often find them when hiking the trails in the McCarthy/Kennicott region. This one is pictured hiding momentarily under the cover of an old wagon parked outside the lodge at McCarthy. They are fun to watch, and sketch, and paint.

More tomorrow,

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Art