A Lighthouse, a Legacy, and the Love of Art

This spring, I’ve had the great honor of sharing my artwork at one of Minnesota’s most iconic landmarks—Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, Minnesota. My current art exhibit, on display at the Split Rock Lighthouse visitor center, features a collection of colored pencil drawings inspired by the wildlife, nature, and northern Minnesota landscapes I’ve spent my life admiring.

To have my work shown in a place so rich with history—overlooking the vast, ever-changing waters of Lake Superior—is a meaningful milestone. Much of my inspiration comes from this region: the quiet woods, the wildlife that appears in my sketches, and the rhythm of the seasons in northern Minnesota. Each piece is a reflection of both the beauty I see and the peace I feel in these surroundings.

Earlier this month, we hosted an artist meet-and-greet event at the visitor center. I had the joy of visiting with guests—some longtime supporters and others just discovering my work. I appreciated the thoughtful conversations and the opportunity to share more about my creative process and the stories behind some of the artwork.

My daughter, Courtney, was there helping document the event. She captured some great moments from the day, and I’m glad to share a few of her photos here.

The exhibit will be on display through April 31, 2025, and the visitor center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you’re planning a visit to the North Shore of Lake Superior, I hope you’ll stop by. Whether you're drawn to the lighthouse, the lake, or the artwork, this exhibit adds another layer of inspiration to your experience.

For more details, visit the Minnesota Historical Society event page.

The Artist's Journey: Creating What I Love

As a visual artist specializing in colored pencil work, art occupies my thoughts nearly every waking hour. While I explore many creative dimensions, I have to admit—art surpasses all my other interests. Years ago, when I worked as an illustrator, I used a variety of mediums, making me somewhat of a "Jack of all trades, master of none." Often, creating what a client wanted felt confining, limiting my ability to draw what truly inspired me. Still, my customers appreciated my work, especially my custom art pieces.

Today, I prefer to explore different artistic avenues, often using those same mediums but with more freedom. I’ve also experimented with drawing a wide range of subjects, including pet portraits, wildlife, and landscapes that reflect my connection to Minnesota’s natural beauty. Sometimes, I find myself in uncharted waters, constantly seeking to please both myself and the public eye. While I may fall short at times, I always get back up and try again.

Just as there are countless shades in my colored pencils, the public has an equally broad array of interests in art. As a result, I dabble in everything from figurative art to wildlife, sports, still life, and even a little cartooning.

Trying to predict what others will enjoy is a daunting task—and I’m not very good at it! So, I usually return to creating what brings me joy. Whether it’s a custom pet portrait or a wildlife scene inspired by the landscapes of Minnesota, I simply create images that make me happy. And if along the way someone shares my passion, it enriches my life knowing that my work resonates with others. Ultimately, I create for myself, but the appreciation of my art by others is the most rewarding feeling of all.

Disappointments will come your way. Victories will be sweet!

Montie Montana was a Hollywood cowboy actor, stuntman and trick roper; famous for his ability to lasso anything that moved.

Koni and I lived in Duluth Minnesota when we were first married. One day I received a phone call from my oldest brother, Orlo. He was a geologist, and the sibling we felt an urge to become or at least try and match his success. He was hired to supervise an iron ore mine north of Palm Springs California. Who would have thought southern California would have iron ore, right?

The phone call was a welcomed surprise. An acquaintance of Orlo had told my brother about a business venture he was involved in. The gentleman spoke about needing a graphic artist to come on board to help with the visual and creative needs of the business. The project described was led by the best-selling, western author, Louis L’Amour. L’Amour had written 89 novels by the time of his passing.

L’Amour’s dream was to build a 19th century old western town in Colorado. The town, Shalako, would be complete with a main street with a livery stable, dry good stores, sheriff’s office, saloons, and quaint shops. Also included, was a one room school house and church with a steeple.

Unknown Artist’s Rendering of the Shalako Village Concept

A rodeo trick rider named Montie Montana was on the project. Montana was a Hollywood cowboy actor, stuntman and trick roper; famous for his ability to lasso anything that moved. He became well-known in the United States when he lassoed President Eisenhower at the president’s 1953 inauguration. I can imagine the Secret Service was a little embarrassed they allowed the incident to happen. 

I gathered up my portfolio and flew out for an interview soon after. At the interview, I met the cowboy! He appeared as a tall, lean ranch hand with all the trimmings. He liked my portfolio and asked, “Would you be interested in relocating to Colorado Springs?” I told him yes without hesitation. Colorado Springs was about 6 hours north of the project site and would be the headquarters for L’amour’s project.

I was told to wait as they were tying up loose ends and I would hear from them. I was very excited to say the least!

I waited patiently while a marketing research company was hired to evaluate to potential profitability of the Shalako and deliver their findings to the group. Unfortunately, the company said there was no profit to be made here. The western town would also be located in a wilderness area that would have to undergo an environmental study if it were to become a reality.

Unfortunately, Montie, who was producing Wild West shows around the country, had got himself in some financial straits and had to remove himself from the project.

Shalako was to remain a dream for L’Amour, and my dream to work for America’s most famous western writer came to an end.