Artemis at the Mystic Valley Sculpture Park

 

"Artemis" is one of our most popular sculptures. It was a collaborative project between Kyle and I. This owl stands 7ft tall and is completely hand made. Kyle sculpted it from foam. Then we covered it in mesh and exterior foam coat from Hotwire Foam Factory. I created all the ceramic tiles as well as the hand cut stained glass mosaic to decorate the owl form. 

In 2020, we began to work on the sculpture trail at the Mystic Valley Sculpture Park. Artemis was going to be our first installation. For the installation, we chose a prominent spot on one of the dunes. Above is a glimpse into the pedestal construction.

Kyle created the form into which he later poured a bunch of concrete into it. This would create our custom pedestal. 

Great work-out!

The concrete setting in our custom base.

I was pretty, pretty pregnant with Wesley during our installation. So Kyle and Ethan did most of the prep work =)

"Artemis" had to be properly strapped for the trip up the trail, toward the dune where he would be installed.

Kyle is very innovative. Uuually, its just the two of us doing all this work so we have to come up with creative ways to move the heavy/awkward sculptures.

Exciting moment before loading "Artemis" on the cart for the big move.

Of course, Ethan inspected the whole set up before we headed out!

We got our friend Armando to give us a much needed help and push.

It was so exciting to see the owl slowly roll toward his final installation site.

Go! Go!Go!

Before the final push up the sandy dune.

Going up! This part was pretty easy, due to Kyle's clever set up.

Next came the tricky part of determining the exact direction that "Artemis" should face before securing the base plate to the pedestal.

 

Securing the base to the pedestal.

I was very pleased with how all of this came together. It was a long time coming to have Artemis installed. So much work and effort finally paid off!

Kyle and Ethan enjoying the fruits of everyone's labor =)

Ethan has been witness to the whole project along the way - the creating of the sculpture, the installation in Colorado Springs, the de-installation, then the transportation to our sculpture park and the final installation. He was very excited to see Artemis in his final spot <3

He loves every part of the sculpture but it is most exciting to go up, up, up!

Artemis is beloved by all our visitors and friends. Here isKyle with our sons and his cousin Tony and partner Katie.

Artemis has been installed here for over a year now and we've loved seeing him at all parts of the day, throughout the changing seasons and the changing weather patterns.

Opal Lake – A Fairyland

Opal Lake – A Fairyland, acrylic on board, 18″x24″, 2021 ~SOLD
See Other Available Paintings: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product-category/paintings-drawings/

This painting is inspired by Opal Lake here in Pagosa Springs, Colorado where I live.

The hike up to Opal Lake is a local treasure. It is a gentle couple mile walk up through a beautiful forest which is perfect for our little family. The hike is short and easy but when you catch the landscape under the right light, the views equal those of places that may require a more extraneous, longer hike.

Me and my younger son Wesley at Opal Lake

I love when nature is accessible to as many people as possible and this hike offers the magic of remote mountains. It is referred to as the Jewel of the Southern San Juans. The colors and the varied vegetation of the landscape gives the feeling of being in another world, in a Fairyland.

Angle view of the painting.

The sun hitting the gloss finish of the varnished painting.

Detail.

Another detail.

One more detail =)

Its always a challenge to capture the spirit of the finished painting so I try to photograph them from different angles and often in different light.

My partner Kyle holding up the painting in our backyard =)

See Other Available Paintings: 

https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product-category/paintings-drawings/

 

A Wintry Night Sky Over Pagosa Peak Painting

 

A Wintry Night Sky Over Pagosa Peak 

acrylic on board, 18″x24″, 2021

SOLD

See other Available Art Here:

https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product-category/paintings-drawings/

 

This painting is inspired by the mountain view along the trail across the road from where I live in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. This is where I take my kids for little forest walks. Its a beautiful trail any time of the year. 

 

 

But anytime after it would snow, the snow covered pines are completely mesmerizing. 

 

 

I haven’t actually walked out there at night but there is a window right by my bed that looks toward the forest  where this trail is. I often look out at night and am blown away by the number and high density of stars above. This part of Colorado has the most incredible night sky. With this painting, I wanted to share this part of my daily inspiration and I hope that it will find a home with someone who loves the unique beauty of fresh snow with a sprinkle of a million stars.

 Angle view. The board has a wooden edge that is 2" deep. It has a gloss varnish applied to it.

 

 

Detail shot in natural light outside. The painting is done with layers of acrylic wash alternating with detail work created with various thicknesses of acrylic paint markers. It is finished with gloss varnish which creates a shiny, finished look. On the back there is a hook for hanging as well as a certificate of authenticity signed by me - the artist.

 

 My partner Kyle holding the painting in a slightly different light.