Direct from Nature

“Storm on the Horizon” by Gail Franke.

Gail Franke is the newest artist to be welcomed to Bay Art Gallery. Franke has a degree in art education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with an emphasis in painting. For most of her career, she primarily painted in a studio setting. However, several years ago Franke started painting outside in plein air and now the majority of her work is done this way, even in winter. She is able to see more clearly the beautiful subtlety of colors painting directly from nature.

The fascination Franke has for boldly defined shapes, both in value and color contrast, is a key element that she looks for when starting a painting. Franke uses a bright limited palette, often applying thick textural paint. The play of light across a scene is what draws her in to paint it, trying to capture that mood.

Bay Art Gallery is located at Sister Bay Trading Co., 2477 Hwy. 42 in Sister Bay. The gallery is open daily 10 am – 5 pm, and 11 am – 4 pm on Sunday. For more information call 920.854.2554.