Pembroke Savanna

Eastward-blown little bluestem grass in the Nature Conservancy’s Pembroke Savanna echoes the predominant wind direction that formed these large dunes in the post-glacial era. I was inspired by a late afternoon visit in May 2019 to find a composition that would highlight that remarkable dune topography along with the savanna’s characteristic black oaks, spectacular birdsfoot violets, and unusual prairie pocket gopher excavations. The striking color combination of spring-green verdure, last year’s golden grass stems, and a deep blue sky further enriched the experience of visiting one of my favorite prairie preserves in the state.

Site location: https://goo.gl/maps/Nxv6FChYhhDxANXt5

See Field Museum Field Guide for this painting (page 6).

Studio painting – October.