Looking for a composition among the dunes of Illinois Beach, I was drawn to the reflection of blue sky in a low spot near the shoreline. This swale, or panne, was filled with ground water, equal in level to that of the nearby Lake Michigan. Rare plants inhabit this unique ecological niche so I was careful where I stepped as I painted.
More information about the site at: https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area2lakeillinoisbeach.html
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The following text is written on the back of the framed work:
Presented by Philip Juras on August 28, 2023, at Illinois Beach State Park to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in appreciation for the far-sighted stewardship begun 60 years ago at the creation of the Illinois Nature Preserves System, making it possible for Illinoisans and visiting artists like myself, to experience, appreciate, and share the high quality nature of the Prairie State.
