Jens T. Carstensen "Love of the U.P." paintings at Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery through Aug. 14

MICHIGAMME -- "Love of the U.P." -- an exhibit of new paintings by Jens T. Carstensen -- continues through Aug. 14, 2011, at the Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery, 136 E. Main, in Michigamme.

Jens T. Carstensen: "River Hamlet." Oil Painting. (Photo courtesy Michigamme Moonshine Gallery)

A landscape painter needs to feel a connection to the places he paints. Fortunately the U.P. provides just such inspiration for Jens Carstensen.

Noting the striking resemblance of our area to his native Denmark, he says, "The Upper Peninsula makes me nostalgic for the places of my childhood."

The painter and his wife, Cathy Karr, make visiting the U.P. a top priority every year.

"The U.P. is a great place to paint," Carstensen explains. "I love the quiet, longer days of summer that give me plenty of daylight for painting."

Carstensen produces some of his finest landscapes paintings of the U.P. during his frequent Artist in Residence stays in Michigamme. The artist is confident that viewers will enjoy his new creations.

"It’s great to come back to a place where you feel at home. Returning to the Upper Peninsula stimulates my desire to paint and provides me with fresh material. I wish I could be here all the time." Carstensen notes.

Call 906-323-6546 for more information.