Author: Eric E. Kolbe

 I went on a road trip to deliver a commissioned Colorstretch, and a flower painting to Chicago! And boy, let me tell you what an adventure. There was snow, ice, and gale force winds… going both ways. I went by way of the I-90 all the way to Chicago. I spent an incredible 3 full days there, packed with art, food, and architecture. Also, went up to the observation decks of two of Chicago’s tallest buildings. The views were to die for. The next day I went to the Art Institute of Chicago, I was deeply pleased to see the art I saw…there were paintings there I never thought I would see, ever! The following day I went to the Field Museum. I saw Sue, the most intact Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found, saw amazing gems and minerals, and fascinating mummies. There could be another day spent at each of the two museums. I then went off to St. Louis to hang out with my Aunt Marlene! She was an amazing host. I helped her clean out a house for her to get ready for sale, but then also was able to check out the local history. We went to Springfield and saw the Dana-Thomas House, a Frank Loyd Wright masterpiece, and also to see the The Lincoln museum, as well as Lincolns tomb. I felt so honored to be there and to read the history of America’s greatest president. We went to the St. Louis Art Museum as well as Cahokia Mounds, A World Heritage site and the largest archaeological site north of Mexico. Truly fascinating and amazing that we were able to see all these wonderful sites and art… from there I went to Denver to see a fashion exhibition of Japanese fashion from the 80’s to 90’s called Future Shock. Again I was able to see and phenomenal art and fashion. From there I went home, it was snowy on my way back and I had to take our time which was OK. I  made it safe and sound traveled 5047 miles and saw tons of priceless priceless amazing works of art. I will be posting pictures over the next several days! 

Here are pictures of the three beautiful paintings I made that took three months to create. Now that Golden Beetle is closed I have them back, and I’m thrilled to see them up close again. They are very unique and so fun to look at!