A Scandinavian inspired farmstead and art studio nestled among the forest and lakes region of Bayfield County in northern, Wisconsin. About the artist:
Iowa native, David Grote, grew up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin on the edge of the Chequamegon National Forest near Medford. He studied at The Minneapolis College of Art and Design and received a B.F.A. He then continued his education recei
ving an M.F.A. in Painting and Ceramics from Idaho State University. Looking at David’s work, it’s easy to see what inspires his oil paintings. The Scandinavian farmstead that he and his partner, designed, built and named Whippoorwill Farm, is like a secret garden, hidden in the pine barons of Northern Wisconsin. Orchards, berries and gardens flourish in the poor, sandy soils of this 14 acre wooded farm. The farm is also home to a variety of animals, livestock guardian dog (Olaf), Icelandic Sheepdog (Finn) , and the barn cats, Otto and Trixie are all eager to greet visitors. David also keeps honey bees, raises rare Icelandic Chickens and colourful Icelandic Sheep known for their luxuriant dual-coated fleece which he spins into a lopi style yarn during the cold, dark Wisconsin winters. The farms residents together with the natural beauty of the area provide endless inspiration for David’s art. David’s candid paintings and intimate portraits of the farm residents, along with his attention to detail, give the viewer a glimpse into the privacy of their world that only an artist who has a close connection to their subject can. David’s work has been on display in several group and one man shows. His work hangs in the homes of private collectors and businesses throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and across the country. David has taught various art disciplines at Mount Scenario College and Idaho State University. He also served as Assistant Professor for the University of Wisconsin Extension as 4-H Youth Development Agent in Ashland County, Wisconsin for nine years. In the summer of 2005 David left UWEX and built his painting studio in the style of a Swedish Falun Red outbuilding. He now works as a full time Artist and Shepherd.
