Lisa Loucks-Christenson News

February 16, 2024: Lisa Loucks-Christenson's Minnesota Fungi, Volume One (2023) and Minnesota Fungi: Blue Lichens, Volume 2 (2024)

February 16, 2024: Lisa Loucks-Christenson's Minnesota Fungi, Volume One (2023) and Minnesota Fungi: Blue Lichens, Volume 2 (2024)

Lisa Loucks-Christenson Minnesota Fungi books

Lisa Loucks-Christenson's Minnesota Fungi, Volume One (2023) and Minnesota Fungi: Blue Lichens, Volume 2 (2024) 

 FUNGUARY ART CHALLENGE SKETCHBOOKS

By Lisa Loucks-Christenson

One of the most fascinating aspects of being in nature is the chance to stumble upon rare species, making it an incredibly rewarding experience to spend time outdoors. Throughout my experiences, I have had the opportunity to witness and capture photographs of numerous instances of them. Whitewater offered me an unforgettable experience as I crossed paths with various wildlife species. The presence of cougars, who seemed to seek me out rather than the other way around, left a lasting impression. Additionally, I had the privilege of observing a magnificent black bear, a venomous massasauga rattlesnake, and the enchanting Karner Blue butterfly. Furthermore, the landscape showcased an abundance of beauty, with colorful Blue Bonnets and a stunning variety of trout lilies, ranging from petite blossoms to impressive Jack-in-the-pulpits. As I made my way through the canary grass, I felt like I was wading through a forest of giants.


A year ago, I decided to challenge myself creatively by participating in "Funguary," a winter art challenge focused on capturing the beauty of fungi. The finished book became a best-seller, and I've revisited the illustrations several times this past year, each time appreciating their intricate details.

Once again, I decided to take on the art challenge this year. In order to complete the second volume, I had to capture countless shots of lichen, molds, mushrooms, and fungi. I created hundreds of images to use for my reference photos. The 4x4 inch book I chose doesn't provide enough space for me to comfortably lay down my colored pencils, unlike other paper choices.

Instead of fixating on the names of species, my goal this year is to immerse myself in the sights and sounds of the environment. I'm considering adding an index in a future revision, just to help readers find what they need more easily. This volume is about creating fungi art. My drawing style for this year is a folk art style, achieved by layering different shades of pencils to create a crayon-like effect when blended. This work doesn't quite meet my expectations, but I can take comfort in knowing that in just fourteen days, I can close the book on it and never have to use that paper again.

The blue lichens caught my attention, prompting me to delve deeper into their appearance through investigation and drawing. They are reminiscent of the mythical "red fern," a spectacle I had always dreamed of witnessing, and now I finally have. From delicate baby blue to vibrant aqua and mesmerizing turquoise, the "hard-to-find" species presents a breathtaking array of colors.

 

It's a stroke of luck that it's leap year, adding to the list of rare events. The prevailing theme this year is all about embracing the extraordinary, venturing into the uncommon, and surpassing the expectations of a typical February. The title of my book, Minnesota Fungi: Blue Lichens, reflects the specific focus on these captivating organisms found in the state. It possesses a rareness that is hard to find elsewhere. It stands out from the rest. It's a joy to have the chance to create something special that happens only every four years: I'll complete an extra drawing, publish the ebook version on Amazon, and showcase the art and merchandise at the Peacock Book & Wildlife Art bookstore. 

 

See you on the next adventure.

Lisa

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February 15, 2024, New Book Announced: MINNESOTA FUNGI: BLUE LICHENS By Lisa Loucks-Christenson

 

February 15, 2024, New Book Announced: MINNESOTA FUNGI: BLUE LICHENS By Lisa Loucks-Christenson

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Lisa Investigates Column in the Rochester Sun Times News

Lisa Investigates Column in the Rochester Sun Times News

We value any news tips that you may have and would be extremely interested if you could share them with us with no hesitation. 
Contact Lisa: News@LisaLC.com or use the contact form.

Lisa's talents span across various artistic fields, as she excels as a best-selling author, award-winning illustrator, photographer, and comic artist. Throughout her professional career, she has gained extensive experience working for a diverse range of organizations. These include worldwide publications, renowned news outlets, reputable ad agencies, private corporations, and she even established her own successful communication center. Having received training as a multimedia journalist, she specializes in investigative reporting. Her ongoing studies encompass a wide range of concentrated areas in journalism, spanning from broadcast, comics, photography, video, social media, graphics, and beyond.

Lisa is a professional member of the press and also holds memberships with:

NPPA - National Press Photographers Association

ASMP - American Society of Media Photographers

NATJA - North America Travel Journalist Association

As the publisher of the Rochester Sun Times News, she has built a platform where she can share a variety of local and international news, stories, captivating photos, and entertaining comics. Through this platform, she can combine her broadcasting, animation, illustrating, photography, and writing skills into one cohesive endeavor that showcases her creativity. 

Through her role as the publisher of the Rochester Sun Times News, she has established a platform to exhibit a diverse range of local and global news, captivating stories, stunning photographs, and entertaining comics. Through the use of this platform, she can integrate her skills in broadcasting, animation, illustrating, photography, and writing, resulting in a harmonious and unified endeavor.

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New in 2024: Lisa's Walk The Talk Show Schedule:

New in 2024: Lisa's Walk The Talk Show Schedule:

New in 2024: Lisa's Walk The Talk Show Schedule:

Check back spring of 2024.

RSS FEED: https://feeds.libsyn.com/508753/rss

Celebrity and entertainment show. Guests have included: Charle Daniels, Jean Craighead George, Tasha Tudor's granddaughter, Arron Tippin, Arron Neville, Eddie Money, Jim Owen, Porter Wagoner, Kathy Ireland, AMillionThanks.org, Tom Wilson (Ziggy), Karolyn Grimes Wilkerson (Zuzu from It's a Wonderful Life), Charlotte Stewart  (Miss Beadle from Little House on the Prairie), William Lee Golden from the Oakridge Boys and more.

Older shows and Lisa's Book Divas with Lisa LC are at her BlogTalkRadio.com/LisaLC, Apple Podasts, iTUNES, Blubrry, Lisaswalkthetalkshow.com.

If you are an author of a young adult book and want to be featured on Book Divas with LIsa LC, reach out to Lisa on the contact form or Lisa@LisaLC.com. 

 

         Lisa's Walk the Talk Show

          1 Hour Show with celebrities, entertainers, artists, and more

 

Book Divas Show with Lisa LC

 30-Minute Show with authors, agents, publishers, and illustrators

 

Click here to be connected to live shows

Lisa LC Show

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lisa-lc-show/id1488585288

 

HopeRiverRadio.fm station

Hope River Radio Christian Station with the  Lisa LC Show 

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Minnesota Sketchbook: Whitewater  By Lisa Loucks-Christenson

Minnesota Sketchbook: Whitewater By Lisa Loucks-Christenson

Minnesota Sketchbook: Whitewater By Lisa Loucks-Christenson

 

 

Photo: Illustration "Blue Jay Feather" sketched by Lisa Loucks-Christenson, is one of the sketches included in Minnesota Sketchbook: Whitewater Valley Photos, Comics, and Art By Lisa Loucks-Christenson. It won first place in an art contest where the contestants had to submit a piece of art that featured "Colour Blue" as the theme. © 2013, 2024 Lisa Loucks-Christenson.

 

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Lisa Loucks-Christenson Bylines and Credits (partial)

Lisa Loucks-Christenson Bylines and Credits (partial)

Lisa Loucks Christenson Bylines & Credits (partial)

  • A Lot of Fun and Games
  • ACHR NEWS
  • Allured Publishing
  • Career World
  • Christian Schools International
  • Disney
  • Diversion
  • Esquire
  • Function-Thru-Form
  • Gerten's
  • Grolier, Inc.
  • Harcourt Brace
  • Hazmatt
  • HCBI /Marnach House
  • Heinemann
  • Heinemann-Raintree
  • Holt, Rinehart Winston
  • HSUS/Kind News
  • HyVee
  • IBM
  • KAAL /Winter Bugs! exhibit
  • Kirschoff/ Wohlberg
  • KTTC (House Fire Photos) Feb. 2009
  • KTTC / Elba Flooding (August 2007)
  • KTTC / Lisa's Bald Eagle Story (May 2008)
  • KTTC Bald Eagle Fledging (July 2008)
  • KTTC / Eclipse
  • Lynn Stone Images
  • Marshall Cavendish
  • My Creative Company
  • National Eagle Center /Lisa's Winter Bugs! Exhibit
  • National Eagle Center Lisa's Bald Eagle Documentary
  • Nursery Retailer Magazine
  • PDN
  • Pearson Education
  • Perspectives
  • Post-Bulletin / Marsh project & eagles
  • Post-Bulletin /Winter Bugs project
  • Prentice-Hall
  • Rigby Education
  • Rochester Visitor/ Winter Bugs! exhibit
  • Ron Schara's Minnesota Bound
  • Rourke
  • Self Magazine
  • The Big Wild (Eagle Project Year 5) April 2009
  • The Big Wild / Eagle Project Year 3
  • The Big Wild / Eagle Project Year 4
  • The Big Wild, Year 11
  • Times Plain Dealer
  • Travel World International
  • Trips and Journey's
  • Value Tec Card Solutions
  • Woman's World
  • Writer's Digest
  • Writer's Weekly
  • Lisa's Bald Eagle Documentary™ 

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License Lisa's Comics www.LisasComics.com

License Lisa's Comics www.LisasComics.com

 
Lisa's Comics  www.LisasComics.com
Lisa Loucks-Christenson
Original Comics
Award-winning, Bestselling:
Don't Eat Bees!
Dale & Ibby the Bee (Don't Eat Bees!)
   Bestselling
   Hallowinks™
       Hallowink Hollow™ Series
Valley & Allie
         Harley Hippo & Friends
         Syndicated
            Toads of Telemark™
              Courtly Cottontails™
            Upcoming
              Lady of Whitewater™
                SkyEagle™
                RedneckWoods™
              Licensing: Lisa@LisalC.com
• Daily • Weekly •Bi-Weekly or Annually
Mix and Match - license a comic pack
Christian or Secular
B&W or Color
Hosted on our site and you use your link OR license and print 
Lisa Loucks-Christenson retains full copyrights 

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ROCHESTER NATIVE, AN AWARD-WINNING AND BEST-SELLING WILDLIFE ARTIST OPENS  BALLROOM BOOKSTORE AND FEMALE-OWNED ANIMATION STUDIO IN ODD FELLOWS BUILDING.

ROCHESTER NATIVE, AN AWARD-WINNING AND BEST-SELLING WILDLIFE ARTIST OPENS BALLROOM BOOKSTORE AND FEMALE-OWNED ANIMATION STUDIO IN ODD FELLOWS BUILDING.

 

ROCHESTER NATIVE, AN AWARD-WINNING AND BEST-SELLING WILDLIFE ARTIST OPENS BALLROOM BOOKSTORE AND FEMALE-OWNED ANIMATION STUDIO IN ODD FELLOWS BUILDING.

 

By: RSTN Staff

January 10, 2024 4:30 AM CST

Stay informed with the Rochester Sun Times News™, Delivering Local Stories, Exclusive Footage and Photography, and International Headlines™

 

Rochester, Minnesota (Rochester Sun Times News™) ––Peacock Books & Wildlife Art, owned by Lisa Loucks-Christenson, unveiled her expanded ventures in her new space, a building with its own history. Loucks-Christenson transferred her under 1000 square foot bookstore to the ballroom suite of the Odd Fellows Building. She expanded the business by including her husband’s fudge, two clothing lines she owns, and jewelry and gifts from Savvy, a Stockholm, Wisconsin boutique she purchased in 2022. Loucks-Christenson had a gallery in Stockholm for several years before moving all of her operations back to Rochester.

In another suite by the bookstore, she’s opened her animation studio, Carpie Animation Studios. She is in the process of creating a new religious clay animation series for families, inspired by Davey and Goliath, by incorporating her own film footage, photos, clay, and stop motion techniques that she has previously employed in other animations.

This new series (name withheld) is an original series combining family life and pets, her love of the outdoors and wildlife, and her own faith. The episodes feature new stories she’s writing, and viewers will meet her award-winning characters from her other books in cameo appearances. Loucks-Christenson wanted to share her love for Jesus, and how God has helped her in her own life. She desires to offer others the chance to witness the beauty of faith. Like rays of hope, her animations depict moments of joy that overcome the darkness and clouds in our lives.

 

 

Despite numerous health challenges, including surviving sepsis twice, her husband’s cancer, setbacks, Covid, downtown traffic loss, building sales, and unexpected mold exposure, she held onto her unshakeable faith and trust in Jesus. Despite her belief in God being tested by challenging experiences, Lisa Loucks-Christenson’s Peacock Books & Wildlife Art opened on December 1, 2023, in a new location off the skyway. For the first time in years, her husband had the honor of unlocking the doors to a new future and suite that had previously housed an architectural firm in the second story of the Odd Fellows Building. Finally, the public can shop in a large new and used bookstore downtown that sells thousands of books from global publishers, including her own personalized children’s books and award-winning titles.

“I’ve waited decades for a space big enough to present the work I always have felt God has put on my heart to help others,” said Loucks-Christenson.

The store has consistently carried new releases, exclusive ebooks from her publishing house, collectible signed books, vintage books, and used books from other publishers. At this new destination, you have the option to purchase her husband’s fudge line (as showcased on QVC Television) that includes dozens of flavors made on a daily basis.

Loucks-Christenson said, “When my husband went through cancer, it shut him down in ways that I knew were on me to find a way to get him flying again. When you see my TEMPLE OF EAGLES exhibit, opening in 2024, know that the eagles I captured images of — sometimes soaring through their own storms — as I documented their daily life for over 14 years, has a purpose not only for my husband, but others too. Eagles represent hope and are often referred to as “messengers of heaven,” a pastor once told me that the eagles are mentioned at least 28 times in the bible."

Using a search feature on www.KingJamesBibleonline.org, there actually is a King James Version bible verse, one that has found wings that lift, but not, apparently, on their own, into the title of one of Loucks-Christenson’s upcoming books, 2010, Year Six Dancer and Daedee: ‘... I Have Lifted You On Eagles Wings And Brought You To Me.' Exodus19:4.”

Loucks-Christenson’s documentary spanned over 14 years, with over 3500 original days of coverage on her 13-mile outdoor beat that she’s making into episodes for her own original film collection called, The Lady of Whitewater series.

Among the many monikers she received, which changed for each of her documentaries, like “The Bug Lady” (during Winter Bugs!), “The Eagle Lady,” on her eagle project, and a hurtful one, “Town Joke” that spread as rumors do, as she delved into reporting and investigating wildlife crimes and incidents involving her own safety.

Loucks-Christenson recollects being called The Bug Lady and The Eagle Lady by the late Dick Schaber and his wife Linda, along with other individuals she visited while filming her documentary, but they now identify her as The Lady of Whitewater, which also serves as the title of her original series.


” When another company shut its doors a few weeks ago, I bought their candy case for my husband. Even the LED lights couldn’t illuminate the internal joy I witnessed. He has a candy counter now. Seeing his dream come true, rising above pain and setbacks, and soaring towards a new future fills me with pure joy—just like the eagles he witnessed when he accompanied me in the field,” said Loucks-Christenson.

“His journey has given hope to countless men facing the same battle,” said Loucks-Christenson.

Loucks-Christenson added, “We are a husband and wife team. We made an 80-year commitment to each other, of which we’ve already spent 33 years of it together, but we’re more than just a married couple who have faced challenges - we’re not only booksellers. Through prayer and our best efforts, we strive to offer hope to our customers.”

Lisa Loucks-Christenson has acquired more space to accommodate her offices and Carpie Animation Studios, where she is currently producing an undisclosed animation film involving clay, film, photo, and illustrations. In downtown Rochester, Minnesota. Loucks-Christenson is the first woman-owned animation studio in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. She funded it through her work and years of creating documentaries, and profits from her original art, cards, and books she sells in her store.

Exclusive screenings of Lisa Loucks-Christenson Films™ documentaries, her Square Eye: 50 Year History of Rochester History Book, and other films are scheduled to start at Peacock Books’ Gem Theatre in 2024.

Loucks-Christenson added a news desk for customers that want to support her self-funded, Rochester Sun Times News, an online news source, with printed versions coming in 2024. RSTN is her platform and extension of her storytelling and photography, covering human interest, local news, her syndicated comics, watchdog journalism, and exclusive interviews with her worldwide customers’ stories that walk through her doors. She hopes you’ll support her local ad-free journalism. She welcomes your story ideas, press releases, news and information, visits to the Rochester Sun Times News Desk inside Peacock Books.

 

When Lisa has free time, she dedicates it to studying her interests like the bible, art, writing, technology, criminal justice, wildlife, and the environment.

Peacock Books, Suite 203, can be reached by following the Skyways from Mayo Clinic and Breckenridge or going to the second floor from the street level. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday, and select Saturday’s, opening as early as 9AM but no later than 10AM, and closing at 5PM or later, depending on traffic. Their location is in the Historical Odd Fellows Building on the corner of 2nd Street and 1st Avenue SW.

Peacock Books & Wildlife Art by Lisa Loucks-Christenson, 23 2nd St. SW, Suite 203, Rochester, MN 55902. They can be reached at (888) 983-3085. www.PeacockBooksWildlifeArt.com.

 

 

Photo: Lisa Locks-Christenson’s Peacock Books and Her Original Characters from her comics, some syndicated, others sold exclusively at Peacock Books. © 2023 Lisa Loucks-Chriistenson.

 

 

Photo: © 2008 David Christenson. Charlie Daniels was presented with a portrait of an eagle named "Daniels Charlie" by Lisa Loucks-Christenson in recognition of his accomplishments.

© 2021-2024 Lisa Loucks-Christenson Shipwreck Sunday! Book 2, Valentine’s Adventures published by Story Antics® and the Bow Wow Detectives™ is one of dozens of personalized books, many written and illustrated by Loucks-Christenson for this personalized book line. Valentine’s Adventures is also an exhibit for 2024.

The City of Hope Apparel Co. Rochester, Minnesota, is one of the inspirational clothing lines Loucks-Christenson added to Peacock Books & Wildlife Art.

 

Lisa Loucks-Christenson owns the Rochester Sun Times News™ is an independent news source that covers Rochester, Minnesota and global stories through exclusive articles, photography, interviews, and footage. The new and stories she collects have a global audience, just like her customers. Show your support for local, ad-free journalism. RSTN’s funding comes from Lisa Loucks-Christenson’s art, photos, and book sales. 

 

 

 

 

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12/31/2023

12/31/2023

Today, I am beginning a new stop-motion clay animation. I'll save the name for a later post, in the new year.

On 12/31/2022, I was shooting a story on our crow population in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. Just like everyone, I waved goodbye to 2022 and stepped into 2023.

This year, on the last day of the year I’m starting work on a new animation. My love for storytelling began almost 50 years ago with "Davey and Goliath," inspiring me to dream up stories that my Super 8mm camera couldn't capture. I had faith in myself and my stories.

Today, I'm introducing my characters on stage, just as the "black crows" in twilight hinted at what was to come. After all these years, it's time to set free the keepers of their story.

Today, I'll be right at the front as I watch them lift into the dusk, onward, towards the light. Yesterday, movers brought over an extra large animation table for filming a new religious animation series (title withheld), one frame at a time.

Flop or fly, we have a plan: we'll be filming a journey, capturing every second.

I’m using some of my footage from my news feature last year. The black crows are featured in the opening scene.

I’m trusting God entirely on this move into this new project. To be at His service, even laying down things I wanted to do this next year so I can accomplish this new work.

I feel that this film and others in my thoughts, are my "soul" purpose this next year. I'll still work on my stories, but now I'll make them into storyboards and scripts. I plan on painting, building sets, growing better with my skills in clay animation (I've made three shorts).
In 2024, I plan to continue illustrating my books, writing new stories, creating comics, columns, radio shows, working in my bookstore, and sharing my knowledge as an expert bald eagle documentarian. It took me decades and a flock of crows to realize what God was showing me all along.  How to see how all the branches of my lifetime work is now, coming together for this new religious film series lifting into flight.

In 2024, I’m going to live like that girl who grew up with big dreams while growing up in Rochester, Minnesota. I might even be the first women to lead an animation studio in Rochester.
Today, I feel like a woman awaiting her flock. One those crows I met last year, may find others and tell them (they talk you know) to come here to create films that will lift others facing life-changing health concerns, in med-city, our city of hope and angels.

This is my new clothing line to help with the animation expenses. https://lnkd.in/g2-wYe9u (I have shorter domains too). The films are being created under Lisa Loucks-Christenson Films and Carpie Animation Studios.™

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