Visions of Harsen’s Island

The book "Visions of Harsen’s Island" is a tribute to my husband, George, and his artwork created while living and working on Harsen’s Island. In 1992, we moved to Harsen’s Island, Michigan, as the owners of The Waterfront Shoppe in the small town of Sans Souci. Over our 30 years on the island, George amassed a great portfolio of his works, and the book showcases his paintings. I also included historical text to help readers appreciate the rich history and beauty of Harsen’s Island. The book is 70 pages of wonderful paintings and text.

Landmarks

Here are a few examples of some of the many recognizable landmarks on the island. George has captured landmarks that have stood the test of time in his paintings and are still vibrant and inviting.

Harsen’s Island ferry

St. Mark Church

Twin Sisters Lighthouses

Old Club Boardwalk

Walkers Landing

The Town of Sans Souci

Sans Souci, which means "without sorrow or care" in French, was settled by Captain William LaCroix in the mid-1800s. The town is still active and a popular destination for locals and visitors. The island owes its gratitude to Captain LaCroix for his foresight in selecting this location for the town.

Sans Souci Bar

Sans Souci Historical Society

Sans Souci Market

Sans Souci Island Grind

Sans Souci Readers Cove

Sans Souci Waterfront Shoppe

Historic Harsen’s Island

Harsen’s Island has been a popular destination for travelers from Detroit since the late 1800s. Romantic steamboats would transport passengers from the Detroit docks to Harsen’s Island for day-long adventures at Tashmoo Park or overnight stays in one of over 16 hotels along the island's shoreline. George took black and white photos of the hotels and painted them in vibrant colors.

Grande Pointe Hotel

Old Club

Rushmere Hotel

Star Island Hotel

Steamer Tashmoo

Natural Beauty of Harsen’s Island

Harsen's Island's biggest draw is the natural beauty that surrounds it, from peaceful marshes and wildlife to beautiful sunsets and sunrises. George's watercolors depict many views of the island's habitat.

Blue Heron Sanctuary

Blue Heron

Blue Herons & Lily Pads

Heron in Flight

Walleye

Winter on the Canels

Great Lakes Ships

George Crown Studio was situated on the St. Clair River, providing a daily view of the magnificent boats sailing by the studio windows. His paintings of these ships beautifully capture the imaginative skies and water, using a blend of watercolors to enhance the atmosphere and mystique of the Great Lake freighters.

Mississagi

Calumet Moonlight Reflections

Tug Margaret Ann

JAW Iglehart

Ojibway Morning Fog

Winter Layup

Island Portraits

George describes his portraits as character studies because he aims to capture a person's essence rather than just their likeness. He intentionally leaves areas incomplete to encourage viewers to use their imagination to fill in the gaps.

Danny Persyn, Jr.

Kathy O'Connor

Manfred Whitey Simon

Harsen’s Island Home Portraits

Over the years, George has been living on the island and has been commissioned to paint people's homes, boats, and other scenes on a nautical chart of Lake St. Clair. He continues to create these chart paintings. Some clients do not want to use the chart as a background, so George produces them on quality watercolor paper.