PAINTING COLOR AND LIGHT

Prize Winning Painting!

2012-01-12T12:37:00.008-05:00

I haven't been outside painting lately. Since this autumn, I have traveled back and forth to B.C. to help my parents sell their home of 40 years and then, a couple of months later, unfortunately, my dad at age 91 had a fall, slipped into a coma and passed away. I am also back in school and with all my responsibilities painting has taken a back seat for awhile.

With everything that has been going on, I forgot to post this painting, which won 2nd place this fall at The Ontario Plein Air Society Quick Draw Painting Challenge, held at J.E.H. MacDonald House in Thornhill. The artists had 3 hours to create a work of art on the spot and then the entries were judged with the public voting. It was fun to participate and I was thrilled to be awarded a prize. The extra challenge with this painting (which I painted right in front of J.E.H. MacDonald House, looking toward the parking lot) was that I basically had to paint it twice since the sun came out at about the 1 1/2 hour mark and the lighting was completely different. I used a palette knife at the end for the thicker lights.

We still don't have any snow to speak of here in Toronto, Ontario and it is the middle of January although it is still pretty chilly painting outside at the moment!

I liked this article, published by Artist Daily which gives tips for fair weather plein air painters to keep their skills sharp over the winter. If you live an inclement part of the world like I do, you ought to read this asap!

My favorite tip from the article is to paint from life INDOORS. Still life has a lot of advantages over plein air in that the lighting and subject don't change so it can be a great time to improve your observation skills and maybe become a little faster at capturing what catches your eye when you do get back out there in the spring.

2011-09-19T22:06:00.001-04:00

Opening night at JEH MacDonald House for the OPAS annual show

Art Show This Weekend - Ontario Plein Air Society

2011-09-13T09:03:00.000-04:00

Ben's Hydrangeas

2011-07-29T19:24:00.000-04:00

Party's Over

2011-07-28T19:26:00.000-04:00

Painting shoes is so much fun - they are really little sculptured pieces of art, which I believe is partly why women love them so much!

I really liked the way the turquoise cloth reflected into the silver leather of the shoes and that brilliant turquoise glow in the folds of the cloth.

Gala Apple with Pear

2011-07-27T19:25:00.000-04:00

Granny Smith Apple

2011-07-26T19:23:00.000-04:00

Pear with Pottery

2011-07-25T19:21:00.000-04:00

Rich Nelson Teaches Oil Painting to Young Artists

2011-07-24T19:20:00.000-04:00

This class, led by the very talented North Carolina portrait and gallery artist and instructor, Rich Nelson, consisted mainly of teenagers (plus a couple of exceptions) with the youngest participant being only ten years of age.

The workshop was held in the gallery Rich and his wife Kim own in beautiful, historic Tryon, North Carolina, Skyuka Fine Art.

The group were very serious about learning, worked diligently and produced some pretty amazing results for first time oil painters!

Plein Air Painting: Field of Corn

2011-07-23T20:57:00.000-04:00

Plein Air Painting: Hay Bales

2011-07-22T20:27:00.000-04:00

Plein Air: Late Afternoon Pond

2011-07-21T20:46:00.006-04:00

More Plein Air: Canola Field with Haystack

2011-07-20T20:45:00.002-04:00

Homemade Watercolor Pan Box

2011-07-19T12:26:00.001-04:00

For any watercolorists out there - here is a great idea (published by landscape painter and founder of The Ontario Plein Air Society, Zan Barrage) for a mini metal box you can fill with pans of color. Perfect for travel this summer!

Meaford Landscape #2

2011-07-18T20:21:00.000-04:00

Meaford Landscape #1

2011-07-17T20:14:00.000-04:00

Meaford Landscape Adventure

2011-07-16T09:55:00.007-04:00

A fun time painting and hanging out at Christine's Kitchen with Ian Roberts and a gang of intrepid plein air painters!

Sorry For The Unintended Sabbatical!

2011-07-09T13:39:00.001-04:00

I have been painting up a storm but haven't had a chance to photograph and post my new still life and landscape work. Stay tuned!

Broadacres Junior School Watercolor Painting Demonstration

2011-06-04T14:16:00.003-04:00

Mrs. Sathmary's class paying rapt attention to my spiel about painting with watercolors.

Robert Genn and The Bugaboo Ten - Exhibition at Canada House Gallery

2011-04-15T09:36:00.009-04:00

Well known Canadian landscape painter and writer Robert Genn sent out his most recent twice-weekly letter today in which he talks about plein air painting by helicopter in the Bugaboo mountains of British Columbia. I was fortunate to be able to participate in that trip in September 2010.

There will be an exhibition of work by both Robert Genn and The Bugaboo Ten (the painters who accompanied him and artist/guide Liz Wiltzen on the trip) at Canada House Gallery in Banff. Alberta. The address of the gallery is 201 Bear Street. The opening is on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, so come by and check out some of the paintings created during (or inspired by) that fabulous excursion.

The piece shown above was painted while holding a brush in one hand and an umbrella in the other (to try and fend off the freezing rain and snow) while occasionally having to grab the easel before it was blown over. Plein air painters are hardy types!

Click here to read what Robert Genn has to say about heli-painting.

Study of White Cup

2011-03-31T10:22:00.002-04:00

Study of a white cup, lit with artificial light.

A Fair Weather Plein Air Painter Remembers . . .

2011-02-13T12:02:00.003-05:00

I have fond memories of painting at this serene spot this past summer, even though shortly after this picture was taken, I discovered my battery was dead!

I am sure missing warm weather and painting out in nature. I am trying to work up my enthusiasm for painting in the snow. I did it in the Bugaboos this past September, at times holding an umbrella with one hand and a paintbrush with the other, but to be honest with you, it wasn't my favorite activity!

New Book on Impressionist Painting by Lois Griffel

2010-12-03T09:06:00.009-05:00

If you are looking for a great gift for the artist in your life, here it is - a wonderful second book about painting by the former director of The Cape Cod School of Art. This book follows the very successful Painting The Impressionist Landscape, which introduced us to the colorist method taught by artists, like Charles Hawthorne and Henry Hensche, who followed in the pioneering footsteps of Monet.

Lois Griffel is a fantastic artist and teacher who generously shares everything she knows in this comprehensive second volume. It is a must have for those who have already enjoyed her first book, but also stands alone as a great resource for any artist. The book encompasses different mediums, as well as methods, with demos in oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor.

The book includes a comparison of tonalism and impressionism, brushwork vs palette knife, detailed observation vs spontaneity, holding masses, values, light as the subject, learning to see, using digital photography as a tool and plein air vs alla prima, to mention just a few of many valuable, insightful chapters found within the pages of Painting Impressionist Color: Any Style, Any Medium.

Get your orders in soon, to allow time for shipping!

Where to buy:

http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Impressionist-Color-Lois-Griffel/dp/B003XV7GD2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1291385038&sr=8-2

http://www.lulu.com/p roduct/paperback/painting-impressionist-color/11907459?showPreview

Susan MacDonald and The Group of Seven

2010-11-23T10:50:00.003-05:00

At the opening of the exhibit of The Ontario Plein Air Society, all in attendance very much enjoyed hearing Susan MacDonald, niece of Thoreau and grand-niece of J.E.H. MacDonald speak about her experiences growing up around The Group of Seven.

Ontario Plein Air Society Exhibition

2010-11-23T10:36:00.002-05:00

The inaugural show of The Ontario Plein Air Society was a smashing success, with $7,040 in sales (including one of mine) and a steady flow of interested visitors throughout the weekend.

J.E.H. MacDonald House - 8"x10", oil on panel

2010-11-05T18:31:00.004-04:00

This is the former home of one of The Group of Seven, renowned plein air landscape painters in Canada.

You can view this piece of work, along with many other landscape paintings, in person, at the upcoming exhibition of The Ontario Plein Air Society, 121 Centre Street in Thornhill, Ontario (with parking on Brook Street southeast of the house) from November 12-14, 2010.

The opening festivities are on Friday, November 12, 2010 from 6-9 pm. Saturday the hours are 10-8 and Sunday from 10-5. This is a great opportunity to pick up some original art at a great price - fabulous for gifts!

Snow Fence - 9"x12", oil on canvas board

2010-10-17T16:49:00.007-04:00

Autumn at the beach, sunny and pleasant.

Autumn Colors - 9"x12", oil on canvas board

2010-10-17T16:46:00.007-04:00

Rouge Park painting event on Saturday,
October 9, 2010.

At The Beach - 8"x10", oil on canvas panel

2010-10-08T14:31:00.002-04:00

The gorgeous color of the water was what attracted me to stand in the wind and end up with sand covering all my paints! Plein air painting is such a challenge.

Awenda Inspired 2010 - Kettle's Lake

2010-09-30T18:59:00.002-04:00

I discovered a neat trick while painting this piece - for short sighted plein air painters, just take off your glasses when you are massing in areas!

Awenda Inspired 2010 - Giant's Tomb

2010-09-23T22:31:00.006-04:00

A view of Giant's Tomb from the beach, with a pretty white sailboat passing by in the distance. The weather was pleasant, but unremittingly cloudy, for most of the day.

I have forced myself to persevere with plein air work, despite my former distaste for painting rocks and trees. I have to say I really enjoyed painting the distinctive large rocks and grasses in this scene. I think I am finally starting to get the hang of this and enjoying it more!

Plein air painting is really addictive - enjoying the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of being in nature imprints the experience on your being. Even the discomforts - wind, rain, snow, hail, scorching sun and bugs, for instance - are bearable because painting brings you so much into the present and therefore is unforgettable.

The heavens finally opened up around 3 in the afternoon when I had to make a dash for shelter.

This group of paintings and other works inspired by the day will be exhibited in May/June 2011 at Quest Art Gallery in Midland, Ontario.

Mixed Media Pear - 16"x16", gallery wrap deep stretched canvas

2010-09-17T20:02:00.001-04:00

This piece does not need a frame - just hang it on the wall.

I was experimenting with layers of bronze metallic paint and texture in the wide border surrounding the oil painting of the pear. Lots of fun! The bronze paint extends to the sides of the deep, gallery wrap canvas.

Tomatoes - 5"x7", oil on canvas board

2010-09-16T16:57:00.005-04:00

Blue Nose 2 - 8"x10", oil on canvas panel

2010-09-15T19:00:00.004-04:00

This is a very recognizable, landmark mountain near my parent's home in B.C. It is my Mont Sainte-Victoire.

I was in Lavington for a few days after my Bugaboo adventure. I went nowhere, and saw no one, other than my parents, since it was such a short visit. I painted and ate and walked the roads I knew so well, my head swimming with memories.

Red Delicious - 7"x5", oil on canvas panel

2010-09-14T11:21:00.001-04:00

In honor of back to school, an apple for the teacher. I really enjoyed painting the clear glass plate.

Bugaboo #4

2010-09-13T08:46:00.000-04:00

A very gray day - alternately windy, snowy, rainy and it even hailed for awhile. Challenging painting conditions, to say the least, but still, it was unbelievably great to be in such a beautiful, remote spot.

Bugaboo #3

2010-09-12T17:39:00.002-04:00

So, I turned around and painted the view in the opposite direction, trying to channel John Singer Sargent. The light changed every couple of minutes which made capturing anything at all rather difficult, but I loved every minute!

Bugaboo #2

2010-09-11T17:34:00.004-04:00

Bugaboo #1

2010-09-10T17:30:00.005-04:00

The paintings I will be posting over the next few days are not currently for sale. However, there will be an exhibit in conjunction with our trip to the Bugaboos in 2011, so stay tuned!

Final Trip - Bugaboo Spire at Cobalt Lake

2010-09-09T01:03:00.001-04:00

Cobalt Lake was the location we all longed to see and fortunately we did get a chance to take a look, which was absolutely wonderful!

In less snowy conditions, this lake is a gorgeous turquoise blue.

Bugaboo Lodge - Canadian Mountain Holidays

2010-09-09T01:02:00.000-04:00

Here is the stunning backyard view at Bugaboo Lodge.

Liz Wiltzen - Multi-Talented Painter and Heli-Guide

2010-09-09T00:58:00.001-04:00

Here is Liz protecting the cargo as the helicopter lifts off!

Bottom: Liz with Bob at dinner.

Robert Genn - Intrepid Plein Air Painter Extraordinaire

2010-09-09T00:58:00.000-04:00

Top: Day 1, at Rocky Point

Middle and Bottom: Day 3, still smiling after the hail storm!

Day 3 - Rain, Wind, Snow and Hail!

2010-09-09T00:57:00.002-04:00

Top: Our final painting site - at one point I was holding an umbrella with one hand and painting with the other in a vain attempt to keep the moisture off my oil paints!

(There is an image of another instance where an umbrella was necessary here.)

Bottom: Here is our crew, after a long day, having dinner at the lodge. The food was top notch, with the desserts being particularly decadent!

The Helicopter

2010-09-09T00:56:00.002-04:00

Here you can see some of the gang - Dennis Fairbairn, Sharon Stone and Louise Swan are looking this way.

Middle Photo: Louise Swan and Don Hodgins enjoying the ride.

Lower Photos: Sally Pearson, who came the farthest for the workshop (from Florida) having a great time and Robert Genn walking away from our ride.

Heli-Painting in the Bugaboos: Day 2 - Glazing Demo and Hourglass Lake

2010-09-09T00:53:00.003-04:00

The bottom image was caught at a rare moment in the afternoon when there were no gale force winds and it was not snowing or raining. The weather at this high altitude is rather temperamental and changeable!

We were not able to go to the glaciers this day due to bad weather and spent some time in the studio in the morning watching Bob Genn do a demo of his glazing technique.

Heli-Painting in the Bugaboos: Day 1 - Rocky Point Basin

2010-09-09T00:52:00.000-04:00

Heli-Painting in the Bugaboos with Robert Genn

2010-09-08T15:35:00.007-04:00

I just returned from the trip of a lifetime, having traveled to heli-paint en plein air in the Bugaboo mountains with renowned Canadian artist and writer, Robert Genn and fabulous oil painter, Liz Wiltzen plus 9 other painters from Canada and the U.S.

This photo shows the breathtaking view from Rocky Point Basin. The beauty is absolutely overwhelming.

This turned out to be our most pleasant day, with the sun peeking through occasionally. Still, for anyone contemplating this experience, you really need a lot of clothing, as the temperature was pretty brisk!

Georgian Bay South - 16x20, acrylic on stretched canvas

2010-09-08T13:39:00.004-04:00

I painted this on a breezy, sunny Saturday afternoon on the beach.

Since I have spent extra time "en plein air" recently, I have grown increasingly braver and more comfortable dealing with the interest shown by people who happen to be strolling past.

This view is looking south toward Wasaga Beach, with Collingwood across the Bay.

Hang this slightly larger daily painting on your wall to remind you of summer!

Child's Chair - 9x12, oil on canvas panel

2010-09-07T20:32:00.004-04:00

I painted this piece outside a busy store in cottage country. Quite a lot of people stopped by to take a peek and chat. The children seemed particularly fascinated by what I was doing.

Who doesn't love the brilliant color in this flowerbed and the cute little Muskoka (or Adirondack for you American folk) chair!

I was attracted to the scene when I noticed a small child sitting down on the chair. Unfortunately, he moved on pretty quickly, so the empty seat had to suffice!

Sunset - 5x7, oil on panel

2010-09-06T20:43:00.009-04:00

Done very quickly from life - sunsets are ephemeral!

Cherry Tomatoes with Knife - 6x6, oil on stretched canvas

2010-09-05T20:51:00.002-04:00

Beachscape #3 - 8x10, oil on panel

2010-09-04T20:04:00.002-04:00

South - 6x6, oil on stretched canvas

2010-09-03T20:07:00.003-04:00

Cherries on White - 5x7, oil on panel

2010-09-02T21:18:00.002-04:00

I loved the curvy stems and reflected light in this one - note the complementary green in the shadows.

Bananas on Aqua - 5x7, oil on panel

2010-09-01T20:09:00.004-04:00

I just love the reflected light in the shadows on the underside of the bananas.

North - 6x6, oil on stretched canvas

2010-08-31T21:02:00.002-04:00

A perfect sunny day at the beach!

Pear on Aqua - 5x7, oil on panel

2010-08-30T21:02:00.003-04:00

Basking in the sunshine on my front porch.

White Hydrangeas - 6x6, oil on stretched canvas

2010-08-29T21:12:00.004-04:00

Painted from life outside a small cafe.

It was fun listening to the locals chat while drinking their morning brew, completely uninterested in what I was up to!

Red Roof - 8x10, oil on canvas board

2010-08-28T21:32:00.002-04:00

Small Daily Paintings

2010-08-28T00:50:00.000-04:00

For a limited time, I will be offering small daily paintings at a very low price, well below market value. This offer will end soon, so if you see something you like, please take advantage of a great opportunity to acquire original art!

Alla Prima Pochade box easel "The Blackfoot" - Review

2010-08-27T21:59:00.006-04:00

I am going on a hiking and painting trip and needed a well made, portable easel, so I contacted Ben Haggett of www.allaprimapochade.com and ordered this pochade box.

It is very well designed and a pleasure to use - take a look!

Beachscape #2 - 5x7, oil on canvas panel

2010-08-27T21:07:00.006-04:00

Impressionistic palette knife sketch of Georgian Bay.

I was attempting to capture the correct color and light key.

Daily Painting

2010-08-27T16:54:00.003-04:00

This summer I have enjoyed creating a number of small paintings in oil, all done en plein air, which I will be posting daily for awhile.

Thanks for looking!

"A Brush With The Highlands" - Exhibit

2010-08-03T12:52:00.000-04:00

On Monday, Augusta 2, 2010, many art lovers attended an exhibit (in Wilberforce, Ontario) that was the culmination of the second annual A Brush With The Highlands plein air painting festival. The professional presentation of the work was organized by Tracey Lee Green and her team.

Brian Smith, who is an accomplished artist, drawing master and teacher, was the juror. He presented 11 different awards in the amount of $100 and one in the amount of $500. Zan Barrage and David Sharpe (both members of The Ontario Plein Air Society) were among the prize winners. I was very happy to sell one of the paintings I created that weekend, a small oil on canvas done en plein air.

2010-08-03T07:38:00.000-04:00

Doug Mays won the Ontario Plein Air Society prize at the exhibition with this watercolor.

Sandra's Dock

2010-08-03T07:15:00.002-04:00

6x6, oil on stretched canvas

SOLD

Blog Talk Radio - Artists Helping Artists

2010-07-24T13:39:00.000-04:00

When it comes to marketing, I am sorry to admit I am not a great example of getting things done. I have all kinds of ideas, but never seem to get around to actually implementing them. My excuse is lack of time to figure out the technology involved in selling work online.

I recently discovered an online radio show, featured on Blog Talk Radio, which specifically focuses on marketing and selling art. The two painters involved (Leslie Saeta and Dreama Tolle Perry) have implemented a lot of unique methods for selling their work online and are out to share with other artists.

The Blog Talk Radio site says, "Leslie Saeta is an artist who paints with a palette knife to create vibrant, colorful paintings. Having spent 30 years in marketing her unique combination of talents has led to a successful career in art. Her non-traditional approach to marketing her art on the internet has created her desire to share her art marketing success with others. Artist Dreama Tolle Perry has been capturing the spirit of color in her paintings for over 20 years. Having retailed her work through her own studio/gallery for five years, and more recently online, Dreama brings a broad range of experience to the nuts and bolts of selling and promoting artwork. Sought after as both a workshop teacher and motivational speaker, Dreama is passionate about helping others to achieve their goals in marketing their art."

I have enjoyed listening to already broadcast episodes of the program. Some of the topics have included: daily painting, how to teach art workshops, sending out great newsletters, selling art while you are sleeping, creating an insanely popular blog and using Facebook to sell your art. If you would like to have a listen as well, here is the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/profile.aspx?userurl=artistshelpingartists

Upcoming episodes will delve into the best way to get your work into an Art Gallery, photographing your art and blogger advice.

A Brush With The Highlands - Plein Air Painting Festival

2010-07-19T15:25:00.000-04:00

I have been missing in action due to listing and selling our house and then moving to a smaller place.

I just wanted to mention a great plein air event happening at the end of July in Ontario. A Brush With The Highlands will take place July 31-August 3, 2010. The Ontario Plein Air Society will be there in force - please consider joining us for a great time creating art and hanging with fellow artists.

2010-03-23T22:30:00.000-04:00

Here I am at the John B. Aird Gallery standing next to my painting of Donovan Bailey, who posed for me at The Spoke Club.

For more details, check out my website for portraiture: http://laurelmcbrine.blogspot.com

Lightbulb on Green: 5x7, oil on panel

2010-01-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

The blobs of paint that form the screw-in part of the bulb make me happy because I resisted my impulse to spell out everything, yet it works. Also, I think the glass spiral has a more translucent feel than the more solid plastic.

2009-10-13T23:06:00.000-04:00

More work on the lady to our left - her torso, hand and the coat (or whatever it is) draped over her arm.

Awenda Inspired

2009-09-30T10:16:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, September 26, 2009, I participated in a plein air painting event in Penetanguishine, north of Toronto. The event was held at Awenda Provincial Park.

At first it seemed we would be getting some rain - it was a very cloudy day. Fortunately, we had only a few minutes of very light sprinkling. The temperature was a bit cool, so with many layers of clothing I was quite comfortable and had a great time working surrounded by the beauty of nature in Awenda Provincial Park.

I don't know how many participants there were but it there was a pretty good turnout and the artists worked in a variety of mediums, including oil, pen and ink, watercolor and graphite. There were also a few photographers, one of whom was taking shots for his wife who is a rug hooker. I used my oil paints on gessoed masonite panels, using a couple of 9x12 boards and one smaller 5x7.

I must admit that landscape is not my forte. I keep aiming for a masterpiece, but even without attaining that goal I am receiving good training for the eye with regard to color and value and improve all my other work. I intend to persist in this discipline and continue to gain the benefits.

Out of doors, the value range is so immense and detail so profuse that you really have to edit and choose in order to get a good design. The tendency for many is to put everything in which does not make for an effective painting.

My new mentor, Dawn Whitelaw, who is a plein air afficionado, once told me to choose what your painting is about - what makes you want to paint this particular scene and focus on that. For this first piece, for me, it was the sky, so my composition reflects that.

Awenda Landscape

2009-09-30T10:13:00.001-04:00

Awenda Marsh

2009-09-30T10:11:00.000-04:00

This is my final small painting of the day. There were a lot of reeds in the water that I at first painted stalk by stalk, which looked awful. In a fit of frustration I smooshed them all together and blurred them out, which is a huge improvement.

FREE brush holder!

2009-09-23T10:10:00.000-04:00

Here is my very cheap (free actually) brush holder - just an old piece of 2x4 I found in the garage. I drilled a variety of hole sizes to fit different brushes with the smaller diameter holes at the front.

If you drill all the way through (try not to) just put a piece of duct tape on the back to keep the brushes from falliing through just in case you happen to pick up the holder to move it.

2009-09-22T09:06:00.000-04:00

Sorolla inspired painting in progress. The girl on your right is further along, at least her upper half!

2009-08-18T17:22:00.001-04:00

Color Block-In for this Sorolla inspired painting. I am still just trying to keep the light and shadow separated, but adding some of the local color and with the influence of warm sunlight giving the piece the correct feel and light key.

2009-07-06T14:19:00.000-04:00

My other homemade cigar box pochade holds a 6x8 panel. I use this one on my lap or on a table.

2009-06-29T08:02:00.001-04:00

I went to a building store and purchased this clasp to hold the box shut.

2009-06-28T09:31:00.000-04:00

Here is a shot of the back of the box with the small piece of wood I glued on to support the lid.

Homemade Pochade Box

2009-06-26T20:45:00.000-04:00

Here are two views of my square pochade box, made from a cigar box I obtained from a local store for a couple of bucks. This one holds a 5x7 panel. I usually use 4 pieces of doubled over masking tape behind the board, to ensure that it stays put.

You can see how the little square pieces in the lid serve two purposes: to hold down the palette when the lid is closed and to support the panel you are painting on.
I cut four 1/2" pieces off the wood that came with the box for some reason (maybe someone who smokes cigars can tell us?) and carefully adhered them using carpenter's glue.

That same long piece of 1/2" square wood was glued at the back so the lid of the box will prop open, supported by the wood. I will post a photo of the back also. The square frame that inserts into the bottom of the box, and to which I have glued the paint sticks, serves also prevent the panel from falling into the paint piles on your palette when you shut the box. This square frame is very thin and fits outside the square pieces glued in the lid.

There is room under the palette for small tubes of paint and maybe a sawed off brush or two, although I usually carry another small bag with supplies like oil, a viewfinder and paper towe or ragsl.

The nut in the bottom was really easy to install, just drill the right size hole and hammer it in (there are diagonal claws that sink into the wood to hold it in place). I used a little glue as well to make sure it stays put. Take your tripod to the hardward store to get the right size.

MAKE YOUR OWN INEXPENSIVE POCHADE BOX

2009-05-08T15:00:00.000-04:00

I recently heard from a painter who would really like to work outside, but cannot currently afford the pricey easel systems sold in art supply stores. I think it is a shame that she feels hindered by her situation, so I wanted to share a few ideas I have for alternatives to expensive easels.

I am going to tell you about a couple of projects that are relatively easy to do and can work almost as well the French Easel, Open M Box, Easyl, Soltek Easel, etc., all of which cost up to many hundreds of dollars to purchase new.

I have made myself a small pochade out of an old cigar box I picked up at a local tobaccanist for free. All you have to do is ask nicely - they will cost you a few dollars at the most. I hammered in a nut that has teeth at the bottom of the box (some glue is not a bad idea as well to ensure it stays put) so I can attach it to my tripod. If you already have a tripod, this could be a really cheap way to go.

If not, tripods can usually be had for as little as $30. Take your tripod to the hardware store and tell them what you want to do - they will help you find what you need fast. You are then able to prop or clamp a small canvas or board in the box and either hold your palette, or do what I did and cut up an old paint stick to prop up a small board to serve as a palette in the box. I also glued in small pieces of wood (cut from a piece of wood that came with the cigar box) in the lid to hold the palette down when the box is shut, so you don't have to clean off the palette until you get home. The down side of this is that the palette is pretty teeny. It also takes quite awhile to work out where to position all the little pieces of wood and to cut them up in the correct sizes.

I also glued a piece of wood (which actually came with the cigar box for some reason) on the back of the lower box to keep the lid propped open. Depending on the depth of your box, you may even be able to fit some tubes of paint under the palette and a brush or two that has been sawed off. You may come up with a better solution - let me know if you do!

A second idea is to simply use a piece of 12" x 16" hardboard (to which I glued a 2 1/2" square of 3/8" board after drilling a hole in it) and then I glued in a nut that the tripod can screw into. I simply clamp my painting panel, which can be any size less than 12" x 16", with sturdy clamps and I can paint a variety of sizes. I am not even remotely handy, but I found these projects fun to figure out and easy to accomplish so I think even the worst handyman or woman can do it. And, of course, there are always friends with tools to ask for a favour - maybe you can do a painting for them in return!

Studio Painting Based on Plein Air Sketch - 16x20, oil on canvas

2008-10-14T18:40:00.000-04:00

If you scroll down, you will see the small plein air sketch I based this larger painting on. I have to say, it came together very quickly.

Another Studio Painting Based on Plein Air Sketch - 16x20, oil on canvas

2008-10-14T18:35:00.000-04:00

Plein Air Sketch #7 - Early Morning - 10x8, oil on canvas panel

2008-10-14T18:34:00.000-04:00

Early Morning

This was a magical spot where the stillness created beautiful reflections in the water. I started out painting on a wooden pier but had to change positions due to light on my painting. I then moved back into the shade, but my painting fell face first off the dock, narrowl missing the water.

After climbing down and retrieving it, I moved to a third location. A short time after I began, the wind came up, a boat roared by and the scene changed completely. All part of the joys and tribulations of plein air painting!

Oil Sketch #5 - Through The Trees, Late Afternoon - 8x10, oil on canvas panel

2008-10-14T18:30:00.000-04:00

I liked the interesting pattern of the trees and the gorgeous light glowing through at the end of the day.

Plein Air Sketch #4 - Early Morning - 8x10, oil on canvas panel

2008-10-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

When I got back indoors after painting this sketch, I became aware that glare from the strong sunlight and wearing dark lenses had caused me to misjudge the values. I had to lighten things up after the fact. Lesson learned: No sunglasses, bring a hat and make sure you have shade for your palette and support!

Plein Air Sketch #3 - Morning on the River - 10x8, oil on canvas panel

2008-10-14T17:46:00.000-04:00

Here is a lesson for all you painters - when you are using your plein air sketch to work from in the studio, make sure it does not get sprayed with tiny specks of white paint as I did here :(

Plein Air Sketch #2 - 8x10, Oil on Panel

2008-10-14T17:44:00.000-04:00

Just before the sun went down, it went behind some clouds and I quickly scrubbed in this impression.

My 15 Minutes

2008-10-13T22:58:00.000-04:00

I was in the paper! Download Newspaper (.pdf)

Underpainting

2008-06-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

I am going to be painting a large piece, loosely based on a work by one of my favorite artists, Joaquin Sorolla. I have a tiny reference photograph of the painting, so I will be doing my own interpretation of two women in white strolling on a windy beach. The underpainting was done with gesso mixed with phthalo green and burnt sienna acrylics. Using a lot of gesso with just a little pigment means that the surface will accept oil paint readily. Acrylic paint alone does not make an archival underpainting for oils. I chose to use this method rather than using oils because I thought the support could use more gesso and I would be accomplishing the underpainting at the same time!

Underpainting Supplies

2008-06-14T11:05:00.000-04:00

Art Supplies - 5x7, oil on panel

2008-05-10T20:46:00.000-04:00

Here is a quick sketch I did some time ago in natural, north light.

Oasis - 8x10, oil on canvas panel

2008-01-31T14:54:00.000-05:00

Ah, what could be better than an oasis in the desert. Here we are at Agua Caliente in the morning, a pleasant park in north Tucson, Arizona.

This was painted on a gorgeous and sunny but very chilly day and turned out to be the last painting I did during the workshop. Unfortunately, we ended up painting value studies on the afternoon of the final day, after watching a demonstration that morning. Doing value studies at that point seemed a bit backward to my mind, as I was pumped to do a stunning masterpiece at that point! We had a great afternoon despite this slight disappointment, as we enjoyed a sheltered, warm and sunny location in Catalina State Park with stunning views of spectacular mountains!

Tucson Valley East View - 5x7, oil on panel

2008-01-30T18:49:00.000-05:00

After laboring for a couple of hours on the previous painting with the asylum on the hill :), I whacked this one out in about 40 minutes. In my opinion, the end result is much better, which shows how editing and simplifying is key to capturing the essence of a landscape.

Tucson Valley - 5x7, oil on panel

2008-01-30T14:17:00.000-05:00

Saguaro at Honeybee Canyon - 5x7, oil on panel

2008-01-29T19:00:00.000-05:00

Capturing this backlit cactus in Tucson, Arizona was lots of fun - the highlights on the sides of the saguaro are thick white paint with a touch of raw sienna.

Notes from Gabor Svagrik's Workshop: January 28-February 1, 2008

2008-01-28T22:58:00.000-05:00

Okay, you will have to look at this as the rough notes they are - at some point I may find time to work the information into an article, but for now, here is the gist of his teachings:

Materials:
Maple panels - bookbinding glue, acid free Miracle Muck (sourcetek), Lineco (utrecht) Claessens #66 oil primed linen gatorboard, light stain (50/50 burnt sienna, ultramarine blue)
Open Box M, carbon fiber tripod (light weight)
Holbein thinner container (better seal)
Sourcetek REI backpack - guaranteed for life!

take photo first - 1 1/2 hours to two hours max on subject

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU PUT IN, IT'S WHAT YOU TAKE OUT Capture the essence, not literal translation

1/2" brush from hardware store for 1.50

Thomas Moran Matt Smith Kevin MacPherson, Carlson

For your legacy you need to have some monumental paintings
Be selective - back it up!! (photographs) Monitor - Apple Cinema Display - 23" middle size

plein air study, color and value more accurate than photo darkest dark first crosshair division of panel

It's all about color and value relationships
generalize areas - rocks all dark - add lighter tones/highlights at end
charcoal drawing, indoors - change with towel, can move it easily draw it out
start with darks figure out value of mountain, add midtones and lightest areas top to bottom, leaving out the sky
as things recede, cooler and lighter
need to push value/color in paint
need mountain to sit back, lighter to get the difference in value
white cools and muddies
white - atmosphere use yellows to create warmth, get feeling of sunlight
think thin to thick - thick lights

Palette: Titanium white, lemon yellow, yellow ochre, raw sienna, ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, alizarin crimson

reserve yout lights - opera singer, all high notes where do you go?

10 foot tree? 30 feet back Rocks - 80/20 or 90/10

need hard edges
pull the brush for tiny branches
three bushes are better than two
vertical dark brushmarks break up the block in add variety to base - go over with lighter color, sand use side of brush, parallel to panel rolls the brush in an arc for light on a shrub
white kills light use yellow to lighten
big shapes dark to light
small sketch to plan positioning

Laura Robb - master of edges

keep brushes very clean when doing sky
palette knife to put long narrow highlight on saguaro, thick mixture of white and raw sienna

EXCITING NEWS!

2008-01-19T22:54:00.000-05:00

I received an unexpected and welcome telephone call today from Marilyn Whitaker, the registrar at Scottsdale Artist's School in Phoenix, Arizona. I have been awarded a scholarship, based on talent, to a plein air landscape painting class held in Tucson.

I am very excited about this opportunity and have to quickly make arrangements to attend as it begins in less than two weeks!