Daily Painting Practice - I have relocated and now I am Painting in Maine

I have moved to Maine!

It has been a long time since my last post , and now you know why.  Moving here is a dream come true for me. Maine has so much to offer artists.  

Like a rugged coast....

 

Scenic mountain views...

 

or this future painting site ( which is  just up the road)

 Our trip from Omaha to Searsport, Maine would have made a great movie. It had everything Hollywood would want; Drama (not everything fit in the truck),  Mystery ( why would the GPS  send us to a dark deserted road at 2 AM and tell us we have arrived at our destination?),  Suspense (bordering on terror)  and of course...  Comedy (What happens when you pull into a motel after 14 hours on the road and they tell you no trucks allowed... ha,ha,ha,ha).  I'll spare you all the details but one, because this is an art blog.  My art adventure is part of the comedy. 

I needed to deliver my  painting "Crescendo" to  the Maine-Art  gallery in Kennebunkport, Maine for a show I was invited to participate in.  The opening was scheduled one week after we  moved in and the painting had to arrive that week. Since we were passing by ( they are 3 hours south of our new home)  I decided to pack the painting last and deliver it to the gallery on our way, instead of having it shipped.  Nice plan... The truck  was packed so tight the painting box barely squeezed in. ( I  actually tied a bike on the outside of the truck)

 When we did arrive in Kennebunkport, the 48 foot moving truck with car trailer attached was too long to maneuver the tiny road to the gallery so I had to park on the busy main road, untie the bike to get to the door, open the door without  letting the contents tumble out, snatch the box ( 40"x52") and carry it on my head, down the street to the gallery. 

All of this after a three day driving nightmare.  I was dirty, sweaty, unshaven and low on sleep.  Besides that, I was deaf from the engine noise and smelled of  diesel and  dog (she was in the front seat with us). 

This was my way of introducing myself to the gallery.

They were very gracious though and the show was wonderful.

"Crescendo"  at the Maine-Art Gallery in Kennebunkport, Maine

More adventures coming soon!

 

Daily Painting Practice - Plein Air Painting for a good cause

My friend and fellow artist  (Deb Groesser)  invited me this past fall to paint a small plein air for her local  library fundraiser. The Ralston 100 Community Mosaic Art Project was Deb's idea and celebrated Ralston's centennial. The individual works of art were drawn,painted, or pasted onto 6x6 inch canvas.  They were displayed together as one mosaic and for a small donation you could win one. It was a great idea  and I was happy to participate.

I set up in front of Deb's Studio on a freezing cold morning. (Unfortunately Deb was away at some sunny California location painting one of her incredible plein air paintings.) I on the other hand was freezing my kaboodle off standing on the cold sidewalk  painting a local street scene.

 Once I got home and warmed up,  I worked on the final 6"x6" canvas. The plein air sketch on the left was my guide.

 Not too much changed in the second version . I mostly just needed to clean and sharpen lines.

Morning in Ralston 

6"x6" oil on canvas

Daily Painting Practice- Tree color study - walks in the North Woods

Every artist knows of places where they feel they could spend the rest of their life painting and never run out of interesting subjects. 

For me it would be Maine or the North Woods of  Wisconsin. All I need to do is take a walk in the woods and the ideas start flooding in. But how to decide what to paint? 

 When you literally can't see the forest through the trees (or maybe it would be better to say, can't see the painting through the details),  I find it easier to  eliminate details and look for abstract shapes of light and dark.

 For example, I started this color study looking for abstract blotches of color to lay on the toned canvas. I was thinking of  trees  but painting them as abstract color notes. It was a good way to stay loose in the beginning and not get sucked into  details too early.

 Sorry about the  blurry photo. However, it is a good example of how you should  blur your eyes when painting as a way of eliminating detail and simplifying  values. 

click on the picture to enlarge the image

Walk in the Woods - Color Study

6"x6"

oil on canvas board

Daily Painting Practice - A Few More Plein Air Lessons

My Plein air weekend continued:

The following day I got a late start,(too much plein air on day one I  imagine),  or it might have been because I forgot to set my alarm so I over slept .
 I found a back country road outside of town that turned into a dirt road.   It was as quiet as could be.  I could hear the grasshoppers munching the dry corn. Iowa was in a  terrible drought .

I pulled over and set up. I left myself a little room to back up and evaluate the progress.

Since there was no shade to paint in  I  used my umbrella to shade the painting.  I wish I had one big enough to shade my whole body. Notice that I have not learned my  lesson about  laying out brushes on my car. 

The canvas was pre-toned in an olive gray green. Perfect choice for painting an Iowa corn field.

An old pickup truck slowed down as it passed by me. I got the funniest look from the passenger. I don't think they could figure out what I was doing. I'd  paint a stroke and back up a few steps to the car then step forward. Back and forth, back and forth. They must have thought I was disoriented and suffering from heat stroke. I am sure I looked too strange in my floppy hat  and sunburned knees to stop and ask if I needed help.

Not a bad morning's work.

Stepping back one too many times.  I guess I got too  close and swiped the car with paint.
 People  who watch me plein air painting should take warning.

Daily Painting Practice - plein air , hot air and off the the air - painting outdoors can be hazardous

So the day continued... One painting complete, time to move on to the show.   I arrived  an hour before lunch and since I was only judging, I didn't  have a need to  produce a piece for the competition. The day was gorgeous but the temperature was getting close to 100 degrees.

To get back in the swing of things I decided to settle in with a relaxing tree study.  For all of you wanna be  plein air painters I thought of a few do's and don'ts to keep in mind.  
 1.   Do - find shade. Shade is your friend. Painting in direct sunlight can play havoc on your value choices. You will find a painting  done in direct sunlight once brought inside is dark and dull. Not the brilliant masterpiece you thought you had.

2. Do- Take as many extra napkins you feel comfortable stuffing in your bag from any restaurant you eat at.  They can become live savers.

3. Don't - talk on your cell phone while you continue to paint. Especially don't set it on the easel, and never swat at bugs when they fly over the phone which you perched on the edge of your palette.
4. Do - feel free to use as many of those free napkins in an emergency.

click on picture to enlarge the image

Tree Study

8"x10"

oil on panel

It was noon.  My phone smelled like paint. ( I hoped it still worked) I was out of napkins and I needed a break.  The air was getting intensely hot. 

One more don't

5. - Don't leave your car locked up with the first painting from the morning sitting in the broiling sun.  The smell of baked linseed on toasted panel isn't pretty.

Daily Painting Progress - Painting Down East Maine

I have not posted for a while, but  I  have a good excuse  for at least one week. I have been on vacation ( painting/business trip for tax purposes)  in Maine  for a week.  Maine is an incredible  place to paint/visit/eat/relax... We spent the week  along the coast, just past  Bar Harbor.

  Plein air painting is hard enough when the light changes every  10 minutes, shadows move or disappear completely when the sun decides to hide behind the clouds. The wind also was interesting. It pulled my painting umbrella right out of it's support.( I should have read the instructions on how to keep the umbrella attached)

But up here along the  northern  coast of Maine there is an added  complication.  Tides. The Bay of Fundy is not too far away and they  have the  highest  tide changes in the world. ( 55 feet).   We didn't have that much change in the tide  but it is noticeable during a painting session.
( look at the photo above) Here I am at the beginning. Do you see any rocks in the water?

An hour or so later.  Do you see the difference? No water, more rocks.

One great thing about painting in Maine is that you can literally turn in any direction or walk a few feet and sit down and paint an entirely different subject.

This isn't 20 feet from the first photo.

Of course another thing Maine is famous for is the fog. I think it has more fog than anywhere else in the world. So, in addition to tides,wind, sun, angry seagulls,  there is fog.

  Or  do you call it mist? I call it a challenge. Especially when it changes color and  thickness each minute or two. Mother Nature and I played this game of  "now you  see the coast and now you don't."

Anyway here's three little color studies. I have so many painting ideas I don't know where to begin.

Oh, before I forget. Another reason this was a business trip. I just got into another Gallery... right here in Maine! So I better get painting!

Daily Painting Practice - Plein Air Painting at Lauritzen Gardens

I had a great day painting plein air yesterday. There was an art event at the  Lauritzen Gardens here in Omaha and a group of us (plein air painters)  acted as  props for the garden tourists to  oooohhhh and ahhhh at.  It was a two day event  but I only painted Sunday. The weather was beautiful, with highs in the 80's not the scorching upper 90's of the past few weeks.

I painted this group of Hostas planted in the shade.

Most of the time I enjoy hearing the comments from people behind me while I paint. Especially when parents try to explain to their children, what it is I am doing .

"Oh look dear, there is an artist. Isn't it beautiful? Look at how he paints with a brush. It's just like your paintings from pre-school."

At those times, I must admit, I begin to feel a little bit of pressure. Here I am at a critical point in this  child's life.  I could be representing this kid's introduction to the "Arts". His entire early art appreciation development is in my hands. How do I explain to a 4 year old that I am only just beginning and he shouldn't judge me or my work at this point,

"This is the under painting... I actually do more than these few lines and scribbles... I am only mapping ..."

The kid turns and looks away. I am about as interesting as the shade. He sees another child with a can of soda and runs off.

   We have lost another generation.

Hostas in the Shade

9"x12"

Oh well, I had fun coloring yesterday.

Daily Painting Practice- New Hope and New Jersey painting

I grew up in New Jersey and always loved the western part of the state. The rich history of this area of our country always fascinated me. I always hoped to find  some  relic of the revolutionary  war  when  walking in the woods. When I grew up  many of these small towns near and along the Delaware river still held relics of their historical roots. It is a rare thing in the USA  to have so many buildings from so long ago still  standing, let alone lived in and used as barns, taverns, inns and homes.  So when I traveled back to the area last week to visit family I also decided to take some time  to stop  and paint .

I lived in the Stockton area of New Jersey for a while. Stockton itself has many historic homes and buildings. This old house was built from stones quarried along the Delaware river.  It reminds me of the type of subject the New Hope School artists painted at the turn of the last century.  I have always admired that group of painters.   What I like most about their work is that they really captured the  light and atmosphere  found only in  those Delaware river  communities.  The light is very distinct.

George Sotter

Bucks County Winter Farm House at Night

This painting by George Sotter, one of the  New Hope artists,  is typical of the  buildings along the Delaware. This was painted  about 100 years ago when the building  were already 150 years old.  It is amazing to me that many of these very same homes are still standing.

Here is something  fun to try if your ever visit that area.  The ( James A. Michener Art Museum )has a web page that gives directions to the sites that artists like Daniel Garber, another  favorite  American Impressionist  painted.

Here's a photo of a spot on the Pennsylvania side that I stopped and decided to paint. This is at Phillips Mill just north of  New Hope. This is the Phillips Mill Inn and was probably built around 1750. George Washington  and the  Continental Army probably ate  bread that was made from the wheat milled here.

I did a quick study of the front of the Inn... but I was more excited about  the barn in the back.

I was having fun,  but the heat of the day was unbearable.  Even in the morning it was like 100 degrees.  You can't enjoy  plein air painting  when  sweat starts pouring down your pants.

I'm going to paint this scene on a larger canvas... in my air conditioned studio.

Daily Painting Practice - Plein Air Test Flight

click on the painting to enlarge the image

Marge Painting in John's Garden

9"x12"

oil on masonite panel

This week I gave my new Plein Air box a trial run. I had wanted to show photos of the process but my camera decided to quit on me (that's a post for another day). Anyway, my painting friends Marge and John decided to get together at John's house and paint plein air. Perfect timing, I thought, to test drive the new gear.

A few bumps and mis-steps, but much like Spring training for baseball players, I expected to see these. Over all, it felt very comfortable and I like the results. Here are a few of the mis-steps;

• Half of the Turps I brought in my back pack leaked out of the gasketed "leak proof" can I purchased. Luckily I had it packed in a plastic bag.

• I loosened one of the screws too much on the bar that raises the panel, before reading the little fine printed label that says "don't loosen the screw too much".

• My camera quit on me! (this must be traumatic because I keep repeating it).

• I was standing on the neighbor's lawn and painting just as that neighbor decided to have her lawn sprinkler system tested for Spring. ( thank God oil paints are water proof... artists aren't)

Over all a great time!

Daily Painting Practice- Tips for newbie plein air painters - avoiding crowds

When I paint plein air I enjoy having friends or fellow artists around me. I may not be able to walk and chew gum at the same time but I can talk and paint. However, this was not always the case. Like most artists when first venturing out to paint in public I was uncomfortable with people coming up behind me and watching. So here are a view tips I'll share with you plein air newbies.

Approach number 1:
Try concealing what you are doing.  Don't give up your personal space. keep everything close to the vest... or chest in this case.

Pick a location that normal people( people other than artists) would find hard to get to. Be ever vigilant in the woods though, hikers like to sneak up on you.

If you are in the open try looking a little... how do I put this? deranged! People keep there distance if you look like a nut job. Squint constantly. Not only will this help you control the values in your painting but it makes people uneasy and helps to keep them at a safe distance. ( wearing weird shoes helps too)

Here's a neat trick. Set up an empty easel. Pretend you are in the process of cleaning up or just staring out  at the horizon ...but actually you can be painting a small color study holding the canvas in your hand...( Artists must be creative in so many ways.)

Finally, stand in a place where they have no way to get behind you. Also dressing like a tourist  and pretending to be lost while you are sketching is a good disguise.

I hope this helps any of you who are worried about  getting out there and painting plein air. Of course you could just decide to enjoy the day and paint. One of the benefits of having people come over to check on you is....they might buy something.

Daily Painting Practice - Painting at night

Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh  -

at the Museum of Modern Art  in NY.

As many of you know, one of my art heroes is Vincent Van Gogh.  His vision of a star filled night is one of my favorite paintings of all time. However, after my experience of painting at night in the Northwoods of Wisconsin I know there is no way he painted that outdoors.

This is me attempting my first ever night time plein air painting. I had the crazy idea of trying to  paint the moon over a marsh in Northern Wisconsin....at night! Our  friends up North let me borrow a head lamp like the ones people who explore caves wear. It was the only light I had and it worked great. However, I would not be alive today if they had not dressed us in mosquito proof clothes including a hat with netting. I couldn't see with the netting so I sprayed myself with  Mosquito repellent and painted like a crazy person as the hungry buggers flew in front of my face.  I apologize for the fuzzy photos but  my blog photographer /wife could not hold the camera still  with the woman eating mosquitoes attacking her.

Oh, did I mention I was standing on a narrow board walk as I painted this. If  I took a step back, it was going to be a mucky walk back to the cabin.

It took me about 10 minutes then I had to call it quits. I was so surprised, the night sky changes as much as daytime.  The star on the right of the moon is actually a planet,  I forgot which one though.

 

click on the picture to enlarge the image

Moon Rising 

8"x10"

oil on canvas board

Daily painting Practice - Lake Superior Plein Air Study

I have a good reason for not posting the last few weeks. My plein air photographer/wife and I were invited by our good friends up North to enjoy a long week at their cabin in the North woods of Wisconsin. Not only did we have the best time hiking, boating, eating , talking, eating, fishing and eating, but I also had a great time gathering reference paintings and photos for a new series of work from the Northwoods.
Here I am painting on the shore Lake Superior. We traveled to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park which is located in Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula. The park has 60,000 acres and the largest tract of old-growth timber in the Midwest.

This is what I was looking at.
I had to paint fast because the tide was coming in and my feet were about to get wet. As the waves got closer, the left leg of the easel kept sinking into the soft wet sand. It made for some interesting body positions as I tried to paint the horizon
I find the best part about painting plein air is when I have to work very fast. I don't have time to think or worry what the painting will look like. I do seem to enjoy the process more under that pressure. If I had a few hours to paint in this spot I would begin to think too much instead of just responding to the color and light.

click on the painting to enlarge the image

Lake Superior Shore Line- Plein Air Study
9"x12"
oil on canvas

I will use this study to begin the first of the new series.I have about 50 ideas for paintings lined up from the trip. I'll post more about the sites and the studies over the next few weeks.

Daily Painting Practice- Painting Outdoors - Looking for light in the city

I don't remember which artist said " Paint what you know" but I am beginning to understand the effort it takes to really know what I paint. I thought I would share my new approach. Above you can see three steps I use to become familiar with the subject and developing the idea. Sketch, color study and photos.

First day, explore the city looking for light. I only allowed myself to carry a sketch book.(in the photo on the left) I wanted to make sure I took the time to explore. The beauty of the light hitting the brick building really stopped me in my tracks so I noted it with a small sketch. Having only recently discovered the value of the sketch to record emotion (I know... slow learner) I am really hooked on the idea. It really is the best means of expressing what first attracts me to a subject. So much better than a camera. Exploring with the sketch book and not relying on the camera helps prevent doing paintings that only hold your attention for the length of a TV commercial.(as you know is a new goal of mine) It really isn't about going out and capturing an image as it is about identifying and expressing an emotion.

Second day, I went back with the camera and paints to do a painting on the spot for color reference. Going back on a different day helps to see the subject in a new light. Does it still hold interest? Do you still react to it? Photos are used for details and drawing back in the studio.

It was a beautiful day and a few people stopped by to watch me paint. One man stuck his face in just below my shoulder before I noticed him. Wanted to get a closer look I guess. Another stopped and told me he used to live in that building, in fact, he met his wife there. I love hearing stories like that. Now I have a connection to the place too.

Back in the studio. This is the develop the idea stage. I did a drawing and wash to see if the composition and size of the canvas worked. Not quite right yet so the process continues. Stay tuned I'll show more of this piece as it develops!
There are so many things that can go wrong in outdoor painting. It helps to be prepared as best you can. Here you can see a few ideas that work and a few that don't: dress warm, bring hot coffee (tea only works in the studio or cafe), have your car near by so your photographer/wife can stay warm. If you plan on using a medium you are not familiar with in the cold... don't.
Here's an idea I thought would help me get off to a faster start on a cold morning. I tried this last Saturday at 8:AM. Don't faint, I actually did this study using pastels.
Since I knew it was going to be chilly and I am not comfortable using pastels in my plein air painting , I did the outline drawing the night before from a photo.
I then started blocking in the lights on the purple half tone mat board. But when painting outdoors some things are out of the control of the artist.
Picking up the trash on Saturday morning waits for no man or artist. Good thing the garbage wasn't my point of interest.
I only got this far before my fingers froze and I had to run to the car for some of that hot coffee. By that time the light was changing dramatically and I called it a day. Still, the sketch helped me get familiar with my subject and will help me develop an idea for a painting. Since I have visited this alley several times I have seen the life that goes on around it. I know where trucks unload and people take smoke breaks. I would not have that knowledge if I had just walked by and snapped a photo.