Archive for December, 2009
Matlacha, FL
Yesterday I went to Matlacha, FL, to paint. Matlacha is a charming little tourist village on the eastern edge of Pine Island and to get there, one must go through at least some part of Cape Coral and cross the “fishingest bridge in the world.” Now, whether this means that the most fish are caught here, or the most people try to catch them, is unknown. But suddenly, on both sides of this 2-lane road for a 2-3 block span, are little houses of green, pink and yellow with all sorts of paraphernalia in front.
Just prior to passing this area, if one turns left, there is a community park and boat ramp and in the middle of all that is a giant live oak tree! You already know where I headed! There’s nothing quite like painting en plein air on a beautiful day in paradise!
The Auction
A few days ago I had an interesting experience. In the morning paper a 4″ x 4″ notice advertised that some of Bernie Madoff’s belongings would be auctioned that night. He had been convicted of a Ponzi scheme and had separated a lot of folks from their money.
I arrived at the appointed time and place to find lithographs of works of many of the Impressionists as well as Chagall and Dali and two originals by Norman Rockwell and one by Camille Pissarro among many beautiful pieces of jewelry, Rolex watches and other high end items. The Persian rugs were gorgeous. According to the auctioneer’s statement of value, most items sold for 10-15% of the value, except for the Rolex watches, which went for about 40-50% of his stated value.
It was such a treat to see the artwork. The lithographs were wonderful, but I shall always remember the originals of Rockwell and that sweet plein air landscape painting of Pissarro.
On Being Accepted
A few days ago I went back to Sea Star Gallery where I had a show last February. I had been so happy to be accepted by this gallery because the owner had been so enthusiastic about my abstract paintings. I wanted to ask the owner if she would be willing to have another show this winter as she had mentioned last year.
The Location of Your Studio
You will be most comfortable in doing your landscape paintings if you can set aside a room or an area within a room as your “studio.” It is easier to work in an area that does not have to be cleaned up each day - where your paint and brushes will not be disturbed.
The most important aspect of setting up your easel is to avoid placing it so that your hand casts a shadow on the area you are painting. It is also important that your easel, or support for your painting, be solid - that it will not move as you work. If possible, the easel should be adjustable so you can move it up or down as you work.
Make sure that your chair (if you use one) is comfortable and a table with your paints, brushes, mediums and rags is within easy reach. You will find it practical to cover the floor with vinyl or a less valuable rug. If possible, wear an apron or smock and old clothes so that if you drop paint or oil on them, it is of no consequence
Lighting in Studio Painting
Now that winter is here, many artists will spend more time painting their landscape paintings in the studio than out of doors. You will paint better pictures and enjoy it more if you consider two aspects, proper lighting and a comfortable set-up.
Finding an area with a north light is the best of all worlds. But, lacking that, you can diffuse strong light with a thin piece of cloth or onion skin tracing paper.
Fluorescent lights are the best source of artificial light for evening painting. A fluorescent fixture with 2 bulbs, one white and the other daylight, is preferred by experienced artists. If that is not possible, an incandescent daylight bulb will do.
Finding Artistic Inspiration
All artists, whether they are writers, painter or musicians, go through stages in their creative endeavors where they struggle for inspiration. In my experience both as an artist and an observer of fine art, I’ve found that many of my favorite pieces depict and portray some of the most elemental aspects of the earth. Landscape art has unparalleled beauty and there is an abundance of locales that can be utilized for inspiration.
The great thing about using the earth as tool for inspiration is that there is always something new to explore. Humans have been investigating the earth for thousands of years, and we are still discovering new locations and phenomena. While finding an exotic underground tavern or untouched piece of serene countryside would be ideal, you can still use the nature and wildlife in your own backyard to find motivation.
Christmas Cards
I finally got my Christmas cards in the mail! It wasn’t easy! In other years, I have gone to my daughter’s house in California and she has used her computer to make them for me.
This year, about three months ago, my computer died and I had to invest in a new one. This is an adjustment in itself because it has different bells and whistles than the old familiar one. I had to get a new version of Print Shop and learn to use it also.
After several tries, I finally was able to add two landscape paintings to the cards. Then it was only a matter of addresses and stamps!
Clouds
Yesterday was one of those days! The clouds looked like giant cotton balls against a sky of cobalt blue! There were even a few dark spots here and there, showing a little moisture in the atmosphere. Absolutely stunning!
Some landscape paintings are really all about the sky! The paintings can be small or large, but the majority of the canvas is devoted to the sky. My friend in Austin made an entire career of painting clouds and other phenomena of nature, like geysers, water spouts, tornadoes, etc.
Painting Out-of-Doors
The French call painting out-of-doors painting “en plein air.” If you have never painted en plein air, you are in for a treat. Sitting for a few hours, enjoying nature while you are working on your landscape painting, in the words of a poet, “even if you got sunburned, lost your brush, spilled your paints, or got bitten by a bug, you’ve still had a great day.”
You will need special equipment, though. There are several kinds of fold-up easels available in which you can carry paints, medium, brushes and a canvas or canvasboards. Also, many artists stand because this tends to give the painting more energy. If you need to sit, you’ll need a stool, also paper towels or rags, which are more environmentally friendly - just cut up an old tee shirt. Don’t forget a hat (I prefer one with a wide brim), sunscreen, and bug repellent. Depending on the size of your easel, this can all be put in a backpack or in a rolling cart. Have a good day!
The Daily Painter - Week 2
There were a few things I learned about myself last week. Whereas, I can go to school and teach when I am tired, it is very difficult to force myself to paint in that situation. If I do, the painting suffers. (Perhaps the teaching does, as well).This being the Christmas season, I want to enjoy it and the preparations involved. In the process, I may not be able to make as many landscape paintings as at other times of the year. That’s OK, that’s life! One can’t do everything!