Artist Renee Lammers

 

"Thuya Garden" 14x20 oil on copper   Sold.  Thank you!  Wow!

 

 

 

I started this painting at Thuya Garden yesterday.  Then when I returned home, I set up my painting,

 

and worked most of the night until it was finished!  I wanted to paint while the memory was fresh.

 

I finally went to sleep when Poppy stomped her feet a few times.  This means she wanted me to

 

go to sleep!  She likes to wait downstairs for me.  I took two naps today to recuperate from my

 

painting efforts!

 

 

 

 

  This morning my dogs barked as they saw Ted and Luke arrive for a visit.

 

Luke decided this ball would be his.  Last week Monet stole a large stuffed animal turkey

 

out of Luke's yard.  Monet put Luke's toy in our van. 

 

 I put the turkey dog toy back in the yard.  Then Lily retrieved the

 

turkey dog toy and put it in the van.  She decided the turkey comes with us!

 

I told Ted I was sorry about the turkey toy thievery.  He laughed and said, "Take it!"

 

 

   Luke surprised me this morning.  When I threw the ball, Luke went running after the ball,

 

and retrieved!  Luke was feeling spunky this morning.  Monet, Poppy, and Lily just watched

 

with respect.  Luke still has it going on!

 

 

   When I visited Stonington this week, I visited the gift shop, and tried to say hello to Dundee

 

the orange Maine coon cat!  His owner told me Dundee was not there.  He said Dundee

 

came home at 12pm for a bite to eat.  Then he headed out somewhere.  He speculated

 

Dundee was asleep on a couch in an air conditioned seaside cottage somewhere.

 

He told me Dundee has a 12am curfew at night.  He almost missed his curfew last night.

 

He was running fast so he would not be locked out all night.  He kept the door open for him

 

because he saw him running.  I asked him if Fox were a problem for Dundee.  He

 

said Dundee is friends with Foxes especially the young ones.  I asked him how he knew

 

this but he wouldn't comment.  No Dundee the orange Maine coon cat sighting this trip!

 

 

   I placed my pretty yellow wicker rocking chair in Robert's flower garden.   He mentioned

 

I should paint his lilies.  I would love to paint this scene if the sun came out! 

 

 

 

I was trying out a Pilot G2 black pen since all the Pigma Micron 05 black

 

pens have been shipped out with Sketch-N-Cans. 

 

 

 

     I spent most of the day packaging the Sketch-N-Cans! 

 

Everything is ready for the last large shipment.  Tomorrow or Tuesday the

 

Pigma Micron 05 black pens should arrive!  I will test each pen, wrap them

 

in plastic wrap, and ship all orders out!

 

 

 

  I should have an extra 100 Sketch-N-Cans

 

for the Plein Air Magazine's Adirondack Mountain Plein Air Festival August 12-19.   I have been

 

invited to attend this event with my Sketch-N-Cans, paint, and show my work.

 

I really appreciate this opportunity!  Still amazed.

 

 

  I will head over to Mount Desert Island, paint in Charlotte Rhoades Garden.

 

They should have a beautiful display of Zinnia flowers to paint. 

 

Have a good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    I wake up in Maine.  I try to decide where to paint!

 

August is garden time in Maine.  Flowers are at their peak in gardens.

 

I decided today I would paint in Thuya Garden on Mount Desert Island!

 

First things first, ask permission, ask who is the head gardener. 

 

Then explain you are an artist who would like to paint flowers.

 

Where can I paint?  What are their rules? 

 

She said I could paint anywhere except the center path. 

 

I set up on the right side in back of the center path. 

 

I always leave my cell phone in the car.  No cell phones in public gardens.

 

 

    When I paint in a public garden.  I ask myself, "Do I want any architectural design in the painting?

 

Or do I just want flowers in the painting?"   I decided to paint the path down the center with

 

the little building used for resting in the shade.  The flowers would be the center of interest.

 

The design of my painting was not easy.  I worked for several hours on the background and greens.

 

Then I decided to carefully brush it down so it was all one large mass.  Painting size is 14x20.

 

I started to paint flowers. 

 

I will work more on this painting tonight.  It needs tweaking!

 

 

 

 

 

   I think painting flowers from photos is impossible. 

 

I always paint flowers from life.  I can not see the texture or light on the flowers in a photo.

 

I can not feel anything from a photo.  When flowers are right there the emotions flow.

 

 

"Somes Sound" 2 3/4 x 4 inches.  75$ unframed and shipped.

 

   I was driving by Somes Sound.  The light was great.  Decided to paint a fast one on these

 

tiny pieces of copper.  Fun!  These tiny paintings will be available in the heading above under paintings.

 

Scroll down to find "Tiny Works". 

 

 

   Poppy was being funny today. 

 

Lily found a rock.  Monet was carrying around his favorite green ball.

 

 

He has loved this spikey green ball since he was a pup!

 

 

   Poppy really loves for me to rub her stomach. 

 

 

I had planned to paint the apple tree to the right. 

 

 In the end it looked better without that tree.

 

Have a good night! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Camden Boats" 2 3/4 x 4 inches.  75$ unframed.  Shipping included.

 

   I purchased the wrong size copper a few months ago. 

 

Today I decided to have fun with this tiny size and loosen up!

 

I was painting with Carol Douglas and her friend Fay.

 

We were on a floating dock.  I was surprised none of us went into the water.

 

 

"Camden Sails Ready" 2 3/4 x 4 inches.  sold.  Thanks!

 

   I admired the Olad's sails ready to head out of the harbor.  The evening light was

 

very nice in the harbor. 

 

I did not have time to gorilla tape my tiny copper panel to the easel.

 

I held the copper panel in my hand and painted!

 

This is a great way to loosen up brush work. 

 

I liked painting this way.  It was fun to try something new and paint very tiny.

 

I have never painted smaller than 2 3/4 x 4 inches. 

 

I used a Old Holland flat 8 kolinsky brush.  Big brush for a tiny painting.

 

 

Fun and a decent little painting.

 

 

  Carol Douglas was showing me her Sketch-N-Can sketch done during the Castine Plein Air Festival.

 

She said she drew Dyce's Head three different times trying to get a good design.

She would not have done this in her sketchbook.  The reason why, she thought, was

 

the inexpensive 3x5 blank index cards inside the Sketch-N-Can.  The paper is so cheap

 

it allows her to draw more.  The results were a better designed painting in her opinion.

 

I was happy to hear this.  I find my Sketch-N-Can very handy.  Nice to know another

 

painter finds the Sketch-N-Can a valuable tool.

 

 

  Today was Fay's first time painting plein air.

 

I thought she did a great job.  Camden Harbor might be one of the most

 

difficult places to paint.  There is so much there.  So much action.

 

Nothing stays in the same spot for long.  Many people are there watching.

 

 

   A family of ducks swam right by us!  A white duck admired Carol.

 

 

   There was very little wind.  Schooners and sailboats were showing off their sails in the harbor.

 

I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. 

 

 

   Not only were the boats swaying and bumping around, there was a crew member

aboard the Mercantile Schooner to the left who was boxing and doing some type of

karate. 

 

 

  Beautiful day in Camden. 

 

I hope to paint in Thuya Gardens tomorrow if the head gardener allows this!

 

I hear there is a new head gardener.  I sure hope she is artist friendly.

 

If not I will head over to Charlotte Rhoades Garden in Southwest Harbor.

 

There should be beautiful Zinnias to paint there! 

 

Good night. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

    I decided to paint in Stonington. 

 

Right away I headed to my favorite dory.  It was built in 1870. 

 

The owner needs to remove it by tomorrow because the town of Stonington thinks it is an eye sore.

 

The owner told me I could have it for free if I could remove it tomorrow morning.

 

    It is a beautiful boat.  I went away very sad.  I do not have room for another dory.

 

Well I do but one dory is really enough for a painting prop. 

 

The owner of the boat and his friend told me they would place the dory into the Uhaul for me.

 

What would Robert say if I came home with another dory?  Oh boy. 

 

I decided to take many photos of the dory and think it over.

 

 

 

 

    I decided to paint this view.  I drew the scene for an hour with my Sketch-N-Can.

 

The ark looking boat was dead center in all of the drawings.  Big problem for the design.

 

I decided the painting would be best as a panoramic.  Then the boat might be off center.

 

I could not paint today because my hands were shaking like crazy.

 

Low blood sugar and dehydration.

 

I headed to my favorite fried haddock sandwich diner in the center of town.

 

Fried haddock, French fries, green beans, and berry crisp with vanilla ice cream was in order!

 

I started to feel better.  I drove around more taking photos.  My hands and legs were still shaking.

 

 

Today was a strange day for me.  There were to many beautiful scenes to paint.

 

 

 

 

   I found a great place to swim on Green Island behind the boatyard.

 

Fog rolled into Stonington.

 

 

   The water was warm close to the rocks. 

 

Monet, Poppy, and Lily would like this place.

 

 

   I could imagine a few paintings here.

 

 

   This was a beautiful scene to paint!

 

 

   I liked this view from the big green bridge crossing over to Brooklin, Maine. 

 

I will drink water and stay in the air conditioning.  It is very hot here in Maine!

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   It is very special when a real Mainer (born in Maine and raised in Maine) invites

 

you and all your golden retrievers to his favorite swimming area, Unity Pond!

 

We loaded into the van early this morning.

 

 

Monet, Lily, and Poppy look very orderly here.

 

A few minutes later they were all like a bunch of Bobcats in the van!

 

They were changing seat positions, barking at passengers, laying on the dashboard,

 

turning the emergency flashing lights on, making the windshield wipers go, scratching

 

me if I slowed down, putting their foot through the lid of my ice tea, and shedding a pound of hair!

 

They beeped the horn frightening an elderly lady in front of us.

 

 

 

    Unity Pond is a giant pond with powdery soft grey sand in the beach area.

 

This beach was once an old campground.  Now it is a swimming hole for locals.

 

The pond is shallow for a mile out.  The deepest area is 44 feet.

 

The water is hot near the edge, growing cooler, and cooler farther out.

 

We soaked in the water for hours.

 

 

   We all had a great time.  Lily explored the reed area.  She saw a small child in a blue tube.

 

Her hair stuck up straight as the blue tube came closer.  She decided the small child was fine.

 

 

   Monet forgot his mask and snorkel.  He could not get over the soft sand on the bottom.

 

He was searching for rocks.  He blew bubbles to avoid getting water in his nose.

 

 

  Lily tried to blow bubbles to look under the water.  She coughed a few times.

 

 

   Even Poppy wanted to look underwater.  She blew bubbles too.

 

 

   Luke searched for minnows.  When he saw schools of minnows he barked over and over again.

 

He looked at his master Ted.  Minnows!  

 

 

   Great place to swim, fish, and paint!

 

 

 

   They slept on the way home.  I scrubbed up each dog to get lake bacteria off of them.

 

 What a great day.

 

In a few days, Pigma Micron 05 black pens will arrive, and all orders will be shipped out!

 

Half of the orders were shipped two days ago will arrive tomorrow in the USA. 

 

 

   Sketch-N-Cans  will be restocked in two days. New Sketch-N-Can orders will

 

be shipped the same day as ordered!  I am grateful for the Sketch-N-Can sales.

 

I sure do love my Sketch-N-Can. 

 

Hope to paint tomorrow or maybe even tonight! 

 

Goodnight.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

   I decided to take Monet, Lily, and Poppy to Sandy Point Beach!

 

I am looking very tired from working but I am happy!

 

 

   Poppy wanted to drive us to the beach.

 

I had to explain what a driver license was to her.

 

 

   Lily and Monet were watching young children on the beach.

 

 

 

   They enjoyed the beach!

 

 

   My good friend and art client Professor Walker Gilmore came to visit Lily yesterday!

 

The last time Professor Walker Gilmore visited us last year, Lily was a puppy, when she

 

wrapped herself around his neck like a mink stole!

 

This time Lily was too large to be a mink stole!

 

She was a lap dog.

 

 

   Let's just say Lily does not miss a meal!

 

 

  Lily gave Walker a few kisses. 

 

 

   We all had fun watching Lily with Walker.

 

 

   I like drawing with the Pigma Micron black 05 pens. 

 

I purchased every pen possible in Maine.

 

I tested every pen.

 

Sharpe were out.  They smelled terrible. 

 

 

Casemate's pen was not really black. 

 

I loved Pilot G2 0.7 mm Premium Gel Roller, the longest writing pen best!

 

The Pilot G2 did not draw well on the acrylic lid of the Sketch-N-Can.

 

Then I tried PaperMate's Flair felt tip pen with archival ink!  Bingo!

 

The pen worked fine on the acrylic lid!  Same thickness as the 05 pigma micron!

 

Still the Pigma Micron black 05 pen is my favorite.

 

 

 

  I purchased www.Sketch-N-Can.com domain.

 

I opened an etsy shop to sell Sketch-N-Cans.

 

The problem with the Etsy shop is you need to log in to buy or set up an account.

 

I will also sell Sketch-N-Cans on this website above for people who don't want to deal

 

with logging into Etsy. 

 

I had to start charging for shipping outside of USA. 

 

 

  Monet laid on my lap in the car for the ride home.

 

 

Lily was growling at Monet to move over in the car.

 

Then I realized Lily was sitting on top of Monet's back!

 

Lily makes me laugh.  She is funny.

 

Have a good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Robert is accustomed to my "projects". 

 

He saw me clearing off one of my art studio areas in our house.  I have two studios

 

inside and now one in the tiny house! 

 

I needed a Sketch-N-Can factory area to fill orders! 

 

The label is handwritten on a business card with a painting image. 

 

I seal this label onto the back of the Sketch-N-Can for reordering or helping others to order.

 

The painting looks nice on the back.

 

Many people have requested I sign the Sketch-N-Can.

 

Now I am handwriting "Thank you!  Renee Lammers"

 

on each can!

 

 

  I realized I need to create a brochure to put inside each Sketch-N-Can.

 

I stopped production to create the brochure!

 

 

   Here it is.  I think it will work.  I printed out so many copies my printer smoked.

 

I will find a print shop tomorrow!

 

 

   I had a nightmare last night the Pigma Micron 05 black pens exploded from air pressure in the plane

 

on their way to their destinations.  Today I started to test, check, and wrap each pen in plastic wrap.

 

 

   I feel confident my new product would arrive safely and professionally!

 

 

   My day was filled with packaging  and order taking.

 

A few of the orders are ready to ship out tomorrow at the Post Office.

 

The visual image of me standing inside the Post Office tomorrow with all these packages

 

made me nervous.  How will they do this? 

 

 This might take them hours! 

 

I will take 10 inside to the Post Office to find out the best way to ship them.

 

This is all new and exciting.

 

 

"Castine Paradise" 6x8 oil on copper.  Sold tonight off my website.  Thank you!

 

I thought the owner of the red sailboat, Picnic, would want to buy this one but a lady

 

from MA decided she loved it! 

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   I thought I would share a few photos I took of Castine, Maine these last few days.

 

The gala at the Castine Plein Air Festival seemed to be a success.

 

There were a small number of new artists to the event who sold out.

 

Seems like everyone sold at least one. 

 

A few other artists sold three or four paintings.

 

There were many 16x20 sized paintings for 450$.

 

   My paintings were sized 6x8 for 450$. 

 

I thought it was difficult to compete with huge painting for the same price.

 

I did sell one to an artist.  I painted her house!

 

 

"Castine Summer" 6x8 oil on copper sold.  Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gala was wonderful.  They had beautiful cheeses and vegetables with crackers.

 

Wine and beer were available for a price.

 

It seemed hotter than usual.  But other than that we all did well!

 

I made many new friends.  I had a great time!

 

I have a few good ideas for the event next year. 

 

I think having a night painting event would be fun. 

 

People could watch the artists paint at the harbor for a two hour time period and

 

buy the painting off the easel.  Night time quick draw! 

 

 

   My nights are spent writing down addresses of people who purchased a Sketch-N-Can!

 

Then I put paper and pens into the can, fill out an address on a bubble mailer, and stack them up!

 

I really enjoy this!  Look above under the Sketch-N-Can heading to order yours!

 

  

 

 

    Last night I dreamed I invented a gauze white cloth jumpsuit with tiny ice packs in different

 

pockets all over to keep an artist cool! 

 

It must be my recent chicken wing diet making me more inventive!

 

I am convinced the magic is in the buffalo sauce. 

 

Good night. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

"A Painting Of A Painting" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold.  Shipping included.

 

   Today I drove around visiting with different artists.   I ate a giant cookie.  I decided

 

to paint Anthony Watkins painting the lighthouse.  What an interesting image he made.

 

 

 

 

  Olena was painting at Wadsworth Cove in Castine.  She looked so pretty.

 

 

   Here is an artist from Georgia.  Nice fellow. 

 

 

   I love seeing all the different plein air easels.

 

 

   The stick type of easel seems popular.  I have no idea what the easel's name is.

 

 

They selected 40 artists out of almost a hundred applicants.

 

Many artists were new to the event.

 

  

 

Mary was painting in the shade.  Smart!

 

 

   Bruce from Canada. 

 

 

   French easels are popular.  I believe they are best for loose style of painting because

 

there is no place to brace your hand.  A prochade box has a ledge to brace for more

 

precise painting.

 

 

 

   Some artists need no easel!  She does abstract expressionist plein air.  Very interesting!

 

I love her work. 

 

 

   Frank  from Massachusetts.  I brought him a bottle of water.  He was happy.

 

 

    I like her style.  She drives a convertible and wears bright clothes but her paintings

 

are reserved!  How interesting!

 

 

   I drove around several times handing out bottles of water and offering pumpkin cereal

 

bars to artists working.  I like to be helpful.  I think they were appreciative.  I want

 

to be remembered as being helpful.  I do go out of my way but I enjoy seeing them smile!

 

 

"Castine Night" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold.  Shipped.

 

   I finally was able to get a photo of my painting from last night. 

 

   Tomorrow in Castine at 4:30 pm-7pm at the Maritime Ballroom is the free gala.

 

It will be packed full of Castine residents who love to support the artists from

 

all over the USA!  

 

Have a good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    I had a great time today working so hard at the Castine Plein Air Festival.

 

This is the last painting of five I completed today.  All were 6x8 oil on copper.

 

I was hoping to paint the moon, but the moon didn't cooperate, so the tug was the subject!

 

Poppy from Nova Scotia kept me company painting in watercolor.

 

Many artists gathered around my van.  I offered them water, Gatorade, and Diet Mt Dew,

 

a chair, and even a fleece sweater.  I enjoyed their company as we waited to paint the moon!

 

 

I used a dual mighty light clip on book light to illuminate my Open box M prochade box.

 

 

   At 5pm I ordered and ate chicken wings, ran down to Wadsworth Cove, and painted

 

the golden hour!  I saw Olena running to the left on the beach to paint!

 

 

   I liked how this one came out.  6x8 oil on copper. 

 

 

   I have been interested in painting this scene for years. 

 

 

"Castine Summer" 6x8 oil on copper sold.  Thanks.

 

   I knew I needed a subject at the end of the road to the left.  I felt like it would appear.

 

I had a small brush in my hand when a lady wearing white pants and pink shirt biked

 

up the hill!  Perfect.  She was with her son but I had no time to paint both people.

 

 

   I painted this one during lunch hour.  I liked the high tide! 

 

I had a great time painting the water.  It was difficult painting all the homes in the right place.

 

I did a nice painting this morning of a beautiful red sailboat and the harbor in the distance.

 

 

"Castine Paradise" 6x8 oil on copper.  Sold after the event on my website.  Thanks.

 

 

 

Exciting Sketch-N-Can orders came in all day.  I emailed back everyone thanking and

 

letting them know how grateful I am.  Patent is now pending on the Sketch-N-Can!

 

 

   When I am finished with my sketch, I lay the Sketch-N-Can down on the ground.

 

I can see the drawing without the wind blowing the paper!  I redraw on to my copper.

 

 

Have a nice night.  Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

"Shimmering Schooner Reflections" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold. Shipping included.

 

   Inside my tiny house I worked on this painting a few days ago. 

 

It is so peaceful inside the tiny house!  I just love it.

 

 

"Windy Day at Wadsworth Cove" 4x5 oil on copper.  250$ framed in gold and shipped.

 

   I drove around Castine yesterday but the artists were not there yet working! 

 

Tonight is the Castine Plein Air Festival's artist's cocktail hour.   In the past artists have painted

 

the sunset afterwards.

 

There is a full moon tonight!  I have Repell deet 40 spray, a mighty dual light, and hope to paint

 

the moon over Wadsworth Cove or wherever the moon is tonight!

 

The mighty dual light is made to illuminate a book while reading but it works great for night painting!

 

 

   My dogs are loving Summer weather!  We spend over an hour outside in the morning.

 

Then they get to hike on a trail nearby to go to the beach with Robert.

 

 

  They like to take a nap inside the house with the AC on during the day! 

 

This morning I am finding pieces of plastic from a liverwurst package that was in the trash.

 

Lily keeps bringing me pieces of the plastic! 

 

I am off to find something to paint!  Good night.

 

 

 

   I was looking forward to teaching a private painting lesson in Whiting, Maine.

 

I left at 9am for what should have been a two hour drive. 

 

I thought if I arrived in Whiting early, I could explore, and take photos.

 

I always love to be early.

 

At 1pm I still could not find the house. 

 

Talking about being frustrated.  No one to answer the phone.

 

I decided to head home.

 

Then I saw Jasper Beach, remembered my friend Sue telling me about it being special,

 

and  drove there to explore. 

 

 

  Jasper Beach has special smooth rocks. 

 

I wish there was a sign with information about these rocks, why they are formed, and

 

what types of rocks with examples. 

 

UPDATE:  Howard's Cove has the name Jasper Beach from the iron-rich form of silica rocks.

 

The iron-rich rocks at Jasper Beach are red.

 

There are many other types of rocks:  Volcanic rock called Rhyolite (dark red)

 

White Quartz and Orange Quartz, some granite.

 

Gemstones such as Agates and Amethyst!

 

Petrified wood, amber and Moss Agates.

 

Fossil stones, sandstone, shale, and more.

 

One way to find more about the rock is to give it the mineral streak test.

 

The color of the streak tells a lot about what type of a rock.

 

Then there is the hardness test.  If a copper coin can make a scratch, hardness level is 3.5.

 

If glass can make a scratch on the rock, hardness level is 5.5.

 

If a steel nail is needed to make a scratch on the rock, hardness level is 7.5. 

 

Then there is a list of different streak colors and hardness levels to help identify.

 

 

 

 

   The fog made the location more intriguing. 

 

 

   Next I drove to Rogue Bluffs.  Nice long beach.

 

Then I decided to explore Jonesport.  A nice man told me where to find the last remaining dories.

 

No one would ever find these dories without asking.   Five miles from Jonesport on

 

Flack Point Road you might find the dories. 

 

 

There were four dories.  None able to float.  Storms had done the damage.

 

 

This dory was cracked and stuck.  It is a shame.

 

 

  Jonesport and Beals Island look like great places to paint.

 

Too far for a day trip for me.  There is a campground near Jonesport.

 

 

 

    I think I will paint my dory.  It is very beautiful! 

 

I am so sorry I could not find the student in Whiting! 

 

I have learned a few valuable lessons.  I hope she will forgive me.

 

Have a good night.

 

 

 

 

 

   When Robert came home from work I asked him to come to the secret swimming hole!

 

 

   We loaded up the three golden retrievers, Monet, Poppy, and Lily!

 

We hiked through the woods, came to the creek, slowly crossed the slippery rocks.

 

Then we came to the swimming hole!

 

 

  

Robert was kind enough to take these photos.  He didn't bring his swimsuit.

 

 

   Lily on the right is new to swimming! 

 

 

We all enjoyed ourselves.  Robert was smiling.  The water was warm!

 

 

This is a fun picture Robert took.  He took classes on photography.

 

 

 

 

   Where the water comes together between two rocks is a small waterfall. 

 

Bubbles and the force of the water feel great on tired muscles!

 

 

 

   We stayed at the swimming hole for an hour.  I was holding Lily. 

 

Back at home I washed every dog!  Robert towel dried them! 

 

Robert baked liver for the dogs.   I sliced sweet potatoes to boil fast!

 

They were very hungry dogs! 

 

Robert took the dogs to the beach to watch the sunrise.  They had many adventures today.

 

 

The dory was delivered last night!  We placed the dory by the tiny house!

 

Now I can draw and paint the dory anytime!

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Red Wagon At Mainescapes"  5x7 oil on copper sold at the silent auction for Paint the Peninsula.

 

   This is my work today.  Very pleased it sold.  Thank you.

 

 

 The red wagon was bent so I straightened the wagon out in the painting.

 

   I am glad I survived today! 

 

There were 70 artists very young on up! 

 

I heard there was a museum curator artist and high school students as well.

 

The variety of work was so interesting.

 

Some artists woke up at 5am to paint.

 

There were a few red eyed artists but most looked wide awake.

 

Most of the work was unframed and over 11x14 inches. 

 

 

 

 

   This morning at sunrise Robert took the dogs to the beach.

 

They were very excited about this. 

 

I woke up at 9am.

 

They ran outside into the private doggy park in our backyard.

 

 

   Poppy surprised me while I was trying to take her photo. 

 

 

   Monet carries three tennis balls. 

 

Who taught him to do this? 

 

 

   Beautiful Clematis blooming in my backyard.

 

I am taking the day off to swim with Monet, Poppy, and Lily!

 

We are going to soak in the creek all day long and eat animal crackers.

 

Have a good night.

 

 

 

 

 

   I was driving by the dory for sale again today.  It was beautiful in the sun.

 

I looked at the dory again.  The man lowered the price to 225$ plus 50$ for delivery.

 

Once I arrived at the Saltwater Artists Gallery in Pemaquid, I spoke to my Mom on the phone.

 

She saw the dory's photo yesterday.

 

She thought it would be a great purchase.

 

If I painted the dory, sold the painting, then it would pay for itself!

 

She said the dory would add more interest to my gallery and studio at home.

 

Yes I do need a dory.

 

I made the call, will drop off the check, and the man will deliver the dory.

 

I am very happy about owning a boat to paint!

 

These older dories are becoming impossible to find in Maine.

 

 

 

    An artist at the gallery told me about dories at Friendship, Maine.

 

I drove there and explored many wharfs.

 

Not a single dory or older skiff to be found.

 

Will check with the artist again to find the dories. 

 

All the smaller boats were newer fiberglass or metal.

 

 

   There was an abundance of ropes!

 

 

Beautiful!

 

 

   I always stop by Camden Harbor in the morning and evening if I head South.

 

  The lights in the water were beautiful.

 

 

   The Appledore Schooner was arriving from the sunset cruise.

 

The moon was up already. 

 

   Tomorrow I am participating in the Paint The Peninsula Paint out.

 

We are painting from 7am until 1pm in Blue Hill, Orland, or Deer Ise, then

 

at 4:30pm-7:00pm at the Blue Hill Library there is a free reception for the

 

public to see all paintings created.  The proceeds benefit the Blue Hill Library.

 

I will probably be there at 9am because I want to spend time with my dogs

 

in the backyard first.  Have a good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

   I was on my way to Port Clyde to paint with many plein air painters.

 

I noticed a man on top of the left side taking a nail out of a board!

 

I pulled the van over.  I walked over and stood on top of the sand mound.

 

The man climbed down the ladder to speak to me.

 

I met Douglas Brown the owner of the Searsport Sea Captain's home!

 

He was dismantling the left side of the house because it is the most unstable.

 

I told him I was an artist.  I asked permission to paint his beautiful home before it was gone.

 

I asked if he was a poet.  I had heard he recited his poetry in coffee shops.

 

Yes he smiled.  He asked where I was from.  Bucksport. 

 

He said I could paint his house as long as he was there. 

 

He didn't want anyone to help him dismantle the house.  He said it would be more trouble than

 

it was worth to keep an eye out for another person's safety.

 

He said it was a solitary life dismantling the house and would enjoy the company.

 

I told him thank you.  I had to go paint in Port Clyde but would be back another day.

 

 

   When I go paint this house, I will bring him coffee and a sandwich. 

 

I bet he gets hungry pulling nails out of boards and stacking wood. 

 

He showed me beautiful southern cypress wood retrieved from the house.

 

Sea Captains brought this wood and used it to line the interior.

 

He said it was full of turpentine. 

 

 

   He will be selling the wood and contents on Craig's List. 

 

After taking down the house, hauling off the trailers, he will be selling 40 acres of land.

 

He said there were five Sea Captains who lived once in this house. 

 

There were home repairs done in the 1880s.  No other repairs since.

 

The right side of the house, he said, was still solid.

 

Still he thought it was dangerous. 

 

 

   Douglas Brown said he never meant for the house to be in disrepair.

 

He purchased the house when it was in bad shape. 

 

He just didn't get to renovate it back to it's former glory.

 

 

   Here is my Port Clyde painting done today.  I need to paint in the lobster boats!  6x8

 

It is difficult to paint in Port Clyde because Linda Bean who owns LLBeans, owns 20

 

houses and most of the land in Port Clyde.  She doesn't allow painters to be on her

 

property because of the liability. 

 

We were asked to leave one wharf on Horse Point Road. 

 

While I was there I found the most beautiful old dory.

 

Took 50 photos of the dory to paint.

 

Then we set up along Co-op Road in Port Clyde.

 

Many artists were lined up along this road.

 

A few hours later a man told us to clear off the property because the owner was coming.

 

There were really great painters there working today.

 

I felt sorry they had to abandoned their painting to relocate. 

 

 

I am looking forward to painting this old dory!

 

 

   After packing up my painting gear, I saw Homer outside of his fish shack.

 

I asked if I might see the interior! 

 

A famous country western singer did a video inside this shack.

 

He said artists could paint on his property.

 

 

 

   Port Clyde is the only place in Maine I have run into people asking artists to leave.

 

 

   On the drive home I saw a old dory sitting in the grass.

 

 

The man said the dory cost 300$ delivered.

 

Robert said I could have the boat as long as he didn't have to carry it up the stairs to the second floor.

 

Robert is very kind. 

 

I would love to have the boat in the living room where the art gallery is located. 

 

I don't know if the dory will squeeze though the 30 inch doorway.

 

 

   I hope someone doesn't buy the boat to grow a garden. 

 

Have a good night!  I am heading to the Art Opening of Saltwater Artists Gallery in Pemaquid

 

from 4-7pm! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Luke and Ted came over this morning for a visit. 

 

Ted wanted to go to his favorite swimming hole.

 

Ted always takes someone else for safety reasons.

 

The swimming hole was popular in the 1930's and 40's but now no one knows about it.

 

There is a mile hike in the woods,  a creek is crossed, and then you arrive at the swimming hole.

 

The river's rocks are slippery.  Many have slipped on a rock, hit their head, and drown in the water.

 

I can see why Ted likes to take a friend or two along with him to the swimming hole.

 

I decided Lily needs private explorations without her Mom and Dad.

 

She is old enough to appreciate this.

 

She was very well behaved. 

 

 

   Lily offered to carry my walking stick.

 

She is a very kind dog.

 

 

   Lily sat down right next to me to watch Ted fish. 

 

Lily has never seen a fish.

 

 

A fish was caught!  Luke held the small fish.

 

He has years of fish holding experience.

 

 

   He loves to show off his fish!

 

 

  Lily scrambled over the rocks to see what Luke had in his mouth.

 

 

Ted gave the fish to Lily.  She had the whole fish in her mouth!

 

The fish escaped and flipped into the water!

 

 

   Lily jumped into the water after the fish!

 

 

She could not find the fish in the water.  She decided to stand near Ted hoping for a new fish!

 

 

   Lily had a great time today. 

 

I gave her a bath when we came back. 

 

Water in creeks, rivers, and lakes can sometimes have bacteria in the water that can

 

cause skin infections in dogs. 

 

Lily is squeaky clean. 

 

 

Next time we will take Monet or Poppy. 

 

Tonight they will all go to the beach with Robert.

 

I shipped all paintings out to new owners today.

 

Sketch-N-Can orders all went out today! 

 

Thank you!  Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Enchantment" 14x20 oil on copper.  sold tonight off my website!  It will be heading to CA!

 

Wow today was just full of great news!

 

First Lily's skin issues were gone this morning.  No vet needed!  Must have been a heat rash!

 

 

Lily likes orange juice.

 

 

   A Cardinal built a nest in our grape arbor!  How exciting to see her sitting on her nest!

 

 

   Plein Air Magazine called today for an interview about the Sketch-N-Can!

 

My painter friend Carol Douglas had called them.  She gave them rave reviews about Sketch-N-Can.

 

They wanted to know more!  I sent them photos. 

 

http://reneelammers.com/workszoom/2084826

 

Order link is above.

 

 

I decided I needed a video of the Sketch-N-Can in action!

 

I drove to Stonington, Maine. 

 

Video is pretty funny.  I did the best I could!  Difficult to talk, video, and draw!

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgaoTig0g7g

 

 

 

Then I was invited to the 2nd Annual Plein Air Invitational September 5-11, 2016

 

in Boothbay, Maine hosted by Coco Vivo Art Gallery.  This really is an honor to participate

 

with all the best artists in Maine. 

 

Have a good night!

 

Thank you for everything!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   It is wonderful to be home again in Bucksport, Maine!

 

Lily sat on my lap this morning for an hour.

 

I saw Monet licking her face tenderly last night. 

 

Sometimes I have seen one of my dogs do this when the other dog is ill.

 

I went to Lily, checked her out, only to discover Lily had a staph infection all over her stomach.

 

Dogs can get a staph infection on their skin from water in creeks or lakes.

 

I trimmed all her hair off her stomach, sprayed her stomach with a skin steroid from vet, and checked the other dogs.

 

Monet had some skin infected around his neck and stomach.

 

Poppy could not be checked despite Robert's efforts of lifting her in the air.

 

I will take Lily to the vet on Monday.

 

 

   For now Lily seems comfortable. 

 

It is so nice to be home!

 

 

I was missed by my furry family!

 

 

   After the lobster and chocolate cake dinner on Monhegan Island I went back to Wik Wak

 

cottage.  I lit the gas lamps.

 

I was sitting in the chair.

 

I was going to write my blog.  But I just did not feel like I was alone!

 

I could feel several people's presence standing all around me.

 

Their presence had a friendly feeling.  Still I felt like I should give them their space.

 

I blew out the gas lights and retreated to the other cottage.

 

Before I left the Wik Wak,  I said, "Good Night", and closed the door.

 

Could have been all the chocolate cake!

 

 

   I woke up, cleaned, packed, then waited for the cottage to be checked.

 

Then I hiked around Monhegan until the 4:30pm ferry arrived.

 

The Barnacle's clam chowder has become very peppery.

 

  It is still edible but I miss the old recipe.

 

I had a lemon and thyme cookie.  There was a spicy nip to the cookie too!

 

I wished the Barnacle could just stay the same.

 

 

   I enjoyed the jumper as the ferry left the wharf. (on left)

 

The ice cold water took his breathe away.

 

It was fun to watch the jumper!

 

We all cheered.

 

 

   The Wik Wak's door facing the ocean was open.

 

I wondered if I had somehow forgot to close the door? 

 

Then I saw people walking all around the cottage.

 

They were checking into the Wik Wak.

 

It is a popular cottage.

 

Rockwell Kent stayed at the Wik Wak long ago.

 

 

   I loved this image of Alison and Teddi heading back to the Wik Wak after painting.

 

Have a good night. 

 

I need to clean the house, love on the dogs, and make sure Robert is fed well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starling Cove seen from Wik Wak cottage.

 

All the artists are gone back to the mainland.

 

I am here sitting by either propane light or kerosene lamp.

 

The Wik Wak cottage on Monhegan Island seems very empty without my friends.

 

We all had a great vacation.

 

I was happy to get to know them each better.

 

The 16 inch galvanized steel tire baby jogger was put to great use today.

 

We loaded the baby jogger up many times to transport luggage to the wharf!

 

 

We had four days of strong sunlight then it turned to fog and greyness.

 

This was perfect.

 

I saw the lupines disappear and day lilies bloom.

 

 

   Teddi enjoyed working on the Main Street.

 

I liked working at the Swim Beach and Fish Beach but spent many days painting the Wik Wak.

 

Alison and Peter disappeared into the forest or on the back side of the island to work.

 

 

   There is a disco party tonight at the Monhegan School. 

 

As I walked by the school, several young girls were cooling off out front. 

 

They encouraged me to join the dance.

 

I walked behind the school to the path to Wik Wak.

 

I looked into the windows to see all ages dancing to disco.

 

It made me smile.  I walked on by flashlight to Wik Wak.

 

 

Tonight I was invited by a very successful Massachusetts artist and her family and friends

 

to dinner.  It was a bring your own lobster dinner party.

 

I brought the rest of the birthday chocolate cake!

 

Not one crumb of chocolate cake went to waste!

 

I left two great painters inspired to paint on copper.

 

 

I drew all day today with my Sketch-N-Can. 

 

There was a few times I would be hiking Monhegan to see another artist drawing with their Sketch-N-Can.

 

I was so proud and happy.

 

 My idea is useful.

 

One artist showed me how her cell phone fit perfectly inside the Sketch-N-Can.

 

She was happy because her cell phone was then protected from rain.

 

She could carry her cell phone and drawing gear in her pocket.

 

Another artist was excited because she was teaching a thumbnail sketch class for two days tomorrow.

 

She said the Sketch-N-Can would work perfect. 

 

She talked about taking the whole class to the Lupine Gallery to have the students buy one.

 

 

    I am going to paint tomorrow morning until about 1:30pm. 

 

Then I will pack, clean up the cottages, go to the Shining Sails to inquire about a cottage inspection,

 

head over to the wharf and wait for the 4:30pm ferry back to Port clyde.

 

I should be home in Bucksport by 5:30pm. 

 

I am inspired but tired from working very hard painting and hiking.

 

It was a good painting trip to Monhegan.  Mission accomplished.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Fish Beach at Sundown" 6x8 oil on copper.  450$ framed gold and shipped.

 

   It was a wonderful cold wet foggy Monhegan day! 

 

I put on my warm flannel jeans and wool sweater.

 

Yesterdays we were shorts and t shirt and then today all bundled up!

 

It was a great day for tweaking paintings.

 

 

"Swim Beach View" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold.  shipped.

 

I decided this painting needed a few subtle oars in the right skiff. 

 

I added highlights to the right edges of objects lining the path.

 

I made the rose bush larger on the left.

 

I minimized the windows and lightened them.

 

This was a complicated painting for plein air.

 

It just needed a little more effort to be a gem!

 

 

"Monhegan Lobsters and Oysters"  5x7 oil on copper 375$ framed in gold.  Shipped.

 

    I had no time to paint the lobster antennae the other day at Fish Beach.

 

I decided the antennae were necessary. 

 

I added a few highlights.

 

 

"The Red House" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed gold and shipped.

 

This one didn't need any tweaking. 

 

 

"Burnt Cove" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold.  Shipped.

 

   This one didn't need any tweaking either. 

 

 

"Monhegan Seagull Rookery" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold.  Shipped.

 

 

   This one seemed finished on the cliff!  No tweaking needed.

 

 

"Wik Wak View" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold and shipped.

 

 

I liked this one just as it was painted.

 

 

"Wik Wak" 14x20 oil on copper 950$ framed in gold and shipped.

 

I worked for many days on this one outside on location.  It was fun to work just

 

outside on it without photos.  I don't think it needs more work.

 

 

"Good Morning Wik Wak" 5x7 oil on copper 375$ framed in gold and shipped.

 

    I worked on this painting this morning using the computer monitor image.

 

It was started a few days ago in the morning out front of the cottage the Wik Wak.

 

I am happy with it now.  I don't think there is anything wrong with working on a plein air

 

painting from a computer image later just to tweak it.

 

If I were at the plein air event I would be content with the painting as it were created.

 

 

   The artists had so much fun today.  They surprised me with a birthday chocolate birthday cake.

 

The sugar in the cake made us all laugh at anything.

 

We went to the Barnacle to draw.

 

We each sat on a stool (with clothes on) for the others to draw.

 

I showed Peter a sketch of Teddi.  He cracked up so hard for several minutes.

 

Then I showed Alison a sketch and she laughed too.

 

Everyone was sharing their sketches and laughing hard.

 

Some of the artists are leaving tomorrow.  I am staying till Saturday.

 

Have a good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    It was a bright beautiful Monhegan Island kind of day!

 

 

   Isabella, a lab, was cooling herself and admiring the young ducks.

 

 

   I am hiking around and taking many photos.

 

 

"Fish Beach at Sundown" 6x8 oil on copper .

 

This was a fun painting tonight.

 

I drew and talked to many people.

 

 

    The Lupine Gallery on Monhegan Island is now carrying my Sketch-N-Can!

 

They loved the Sketch-N-Can. 

 

If you might like one, just click on the link above or head out to Monhegan's Lupine Gallery.

 

My painter acquaintance  Peter Yesis has modified his Sketch-N-Can

 

 with grey paper, conte white, and charcoal!  He can do value sketches.

 

 

       I was at a café drinking a Italian citrus soft drink showing two people my sketch-n-can.

 

My drawings were inside of the can.  They purchased a few drawings.

 

I just told them to select the ones they liked and told them a donation was fine.

 

I was surprised at their donation.  I think the Sketch-N-Can could help artists earn $.

 

 

 

 

I

 

  I am off to sleep. 

 

Ted and Luke will be letting out Monet, Poppy, and Lily tomorrow.

 

They will enjoy their company.

 

Have a good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Monhegan Lobsters and Oysters" 5x7 oil on copper 375$ framed in gold.  Shipped.

 

    I ordered the lobster special early in the day to be ready at 5:00pm.

 

I alerted my friends Teddi and Alison the lobster could be painted at 5:00pm!

 

We all arrived, posed the lobsters, ordered raw oysters, drew, painted, and laughed.

 

We were having a splendid time at Fish Beach on Monhegan painting.

 

Then we heard a lady yell out from the fish beach restaurant for us to clear out!

 

There was a large party coming.  We were taking up table space!

 

Oh there might have been a few artists groaning and complaining.

 

 

    Here we are having a ball before we were thrown out.

 

Alison Dibble, myself in middle, and Teddi Covell.

 

 

   Teddi's big smile cracked me up.

 

 

    Alison's clothing was designed to keep off the sun! 

 

This was after we relocated the lobster and oysters on to the rocks!

 

I sat down on a pointy rock in front of the still life.

 

Teddi was standing at her easel so didn't have to change anything.

 

 

 

   Earlier today I set up to paint at Swim Beach. 

 

Some paintings take 6 hours to paint!

 

Other paintings only take an hour.

 

This one was a 6 hour one.

 

 

"Swim Beach View" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold.  Shipped.

 

 

    This little dog was named Trump.

 

They dyed his hair yellow on top of his hair.

 

They demonstrated how they pulled his hair forward to resemble a presidential candidate.

 

 

Here are a few fireworks from last night on Monhegan.

 

 

   I played 70's and 80's music like a DJ while the fireworks were happening.

 

They danced and sang.

 

 

This morning I painted the Wik Wak.  I will share it tomorrow.

 

I hope you have a good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Red House" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.  Shipping included.

 

   I love Monhegan Islands beautiful red house built along the harbor with Manana Island view.

 

I had a wonderful time spent on Swim Beach sitting on a big yellow boat painting.

 

We have been blessed with beautiful sunlight everyday.

 

The artists I am staying with have agreed to cook one dinner a night.

 

We are staying at the Wik Wak cottage.

 

 

"Wik Wak" 14x20 oil on copper 950$ framed in gold or black with gold.  Shipping included.

 

    When I first arrived to Monhegan Island, I hiked all over looking for the Wik Wak cottage.

 

I could have ask it's location but it was just more fun trying to discover it's location!

 

I finally discovered the Wik Wak behind Monhegan's School, and across from the Ice Pond.

 

There was no name on the cottage but my luggage was parked right in front. 

 

I walked around the side of the cottage.  I loved this view.

 

For two days I have been working on this painting.

 

I loved the view of Manana Island to the right. 

 

I also loved the bright yellow light on the old cottage roof. 

 

The chimney was something to behold.  I worked hard making that chimney work.

 

At last I saw so much pink everywhere.  I dappled the painting in pink with my brush!

 

The light here on Monhegan Island is incredible.

 

 

"Wik Wak View" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold and shipped.

 

   The view from the Wik Wak is greater than 180 degrees! 

 

Before sunset the light drapes over everything in a very bright way.

 

The colors are hard to describe.  We had incredible waves the first night.

 

I had a great time painting waves splashing against the rocks. 

 

I would watch a wave and then paint it. 

 

 

   Here is the front of the Wik Wak.  Many famous people have stayed in this cottage.

 

There is a book published with the guests signatures.

 

 

 

 

 

   I am going to put paint on my smaller easel, grab two brushes, paper towels, and hike

 

around Monhegan Island to paint!  See you later.  Good night.

 

Happy 4th of July!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  We were having a good time in our private dog park in the backyard.

 

It was hot.

 

I looked at Monet, Lily, and Poppy and decided to take them to the beach!

 

(Robert has been taking them to the beach almost every night.)

 

Going to the beach on a hot day and plunging into the ice cold water sounded great!

 

    Oh you should have seen how happy my dogs were!

 

 

    We started out of the driveway just fine. 

 

Poppy and Lily like to take a nap during the four minute drive.

 

 

    Monet threw his ninety pound furry body onto the dashboard.

 

There was no convincing Monet to sit in the passenger seat like a normal dog.

 

We drove on to the beach without incident ...well except for a lot of people laughing at Monet!

 

 

 

   They swam, they hunted a family of chipmunks, they collected rocks, and chewed

 

on sticks.

 

 

   We stayed at the beach for hours.

 

Beach people were closer to the entrance lining the beaches with umbrellas and towels.

 

 

   Lily found a very nice rock.  She carried the rock over to Monet who also had a rock.

 

Poppy is not keen on rocks.

 

I try to keep the rocks out of their mouths.

 

 

Monet is looking thinner since we put in the fenced area. 

 

He is getting more exercise.

 

 

   It was a beautiful Maine day.

 

 

    I worked inside my new tiny house today. 

 

I was painting schooners in Camden Harbor.

 

 

   I may take it out to Camden Harbor to capture that golden light before sunset.

 

I am all packed up to head to Monhegan Island tomorrow. 

 

Robert put air in the baby jogger's tires! 

 

I have found a 16 inch galvanized steel tire baby jogger perfect for navigating rocky

 

paths of Monhegan Island with painting equipment.

 

   I hope to find internet to post photos of my paintings and photos!

 

Robert will be taking good care of the pups.

 

Good night!  I am excited about the trip.

 

Love Monhegan Island!