Artist Renee Lammers

 

"Opals and Diamonds"20x26 oil on copper, 23 karat gold leaf specks, Herkimer Diamonds,

and three fire opals.  1850$ includes the frame of your choice with shipping included in the price.

 

   I was standing outside watching the dogs play.  It was noon.  The sun was creating sparkles

 

on the East Penobscot Channel in my backyard.  I noticed the light on the water were not round but in the

 

shapes of diamonds.  I looked closer to find out the reason.  The reflection under each sparkle created

 

this diamond shape.  The color of these sparkles in the foreground almost looked pink!

 

I decided to repaint each sparkle.  I created the diamond shapes.  I added a little pink under of some

 

of the sparkles in the foreground.  I restated the blue colors around the sparkles adding a few darker

 

blues to create more light.  This took me all day long but I am much more pleased.

 

Lady Violet's tail swiped the bottom left of the painting leaving a few long hairs on top of the paint!

 

I am going to let the painting dry and pull these hairs out!  She said she wanted to add hair to the painting.

 

We had a short verbal disagreement and in the end she agreed.  

 

 

Here is the painting yesterday before I worked on it today.

 

It is amazing how the diamond shapes created more of a glare on the water.

 

 

Lady Violet was sitting on Monet's neck.  

 

I discovered later Monet had stolen a tiny piece of her carrot.

 

 

 

Lady Violet's Grandparents love her.

 

 

We had all the dogs together yesterday for two minutes.

 

Things were going fine.  Lady Violet was submissive, bowing to Milo, laying at his feet.

 

Then she was jumping up and down and bumped Milo.

 

Milo growled at Lady Violet sending Monet into a protective frenzy!

 

Ted was yelling "No biting Milo!  Stop!  Don't bite!"

 

I told all of my dogs, "Inside!  Inside!" very loudly.

 

Grandmother Poppy, Lily, and Lady Violet ran up the stairs into the house.

 

Monet lingered for a minute until he too decided to go inside.

 

Milo had turned his back to Monet.  He was not going to hurt anyone.

 

We agreed to keep Lady Violet on a leash around Milo.  

 

After all the dogs were in the house and Milo was in Ted's truck, he asked, "What happened?  I closed my eyes!"

 

I told him Lady Violet bumped Milo as she was hopping up and down.

 

Milo growled and gave her a little roll.  Milo was wagging his tail the entire time.

 

He may have been playing with Lady Violet.  Monet was just protecting his Granddaughter.

 

I do think the dogs will be able to play together with time!

 

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the third 20x26 oil on copper lake painting I have done.

 

I have my copper sanded by the cutter.

 

I started with the distant land and sky.

 

 

I thought it would be nice to have a distant island for the viewer's eye to look at.

 

I decided not to paint a sailboat into the distance.

 

There was a very light color under the distant lands.

 

This line was not a hard edge because the water was moving.

 

I could see very small waves breaking up the land's edge.

 

The tops of the tree line were also a soft edge.

 

There is just too much atmosphere between the distant land and the viewer to be a hard edge.

 

I painted a very light sky at the edge of the tree line.

 

 

Normally there is gradation in the water from the background to the foreground.

 

The color of the flat planes of the water, those being reflected from the sky, change as

 

the water goes off into the distance.  Nothing is the same color from your feet all the way

 

into the background but in this case the color and value change was very subtle.

 

I painted the water a very light cobalt/titanium white in the distance and then slowly

 

painted the water darker changing the color to a cobalt blue/quinacridone red/titanium white

 

as the water came to the foreground.

 

 

 

The drawing of the water was difficult to follow while painting.

 

The darks in the wave in the foreground were darker than the distant lands.

 

 

This painting took a lot of concentration to paint the water patterns.

 

The lines of the vertical water planes were not the same color as they moved into the light.

 

 

I found myself painting over highlights of the water.

 

I repainted areas many times.

 

I softened all the edges.  Water is moving so there are no hard edges for the eye to see.

 

 

Here is the painting as it is on my easel right now.

 

I am going to let the painting rest for the night.

 

Then I will take a look at it once more.

 

I have ordered beautiful tiny opals to place into the painting in the highlight areas.

 

I will place a couple of opals and a few Herkimer Diamonds.

 

Then I will place just a few tiny specks of 23 karat gold where the highlights his the top planes

 

of the waves!  I will show you the finished painting tomorrow.

 

 

Lady Violet was trying to drinking water like humans do.

 

She held it up in the air for a full minute.  

 

Robert and I both laughed.

 

 

Lady Violet is a very intelligent sweet girl.

 

 

Grandfather Monet was talking about something to Lady Violet.

 

She tilted her head and listened to him!

 

I wonder what he told her?

 

 

Many hours later Lady Violet's pig ear was stolen by her Grandmother Poppy.

 

Lady Violet barked loud until Robert gave all the dogs a pig ear.

 

"What an injustice!" said Lady Violet.

 

"I can not believe she stole my pig ear!  I feel like we are in Harlem!"

 

 

Lady Violet came in with her family from a very long hike.

 

She threw herself over the arm of my chair to showoff her new outfit.

 

She told me:  "I would prefer silk with lace!  Obviously we are Not in Downton Abbey!

 

I suppose this parachute material will be more suitable.  I do love the green light pinned

 

to the back of my new dress.  It reminds me of the enormous emerald I saw on TV".

 

 

Lady Violet had one more thing to say:

 

"I am not going to have my breakfast at 5am!  This is just too early for my delicate stomach!

 

I have no taste for the Indian inspired Mulligan Stew poured over my Blue Buffalo dog food.

 

I prefer the tiny piece of French baguette, slice of fruit, and liverwurst much later in the day."

 

I told her I was pass the message along to the early morning chef in the house!

 

 

Here is the house across the street from us.

 

 

I am glad to hear Lady Violet is expressing herself!

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Golds And Diamonds" 20x26 oil on copper, 23 karat gold leaf specks, a few very tiny Herkimer

Diamonds embedded in nonyellowing resin, one tiny amber, and a tiny jade gem.

Framed in your choice of gold or black with gold.  Shipping is included in the price.

 

    One of my favorite times of the day at Lake Alamoosook is when the foreground water

 

shimmers in gold from the light hitting the warm rocks in the water.

 

The top planes of the water are such a lovely cool color in blues and lavenders.

 

There are distant islands to admire in the distance.

 

The specks of 23 karat gold really sparkle like the water does.

 

Then the tiny diamonds do sparkle too. 

 

The painting kind of changes as the viewer moves because of the gold and gems.

 

I feel like I am at the lake!  

 

 

Monet and Milo decided to bury the hatchet.

 

The feud occurred when Milo moved into our house a year ago after being rescued.

 

Milo was living in a cage in a barn because he was deemed vicious.

 

He was a stud dog for many breeders in New England.

 

When we purchased Milo, he was a frightened, nervous, and sick.

 

We took him to the vet, had extensive bloodwork done, and had him treated for Lyme Disease.

 

He was still very aggressive because he was in pain.

 

He attacked all of our dogs multiple times.

 

Monet especially was very mad at Milo.

 

None of our dogs were injured during any of Milo's attacks but they were frightened.

 

We gave Milo to Ted to rehabilitate and heal up.

 

Now Milo has perfect health, his personality is friendly, and he has love in his heart.

 

Monet and Milo did well together today.

 

 

Ted was telling Monet that Milo is a completely different dog now.

 

I think Monet was listening to Ted.

 

All seems to be forgiven.

 

Poppy's reaction to Milo's visit was amusing.

 

Poppy stuck her head out of the door to look at Milo then she would hide herself.

 

Lily went downstairs to run around but came back to Poppy fast.

 

Lady Violet ran around with Milo until Lily ran down to bring her back up!

 

 

We don't see Ted very often because of this on going feud between our dogs.

 

I hope eventually all of the dogs can get along and visit.

 

Milo's whole personality is different now that he is not suffering from Lyme Disease.

 

Ted says Milo ate the entire deer over a period of several months.

 

They are both very happy together.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was after dinner when Monet thought Lady Violet needed her face cleaned.

 

 

The dogs are so cute together.  Lady Violet decided Monet's face needed cleaning too!

 

Monet had a hair cut.  He has an appointment to have his nails done!

 

Monet has his nails done by the vet because it takes many vet techs to help!

 

Lady Violet went to the vet today to get vaccinations.

 

She wanted me to lift her up to the counter so she could see the receptionists.

 

She weighs 50 pounds!

 

 

 

It is all I can do to keep track of my socks!

 

I find my socks outside, in the kitchen, and in Robert's room!

 

 

Lady Violet is still trying to learn how to build a fire!

 

 

Monet and I.

 

I have been swimming four times a week and still eating oatmeal for breakfast!

 

I still love my short hair especially when I am swimming!

 

 

Here is a nice stash of gems I am adding to paintings.

 

The large oval blue gems are called Agate.

 

The light green gems are Peridots grade AA.

 

The smaller gems are Herkimer Diamonds grade A.

 

 

Here is the tiniest grade AA garnet faceted gem I placed into a dory painting.

 

 

I have been working on this oil on copper painting 20x26 of the water at Lake Alamoosook.

 

This one will have many wonderful gold tones in the foreground water.  

 

I hope to place many specks of 23 karat gold, Herkimer Diamonds and maybe

 

a few other gems!

 

The background has a few islands and the Mountains.

 

 

This is in my backyard.

 

 

I am so glad we have snow here in Maine.

 

Good night!

 

"Diamonds And Pearls" 20x26 oil on copper Framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping included in the price.   Sold.  Thank you so so much!

 

   I added three Herkimer Diamonds on the white highlights on the right with a few specks of

 

23 karat gold next to it. 

 

 

Here are my Herkimer Diamonds.  They are fun to hold.  Heavy!

 

They have a unique natural shape.

 

 

Lady Violet is fascinated with the wood fire.

 

We have to watch her carefully.

 

 

I found this old photo of Monet with Poppy.

 

They had a lot of fun growing up together.

 

 

Here is another photo.

 

I am getting ready to paint another Alamoosook Lake scene!

 

Good night.

 

"Bouquet For Klimt" 14x20 oil on copper 1050$ framed in black with gold or gold.

Shipping is included in the price.

 

    I was inspired by a dream I had one night.

 

I dreamed I was looking at the tops of spruce trees, the moon was full, and the stars were

 

diamonds!

 

 I also dreamed I was in line for a lip piercing but instead ended up getting three different

 

piercings at one time!  The mirror revealed diamonds in between my eyes, my nose, and my lip!

 

Kittens were everywhere with their Mother cats!

 

One kitten was a beautiful dark pink with a grey and white stripe on his face.

 

Who knows what inspires these dreams of mine!

 

I had oatmeal that night to eat. 

 

 

Here is a detail photo.  The Herkimer diamond is at the center of the pink zinnia with

 

specks of real 23 karat gold leaf.  Specks of aquamarine gems are in the oil paint on the left.

 

 

The painting started off as a plein air work.  

 

The background was just too bright but I loved it at the time!

 

 

First I sanded down the blue area.  I didn't completely sand it off.  Oil paint on copper can

 

be very difficult to sand off of copper.  Oil paint does bind well to metal.

 

I roughed up the blue paint.

 

I wiped off the dust several times outside because Cobalt Blue paint dust is dangerous.

 

 

I was using Klimt's sunflower painting as a reference.

 

I first painted the background various greens.

 

I decided to paint the small white dots first lined with ivory black.

 

 

Here is Klimt's painting.

 

 

I started building up layers of colors with a leaf like stroke.

 

 

I took specks of 23 karat gold leaf with a small round brush and laid them into the wet oil paint.

 

When I was finished with entire sheet of gold, I crumpled the paper, unwrapped it, and shook it

 

over the painting.  Little specks fell into the painting.  I took a clean brush and patted them

 

down into the oil paint.  I used a few sheets of gold.

 

Next I took a small handful of gem dust and threw it into the painting.  

 

My young golden retriever puppy, Lady Violet, was watching this process with keen interest!

 

I was as surprised as she was when all of the gem specks stuck into the oil paint!

 

I did this a few times in various areas of the painting.

 

Then I placed a few larger herkimer diamonds into the painting.  I put a tiny bit

 

of Gamblin's Galkyd under the diamond to make it stick.  I needed a nonyellowing resin

 

to position these gems.  It worked well!  I also placed a few other gems into the painting.

 

The whole process took me 6 hours.  

 

I think this could be compared to a musician playing a different type of music just for fun.

 

It is important to have fun doing what you love by trying new things and using new materials.

 

You just never know what will happen!

 

 

Robert told me "Look at the dogs!"  I saw this scene!

 

They sure are cute.  Lady Violet likes to snuggle with Grandfather Monet.

 

He must be nice and warm.

 

 

Lady Violet has been teething like crazy!

 

We will have memories of her as she has bitten wood work and walls!

 

Carrots, broccoli stems, and cabbage cores are the most helpful and healthy!

 

 

The warm colors of the sky were far more brilliant than the photo conveys.

 

 

Here is another dory painting in progress.  

 

"Morning" 20x26 oil on copper. 

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Diamonds" 20x26 oil on copper  Almost finished.  I will put real gold leaf and Herkimer Diamonds,

Orange Ethiopian Opal faceted rounds, Ethipian Fire Opals Cabochon, a Blue Sapphire from Madagascar

round cabochon, blue agate oval cabochon, and white opals!  This should be fun and dazzling!

The jewels are small.  They should be noticeable when the viewer is close.

 

 

I was busy painting when I looked over to see this scene!

 

We are terribly bored here!

 

I loaded up all four dogs into my van!

 

We drove to the beach!

 

 

It was so cold! We all ran around!

 

 

Lady Violet doesn't go into the water. 

 

She admires her family swimming but thinks they are crazy!

 

 

We found out Baxter (new new name Brooke) was with her friend Katie and Ziva at the beach

 

earlier that day.  Brooke went right into the water!

 

She is very brave compared to Lady Violet!

 

 

We all think Lady Violet looks like Grandmother Poppy's twin!

 

Poppy just adores her!

 

 

Lady Violet had a lot of energy!

 

 

Lady Violet divides her time equally between her relatives.

 

Grandfather Monet is very patient with her.

 

I saw her pulling on his chin. 

 

When he yawned she stuck her whole head inside his mouth!

 

He gagged a few times and pulled his head back.

 

Good grief!  Made me laugh.

 

 

The moon is beautiful tonight!

 

Goodnight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Untitled so far, finished the painting part, 20x26 oil on copper.  Sold.  Thank you.

 

I have been working on this painting for many days.

 

The painting part is finally finished.

 

The artist Klimt has always inspired me.

 

 

Here is a Klimt painting I have always admired.

He used real gold and gems in his paintings.

 

Here is my plan for adding gems and gold to this dory painting:

 

I will varnish the painting with Gamblin's Galkyd.

 

I really do like the surface of this permanent varnish.

 

It is a nonyellowing poly resin that binds to the oil paint and copper.

 

I love the surface but also I do love how galkyd helps with paint adherence.

 

One day long ago I tried to sand down a galkyd oil on copper surface...nearly impossible.

 

I plan to sprinkle a tiny amount of gems I purchased from Sweden.

 

These gems are polished. I took a hammer to some of them to further break them down.

 

Some of these gems are Herkimer Diamonds, opals, citron, and other beautiful colors.

 

 

The gems were size 3mm to 6mm.  Now they are smaller particles.

 

 

I am not familar with all the types of gems.

 

They sure are beautiful in color!

 

Any larger gem will need to be glued into the painting.

 

I have used JB Weld with great success.

 

It is a permanent way to weld things to metal.

 

I will work with 14kt gold leaf material next.

 

I want to apply small amounts of gold to the surface.

 

I might use a toothpick or my fingers or a brush to apply the gold.

 

I have added real gold leaf before to a painting.

 

Imitation gold leaf turns orange within a few years.  I don't want to work with this.

 

Thank you my friend and painting patron for trusting the painting will turn out.

 

Of course she knows she will have to be 100% satisfied or I would return $.

 

The painting sale has made me greatly happy!

 

There is nothing like having a painting sale.

 

I will pay another 250$ to paying back Lady Violet's first parents.

 

Then I hope to pay off a 1000$ of food on my credit card!

 

Those credit cards seem to be a necessary evil to survive.

 

 

Monet needs to go to a dog groomer.

 

He think he looks beautiful but his nails and hair need work!

 

I hope they scrub him up so he is sparkling clean.

 

Lady Violet will go to the vet to get shots.

 

 

She was so cute yesterday holding a rose dog toy!

 

 

"Dundee of Stonington" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping included.

 

 

"Incognito" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping is included in the price.

 

   I loved this photo Robert took of Lily standing next to an old wood log.

 

She almost blended into the scene.  She reminded me of a Wyeth painting.

 

 

It has been cold here in Maine!

 

I have been swimming at a local hotel almost everyday.

 

Robert gave me a pool membership for a year!

 

Best present ever!  Thank you.

 

My Mom gave me vitamins that seem to make me feel better.

 

We have the wood fire going!  I made a spinach/onion/cheddar cheese/egg casserole.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Great Pyrenees dog was running loose at the end of his driveway and Route 3!

 

I have met this dog several times when I purchase a chicken from his farm.

 

The owners always have him on a dog run or he would run away.

 

He must have bitten through the rope!

 

I decided to see if I could get him to run back home.

 

My van's presence did frighten him.

 

He ran back.

 

 

He looked so pretty running back down his driveway!

 

He would make a nice painting.

 

I hope he decided to stay home.

 

 

Grandfather Monet doesn't control all the new toys anymore!

 

He likes to watch Lady Violet play with them!

 

Lily plays with Lady Violet the most.

 

 

They melt my heart!

 

 

Lady Violet is growing up!

 

She is beautiful.

 

She does so many funny things.

 

My pajamas are dragged out of my room.

 

She yawns and has a squeal at the end when she gets tired or when she wakes up.

 

She watches TV!

 

She likes to put her front feet on the counter in the kitchen.

 

She brought me a plug in she had chewed off an electrical cord.

 

Robert said she was smart to unplug it before she chewed it off!

 

We sprayed bitter apple on all the cords to make them taste bitter.

 

 

 

We have just the right amount of snow here to lighten things up!

 

 

I am working on this 20x26 dory!

 

Good night.