Artist Renee Lammers

 

   I would like to thank all my friends who asked how my mobile home did during the

 

Hurricane.  My mobile home did fine.  Number 1, 8, and 16 flipped over!  I feel so sad for those

 

people.  Fema will help them get a new place.  During the last hurricane, the trailer to the right

 

of mine was destroyed.  Fema gave those people a brand new mobile home that cost 127,000$.

 

I feel so bad for all the lives lost.  There were many homes, cars, boats destroyed.  The Sanibel

 

Island bridge will not be in use for a long time.  It has been hard watching the internet and news.

 

I did not know what would happen to the mobile home.  I thought it would be flooded.  There

 

was no flooding!  Not far away there was 2 feet of water but not in our park.  Three mobile home owners need

 

to repair water leaks before they turn on their water.  There is a boil alert for water.  I hope everyone

 

has electric.  I will stay here in Maine for another month.  Festus and Miss Kitty are enjoying Robert

 

and the dogs.  We are doing great here in Maine.  I am praying for all those who are struggling in

 

Sanibel Island and Fort Myers from this hurricane.  My parents are doing fine in Winter Park.  Many

 

people have asked me about them.  My Mom said the hurricane was loud as it passed them in the night.

 

I am relieved they are fine.  

 

 

I am impressed with Miss Kitty.  She was terrified with dogs when we first came here

 

from Florida this Spring.  Miss Kitty had to survive on the streets for most of her youth!

 

Dogs were a danger to Miss Kitty.  Today she was seen hanging out with Monet!

 

 

Just hanging out with Monet!

 

 

Golden Retrievers feet smell like popcorn.   Miss Kitty was sniffing

 

Monet's feet!  She made us laugh.

 

 

Festus was leaping out of his cat tent frightening the dogs for days. Miss Kitty showed Festus

 

how to do it.  Monet and Poppy were making a big fuss about not being able to walk by him.

 

They were afraid Festus would leap out at them.  They were whimpering for our help.

 

 

Monet had a lot to say about that!

 

 

Wadsworth Cove in Castine.

 

 

Dyce's Lighthouse in Castine.

 

    I am relieved but I do feel badly for all of the hurricane damage.  Everything will be

 

rebuilt and be stronger and better!  I just know this.  Good night.

 

 

 

"Autumn's Splendor" 10x10 oil on copper 750$ framed in gold or black with gold. Shipping

and frame are included in the price.

 

 

"Crimson Beauty" 10x8 oil on copper 650$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping and frame are included in the price.

 

   There are a few trees starting to change colors!  Temperatures are not that

 

cold.  Great time of year to paint Maine.

 

 

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

Frame and shipping included.

 

   This scene was in my backyard!

 

 

 

Festus and Miss Kitty have been ambushing anyone walking by their cat tent.

 

Sometimes it is a dog that is ambushed.  Sometimes it is a human!

 

They keep things exciting around here.  

 

 

Festus was outside in his cat penthouse.  Miss Kitty was keeping any eye on him

 

from her cat shelf.  The dogs like to take a long siesta during the day.  They 

 

rest up for their trip to the beach with Robert.  They walk for hours.  

 

Good night!

 

"Schoodic Hurricane Day" 6x8 oil on copper sold. Thanks

 

    I decided to go to Schoodic in Acadia National Park to see waves!  A hurricane was passing

 

by Maine heading to Nova Scotia.  There were many people there watching waves.  I arrived just

 

in time.  They had closed the point parking area because of dangerous wave activity.  I painted.

 

I met many nice people from all over the USA.  I even saw an artist named Kevin getting ready

 

for a painting workshop.

 

 

"Schoodic Wave Watchers" 5x6 oil on copper 350$ framed in gold or black with gold.Shipping

frame included.

 

 

There was a bride and groom having photos done.

 

 

   I met a lady from Ohio who had a large party with her.  She remembered purchasing one of

 

my paintings many many years ago.  They were so very kind.

 

 

   The waves crashed along the rocks.  They were large walls of water.

 

 

 

I was greeted by two cats and four dogs.  They were all happy to see me.  Robert had many

 

things to tell me.  He was happy I was home.  Good night.

 

 

"Festus With Zinnias" 5x7 Gouache donated to a friend.

 

 

"Festus with Zinnias" 5x7 Gouache painting donated to a friend.

 

"Good Night Pumpkins" 8x10 oil on copper 650$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping and frame are included in the price.

 

   I started work on this one back in May.  I had an idea of making this a night scene.  I 

 

used a new oil paint just for the highlights. It is called Williamsburg hand made oil paints.

 

The color is called Iridescent Pearl White.  It is very shimmery.  

 

 

"Jack and His Friend" 7x5 ink with Gouache 150$ 

 

 

 

"Sisters" 7x5 ink with Gouache 150$

 

   I have been practicing Gouache.  

 

 

I has been very cloudy, or grey, cold sometimes, with rain.  Here are a few photos of the pumpkins.

 

 

Miss Kitty has been enjoying the heater!

 

 

Here is a scene from Deer Isle in Maine.

 

 

I love a big field of flowers!  Good night.

 

 

 

How many times have I arrived home with a decent plein air painting to later find the horizon

 

is not straight.  No worries!  I have found a solution!

 

 

I measured the right side.  Then I put a piece of gorilla tape on that end of the thread.

 

Then I measured the left side. I put another piece of gorilla tape on the end.

 

Now I painted the horizon line so it would be straight.

 

I was surprised how diagonal my horizon line was!

 

 

Fixed!  This also works for checking symmetry on lighthouses!  

 

 

   I have been preparing black and white photos for a 2 hour Gouache Painting workshop

 

in December.  The class will be in Fort Myers, Florida.  The cost will be 60$.  The class will

 

include a free 24 color gouache set, palette, brushes, paper, hot tea, and cookies.  I think we

 

will have fun. I am donating my time to teach a small group of 10.  The proceeds will benefit the museum.

 

 

Participants will select one of these images.  The images will be already sketched out

 

on mixed media Strathmore Paper.  They will watch me mix colors.  I will do a 5x7 Gouache

 

painting demonstration.  We will turn these black and white 1920's photos into colorful

 

paintings.  I will help those that need helping.  The class will be held at one of my favorite

 

museums.  I thought the old photos would be fun since the museum has a 1910-1920s theme.

 

 

   These black and white photos are from my personal collection.

 

 

  Miss Kitty plopped herself down next to Festus who was grooming himself.

 

 

Festus decided to wrestle with Miss Kitty.  Look at Lady Violet's expression on the left.

 

Lady Violet has a zero policy when it comes to cats fighting!

 

 

Lady Violet barked a few times!  "No fighting allowed!"

 

 

   Lady Violet charged over to the cat!  The cats stopped fighting and ran different ways.

 

We told Lady Violet, "Good job!"  She wagged her tail and laid back down.  

 

Good night!

 

 

 

"Pumpkin Day" 10x13 oil on copper 950$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping and frame are included in the price.  I am currently using hand carved Italian frames

for this size.

 

 

 

  I did something different with this painting. I started it plein air or

 

on location at Simons Hancock Farm stand.  I worked all day until the light was lost.  I put it

 

in a box.  I softened some edges, removed bugs, and made sure copper was covered in the areas

 

where I worked.  Normally I would finish the painting in my studio.  I took it back out to the

 

farm and finished it on location. I really like this way of working on larger paintings.  I may 

 

do that more.  

 

 

There was Pumpkins everywhere!   Everyday I went to the farm to paint,

 

I purchased their products.  I cooked a three pound eggplant with a giant yellow

 

onion from their farm.  I bought apple cider, zesty pickles, a pecan pie, and

 

two types of cheeses.  I like to contribute if I can for allowing me to paint there.

 

We ate so well this week. I feel stronger having done so.  

 

 

I admired this Pink Lady Pumpkins for a long time every single day.  They are a newer variety.

 

I prefer the conservative orange pumpkins.  These Pink Ladies were glowing.  Magical.  The gardener

 

told me some of them turned out yellow and blue!  

 

 

Festus and Miss Kitty are very good friends now.  I can tell Festus enjoys eating with Miss

 

Kitty. He waits until she arrives to eat.  He looks up to her a few times during dinner.  She never

 

looks at him because she loves to eat too much!  If she tries to take over his food, he steps back.  

 

He doesn't look angry.  He just steps back.  He is often seen standing near her.  Miss Kitty always

 

watches for Festus on her shelf inside from the window when Festus is outside.

 

 

Here is the painting after day one.  I changed a few things.  

 

 

Every night Festus snuggles with me.  

 

 

"Yours For The Pickin" 5x6 oil on copper 350$ framed in gold or black with gold.

 

   I did this little painting yesterday to warm up.

 

 

Cat tree climbing lessons continue.  Festus is not interested.  Funny though.

 

 

Festus showed us he likes to dig!  Of course no digging is allowed!

 

 

"Stonington's Captain Gross's House at Sunset" 14x20 oil on copper 1500$ framed in

gold or black with gold.  Shipping and frame included.

 

   I worked more on this painting.  I am happier with it now.  Architecture paintings are tough!

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

"Stonington Summer Day" 6x8 oil on copper Sold Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

"Pumpkin Gala" 8x10 oil on copper sold.  Thanks you.

 

 

"Pumpkin Extravaganza" 8x10 oil on copper 650$ framed in gold or black with gold. Frame and

shipping included in this price.

 

I just painted this one today!

 

   

 

"Pumpkin Party Tonight" 5x7 oil on copper 350$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping and frame included.

 

Decided to paint this smaller one as a study for a larger painting later!

 

   I have been painting Pumpkins at the Simons Hancock Farms in Ellsworth, Maine.

 

I will be there tomorrow from 10am till 4pm painting again if you might like to come out.

 

Their fruits and vegetables are the best, most fresh I have seen!  They are super nice.

 

 

Festus thinks he is a dog. He doesn't climb trees. He doesn't see the dogs climbing 

 

trees.  Robert was joking with Festus, assisting him with tree climbing, because he said

 

Festus needs to be able to protect himself from wild animals.  I bet Miss Kitty could climb

 

to the top of that tree and shock everyone!  

 

 

Lady Violet, on the right, always entices Monet, who is 9 years old, into playing like a puppy.

 

They were playing 'the alligator game'.  

 

 

  I ran ahead of them to capture them all coming out of the house.  In the front is Festus

 

making a run for it.  Lady Violet, the red golden, 3 years old, on the right.

 

 

Festus admiring small birds playing in a nearby tree.  There was a fence between them.

 

The birds were safe.

 

 

Miss Kitty loves to watch us from the window on her perch!  She is getting nice and fat!

 

 

Close up of Festus hunting.  He is just pretending to hunt.

 

 

Playing with the dogs.  That is Lily in the front.  She blew her coat.  She does that every year.

 

 

I am so glad Robert carries Festus inside the house.  He weights a lot!

 

Good night.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Stonington September At Sand Beach" 8x10 oil on copper 650$ framed in gold or black with

gold.  Frame and shipping are included in the price.

 

   I was invited to paint with four ladies from Vermont.  I decided it would be best to let them

 

decide where we would paint.  I usually paint a lot of buildings.  They wanted to paint at

 

Sand Beach. I was excited to paint water, rocks, and trees for a change.

 

 

"September 13, 2022 Burnt Cove Sunset" 4x6 oil on copper

 

We took a break.  Then I showed them a parking area so we could paint at Burnt Cove.

 

Here are my thoughts about painting a sunset:  I think it is best to start to paint about

 

an hour before the sunset actually sets.  Paint small!  I like to paint 4x6 inch for a sunset

 

study.   Don't think you are going to paint a perfect painting.

 

This is going to be a color study.  You must anticipate the colors of a sunset.  I painted the

 

sky and water a bright orange.  I could have chosen a bright pink. 

 

Then I concentrated on all back lit boats, docks, and buildings.

 

Those things stay about the same except they get a little darker when the sun sets.  The sun

 

moves to the right considerably as it sets.  Don't paint the sun into the painting until it 

 

actually sets.  Then you will at least get a more accurate study of the actual sun and reflection

 

on the water.  I would paint the sun last.  If there is clouds in the sky, know those will be 

 

blue, lavenders, or pink, or reds when the sun actually sets.  I think it is better to paint

 

the clouds and sun and sun reflections last as they happen.  Concentrate on buildings, boats,

 

docks, and trees, first.  Those things do not change as much.  I do think it is wise to paint a warm 

 

foundation color in the sky and water.  Then you can throw layers of paint on top of this warm

 

foundation as the sunsets.  I think the most important thing is to remain positive.  Do not

 

be a negative nellie disrupting other painters around you.  Keep positive even if it is a struggle.

 

You can't control the colors of a sunset or really anticipate what will happen!  So remain

 

cool.  Remain open for whatever happens.  Realize this is the most difficult subject, a sunset,

 

a painter can attempt.  Also realize there is a huge learning curve with painting a sunset.

 

Every time you paint a sunset, it will become easier.  Be considerate of other painters around

 

you.  Have a good time!  Be careful about packing up and getting safely back to your car.  It 

 

will be dark at that point.  Painting a sunset is very exciting!

 

 

It was nice to see two young men painting at Sand Beach in Stonington.

 

He chose to paint those rocks by the water as his subject.  He said they

 

were painting in Acadia the last few days. I could tell they were excited

 

about being in Stonington.  He said his name was Tyler.  

 

 

 

Here are the painters from Vermont.  

 

 

  I brought my studio only camera Canon 7d out with me to Stonington.

 

It has a 200 lens.  I was able to capture this red sail colored schooner in the distance.

 

 

I don't think I will need to upgrade my camera.  I will be able to use my Canon 7d for sunsets.

 

This camera did a fine job.  This was the moment I tried to capture in my painting.

 

I had to pick a moment.  I could have committed to a lower sun on the water as it disappear.

 

There was a huge cloud bank by the horizon.  The sun disappeared behind this cloud.

 

 

Here is the final sunset photo.  Canon 7d.  The sun was hidden behind a huge cloud.

 

The sky was a gold.  Maybe this gold could be used as a base color besides orange or pink.

 

Sunset painting sure is a challenge!  I do like the resulting paintings.  These color studies

 

in combination with photos could be used to paint a larger painting.  Have a good night.

 

 

 

 

 

"Stonington's Captain Gross's House at Sunset" 14x20 oil on copper 1500$ framed in gold

or black with gold.  Shipping and frame are included in the price.

 

   I took the painting out to Stonington, set it on an easel and worked until the sunset.  I was

 

able to capture more natural colors.  I preferred this sunset. It was more reserved.  I think

 

the Captain Gross's house looks much better.  I would like to think he would be pleased.

 

 

"Burnt Cove Sunset" 4x6 oil on copper.

 

   I did this miniature of the sunset at Burnt Cove in Stonington last night.  I started the painting

 

before the sunset with an orange sky.  I knew the back lit cannery building and rocks would stay about

 

the same.  The trees were not black as photos make them out to be.  I can use this painting to help

 

me paint a larger painting.  

 

 

"September 9, 2022 Sunset in Stonington" 4x6 oil on copper

 

   I relocated to the weir area.  The sun was pink by then.  The sun was yellow up high,

 

lowered to be orange, and was hovering on the water to be pink!  Interesting.

 

 

  I had a reservation for September 8th sunrise on Cadillac Mountain.

 

I invited my friend Anne Marie to come along.  We had so much fun!

 

It is very difficult to get a reservation. It is an amazing experience made better

 

with a good friend.  

 

 

My camera really needs updating but here is one of my best photos.

 

There is a couple in the center on the right on a blanket that were engaged during the

 

sunrise.  We could hear them calling her parents and showing a video of the sunrising then

 

flashing to her ring.  All this added to the experience of being there.

 

 

There were hundreds of people very quietly waiting for the sunrise.

 

 

    This photo was taken with Anne Marie's cell phone!  I was impressed.  She really

 

took the best photos!  Thanks Anne!  You made the day!

 

 

My photo with the Fujifilm XP camera.  I will be upgrading my camera soon.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

Robert took this photo of Festus during a backyard hike.

 

 

I was all set up to paint Birch trees at Sand Beach in Acadia National Park.  I had

 

forgotten all my paint brushes at home.  So I decided to take photos.  

 

This is Little Hunter Beach.

 

 

I was going to paint this view.  The blue of the ocean is shimmering through the trees.

 

This is not visible from photos.

 

 

There are many steps leading down to Little Hunter Beach.  

 

 

Great Meadow had red maple trees lining the edge of the marsh.

 

I am going to see the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain tomorrow with a friend Anne.

 

We are going to drive at 4am!  This should be exciting!  I will share with you the sunrise

 

tomorrow. I hope to do a few sketches.  Good night.

 

 

 

"Sailor's Delight in Stonington" 14x20 oil on copper 1500$ framed in your choice of an

Italian hand carved wood gold frame or black with gold frame.  Frame and shipping are included.

 

   I may have finally finished this painting of Captain Gross's house on Church Street in

 

Stonington, Maine.  I have stayed for sunsets.  I thought this night was particularly beautiful.

 

There was a pink glow over everything because of the pink clouds.  I have thought of taking

 

the painting back out on location to just see it, compare it, to the real thing.  I would wait for a

 

sunset.  This painting was done 100% studio so far.  I added a few lights inside a few homes.

 

That was the fun part.  

 

 

Here is a detail photo.

 

 

The light is from a cottage called the West Cottage, always rented.  I have met the wonderful lady

 

who owns the Captain Gross house.  She said her Grandfather, Captain Gross built this house in

 

the early 1900s.  She told me when she walks in the front door and sees the black stove she is

 

transported in time back to her youthful days visiting.  How magical of a feeling.  That is why

 

she said they keep this house.  She was a very nice lady.  

 

 

The mansard roof home was built by Almond Billings, a lobster man for 90 years.

 

I enjoy painting this particular home because I am enamored with mansard roofs.

 

I imagine the carpenter was incredibly skilled to pull this off!  

 

   Painting houses is an important thing for me as an artist. I feel like I am preserving the

 

homes in my paintings.  I do not mean to do anyone harm or exploit anyone or cause 

 

any home owner embarrassment by painting their home.  I feel like I am preserving them

 

for another future generation to see.  

 

 

Festus and Lady Violet were curled up together last night.

 

It was a cool night.  This tails and bodies looked so similar for a cat and dog.

 

 

Their feet look to be about the same size!

 

 

Lady Violet seemed to really be enjoying the company.  She was lightly snoring!

 

 

One of my favorite views from Church Street.

 

 

I like this house called the Snow Goose house in Stonington.  I have met the owners.  They

 

are great people.  I spent many hours with them last Summer.  They have a wonderful view.

 

 

A view of Burnt Cove.  I think I will paint another sunset next.  Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

"John Billing's Island and Isle Au Haut" 5x6 oil on copper 350$ framed in gold or black with

gold. Shipping and frame are included in the price.

 

   I discovered a lobster man named John Billing used this island for many years.  I painted

 

by the water for a change. I had brought with me many layers of clothes.  I saw on the weather

 

temperatures might go as low as 60.  They were right!  I took the painting home and added

 

the lobster boat and sailboat in my studio.

 

 

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

Shipping and frame are included.

 

   I have always admired this fisherman's shack on Honk Island.  There was a lobster man

 

named Almond Billing that used this island to store his equipment.  He was a fisherman

 

for 90 years.  I heard the island is for sale for 150,000$.  You can walk to the island at

 

low tide.  I added boats later in my studio. I spent a lot of time working on them.

 

I think Stonington has such green water because of the carmel colored sand.

 

 

I have enjoyed watching many sunsets this Summer in Maine.  I think

 

I have studied them enough to possibly paint more of them.  I am going to

 

start to draw them and write notes about the colors.  The camera doesn't accurately

 

capture them.

 

 

 

Very dramatic sunset in Stonington.  The darks were really not as dark.  I thought

 

the dark colors were really a dark blue green but not black like it is seen.  Careful

 

observation of sunsets is interesting.  I also noticed the red sky is farthest from the sun

 

going down.  The area closer to the sun are more orange.  I am not sure if this always happens.

 

I returned home to be welcomed by six animals and Robert.  What a nice feeling.

 

Good night.

 

"Schoodic Glowing Light" 6x5 oil on copper 350$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping and frame included in the price.

 

   I like capturing light in a painting.  It is difficult painting looking straight into powerful sunlight like

 

this.  It is a great challenge.  If it works then usually the painting is unique and special.  Paintings

 

of light stand out among other paintings.

 

 

  You can see here how difficult it would be to even photograph the scene.

 

It was bright!

 

 

Franky was keeping me company.  I was chewing gum.  Franky thought I was eating something 

 

tasty.  He thought I would share!  I told Franky he was very good looking.

 

 

   I am glad temperatures are getting a little cooler here in Maine. I can see some of

 

the tree leaves starting to turn gold.

 

 

Miss Kitty climbed into a white paper bag.  Cute.

 

 

Festus spends his mornings and afternoons in his Penthouse.  He loves it.

 

I coax him out with a cat nip treat.  I carry him upstairs.  All the dogs go in and outside

 

all morning and afternoon.  We use to keep the door open but now that we have cats it is

 

closed. They have a great time.  

 

 

 

Festus was showing Lady Violet how he can capture the ping pong at the

 

end of the wire.  

 

 

Festus and Miss Kitty both love this toy.  Miss Kitty waits until Festus

 

is out of the room to play with the ping pong toy.

 

Good night!

 

"Serendipity" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold. Shipping and frame are

included in the price.

 

   I went to Charlotte Rhoades Garden today to paint.

 

 

   I moved Zinnias around to create a design.

 

 

I was able to paint the Monarch Butterfly into the painting on location!

 

 

   Festus and Miss Kitty have been enjoying visitors in the gallery for the last two days.

 

They really love to visit with people.  Miss Kitty races around the house.  Festus allows a

 

few pets.  The guests play with the cats.  The dogs are kept outside because they are so large

 

and loud, they might hurt someone!  Robert was outside with the dogs.

 

 

Good night!