Artist Renee Lammers

 

 I started this tulip painting yesterday.

 

I drew a smaller 8x10 drawing, created a grid on the drawing, used thread to create

 

a grid on my copper panel, then drew the drawing onto the copper.

 

This can take many hours.

 

I can not project a photograph onto the copper.

 

The light from the projector would be bright on the copper.

 

I think it is best to draw the image to make changes.

 

Lily climbed on to my lap this afternoon.

 

She wanted me to take a break!

 

 

Poppy came over.  

 

I thought there would be two golden retrievers on my lap!

 

Lily showed her teeth at Poppy.

 

My chair is holding up so far!

 

 

Monet was taking a nap with toys in the sun!

 

 

   It amazes me how long I can paint now.

 

Ten years ago I might paint for 4 hours.

 

Today I started painting at 10am and finished at 12am!

 

Painting is like playing chess.

 

It takes time to build up how long you can play.

 

This tulip painting is size 20x26 oil on copper.

 

I used the four colors I always paint with to create the grey underpainting.

 

Every few hours I would paint the color on the top of the gray before it dried.

 

I love to experiment with different approaches to painting.

 

 

"Plaid #2" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.  Shipping included.

 

Here is another plaid painting.

 

I had a plan.

 

The plan seemed to go out of the window while I was painting.

 

I was so involved that the plan was just lost!

 

I did remember the idea of blues with oranges, complimentary colors.

 

I let the fork create a wave effect.

 

Just trying new things.

 

 

I am so glad my three dogs get along so well.

 

They clean each other, snuggle up, and share toys all day.

 

I heard from Ted today about Milo.

 

Milo is doing fine.  

 

Ted was taking great care of Milo.

 

 

   Here is the mysterious house in Stockton Springs that remains empty for 20 or more years.

 

I am surprised the house is still in good condition.

 

 

 

 

This is Fort Point Lighthouse.

 

My dogs always try to get into the backyard.

 

I am off to sleep!

 

Goodnight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Plaid #1" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold, black, or floated.  Shipping included.

 

Here is my first color field painting!

 

I painted many different layers of lines.

 

There were five layers.

 

The first layer has transparent oils allowing copper to shimmer through the paint.

 

I varied the lines, used brighter colors in the first layer, created a plaid with complimentary colors

 

of red and green, adding a few neutrals.

 

The last layer I used a fork to create lines scraping out the oil paint.

 

I have been thinking about using a fork to create lines for years.

 

I have also thought of making plaids for many years.

 

I visualized them but for some reason never did it.

 

I suppose the fresh Vermont air inspired me.

 

 

 

 

Here is one of Piet Mondrian's works.

 

    I have always loved Piet Mondrian's paintings.

 

He limited his works to red, yellow, and blue, 3 primary values (black, white, grey), and

 

had only two directions (horizontal and vertical).  

 

Color field is a type of abstract expressionism.

 

Color field became popular in the 1940s.

 

They are infinite and non illustrative.

 

These paintings have no form or mass.

 

I feel like these paintings are captivating.

 

 

Milo, the dog I rescued from a puppy mill, used as a stud dog, kept inside a cage in a barn

 

with goats and horses, has finally been neutered!

 

I gave Milo to our friend Ted as a Christmas gift.

 

Ted finally agreed to have Milo neutered.

 

Milo went to the vet yesterday morning to be neutered and have a large skin growth on his elbow removed.

 

Robert and I picked up Milo at 4pm to drive him home.

 

Ted asked us to make sure there was a soft bed in the van for Milo.

 

He suggested we take Route 137 to drive Milo home.

 

Route 137 has less frost heaves.

 

Milo wagged his tail once we was delivered home to Ted.

 

We helped him out of the van and made sure he didn't fall on the steps into the house.

 

Ted was relieved Milo was home.

 

Ted does love Milo.  He thinks that neutering Milo will be the end of any aggression.

 

I know Milo will need training.

 

I suggested a book on training aggressive dogs.

 

He told me no not yet.

 

I still think Ted might call the golden retriever rescue at the first sign of aggression in Milo.

 

I am going to find the book anyway and start the training.

 

Milo needs training to stay in the yard.

 

 

"Sheep Farm on Irish Settlement Road" 6x8 oil on copper. 450$ framed in gold.  Shipping included.

 

I tweaked this Vermont painting.

 

I am very happy with all of my Vermont works.

 

I think I painted much better than last year.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lily!  Where is Lily?  Lily come here!  

 

Hmm.  Where is that dog?

 

I look at her Mom and Dad who already climbed into the van.

 

They look at each other.

 

I ask them, "Where is she?"

 

They look at each other again.

 

They do not seem alarmed.

 

They know Lily is hiding close by!

 

 

Lily was six feet away from us hiding behind bushes.

 

She was being very quiet.

 

I walked up to her.

 

She still remained like this.

 

Hiding!

 

Finally she decided I saw her.

 

She jumped into the van.

 

 

It was a beautiful day at Fort Point State Park.

 

This would be a lovely place to paint.

 

 

I rubbed a quarter size amount of rose geranium oil on each dog.

 

Rose geranium oil keeps ticks off dogs!

 

Ticks hate this oil.

 

This oil is not toxic to dogs.

 

 

We were the only ones in the entire park!

 

 

Beautiful day here in Maine.

 

I am organizing and wondering what I should paint next?

 

I might tweak a few of my Vermont paintings.

 

Milo, the red golden retriever rescued dog, is being neutered tomorrow!

 

Ted is dropping him off.

 

I will pick Milo up and deliver his to Ted's house!

 

Have a good night.

 

   I took my dogs to Sandy Point Beach today.

 

 

 

I am happy to be home again!

 

 

The color of the ocean in Maine is incredible.

 

 

I spent many hours brushing and petting my dogs.

 

They missed me!

 

They are still playing with their new toys.

 

They tried to take a new toy outside!

 

 

I have been looking through the Vermont photos.

 

 

 

On the way home I saw a sugar shack in operation!

 

Good night.

 

 

 

  I brought Milo, the rescued golden retriever, now my friend's Ted's dog, a

 

new large hedgehog toy!

 

He wagged his tail.

 

He danced around with his new toy.

 

He let me know he was very happy.

 

Milo was most happy to be visited.

 

He put his front two feet on my lap, looked me in the eyes, and wagged his tail.

 

He would hold his hedgehog in his mouth.

 

It was great to visit Ted and Milo.

 

 

Ted said he never saw Milo wag his tail so much.

 

He thought Milo really loves me.

 

Ted told me not to bring Milo anymore plush dog toys.

 

He said to bring tennis balls.  

 

 

I asked Ted how has Milo been behaving?

 

Ted told me he was in his yard working on a car.

 

Milo was there with him.

 

On two different occasions Milo ran after an Amish horse and buggy and a Amish boy on a bike.

 

I asked him why he didn't have Milo in the fenced area in his front yard.

 

He said he wanted Milo to be unleashed and unfenced while we was working on his car.

 

He would not do it any other way.

 

He is hoping having Milo neutered on Wednesday will curtail his need to run after horses and bikes.

 

How do I get Ted to want to protect Milo from cars, horses, and boys riding bikes?

 

There must be love of a dog to want to protect him.

 

His other golden retriever Luke was hit by a car right in front of his house.

 

I worry about Milo.

 

 

If I can sell more paintings, this Summer, while I am looking after Milo, while Ted is visiting

 

relatives in the state of Washington, I will pay for a professional trainer to work with Milo.

 

Milo can learn to work through his aggressive tendencies and work on staying in the yard.

 

I knew Milo would be a work in progress.

 

I think Milo will be a fine pet someday.

 

 

I brought an arsenal of new doggie toys for my three goldens!

 

Monet grabbed as many as his mouth could hold.

 

Lily grabbed one.

 

Poppy also took one!

 

Poppy and Lily both stood up on their hind legs to greet me.

 

I am afraid Monet was more interested in toys.

 

He loves his toys!

 

 

Monet took two bunny toys to his bed.

 

He is getting more generous.

 

He allowed Lily and Poppy play with toys!

 

 

I visited the horse I painted a few months ago.

 

His hair was comical!

 

I learned the horse's hair is groomed in the Spring.

 

Their hair is allowed to be a mess during the Winter months.

 

 

"Spring Laundry" 6x8 oil on copper Sold during the opening show last night.

 

All our plein air work was shown for 3 hours last night in a gallery.

 

It was fun to view all the paintings.

 

 

 

"Sugaring Time" 6x8 oil on copper Sold from my website.

 

 

I did learn much information about myself, my painting skills, and about the art market.

 

I made many new acquaintances.  

 

I may have inspired a few more artists to paint on copper!

 

I hope to visit Vermont to paint again someday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Perfect Spring Day in Waterville, Vermont" 14x20 oil on copper 950$ framed in

gold or black with gold.  Shipping is included in the price.

 

I have learned so much during my Vermont painting trip.

 

A few days ago, a Russian/American artist named Zufar showed me how he paints branches with a rigger brush.

 

He uses a lot of medium mixed with a darker brown oil paint, rolls the brush on the palette to

 

remove some of the paint, then he starts at the base of the tree to paint the trunk.

 

He starts at the ends of the branches and moves the paint brush to the trunk.

 

He said to leave breaks in the lines, clump up paint at intervals, add more paint where the branch

 

meets the trunk.

 

Another great painter Harley was working with a rigger painting branches.

 

He was using a mahl stick to hold his hand steady.

 

TM was also working with a rigger brush painting around trees.

 

Still Peter was working also with a rigger brush.

 

Then I saw Thomas also using a rigger.

 

I didn't realize how important rigger work was in a painting.

 

The rigger brush adds refinement to a plein air painting.

 

 

The most important thing about using a rigger brush:  Make sure a flat brush is used

 

to soften areas.  

 

Make sure the lights on the trees blend into the background.

 

Other wise these lights or darks look like needles.

 

There is a lot of background painting surrounding the rigger work.

 

Sky areas are repainted surrounding some of the rigger work.

 

Another words, the artist just doesn't paint tree branches with a rigger and leave them.

 

The artists works background then more rigger work, back and forth, till they are satisfied.

 

 

My van was blocked in by the artists cars.

 

One of the artists gave me a ride to the restaurant. 

He said, "I don't know why I go out and paint snow in these crazy freezing conditions.

 

I come back home with all these unfinished snow paintings.  Then I end up repainting

 

the whole painting.  I guess I do it because I love it."

 

 

 

One of the artist stated, "I work out 6 days a week.  If I don't I won't be able to get out there to paint."

 

I believe it is important to keep in shape.

 

I am inspired by these artists.

 

When I get home I am going to the gym on a regular basis!

 

 

This is a view on Pumpkin Harbor Road often painted.

 

Tomorrow night, from 5-8pm, all of our unframed work will be shown.

 

I am looking forward to viewing all of our creations! 

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

"Old Vermonter House" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold.  Shipping included

 

I was super excited to find this old sugar house at the corner of Pond Road/North Road.

 

The painting has some authentic Vermont sand from the van being airborn from frost heaves.

 

Frost heaves create huge bumps in the road..for my southern friends.

 

The van handles these frost heaves by shutting off the motor when all tires are off the ground.

 

Somehow sand comes into the van getting into every crevice.

 

I am not complaining.  This is exciting!

 

The whole thing reminds me of my Dad driving us in his old Volkswagon beetle over bumps.

 

He would give us a heads up.  

 

He would speed up, go over the bump, and the car would be up in the air!

 

We all squealed with excitement.

 

We would all ask for him to do it again.

 

My Mom never liked it.

 

She always scolded him for driving fast over the bumps.

 

The whole thing was fun for us.

 

 

"Spring Laundry" 6x8 oil on copper   450$ framed in gold.  Shipping is included.

 

   I painted this painting on B and T Road in East Fairfield.

 

The mailbox stated Charleston.

 

I suspect this is the Charleston family home.

 

 

This morning I found a herd of cows with horns.

 

I asked permission to paint them.

 

 

 

Notice this golden cow on the right?

 

She saw me.

 

She started walking down the road towards me.

 

The horns were a worry.

 

I have been watching videos of buffalo ramming vehicles.

 

I didn't know if a cow with big horns would do this to a van?

 

 

Mothers were standing by their calves.

 

 

  These are the most beautiful cows.

 

I decided to retreat!

 

I have newer tires to protect.

 

 

 

I saw this scene in East Fairfield.

 

I would have painted here.

 

There was a lady looking out of her window at me.

 

 

I saw hundreds of deer today.

 

The weather was so nice!

 

 

We all gathered at the Smugglers Inn for a special dinner to celebrate Jane Shaws Birthday.

 

Eric gave her a painting with a note and all our signatures.

 

The artists personalities had us laughing.

 

The room was full of artist from all over New England.

 

It was a wonderful experience.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Sugaring Time" 6x8 oil on copper   Sold.  Thank you.

 

   I started this one on Pond Street between Cambridge and Fletcher, Vermont.

 

The light was going down fast.  I painted for about 40 minutes till it was dark.

 

I worked on this one this morning till it was finished.

 

 

"Home Sweet Home" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold.  Shipping included in the price.

 

   I painted this one today from my computer monitor while Kim kept me company painting.

 

I saw this home on Route 109 in Cambridge once owned by the Thomas family.

 

It was a pretty brick house.

 

What a view?  Mt Mansfield?

 

 

See that sugar shack in the distance on the right?

 

I drove around the house to see the shack!

 

It was a beauty.

 

 

"Sweet Berry Lane" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold.  Shipping included.

 

  I painted the sugar shack!

 

The light was beautiful!

 

 

   This barn was nice!

 

 

 

Bryce Farm

 

 

There were two donkeys in the barn on Irish Settlement Road.

 

They were soo cute!

 

 

There are so many great scenes to paint!

 

This is in Waterville, Vermont.

 

 

 

This is Waterville a few days ago after snow.

 

 

This wooden cabin on wheels was used by the famous artist Aldro Hibbard.

 

He would ask permission from the land owner to park his painting cabin.

 

Then they would take and park it.

 

There was a wooden stove inside for him to keep warm. 

 

 

 

View from Irish Settlement Road.

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Morning On Irish Settlement Road" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold, shipping included.

 

 

It was very cold today.  Temperatures were in the 20's.

 

I sat inside my van to paint.

 

I was so warm and comfortable with a fabulous view to paint!

 

I worked hard for five hours on this painting.

 

It is not easy to paint so many buildings in a small panel.

 

This just requires a lot of repainting the same area until it is right.

 

The organic Oakhurst Milk Farm is behind the white house on the right.

 

 

"Spring Day on Bryce Road" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold, shipping included.

 

   I had a great time painting trees in this painting.

 

I decided to paint a lady walking out of her house  wearing a red coat.

 

It snowed a few inches last night.

 

This was nice to paint.

 

 

"Old Sheep Farm on Irish Settlement Road" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold.  Shipping included.

 

   This is the scene I painted yesterday.

 

The roads were deep mud.

 

I found a safe place to park and paint along the road.

 

Sheep came out of the barn.

 

They were fun to paint.

 

Snow created great value differences in the background.

 

I painted fast.  The snow stopped but at least the background was done.

 

 

More painters are arriving!

 

I spotted this guy modeling a Cabella's coverall!

 

 

 

These horses are finally getting accustomed to my van.

 

They ran the first two days.

 

Now they stand and watch me.

 

 

I relocated to a three story house on Main street in Jeffersonville, Vermont.

 

I am staying many talented artists.

 

I am very lucky to be in their company.

 

This has been so much fun.

 

I discovered I paint much better when I sleep in till 9am.

 

I love driving around finding my own subject to paint.

 

I enjoy painting from the front seat of my van.

 

I get too excited watching artists paint to concentrate well at my own painting.

 

I did get up many days at 6:00 am to meet them at the Citgo.

 

I also tried painting a big linen painting!

 

I am glad I tried these things but my painting ability is better my way.

 

 

Speaking of doing things their own way!

 

Here is the King of that!

 

Paint is everywhere!

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Painters" 8x6 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

 

Shipping included.

 

    Today I decided to paint Stapleton Kearns

 

and Dale Movalli painting.

 

There were four artists in a line but only two would fit into the small 8x6!

 

Stapleton requested I paint his hat orange or no one would recognize him.

 

He also wanted to know if he was painting with proper form.

 

I liked Dale's vintage plaid shirt.

 

 

   Peter  came by to show us his finished plein air expressionist painting

 

of a brook.

 

 

Julie was working on a new painting.

 

 

Diane came to paint with us today in pastels!

 

She was smart to bring a plastic mat to stand on!

 

 

Eric was using a plastic thing to pull his painting equipment to his car.

 

 

Kim was working hard painting snow around branches of a tree.

 

It was so warm today many artists were shedding their coats!

 

I am tired.  

 

We meet every night for dinner.

 

One dinner at a restaurant costs 30$.

 

I have been splitting a dinner with another artist Kim!

 

This has been working out fine.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

Today I worked on Centrion oil primed linen mounted to a board.

 

The size of the linen was 20x24.

 

It was interesting painting on linen.

 

I could apply oil paint much faster but I missed the luminous surface of the copper.

 

I could not wait to paint on copper again.

 

 

"Vermont Light" 6x8 oil on copper.  Not finished yet.

 

Here is my second painting of the day.

 

I was trying to learn how to make thin lines  for the trees.

 

I finally thought using a Old Holland flat 8 kolinsky sable was best.

 

I want to learn how to make thin delicate lines with a liner or rigger brush.

 

It is difficult to do this when the oil paint is wet.

 

Hopefully someone will show me the way!

 

I have this idea I need to learn to do this.

 

But perhaps the flat brush does best anyway.

 

 

   Here is my painter friend Julie Davis who lives in a house in Jeffersonville, Vermont.

 

She is wearing Cabelas Trans Alaskan Pac Boots good for  temperature -100.

 

 

Peter Miller, a Vermont resident painter, was working with us today again.

 

Love his hat!

 

He asked me what he should paint?

 

I answered, "How did I get nominated to select your painting subject?"

 

He said, "You are the boss and I need the boss's help."

 

There was so much to paint from the hill.  

I think he was joking.

 

 

Here are two more Vermont painters, Kim Senior and Karen Winslow.

 

I like all of the Vermont people I have met.

 

The are genuinely kind.

 

They have great attitudes.

 

 

   Stapleton Kearns was looking at Dale Movalli's painting.

 

Dale Movalli is the widow of famous Charlie Movalli painter.

 

She is a fun lady.

 

 

I drove around taking a few photos after painting all day.

 

I wanted to stop and brush these horses hair!

 

There was large knots in their hair but they were well fed.

 

 

   These horses looked well cared for with their beautiful coats.

 

Their hair was in wonderful condition.

 

Their tails hung down to the ground.

 

Maybe these horses are for riding whereas the other horses were work horses.

 

 

  Vermont painter Eric Tobin has been showing us wonderful places to paint every day.

 

Thank you Eric.

 

 

 

There are sheep inside of this barn.

 

Vermont is beautiful.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

  After breakfast we drove to Waterville, Vermont to paint.

 

I was trying out a type of clear tent called Under-the-weather.com

 

I could sit in a chair inside the tent.  It measures 4x4 foot with a height of about 4 feet.

 

It promised a 30 degree increase in temperatures inside.

 

I could unzip a small area to view my subject.

 

When the wind blew I felt none of the cold air!

 

I was almost hot for awhile with all my warm clothes.

 

 

Kim took this photo of me dragging my painting cabana to a spot!

 

One of the artists declared it a outhouse for all to use!

 

Lots of laughs today.

 

 

untitled 6x8 oil on copper almost finished.  I would like to work on the foreground and

 

paint a horse on the left hand side of the painting.

 

 

I started a 14x20 oil on copper next.

 

I will finish it tomorrow or soon.

 

We painted outside from 9:30am till 5pm.

 

It was a challenge to keep warm.

 

 

   Down by the river it was even colder!

 

Stapleton Kearns, Kim Senior, Mr. Eddy.

 

More artists will be arriving each day.

 

 

Tomorrow we are meeting at a gas station at 7:30am.

 

A Vermont painter will lead us to another great place to paint!

 

Good night!

 

   I always laugh when I see this photo someone took of me trying to walk through snow.

 

This photo was taken many years ago in 2011.

 

I sure hope I don't fall down in the snow again and embarrass myself!

 

I remember those 5 inch tall Cabela Trans Alaskan Pac Boots! 

 

Those boots were hard to walk in snow.

 

This year my only goal is to keep both feet on the ground!

 

 

 

Last year 40 artists or so were invited to paint for two weeks.

 

I think this year there could be more artists invited.

 

It is an honor to paint among them.

 

They are some of the very best New England artists.

 

 

Stapleton Kearns organized this group of artists.

 

He wants the legacy of snow painters to continue in Jeffersonville, Vermont.

 

Artist have gathered and painted here for over 100 years. 

 

 

They always painted very large snow paintings on canvas.

 

I have brought with me 20x24 and 12x16 canvas mounted to board!

 

It is exciting to try new things.

 

I can't wait to see how it is to paint with oil on canvas.

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milo, the golden retriever  is going to be

 

picked up Tuesday by the Golden Retriever Rescue for New England. (So I was told)

 

Ted feels like this is the best thing for Milo. (Yeah right!)

 

The photo shows Milo with the green and purple dog toy I gave him plus

 

a few other toys he pilfered from our yard.  LOL.

 

 

How do I feel about this?

 

I understand the golden retriever rescue will neuter Milo.

 

They will evaluate his rehabilitation needs.

Milo needs therapy and further intensive help.

 

I feel this will help Milo be a happier dog.

 

When Milo bites a human or a dog he feels terrible.

 

I have seen this misery in his eyes.

 

 

They will place him at a forever home.

 

He is only 5 years old.

He has many more happy years of living in front of him.

 

 

 

Someone will be very lucky to have Milo.

 

He is very sweet.

 

 

Ted could keep Milo is he could stop driving him around to places to bite dogs and humans.

 

Unfortunately he loves to show off Milo at crowded department stores and people's homes!

 

He feels like Milo needs to be socialized.

 

He says Milo is lonely.

 

He can not understand that a dog that has been neglected and abused needs peace and quiet.

 

 

It is a frustrating situation for all.  

 

I do not feel bad about rescuing Milo.

 

He is out of a cage he lived in most of his life inside a barn living with goats!

 

He has all his vaccinations and was treated for Lyme Disease.

 

He enjoyed Mulligan Stew.

 

He saw the beach!

 

He chased after deer and turkeys.

 

He learned how nice it is to have toys.

 

He was shown much love.

 

 

Five hours latter Ted calls to say he is going to get Milo neutered then is keeping him!

 

He said that decision was final.  

 

Great news!

 

Sorry about the emotional rollercoaster!

 

Everyone who knows Milo is relieved.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Old Uncle Al's Cabin" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping is included in the price.

 

I decided to paint this scene today en plein air.

 

Temperatures were in the 30's.

 

 I have painted these little cabins on Hatchery Road many winters ago.

 

They are very tiny cabins.  

 

Hunters use them.

 

A neighbor, Linda, came outside to speak with me while I painted.

 

She told me who owned the cabin.

 

She said there is still 1940's furniture inside that is very cool.

 

 

I managed to take a photo while I was painting.

 

The sun was lighting up the distant mountain.

 

I loved the pink glow of the trees!

 

 

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

 

Shipping included in the price.

 

I worked on this painting for at least 15 hours in my studio!

 

 

 

 

 

"Dancin Under The Sun" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

 

Shipping is included in the price.

 

   I once painted this scene plein air in August.

 

I decided to use the photo and plein air painting to create a new one.

 

This was a studio painting that took over 12 hours.

 

It is so interesting to see a studio painting compared to a plein air painting.

 

 

 

"Monhegan Hangin Loose" 6x8 oil on copper.  Sold last August.  Thank you.

 

Here is the plein air painting.

 

 

I thought this was beautiful.

 

 

I love Hatchery Road.

 

Linda told me bears frequent her house often!

 

There are so many nice scenes to paint.

 

 

 

Here is a larger cottage I thought of painting.

 

 

I admired young trees in Schoodic.

 

Tomorrow I was tell you all about Milo.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

"Schoodic Winter Warrior" 8x6 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping included in the price.

 

    I chose this spruce tree standing along the sea at Schoodic Point.

 

Temperature was 22 but with the icy winds coming off the ocean I am sure it was zero!

 

I could not breathe.

 

I sat inside my van to paint.

 

Here are 15 photos of the process.

 

 

 

Here is today's model.

 

I decided to add more snow on the tree.

 

 

   I was listening to music while I painted.

 

I was warm inside the van.

 

 

I decided to try something different!

 

It is difficult to paint the sunlight hitting the snow on the tree.

 

The white paint gets dirty from residual oils on the palette or mixing

 

with the oil paint drawing or dirty turpenoid.

 

I painted the sunlit areas white but then I added a tiny bit of yellow

 

into the white on the copper.

 

 

Next I painted the shadow areas of the snow on the tree.

 

These were all cool.

 

 

 

I decided to paint the sea behind the tree next.

 

 

 

I decided to start to paint the sunlit areas of the spruce.

 

 

Painted the shadow areas of the tree.

 

 

I looked up to see a squall!

 

I waited ten minutes to see sunlight again!

 

 

Now I painted the sunlit areas of the snow again.

 

 

Now I was adding reflective warm light in the shadow snow areas. 

 

It looked pink.

 

 

Wrestling with paint!

 

 

Finished.  This photo was taken with the Fujifilm XP.

 

 

This photo was taken with the Canon 7D.  

 

 

"Evergreen Tree" 8x6 oil on copper sold.  Thanks!!

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

"Tree" 8x6 oil on copper   Sold.  Thank you.

 

    I went to Hatchery Road in Orland, Maine to plein air paint!

 

Temperature was 25 degrees.

 

The sun was shining!

 

I found a beautiful spruce tree to paint.  

 

Here are photos sharing the process.

 

 

I used gorilla tape to secure the copper panel to my 6x8 open box m easel lid.

 

I used a Silver Monza size O short round to draw on to the copper.

 

I always use Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cobalt Blue, and Quinacridone Red,

 

and of course Titanium White.

 

  There are only 4 colors on my palette but I can mix 200 of out those 4 colors.

 

 

Does the oil paint freeze?

 

No, I use a medium by Gamblin called NeoMeglip.

 

The Titanium White does stiffen.

 

The medium helps the white become more fluid.

 

 

The other oil paints have more oil in them.  

 

They do not stiffen up from the cold temperatures.

 

 

Most painters working large will use a palette knife to beat the medium into the white

 

before they go outdoors to paint.

 

They also make sure their oil paint has been inside the house or warmed up before

 

they head outside to paint.

 

 

How do I keep my feet warm standing in snow for hours?

 

I use pac boots or a thick soled winter boots.

 

I can also put toe warmers in my boots.

 

I can stand on a thick piece of carpet or cardboard.

 

 

What do I wear?

 

I have found a coverall made by Refrigiwear.

 

After three different suits I discovered I wore size small.

 

The coverall has a hood.

 

 

I wear down gloves to keep my hands warm.

 

If temperatures are below 20, I wear a thick face mask, and glasses.  

 

 

It is important to drink something hot before heading outside.

 

I do a few high kicks to get the body warmed up!

 

 

Painting plein air snow is an extreme sport!

 

This can be very dangerous.

 

It is best to paint with a partner or in a visible place.

 

Painters have fallen into moving rivers, fallen and hit their head on a rock to freeze,

 

and broken bones.

 

Hypothermia can occur.

 

 Painters have died painting snow.

 

 

 

Snow is never white.

 

 

There was a lot of warm colors in the shadows along with lavenders and blues.

 

 

I worked on this tree for three hours today.

 

The oil paint on the copper is thicker from the cold air.

 

There is a greater paint quality.

 

The viewer can see the painter's struggle to paint in the cold temperatures.

 

This creates an authentic feeling.

 

Painting snow plein air creates a special painting.

 

 

I can capture the quality of light on the snow.

 

 

Finished.  These photos were taken with a Fujifilm XP. 

 

This little camera

 

is shockproof, freezeproof, and waterproof.  

 

 

This photo was taken with a Canon 7D.

 

There is a huge difference in photo quality.

 

I hope you enjoyed the process of painting this painting!

 

When the painting is dry I will varnish with Gamblin's Gamvar Gloss.

 

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

"Little Cottage on Petit-De-Grat Island" 6x8 oil on copper.  Thank you.

 

 

"Petit-De-Grat Island" 14x20 oil on copper.  Thank you.

 

   I am more than grateful to have these two commissions!

 

 

Milo and Ted came to visit us yesterday!

 

Milo looked very happy.

 

He was brushed, ears cleaned, and had his nails trimmed.

 

Ted bought a special machine that sands down Milo's nails.

 

Ted said Milo's ears are naturally clean.

 

Milo has lost 10 pounds since he has been eating Mulligan Stew.

 

Ted takes Milo outside walking for hours each day.

 

Milo weighs 82 pounds instead of 94 pounds.

 

 

Milo leaped to chase after a tennis ball!

 

He is very athletic.

 

 

A few days ago I left a brand new dog toy on Ted and Milo's door step.

 

They must have been outside in the snow hiking.

 

They arrived home to discover the new toy!

 

It was a large bright green and purple bear that made funny noises when moved.

 

Milo grabbed the toy and looked around for me.

 

He smelled my scent.

 

He brought the new toy inside Ted's cabin and played with it all night!

 

He loved it.

 

Ted said it was a wonderful surprise.

 

 

I thought this was sweet of Robert petting our dogs.

 

He takes them to the beach every night.

 

They are still playing hard with their new toys.

 

 

Good night! 

 

I love commissions! 

 

Thank you again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the 6x8 oil on copper commission I am working on.

 

My painting client wants this painting to be in greys.

 

I would like to let it dry.  

 

Then I hope to work more on the painting.

 

I need to make sure that cottage plumb lines are straight!

 

She says she loves it already!

 

 

"Pink Sheets" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.  Shipping included.

 

   Here is the final finished painting!  

 

I asked a few friends for their opinions.

 

 

 

"Monhegans Pink Sheets" 6x8 oil on copper.  450$ framed in gold.  Shipping included.

 

I was tweaking this painting last night and this morning.

 

I thought at first it was a great idea to remove the green shadow in between the sheets.

 

I thought it would allow the viewer's eye to slide in between the sheets up into the rest

 

of the painting.

 

I lightened the foreground grass and darkened the distant grass.

 

I wanted more contrast between the sheets and the grass.

 

I reworked the sky, buildings, and pink sheet, and girl.

 

My friends thought the darker green in between the sheets was necessary so I wiped off

 

the lighter grass to reveal the darker grass!

 

 

  Here is the painting last night.

 

I realized this morning it was way too dark in the distance.

 

I decided to change the light blue in the pink sheet.

 

 

Here is the painting before I started to tweak it!

 

I think the values were too close.

 

There was no light!

 

The painting has more light now!

 

 

I was tweaking this painting.  I was trying to get the fox to look natural.

 

The fox doesn't look like a fox at all!

 

 

The fox looked like a cardboard paste on!

 

I will try another idea.

 

I will paint snow over the fox.

 

Then I will repaint a new improved fox. 

 

 

 

Here are a few photos I took on my way back home.

 

 

 

Miniature horses!  

 

Good night.