Using My Kindle in the Studio.

I have been sorting through my reference photos stored on my computer and transferring them to folders in my Kindle. I can then use the Kindle image in my studio. This eliminates printing the photo and the annoying problem of color shifting by my printer. 

Reference photos from our trip to Acadia National Park.

My Kindle is clamped to my easel and I have begun the block-in. I am working with a limited palette of the three primaries - yellow, red, blue - plus white and burnt sienna. I have experimented a lot this summer with different color palettes and gamut masking. I do enjoy the color harmony of limited palettes.

The basic block-in is complete. The rock structure is established, but needs simplification.  I want the energy of the water to be dominant. The painting is left to dry overnight.

Acadia Surf, 9x12, oil.

This painting has a new home in Pennsylvania.

Thanks for visiting.

Celene

Making a Mini Pochade Kit.

I have really enjoyed using my small plein air painting kit but sometimes wished that I had an even smaller kit to take with me.

My new mini pochade box.

So I bought a small plastic pencil box, measuring 5x8x2.5.

My dollar pencil box.

The box was just the right size for two 5x7 panels. I taped wax paper on the bottom for easy clean-up and adjusted the consistency of the paint with medium when I added it to the box. A small plastic sandwich bag for trash and a packet of handi-wipes goes in my pocket. No turps are needed as I clean my brush with the handi-wipes. I use one brush for darks and another brush for the light colors. You can also add a small palette knife. I shortened the handles of the brushes to fit the box. 

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I brace the canvas with my thumb while painting, using the lid as my easel. 

The box is deep enough to securely hold two wet 5x7's placed back to back and on an angle. The paint brushes can either be placed at the bottom edge of the canvas or in the box, wrapped in a bit of the handi-wipes.

A perfect fit.

It closes up, nice and neat.

There is a good selection of inexpensive plastic boxes available to make up a kit to suit the size canvas you prefer. It's fun to just grab the box and go for that "spur of the moment" occasion without having to carry all our usual plein air gear.

Thank you for visiting. Enjoy.

Celene

Morning Chores, 8x10, oil

Morning Chores, 8x10, oil SOLD

Thanks for visiting.
Celene

Playing Hooky Again.

After another busy week, we decided to run away for the day. Yesterday was a beautiful fall day and this time we headed north. The Maine coast is beautiful, but there is something very special about the north woods. The towns grow smaller until there is just a general store and maybe a post office. The people are hardy as the winters are long and the economy is rough. Houses are weather-beaten and stacks of firewood grow in anticipation of winter's cold. Hard working, no nonsense trucks are seen everywhere. The influence of the summer people and their shiny toys is missing here.

Heading north.

Quiet streets.

 End of the paved road.

We have a camp by a small lake just a few miles south of Moosehead Lake. We have owned the camp for over 30 years and the memories are very special. We didn't have electricity or running water until a few years ago when our son remodeled the camp. Our boys remember quiet evenings with just the sounds of the loons on the lake, the hissing of the gas lights and the crackling of the fire in the woodstove. I'm glad that the gas lights and woodstove are still there and when my husband and I go up, off go the electric lights.

Road into camp.

Our camp. 

View from our porch,

There is something about the solitude and vastness of this area that fills my soul with peace.

Thanks for visiting.
Celene

Day # 29 - September 30/30 Challenge, Man and His Dog

A Man and His Dog, 5x7, oil SOLD

Memories of our trip to Stonington, Maine.


Thanks for visiting,
Celene

Day #27 - September 30/30 Challenge, Wind Song

Wind Song, 5x7, oil SOLD

After another busy day, we were sitting outside enjoying the late afternoon sun.  I heard the gentle sound of my wind chime and it seemed to be saying, "paint me".  So I did.

This painting has a new home in Maine.

Thanks for visiting.
Celene

Playing Hooky

September has been a very busy month at our house. We had the sale of our gallery building on the 3rd and the last of the accounting and legal work. Tony is hurrying to finish the outside chores before the colder weather arrives and I am harvesting and canning the last of the garden vegetables.  My painting time is limited and I haven't completed as many paintings as I hoped for the 30/30 challenge. But I'm not giving in yet. Today is zucchini relish day, tomorrow is pickled beets - then I should be done with canning.

Yesterday was so beautiful we decided to skip work and run away for the day.  We drove up the coast to one of my favorite places - Stonington and Deer Isle.  I took lots of pictures - great inspiration for paintings.  I'll share a bit of our day with you.

Deer Isle - Stonington Bridge 

Tony & Ginger

A future painting.

Picked up sandwiches in Stonington.  Parked here for lunch.

Leaving Stonington.

Cape Rosier still has dirt roads.

A cobalt blue day.

Inspiration.

Thanks for visiting.  Time to start the zucchini relish.

Celene