The Landscape Workshop for March 9th through 13th, 2009 has been full for a few weeks now.
I thought that I should mention that here as I am still getting emails about it.
I am planning one other 5 day workshop for either Feb. or Mar. 2009, and I will be sure to post about it as soon as the dates are set.
Showing posts with label Landscape Painting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Landscape Painting. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Painting in the rain
You don't always get beautiful weather for painting.
However, if you travel this far to paint, YOU PAINT!
Our first day of painting was the only rainy day we had. Luckily I had just gotten an new Umbrella set up from Artwork Essentials.
Peter and I found Colin painting in the parking lot for the ferry to Monhegan and decided to set up next to him in the rain.
We were getting some blowing rain on our palettes, but it was not too bad that we could not go on.
"The Laura B", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
The Laura B is one of the ferries that run from Port Clyde to Monhegan Island.
The misty fog on this rainy morning made for a real nice effect. I painted on this one until the fog lifted quickly and the scene changed so drastically that we could not go on. There were boats moored and an Island behind the boat and pier.
I put a few finishing touches on this one here in the studio, but it is pretty much the same as I came home with.
One thing I notice is that I make the cabins on my boats too tall. I adjusted this one down with the aid of a photo reference.
I was painting right along the water's edge and it was cold.
I know.
FYI, the EasyL umbrella comes with a little chord that you tie to the umbrella part and the extension arm part. The umbrella part is made so it can blow off in a gust and not knock over your whole set up.
That is a REALLY good idea.
Trouble is, I did not think that I needed to do that and this being my first day using the umbrella, it blew up and off, did a couple of rolls, and landed in the water. I quickly stepped in before it had a chance to drift too far away. Then I tied it on like it is supposed to be.
Since I was talking about umbrella set ups the other day. Here are some shots of umbrellas that some of the other painters had.
Peter Kalill painting the same scene.
Colin Page painting a house in the rain with his umbrella set up and his nifty landing vehicle that he uses to go plein air painting along the coast.
Eric Merrell, Peter Kalill and Colin Page under the tent
After abandoning our first location we took shelter in a tent left over from a party the night before. It was on a dock at the co op pier and had a few good views. I think there were 8 of us painting under there at one point.
The wind was whipping the rain around and I don't think it really kept any of us very dry.
I may post my painting from under the tent another day. I am still thinking about a few things.
That evening many of us had not had enough frustration, so we set up on the front porch of the house we rented and painted off into the woods. That piece is almost a complete failure, but you never know what might happen to it. I wish I had taken a photo of the scene I was painting, it would have improved my options on that one.
Jerome Greene sitting, Paul Schulenburg with the red cap, and my new EasyL Lite paint box and my EasyL umbrella.
I like this umbrella a lot. It is tall, so I can get it up and away from my face when I need to. I like the silver on the outside and black on the underside. That is a real plus in the strong Mexican sun because it helps cut down on the glare. It is the only umbrella I have ever used. So I can't really judge for sure.
Several of the other painters said they liked it better than the ones they had.
I had never used an umbrella before, but it really helped out a lot. I was always twisting my set up around trying to get the palette and painting in the same light. Now I can just set up where I want.
I added these new shots of the umbrella broken down and the clamp. The strong clamp really sets it apart from some of the other umbrellas I've seen.
However, if you travel this far to paint, YOU PAINT!
Our first day of painting was the only rainy day we had. Luckily I had just gotten an new Umbrella set up from Artwork Essentials.
Peter and I found Colin painting in the parking lot for the ferry to Monhegan and decided to set up next to him in the rain.
We were getting some blowing rain on our palettes, but it was not too bad that we could not go on.
"The Laura B", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
The Laura B is one of the ferries that run from Port Clyde to Monhegan Island.
The misty fog on this rainy morning made for a real nice effect. I painted on this one until the fog lifted quickly and the scene changed so drastically that we could not go on. There were boats moored and an Island behind the boat and pier.
I put a few finishing touches on this one here in the studio, but it is pretty much the same as I came home with.
One thing I notice is that I make the cabins on my boats too tall. I adjusted this one down with the aid of a photo reference.
I was painting right along the water's edge and it was cold.
I know.
FYI, the EasyL umbrella comes with a little chord that you tie to the umbrella part and the extension arm part. The umbrella part is made so it can blow off in a gust and not knock over your whole set up.
That is a REALLY good idea.
Trouble is, I did not think that I needed to do that and this being my first day using the umbrella, it blew up and off, did a couple of rolls, and landed in the water. I quickly stepped in before it had a chance to drift too far away. Then I tied it on like it is supposed to be.
Since I was talking about umbrella set ups the other day. Here are some shots of umbrellas that some of the other painters had.
Peter Kalill painting the same scene.
Colin Page painting a house in the rain with his umbrella set up and his nifty landing vehicle that he uses to go plein air painting along the coast.
Eric Merrell, Peter Kalill and Colin Page under the tent
After abandoning our first location we took shelter in a tent left over from a party the night before. It was on a dock at the co op pier and had a few good views. I think there were 8 of us painting under there at one point.
The wind was whipping the rain around and I don't think it really kept any of us very dry.
I may post my painting from under the tent another day. I am still thinking about a few things.
That evening many of us had not had enough frustration, so we set up on the front porch of the house we rented and painted off into the woods. That piece is almost a complete failure, but you never know what might happen to it. I wish I had taken a photo of the scene I was painting, it would have improved my options on that one.
Jerome Greene sitting, Paul Schulenburg with the red cap, and my new EasyL Lite paint box and my EasyL umbrella.
I like this umbrella a lot. It is tall, so I can get it up and away from my face when I need to. I like the silver on the outside and black on the underside. That is a real plus in the strong Mexican sun because it helps cut down on the glare. It is the only umbrella I have ever used. So I can't really judge for sure.
Several of the other painters said they liked it better than the ones they had.
I had never used an umbrella before, but it really helped out a lot. I was always twisting my set up around trying to get the palette and painting in the same light. Now I can just set up where I want.
I added these new shots of the umbrella broken down and the clamp. The strong clamp really sets it apart from some of the other umbrellas I've seen.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
"Port Clyde Boat House"
One of my favorite things about getting together and painting with a group of artists is when a bunch of us paint the same subject. This boat house was painted by at least six of us on a couple of different days. Below is my version.
I really like the sky in this one and how it describes the light on that particular day.
"Port Clyde Boat House", 14" x 18" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
$1,300. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
I really like the sky in this one and how it describes the light on that particular day.
"Port Clyde Boat House", 14" x 18" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
$1,300. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
Monday, September 29, 2008
"On the Rocks"
One of my goals for this trip was to paint some larger paintings on location. I typically stick to smaller panels that I can slip in my wet panel boxes or Open Box.
This painting is a 16" x 20" canvas.
That is as big as I have painted plein air in a long time.
There are some great rocks along the Maine coast. This one was done late one afternoon.
One benefit that I can see to painting larger is that there is more room to play with the brushwork, and to get a greater variety of color into my masses.
"On the Rocks", 16" x 20" oil on canvas, Frank Gardner © 2008
$1,650. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
This painting is a 16" x 20" canvas.
That is as big as I have painted plein air in a long time.
There are some great rocks along the Maine coast. This one was done late one afternoon.
One benefit that I can see to painting larger is that there is more room to play with the brushwork, and to get a greater variety of color into my masses.
"On the Rocks", 16" x 20" oil on canvas, Frank Gardner © 2008
$1,650. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
Saturday, September 27, 2008
plein air nocturnes
A bunch of us on the Maine trip went back out at night and painted some nocturnes.
Down by the Marshall Point Lighthouse seemed to be the place where most of that went on. It was pretty dark and not many street lights, but well lit by moonlight. That made the light pretty nice.
I have been wanting to try a nocturne painting for a long time, so I was psyched that the others were up for it too.
I had a clip on book light that I attached to my Open Box. Eric Merrell had a great idea where he taped some wax paper over his book light to diffuse the light a bit. I just put a piece of paper towel on mine and it did the same thing.
I was surprised how well I could judge the colors with just that little light that was shining on both the painting and palette.
I pre mixed all of my colors on my palette first to compare and adjust them to each other. Then I put them on the panel pretty quickly.
"Nocturne Shoreline", 6" x 8" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
This one was along the shoreline with a two lone lights at a house in the trees. This was my first nocturne ever.
"Nocturne Shed", 8" x 6" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
From the same spot I painted this little shed near the lighthouse.
"Nocturne Rocks", 6"x 8" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
This last one was of some waves crashing on the rocks. This one is pretty simple, but I like how it came out.
The pre mixing really helped me to keep my values in check. I also tried to remember that you don't really see to much detail at night and resisted the temptation to throw in too much.
Down by the Marshall Point Lighthouse seemed to be the place where most of that went on. It was pretty dark and not many street lights, but well lit by moonlight. That made the light pretty nice.
I have been wanting to try a nocturne painting for a long time, so I was psyched that the others were up for it too.
I had a clip on book light that I attached to my Open Box. Eric Merrell had a great idea where he taped some wax paper over his book light to diffuse the light a bit. I just put a piece of paper towel on mine and it did the same thing.
I was surprised how well I could judge the colors with just that little light that was shining on both the painting and palette.
I pre mixed all of my colors on my palette first to compare and adjust them to each other. Then I put them on the panel pretty quickly.
"Nocturne Shoreline", 6" x 8" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
This one was along the shoreline with a two lone lights at a house in the trees. This was my first nocturne ever.
"Nocturne Shed", 8" x 6" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
From the same spot I painted this little shed near the lighthouse.
"Nocturne Rocks", 6"x 8" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
This last one was of some waves crashing on the rocks. This one is pretty simple, but I like how it came out.
The pre mixing really helped me to keep my values in check. I also tried to remember that you don't really see to much detail at night and resisted the temptation to throw in too much.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Painting Trip Update
I am in New York now, on my way back to Mexico.
The painting trip was great. It was so much fun to get together with so many painters and hang out for more than a week. We did a lot of painting and had a lot of laughs.
There are a lot of things to post, but I only have a photo of this painting so far.
I painted this from the cemetery on Monhegan Island. I really liked the way the buildings were arranged and the light. Great light out there on Monhegan.
"Monhegan Houses", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
Here is a photo of most of the painting group getting ready to boat ride back from Monhegan Island.
Back row standing left to right: Jeff Bonasia, Paul Schulenburg, Eric Merrell, Casey Baugh, Jeremy Lipking, Logan Hagege, Ernesto Nemesio, Glenn Dean,
front row left to right: Frank Gardner, Eric ?
Missing from photo: Peter Kalill, Colin Page, Jerome Greene.
I'll have another post about the trip soon.
If you are interested in reading more, Colin Page has posted a little about the trip on his Journal.
The painting trip was great. It was so much fun to get together with so many painters and hang out for more than a week. We did a lot of painting and had a lot of laughs.
There are a lot of things to post, but I only have a photo of this painting so far.
I painted this from the cemetery on Monhegan Island. I really liked the way the buildings were arranged and the light. Great light out there on Monhegan.
"Monhegan Houses", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
Here is a photo of most of the painting group getting ready to boat ride back from Monhegan Island.
Back row standing left to right: Jeff Bonasia, Paul Schulenburg, Eric Merrell, Casey Baugh, Jeremy Lipking, Logan Hagege, Ernesto Nemesio, Glenn Dean,
front row left to right: Frank Gardner, Eric ?
Missing from photo: Peter Kalill, Colin Page, Jerome Greene.
I'll have another post about the trip soon.
If you are interested in reading more, Colin Page has posted a little about the trip on his Journal.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
"Taking Out the Goats II"
This one was finished up a few months ago, but I never got around to posting it.
I did a 14" x 18" version of this, but in that one, the guy has a blue shirt. I wondered how it would look if I changed it to red.
I'll post the blue shirt one below too, in case you don't want to click over to compare them.
"Taking Out the Goats II", 24" x 30" oil on canvas, Frank Gardner © 2008
$3,400. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
Below is a detail of how I massed the most of the goats into one big shape. The silhouette tells the story along with a few single goats along the edges.
Detail of "Taking Out the Goats II" Frank Gardner © 2008
The first one.
"Taking out the Goats" , 14" x 18" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2007
I did a 14" x 18" version of this, but in that one, the guy has a blue shirt. I wondered how it would look if I changed it to red.
I'll post the blue shirt one below too, in case you don't want to click over to compare them.
"Taking Out the Goats II", 24" x 30" oil on canvas, Frank Gardner © 2008
$3,400. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
Below is a detail of how I massed the most of the goats into one big shape. The silhouette tells the story along with a few single goats along the edges.
Detail of "Taking Out the Goats II" Frank Gardner © 2008
The first one.
"Taking out the Goats" , 14" x 18" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2007
Monday, September 15, 2008
"January Morning", Plein air and photo
A few posts back there was a photo of this red church across a field.
In the comments, Jennifer Thermes mentioned that she liked to compare my paintings to the photos, so here is a plein air painting that I did the day I took the picture, and the photo of the scene again.
"January Morning", 8" x 16" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
View while painting "January Morning", Frank Gardner © 2008
In the comments, Jennifer Thermes mentioned that she liked to compare my paintings to the photos, so here is a plein air painting that I did the day I took the picture, and the photo of the scene again.
"January Morning", 8" x 16" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
View while painting "January Morning", Frank Gardner © 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Painting Trip
I am going on a painting trip to Maine with a group of friends.
Starting Thursday, I'll be away from the blog for about two weeks.
This is a painting that I did on my last trip to Port Clyde in Oct. 2006 with Peter, Paul, and Jerome.
"Fishing Pier, Port Clyde", 11" x 14" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2006
Private Collection
There are a few blog posts cued up to appear while I am gone, as I will be without an internet connection for most of the trip.
I'll be sure to respond to any comments when I can.
This ought to be fun. It is a great group of painters.
Check out these links to some of their work.
Peter Kalill
Paul Schulenburg
Jerome Greene
Colin Page
Jeremy Lipking
Ernesto Nemesio
Glenn Dean
Logan Hagege
Casey Baugh
Eric Merrell
and Jeffrey Bonasia
Starting Thursday, I'll be away from the blog for about two weeks.
This is a painting that I did on my last trip to Port Clyde in Oct. 2006 with Peter, Paul, and Jerome.
"Fishing Pier, Port Clyde", 11" x 14" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2006
Private Collection
There are a few blog posts cued up to appear while I am gone, as I will be without an internet connection for most of the trip.
I'll be sure to respond to any comments when I can.
This ought to be fun. It is a great group of painters.
Check out these links to some of their work.
Peter Kalill
Paul Schulenburg
Jerome Greene
Colin Page
Jeremy Lipking
Ernesto Nemesio
Glenn Dean
Logan Hagege
Casey Baugh
Eric Merrell
and Jeffrey Bonasia
Sunday, September 7, 2008
"Heading Home"
After a long day of plowing his fields, this guy and his team of horses is heading home.
He puts the plow up on an old tire and it drags along behind the team. I thought that was pretty clever.
"Heading Home", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
$720. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
I always have my camera with me when I go out painting but on this day I was caught without it. My daughter was in a school play that day and my wife had the camera. I was teaching a class and luckily Jane had her camera and took a few shots for me. I don't often paint from someone else's photos but I loved this shot and she was nice enough to let me borrow it for a painting.
Thanks Jane!
He puts the plow up on an old tire and it drags along behind the team. I thought that was pretty clever.
"Heading Home", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
$720. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
I always have my camera with me when I go out painting but on this day I was caught without it. My daughter was in a school play that day and my wife had the camera. I was teaching a class and luckily Jane had her camera and took a few shots for me. I don't often paint from someone else's photos but I loved this shot and she was nice enough to let me borrow it for a painting.
Thanks Jane!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Plein Air oil Painting Workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
I am now ready to register participants in my March '09 Workshop.
March 9th through 13th, will be the dates for the five day plein air landscape painting workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Photo Frank Gardner © 2008
There will probably be one other 5 day workshop scheduled for Feb or March, but I am not ready to set dates for that just yet.
I want to go ahead and start registering participants for this first class, since I know that a lot of you like to plan a trip of this sort well in advance, and there are already some people that are ready to sign up. I will announce dates for a possible second week toward the beginning of October.
Photo Frank Gardner © 2008
In the workshop my emphasis is on trying to help everyone advance to their next level.
A strong and simple value pattern is key to a successful painting, we will work on getting values correct from the start and keeping them clear throughout the painting process.
We will work on seeing color and value then mixing color using a limited palette.
Premixing colors on your palette, and choosing the best design for your composition are a few of the things that we will focus on in this workshop.
An emphasis will be on getting a strong start to your painting so you don't need to waste time reworking the design later. Accurate color mixing is key to capturing the mood of a location.
I will do several demos, but the majority of the time will be for painting and individual guidance. There will be some quick painting exercises as well as time for longer painting sessions.
I feel that a strong start is the key a successful plein air painting and we will focus a lot on "starts" as well as how to bring a good start to the desired finish.
Photo Frank Gardner © 2008
The cost of the 2009 workshop will be $530.USD.
Included in cost:
PAINTING INSTRUCTION.
DAILY TRANSPORTATION to and from the painting sites.
LUNCHES for ALL FIVE DAYS.
Any FEES needed for entrance to locations.
Each day we will be treated to a delicious meal prepared just for us by the owners of the beautiful properties where we will be painting. Past participants have always been very satisfied with what our hosts prepare for us.
The painting locations are on private property and there are always bathroom facilities available.
The painting day generally works out like this:
Pick up is around 9:30 A.M. for transportation to that days painting location.
There is either a quick demonstration or talk about the days goals and then everyone gets painting while I give one on one attention.
Break for lunch is usually around 1:30 or 2:00 P.M. depending on our painting progress.
The break for lunch lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Then everyone gets back to painting for the rest of the afternoon until around 5:00 P.M. when we will be transported back to town.
Photo Frank Gardner © 2008
This workshop focuses on landscape painting. However there are lots of painting opportunities in town as well, and you might want to consider spending a few extra days in San Miguel to explore what the town has to offer.
San Miguel has many lodging possibilities. There are many fine hotels, B&B's, apartments or houses to rent. Everyone will be responsible for their own lodging and transportation to and from San Miguel de Allende. The closest airport is in Leon, (airport code BJX), about and hour and a half ride from town. I can recommend a transportation service to shuttle you to and from the airport. Mexico City is about four hours from San Miguel by bus.
This workshop is for oil painters only. All levels are welcome, but you SHOULD HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE PAINTING ON LOCATION.
If you are interested, email me at frank@frankgardner.com with any questions or to receive the materials list.
The class size is limited to 9 or 10 participants for lots of personal attention.
For info on San Miguel and lodging visit portalsanmiguel.com
If you would like other lodging options or have any questions, email me at frank@frankgardner.com.
Please do not finalize any travel plans or lodging until you have confirmed with me that there is space available in the class.
A $200. USD deposit is required to hold your spot in the class. I will give you information on how to send a check to me once availability for your participation is confirmed. The deposit is fully refundable up to one month before the start of the workshop.
Photo Frank Gardner © 2008
March 9th through 13th, will be the dates for the five day plein air landscape painting workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Photo Frank Gardner © 2008
There will probably be one other 5 day workshop scheduled for Feb or March, but I am not ready to set dates for that just yet.
I want to go ahead and start registering participants for this first class, since I know that a lot of you like to plan a trip of this sort well in advance, and there are already some people that are ready to sign up. I will announce dates for a possible second week toward the beginning of October.
Photo Frank Gardner © 2008
In the workshop my emphasis is on trying to help everyone advance to their next level.
A strong and simple value pattern is key to a successful painting, we will work on getting values correct from the start and keeping them clear throughout the painting process.
We will work on seeing color and value then mixing color using a limited palette.
Premixing colors on your palette, and choosing the best design for your composition are a few of the things that we will focus on in this workshop.
An emphasis will be on getting a strong start to your painting so you don't need to waste time reworking the design later. Accurate color mixing is key to capturing the mood of a location.
I will do several demos, but the majority of the time will be for painting and individual guidance. There will be some quick painting exercises as well as time for longer painting sessions.
I feel that a strong start is the key a successful plein air painting and we will focus a lot on "starts" as well as how to bring a good start to the desired finish.
Photo Frank Gardner © 2008
The cost of the 2009 workshop will be $530.USD.
Included in cost:
PAINTING INSTRUCTION.
DAILY TRANSPORTATION to and from the painting sites.
LUNCHES for ALL FIVE DAYS.
Any FEES needed for entrance to locations.
Each day we will be treated to a delicious meal prepared just for us by the owners of the beautiful properties where we will be painting. Past participants have always been very satisfied with what our hosts prepare for us.
The painting locations are on private property and there are always bathroom facilities available.
The painting day generally works out like this:
Pick up is around 9:30 A.M. for transportation to that days painting location.
There is either a quick demonstration or talk about the days goals and then everyone gets painting while I give one on one attention.
Break for lunch is usually around 1:30 or 2:00 P.M. depending on our painting progress.
The break for lunch lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Then everyone gets back to painting for the rest of the afternoon until around 5:00 P.M. when we will be transported back to town.
Photo Frank Gardner © 2008
This workshop focuses on landscape painting. However there are lots of painting opportunities in town as well, and you might want to consider spending a few extra days in San Miguel to explore what the town has to offer.
San Miguel has many lodging possibilities. There are many fine hotels, B&B's, apartments or houses to rent. Everyone will be responsible for their own lodging and transportation to and from San Miguel de Allende. The closest airport is in Leon, (airport code BJX), about and hour and a half ride from town. I can recommend a transportation service to shuttle you to and from the airport. Mexico City is about four hours from San Miguel by bus.
This workshop is for oil painters only. All levels are welcome, but you SHOULD HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE PAINTING ON LOCATION.
If you are interested, email me at frank@frankgardner.com with any questions or to receive the materials list.
The class size is limited to 9 or 10 participants for lots of personal attention.
For info on San Miguel and lodging visit portalsanmiguel.com
If you would like other lodging options or have any questions, email me at frank@frankgardner.com.
Please do not finalize any travel plans or lodging until you have confirmed with me that there is space available in the class.
A $200. USD deposit is required to hold your spot in the class. I will give you information on how to send a check to me once availability for your participation is confirmed. The deposit is fully refundable up to one month before the start of the workshop.
Photo Frank Gardner © 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
"Day's End"
I tried to get the same relaxed peacefulness of the last painting.
Different colors this time, but I think the mood is similar.
"Day's End", 11" x 14" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
Different colors this time, but I think the mood is similar.
"Day's End", 11" x 14" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
"Quiet Passing"
This family with their animals passed by so quietly that I barely knew they were there.
The area is one of my favorite places to go paint. It is very quiet and peaceful, but there is always ambient noise going on in the background. Mexican countryside noise like mooing cows, barking dogs, a radio off in the distance or a passing train. It gets me in the mood to paint.
"Quiet Passing", 11" x 14" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
As a side note. This is my 100th blog post on "My Paint Box".
Thanks for being part of it with me.
Your comments count so much and make me keep going.
I have seen a saying on a few blogs that I have visited that says
" Your Comments Feed My Blog".
It is very true.
The area is one of my favorite places to go paint. It is very quiet and peaceful, but there is always ambient noise going on in the background. Mexican countryside noise like mooing cows, barking dogs, a radio off in the distance or a passing train. It gets me in the mood to paint.
"Quiet Passing", 11" x 14" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
As a side note. This is my 100th blog post on "My Paint Box".
Thanks for being part of it with me.
Your comments count so much and make me keep going.
I have seen a saying on a few blogs that I have visited that says
" Your Comments Feed My Blog".
It is very true.
Friday, August 15, 2008
"Taking it Slow"
Trying to stay simple here with a focus on the guy on the donkey and a few of the cows nearest to him. I think that if a few details are given, the eye fills in the blanks on the rest.
"Taking it Slow", 8" x 16" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"Taking it Slow", 8" x 16" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
"San Miguel from Above"
Things have been real busy around here. We are trying to wrap up a lot of projects and take care of business before we leave on our summer vacation on Thursday. Things on the blog will slow down for about three weeks. I'll try and post a few times, but it is family vacation, and we are going to try and just spend some time together and leave work behind as much as we can.
Here is my latest painting. It is a street scene looking down over San Miguel, one of my favorite views of town. It's painted from a photo I took in March, so there are a few of the purple jacarandas in there.
"San Miguel from Above", 14" x 11" oil on board, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
This time our travels will take us to Lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire to spend time with my family. We've planned a few surprises for Erin too. I'll talk about later ;o)
It has been raining SO much here this past month. Summer is our rainy season and things are really green and overgrown.
I need a little sun.
I'm not complaining mind you, we can use all of the water that we can get around here.
Here is my latest painting. It is a street scene looking down over San Miguel, one of my favorite views of town. It's painted from a photo I took in March, so there are a few of the purple jacarandas in there.
"San Miguel from Above", 14" x 11" oil on board, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
This time our travels will take us to Lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire to spend time with my family. We've planned a few surprises for Erin too. I'll talk about later ;o)
It has been raining SO much here this past month. Summer is our rainy season and things are really green and overgrown.
I need a little sun.
I'm not complaining mind you, we can use all of the water that we can get around here.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
More Commissions
These five make a set with "Nicho" from the previous post.
My clients are moving and wanted a set of four little paintings that would remind them of their house.
I tried to paint scenes that were meaningful to them, but I also wanted them to be good paintings in themselves.
With commissions, I often like to offer a choice to my clients. I am a little more comfortable if they get to choose what they like. I realize that I don't always hit them out of the park, so it gives them an option to get what they want, instead of just accepting what I paint first. So I painted six.
They liked them all.
"Arrival", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"White Roses", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"Interior Courtyard", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"Kitchen Window", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"The Bench", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
My clients are moving and wanted a set of four little paintings that would remind them of their house.
I tried to paint scenes that were meaningful to them, but I also wanted them to be good paintings in themselves.
With commissions, I often like to offer a choice to my clients. I am a little more comfortable if they get to choose what they like. I realize that I don't always hit them out of the park, so it gives them an option to get what they want, instead of just accepting what I paint first. So I painted six.
They liked them all.
"Arrival", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"White Roses", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"Interior Courtyard", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"Kitchen Window", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"The Bench", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
"Saint Paul's"
Commissions can be hard because you are dealing with trying to paint someone else's idea. Even if the clients are as easy going as mine were on these paintings, you worry if they will like what you come up with. You worry if they have an idea of what they want and you may not even come close. Do you have things that you ask or ways that you go about balancing the clients idea with your artistic integrity?
The request was to paint the local Episcopal Church, Saint Paul's. I must admit, it is not the most interesting church facade in town to paint. It is kind of an odd pink and the client did not really like pink. Aside from that, they left it to me as to size and composition.
To work out my ideas I started with several pencil studies. Just simple value plans trying to work up an interesting design.
From there, I took the one that I thought showed the most promise and did a small oil study to work out color and alter the composition just a bit. I was combining two photos to get the design I wanted. Sometimes combining two photos can be harder than just using one.
"Saint Paul's Study", 6" x 8" oil on board, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
Looking at the small study, I felt that the facade was too pink. The pink that the client did not care for, and that the whole thing needed to be warmed up a bit. My idea was to stick to cooler colors for a calming mood. so to warm it up I switched to a burnt sienna toned canvas.
By letting some of that show through, I could use the same cooler, calming colors, and achieve a warmer, more inviting result.
Thinking that some of you might be interested in how I went about this one I snapped a photo after I blocked in most of the shadow colors. There is only one light family color, the light green to the left through the branches. I tried to link most of these shadow colors into one big design with a center of interest around the doorway. There is a general mid value shadow color and a few darker accents.
"Saint Paul's" in progress, 14" x 18", Frank Gardner © 2008
Next, I cut the silhouette of the church, doorway, architectural details of the door frame, sunlit grass, sky holes in the tree, with the light family colors. I spent some time adjusting back and forth between shadow and light colors after that, but the main job was done. The tweaking was to soften edges, adjust colors, cover the tone of the canvas where it was distracting. With a canvas toned with such a strong color you have to be aware that those orange bits are going to draw attention. If they are too many left in the wrong places it can really mess you up. If you get too picky and cover too much, you've lost what you were trying to achieve by using it in the first place.
"Saint Paul's" , 14" x 18" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private collection
Here is the finished painting.
I am happy with how this one looks along side "Good Company". They may or may not hang near each other, but they are the same size and the large trees and the way they are painted tie them together nicely.
The request was to paint the local Episcopal Church, Saint Paul's. I must admit, it is not the most interesting church facade in town to paint. It is kind of an odd pink and the client did not really like pink. Aside from that, they left it to me as to size and composition.
To work out my ideas I started with several pencil studies. Just simple value plans trying to work up an interesting design.
From there, I took the one that I thought showed the most promise and did a small oil study to work out color and alter the composition just a bit. I was combining two photos to get the design I wanted. Sometimes combining two photos can be harder than just using one.
"Saint Paul's Study", 6" x 8" oil on board, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
Looking at the small study, I felt that the facade was too pink. The pink that the client did not care for, and that the whole thing needed to be warmed up a bit. My idea was to stick to cooler colors for a calming mood. so to warm it up I switched to a burnt sienna toned canvas.
By letting some of that show through, I could use the same cooler, calming colors, and achieve a warmer, more inviting result.
Thinking that some of you might be interested in how I went about this one I snapped a photo after I blocked in most of the shadow colors. There is only one light family color, the light green to the left through the branches. I tried to link most of these shadow colors into one big design with a center of interest around the doorway. There is a general mid value shadow color and a few darker accents.
"Saint Paul's" in progress, 14" x 18", Frank Gardner © 2008
Next, I cut the silhouette of the church, doorway, architectural details of the door frame, sunlit grass, sky holes in the tree, with the light family colors. I spent some time adjusting back and forth between shadow and light colors after that, but the main job was done. The tweaking was to soften edges, adjust colors, cover the tone of the canvas where it was distracting. With a canvas toned with such a strong color you have to be aware that those orange bits are going to draw attention. If they are too many left in the wrong places it can really mess you up. If you get too picky and cover too much, you've lost what you were trying to achieve by using it in the first place.
"Saint Paul's" , 14" x 18" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private collection
Here is the finished painting.
I am happy with how this one looks along side "Good Company". They may or may not hang near each other, but they are the same size and the large trees and the way they are painted tie them together nicely.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Meet Camino
Recently I was asked to paint a commission.
The first thing that I usually say when someone asks if I paint commissions is, "hmmmm, well... sometimes... It depends on what it is."
The second thing I say is, "It might take a while."
After exchanging a few emails and speaking with the clients at my gallery, we decided to meet at their place so we could further discuss what they were interested in having me paint.
I have been working on several paintings since our meeting and full time since I returned from my painting trip. I wanted to wait before posting any of them here until I had met with my clients to view the progress.
One painting was to be of their horse, Camino. He is a beautiful horse. I got to know him and we had a long photo shoot. Deciding how to portray him in one painting was hard. I decided to start with a few small paintings to get the hang of painting him.
I went for a simple design on these two with three main values. Light, mid tone and dark.
"Camino", 6" x 8" oil on board, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"Camino and Thomas", 6" x 8" oil on board, Frank Gardner © 2008
Not For Sale
Today was the first time they had seen what I had been painting. I need to have everything finished and signed before I leave for vacation next week, so I shared the paintings with them today to see if I was on the right track and to get their feedback. They really liked what I had done.
My client spoke of how much she enjoys her rides on Camino. One of the workers where she boards her horse and the ranch dogs always join her. I wanted to capture that companionship in a painting.
It is not so much a portrait of Camino like the top two. It's more of the overall feeling of the ride, the company, and the location.
"Good Company", 14" x 18" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
These three were among the paintings I brought out to show them today. They kept "Camino" and "Good Company".
"Camino and Thomas" has made its way into my daughter's growing art collection.
I have more to share with you. I'll try and get another post up tomorrow. Thanks for looking.
The first thing that I usually say when someone asks if I paint commissions is, "hmmmm, well... sometimes... It depends on what it is."
The second thing I say is, "It might take a while."
After exchanging a few emails and speaking with the clients at my gallery, we decided to meet at their place so we could further discuss what they were interested in having me paint.
I have been working on several paintings since our meeting and full time since I returned from my painting trip. I wanted to wait before posting any of them here until I had met with my clients to view the progress.
One painting was to be of their horse, Camino. He is a beautiful horse. I got to know him and we had a long photo shoot. Deciding how to portray him in one painting was hard. I decided to start with a few small paintings to get the hang of painting him.
I went for a simple design on these two with three main values. Light, mid tone and dark.
"Camino", 6" x 8" oil on board, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
"Camino and Thomas", 6" x 8" oil on board, Frank Gardner © 2008
Not For Sale
Today was the first time they had seen what I had been painting. I need to have everything finished and signed before I leave for vacation next week, so I shared the paintings with them today to see if I was on the right track and to get their feedback. They really liked what I had done.
My client spoke of how much she enjoys her rides on Camino. One of the workers where she boards her horse and the ranch dogs always join her. I wanted to capture that companionship in a painting.
It is not so much a portrait of Camino like the top two. It's more of the overall feeling of the ride, the company, and the location.
"Good Company", 14" x 18" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
These three were among the paintings I brought out to show them today. They kept "Camino" and "Good Company".
"Camino and Thomas" has made its way into my daughter's growing art collection.
I have more to share with you. I'll try and get another post up tomorrow. Thanks for looking.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
"The Rogue and the Misfit"
'The Rogue and the Misfit" was one of the paintings I posted while I was on my painting trip. I made a few adjustments before I framed it up that are worth showing. The color in the photo is a little more accurate also. I re-posted the original photo again so you can compare them both.
"The Rogue and The Misfit", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
$720. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
"The Rogue and The Misfit" before adjustments, Frank Gardner © 2008
There was no need to change much, but a few small adjustments in the right spots can make a world of difference sometimes.
Notice the slight difference in the black rigging on the back of the blue boat, the "Rogue". You can compare the position and angles to the piling of the pier, which was not adjusted. There were a few adjustments made to the buildings and trees on the left side as well. The blue barrels on the right side of the pier had a shadow color added and the "Rogue" also was darkened just a bit in the shadow. I may have drawn a crisper white line along the stern on the far side of the "Misfit" too.
I have been working on studies for some commission paintings, but I am not ready to post any of that just yet. Hopefully in the next day or two I can show you some of what I am working on.
"The Rogue and The Misfit", 8" x 10" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
$720. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
"The Rogue and The Misfit" before adjustments, Frank Gardner © 2008
There was no need to change much, but a few small adjustments in the right spots can make a world of difference sometimes.
Notice the slight difference in the black rigging on the back of the blue boat, the "Rogue". You can compare the position and angles to the piling of the pier, which was not adjusted. There were a few adjustments made to the buildings and trees on the left side as well. The blue barrels on the right side of the pier had a shadow color added and the "Rogue" also was darkened just a bit in the shadow. I may have drawn a crisper white line along the stern on the far side of the "Misfit" too.
I have been working on studies for some commission paintings, but I am not ready to post any of that just yet. Hopefully in the next day or two I can show you some of what I am working on.
Friday, June 20, 2008
"Rock Harbor Pair"
This was the first painting that I did on my trip to the Cape.
These two boats were tied up in Rock Harbor, in Orleans.
The day started out nice enough, but clouded up fast and got pretty windy. The tide was going out and dropped pretty fast.
For me at least.
Not used to that.
The light totally changed on me when the rain clouds moved in from behind me. I almost chased it but caught myself doing it and managed to hold onto the light of the earlier, sunnier skies.
"Rock Harbor Pair", 11" x 14" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
$950. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
These two boats were tied up in Rock Harbor, in Orleans.
The day started out nice enough, but clouded up fast and got pretty windy. The tide was going out and dropped pretty fast.
For me at least.
Not used to that.
The light totally changed on me when the rain clouds moved in from behind me. I almost chased it but caught myself doing it and managed to hold onto the light of the earlier, sunnier skies.
"Rock Harbor Pair", 11" x 14" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
$950. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)