Archive for March, 2009
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
 Schoharie Valley, Watercolor Sketch Painted Using My Cotman Travel Box This watercolor sketch was done using the Cotman Sketchers’ Pocket Box (there are many other brands out there - I would suggest checking around for the type that suits you best). I find this travel set very handy to keep with me just in case I get the opportunity to do a quick watercolor sketch while away from my “studio.”
This Sketchers’ Pocket Box comes with a small pocket brush, twelve half pans of paint, is small, portable and light weight. The only additional supplies you’ll need are a piece of paper or sketchbook, a papertowel (for blotting) and water.
While the pallet that comes in this set may not include all of your favorite colors, it has what you need to paint the essence of your subject and record enough information to take back to the studio for your final painting. Sometimes using a very limited pallet, such as this, forces you to experiment with color combinations you wouldn’t otherwise try.
I will likely paint this piece using my regular pallet and full range of brushes back in my “studio,” and perhaps add some cows for interest.
Side Note: My studio is really a small upstairs bedroom that I’ve claimed for painting. I would recommend staking a claim on some small corner to paint. A place that will allow you to leave works-in-progress out and ready for your return.
Tags: color study, landscapes, watercolor painting
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Monday, March 30th, 2009
 "Early Changes", Original Watercolor Painting I wanted to share, with you, some watercolor paintings I’ve done over the past year or so. This particular piece was painted last summer on 300 lb. Arches Cold Press watercolor paper. Since I have a full-time job that keeps me quite busy Monday through Friday, I can rarely paint en plein air (which is a French expression meaning “in the open air” used to describe painting outdoors). I will typically take a series of reference photos including several shots of the entire scene from a distance. I’ll then snap lots of close ups, using my cameras zoom feature, of buildings, animals and other features where I may need more visual information once I begin painting. I’m mindful of the lighting and if I happen to get one of those days where the sunlight is dancing, I’ll take lots of pictures (gotta love the digital format) and wait for the perfect lighting situation. Some of these images can be used later in other pieces when I might need an interesting pattern of shadows or a particular cloud formation.This intersection is near my home and on the way to the grocery store when we take the “high road.” The hint of autumn along with the dramatic shadows was exciting and I couldn’t wait to paint the scene. When you find an inspiring subject or scene, become committed to doing your best interpretation. Be sure to give yourself permission to paint or draw your inspiration as many times as it takes to convey your personal message. Remember all this is made easier if you do your “homework” and have a value sketch and color study prepared first. Happy painting!
Tags: watercolor painting
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Sunday, March 29th, 2009
 Me, Bet (my Sis) and Conrad! My brother-in-law, Conrad, asked me yesterday, “If you had six-months to live how would you spend your time?” My quick (and now I realize superficial) response was, “I’d paint.” After this weekend spent with some family and friends to celebrate and welcome Gracie into our family, I want to go on record and change my response. For me it’s all about spending time with people you love. That’s the long and short of it. Don’t get me wrong, I love to paint and do creative things, it brings me to a place of serenity that I treasure, but time spent with people I love surpasses all else.
If you’ve been following my blog you may know that I am the mother of grown twin sons, Jonathan and Michael, and recently became a grandmother for the first time - lovely, little, lively Grace Margaret. Gracie and her parents (Mikey & Kathy) live a few hours away so we make an effort to gather every few months. This is their second trip Upstate and during their first visit we weren’t able to introduce Gracie to her Upstate relatives and friends. So this time I wanted to make the introductions official by gathering some treasured family and friends to make welcome.
 That's Grace! It was a fun day with laughter, animated conversation, good food and Grace, our newest family member. What a joyous celebration. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my day any other way. Just hanging out with my peeps!
Tags: Family, family values
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
 - Jack, 1950, Maze Road Ranch
There’s a man in my life, not my husband, and I love him very much. He’s an older gentleman, loves his family, is a golfing fanatic and enjoys a really good glass of wine from time-to-time (and it’s time)!
When we met 53 years, 4 months and 29 days ago, though I don’t remember for sure, I suspect I knew he was a keeper the moment we were introduced. This man is handsome, hardworking, funny and master of the pun. When I think of him some words come to mind – one-of-a-kind, loving and insightful.
Let me introduce you to my Dad, a/k/a, Daddy, Pa, Fred and Jack, born this day in 1932. Happy Birthday, Pa!
Born second eldest in a family of seven brothers and one sister, he learned early on that big families are a place where love abounds and laughter carries the day. Maybe that’s why he himself created a big family – loud and loving. That’s one theory anyway. Think what you will, I’m going with that one. That’s my father, a frisky family guy.
Daddy was born and raised in California. He grew into a fine young man – handsome, strapping and strong. He avoided the draft by enlisting in the Navy (great avoidance tactic) and was stationed on an aircraft carrier off the coast of Korea from 1951 till 1953. That’s my father, a man of action and courage.
 - That’s us, 1965 with Pa looking a little overwhelmed (understandably so) - Ma is Picture Taker
He met and married a brown-eye beauty in 1953. This woman would become my mother and the mother of all my siblings (one sister and three brothers). Pa would move his family from Seattle to Huntsville, Alabama and then to Upstate New York where 80 percent of us now reside (20 percent in Colorado). That’s my father, an adventurer.
Pa is a dreamer and a man of action so it came as no surprise when my father bought into a business that would employ almost every member of the family at one time or another. I remember well when I started working at All-Lifts. Instructions were - Daddy is Fred at the office. Oh how hard it was to call him “Fred” back then. I’m back to calling him Pa these days and that suits me as I was never completely comfortable with “Fred.” I’m much more a Daddy’s girl. That’s my father, an entrepreneur.
My father is groovy! I remember when we were in high school, one of his favorite songs was In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly. We’d play it often and loud just for Daddy. He’s a chess champ, a “Super-duper Dewey Hamburger” maker and a friend’s friend - maintaining old friendships with true commitment (and the help of my mother).
Honestly, I hit the Jackpot when I chose my Father. He’s the gold standard and I’m luckiest gal around. Happy Birthday Pa! I love you.
 Pa & Ma (Conrad & Bet in Rear)
Tags: Family, Rainey's Favorite Things
Posted in Day-to-Day, Rainey's Favorites | 4 Comments »
Sunday, March 22nd, 2009
 Finished Faux Project! I finished the first phase of my faux painting project! I painted clouds throughout the room on the ceiling and three butterflies over my Granddaughter Grace’s crib. I’ll be adding more “stuff” a little later on, but am finished for now. I used Aqua-Oil paint for the butterflies. These are oil paints with soap and water cleanup and no fumes. I just started using oils paints a year or so ago. I hadn’t painted with oil since high school and I can assure that was quite sometime ago. I typically use traditional oils, but for this project I thought I’d try the aqua-oils. Time will tell if they hold up. I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t. I was never a fan of acrylics, so the aqua-oils are a good substitute for this project.
 Butterfly Detail Right now the butterflies are quite wet. As soon as they dry a bit I’ll go back in and sharpen up the details and maybe add a few more butterflies. It will be nice for Grace to have something to look at when she’s in her crib at Grandma’s house other than a blank ceiling.
I’m pleased with this project for a few reasons. First, I tackled a pretty large project and completed it. It’s given me confidence to tackle the rest of our upstairs bedrooms and take them back from the “Tacky Wallpaper Gods. Secondly, this project took a few weeks to complete, but I persevered. I can’t say that at some points I didn’t feel a little overwhelmed, but slow and steady won the day. And finally, this room was transformed with a relatively small amount of money and a lot of hard work. It feels good, I’m pleased.
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Tags: Faux Painting
Posted in Art Talk, Day-to-Day | 3 Comments »
Saturday, March 21st, 2009
I didn’t spend much time outside today in spite of the fact that it was a beautiful day. I’ve got my painting project underway and want to get it finished this weekend. I did get the rest of the room painted and it’s ready for the faux clouds, which I’ll be doing tomorrow.
Since I’m painting over wallpaper, there was a lot of prep before the actual painting could begin. The first step in the prep process was to use a sealant on the wallpaper, I then removed the seams, spackled, sanded and finally painted. The sealant stunk to the high heavens and after a week there was still a strong odor. I checked online and found an unlikely suggestion - slice an onion in half and leave it in the room to absorb the odor. Sure enough it worked. Amazing.
I had checked online for some faux painting (cloud) tips before I started painting the clouds on the first half of the ceiling last weekend. Very helpful. I used a sponge to apply the white paint over a very light blue base and then softened the edges with a fluffy brush. I applied several layers of white softening each time and letting each application of white to dry between layers.
I like it, much better than before. It definitely opened up a room with extremely slanted ceilings. Now instead of a claustrophobic feeling there’s a sense of space while you gaze at the “sky.” Much better. It’s amazing what a coat or two of paint will do.
I’ll share a pic with you tomorrow once it’s done.
Tags: Faux Painting
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Getting Ready for Grace
Friday, March 27th, 2009Who's Getting a Bath?!
Wow, I almost forgot to check in. I took today off from work to get ready for tomorrow when Mike, Kathy and Grace will be coming for an overnight visit. I’m glad to have finished the faux clouds on the bedroom ceiling and butterflies over Grace’s crib last weekend. Today was spent cleaning, grocery shopping and more cleaning. Our country home tends to get a bit messy (that’s an understatement), particularly Sunday through Saturday. Yup, all the time. We’ve got a dirty dog, two hairy cats and a gravel walkway. I’m very happy since I got my Dyson - it does a rockin job helping me keep this place clean!
We’ve got a little celebration planned for tomorrow afternoon to introduce Grace to her Upstate New York relatives and friends. Luckily Tom likes to cook and is pretty good at it, so he prepared much of the food in advance while I did the cleaning.
Oh yeah, I got another article accepted at EzineArticles! Cool! The article is entitled, “Everyone Has Something to Say.” Check it out when you get a minute. It did take an extra round of edits before it was accepted. I’m learning.
I’m sorry to keep this post so short, but I still need to wash the dog and make potato salad that needs to marinade overnight. It’s a great recipe that my Aunt Agnes always made, easy and delicious. Let me know if you want the recipe. Anyway. . . . better get going for now.
Tags: Add new tag, Commentary, Family, family values
Posted in Day-to-Day | 1 Comment »