Too busy to post? Ah, the retired life . . .

When I would have time for EVERY THING. I have to say it, mother was right.
Well, here are a couple of things:

Neckline embroidery completed

Kirtle hem embroidery, one triangle to go, seam guarding done.

Did I show you this already? The neckline is finished, as are the pocket slits, the hem (above), the seam guarding and all, but the front placket, eeck! All those eyelets. So I decided on some little round bronze buttons I got a long time ago, and a fake placket down the front. Now where did I put those buttons. BTW, where do I keep my buttons?

Then I found the most wonderfully reasonable linen source "down the coast." I have become a linen junky. Fortunately I already had enough light weight white linen to make a chemise/shift/chainse/ well lets just call it a slip. (Use your imagination, it doesn't take a very exciting photo.)

At this new source I found some hanky weight Autumn Gold linen to make a new kirtle with long sleeves that can also function as an undergown. More later on that. My focus has been things I can wear when it's hot to SCA events.

Now that other thing I do:

Redwood - Work in progress, watercolor

I needed to paint a redwood tree. Well, now there are little studies of redwoods all over the house, on the corners of letters and bills, magazines, scratch paper and sketch and drawing paper. They kept getting bigger and bigger, I couldn't even keep them on the page! Above is an early version of the final one. They are a California native, why haven't I painted these more? Anyway, here is the final version, of course it won't fit on my scanner:

Redwood giant - watercolor

So, fortunately my nephew found me a FedEx place that will scan it for me. The above is a photo of it. Today I visit FedEx and scan this and email it out! Oh yeah, did you know that giant redwoods have one of the smallest cones?

Average pine cone

Normal pine tree cone above.

Comparison with redwood cone - watercolor

Comparison of normal pine cone (bottom) and redwood cone (top). Nature is amazing!

Now wasn't that fun? I think I'll put on my kirtle and go out plein air painting. My family knows I'd do it, too.

Time for en plein air again,

Sunol Regional - Little Yosemite

This was to be a meet up with some plein air painting friends, but, since I am a declared weather wimp, I bowed out. Well, it became a popular decision when it hit 104 F, and the Park had some major maintenance with big machinery. So, hopefully it will be in the 80's in a few more days and we can get out there to try again.
I took this photo on a sort of scouting expedition earlier in the year as the rains stopped. It's from a narrow dirt road up on the side of the canyon, looking across at this big. . . rock.

New Tools, New models

I'm Baa-aack! I was house-sitting (and kitty-sitting) this last week. It was an opportunity to try out some new tools I bought (Moleskin 5X8 journal, Tombow Dual pens, Faber-Castell 8 set). Everybody was right about the Moleskin journal, no bleed through, good quality, handy size.

It is quite a while since I had the extended opportunity to sketch kitties from life, and I tried to make the most of it. These two are older, so they slept a lot, also very good for me. Most of the pictures probably look like balls of fur. If I got the fur right. The 1st ones are raggedy looking because I was finding my way with the new pens and getting to know Miss Rusty Ginger and Mr. Bubby the calico.
So here they are, the "all-levels" attempts"

My first attempt with the Tombow Dual pens. I didn't try the "blending" bit just yet, I was trying to get familiar with the kitties at this time. Miss Ginger is the rusty one, Mr. Bubby is the calico. I did him with the Faber-Castell pens, trying different sizes and tips.

 These two are Bubby napping. One is the early morning nap and the other is the mid-morning nap. I know, it's hard to tell sometimes.
These are water colors done at the kitchen table looking toward the backyard through the windows.

This could also be titled "Elevenses with Bubby" the tea cup lives on the window sill, but it looks a little like a tea break, right? Bubby is sweet and plump and loves to be petted, he also knows where the light shows him off at his best!

 This is Miss G on her favorite pillow in the living room. She is a tiny lady who was rescued. She had belonged to some neighbors that moved. As I understand it, they didn't abandon her, she got out and they couldn't find her, eventually they had to go. She tried living wild for a while, but it wasn't working out. Finally she was pretty frazzled and my friend was able to lure her in and adopt her. She checked out as still healthy, just in a bad state, and she has been coddled and petted until she is doing quite well now in her new home. She still likes to play, which exasperates Bubby a bit because he seems to feel beyond that sort of thing.
This is also with the Tombow Dual pens, using an aqua brush pen to blend and soften. I think I'm getting the hang of it somewhat.

This is a watercolor also done at the kitchen table. No cats this time, I was trying for the florals and this oval watering can. It was a gorgeous sunny day and the house was full of light.

Here are some more studies of Miss G with the Tombow pens. Origianlly I hadn't tried any blending with these but went back later and played with it a little. These poses were on the large round dog bed as she drifted off to cat-nap land.

 Two more of Bubby with the Fabe-Castell pens, no blending. He is a black and white calico so it works pretty well. I may come back and add the delicate pink inside the ears.

The same medium again. The eyes are surrounded with black, not white, but I was concerned about getting it too dark and losing the location of the eyes. For this it might be good to have some of the gray pens for hi-lights.

This is two studies. Bubby is one, of course, and the other is a potted plant in the living room. I didn't want to waste the page and I had no cats in view at the moment. These were the new .30 rapidograph.

Bubby Sleeping

 This was the Rapidograph too. I had a .25 I was learning to use. I loved it and treated it right. Except if you drop it and it land point first on the floor, there is no recovering it. The point broke off. My Bad. So I ordered this one and started in sketching right away. I got the whole shoott'n match too, the right ink, the disk for disassembling and the cleaning kit. It's worth it. I love this pen. The .30 is not noticeably larger in sketching than the .25, but it tends to scratch the paper less. Or I am learning how to use it better. Take your pick. Either way I LOVE IT.

 This is Miss G sleeping again on her favorite pillow up on the back of a chair. It's the new Rapidograph, of course. There is something calming about a sleeping cat. Miss G seems like a kitten because she is so small, but she is actually very much a mature cat. I refuse to say "old."

Studies of both

Here are both of them on the same page. I drew her on her throne-pillow, then there was plenty of room to do another of Bubby, too.

It was a great week, and plenty of time to practice on drawing from life. The pictures started out a bit ragged, but I was getting more pleased with them by the end of the week. It was sunny all that week, but this week is rainy, so I can't go out for the plein air dates I have on my calendar. However, after these rains the country side will be wonderfully green for a bit, and I hope to be painting outside a LOT!

More pictures next time

Sorry about this, I'm in withdrawal. I'm out of town for a bit and sans scanner. It's really odd to realize how much I use the thing!

Carquinez Straits W.I.P.

Here is something I've been working on that I don't think I've uploaded yet. Probably because it's not finished. It's a 6X8 oil and I need to redo the little bridge on the side of the hill plus so many other things. I've ordered three new brushes in smaller sizes because I can't seem to get some of the smaller lines right, especially on architectural elements. Or something? As for the twin shadows under the big white bridge? If you aren't from around here, that's what it looks like. If you are, pretend you didn't see it!

Presidents Day!

South Pasadena

Well, I guess I haven't done any presidential sketching or painting. Here I was thinking it could be interesting to find pictures of the great composers and conductors from the early twentieth century, like Toscanini, Rachmaninoff, ones who have actual photo's, and sketch from the photos. Old photos can often have strong contrast and these people usually have interesting faces. I completely forgot about presidents. Or was I avoiding? teddy was interesting, as were most of the Roosevelt's. Most were not interesting to look at. They lack the fire you get in composers and conductors. I should have some evidence of this claim inserted right here, but I haven't done the actual research yet!

On PBS last night was a Doc about Prince Phillip at 90. I was surprised at how interesting it was. No offense meant. I knew Churchill was quite a painter, I had no idea Phillip had an artistic side. They didn't show much, they probably never will, but what I saw was good. Churchill's style was like him, flamboyant, colorful, and Phillip's is his own, realistic, detailed, and good too.

Now that I think about it, I paint rather more like Phillip. Not what I wanted to realize. I love color, and there were times in my life when I was wild with it! Now I will do a painting twice sometimes, accurate first, to get familiar with the subject, and then I go back and let loose. Well, I let some what loose. It's coming. And now for something completely colorless. I pulled out the sketch book I've been carrying around for a bit and finally scanned some of the pictures:

 I've been trying out two new pens and they don't have waterproof ink, hence no color.
This is, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. The Bay Bridge is in such a state right now, I haven't wanted to sketch it.

Then below is one I did on a Friday afternoon on my way back from RFB&D. It's Coyote Hills Regional Park. There are acres of marsh, cattails, marsh grasses, reminiscent of way back when Concord had marshes.

 A lot of the time, whenever I get the chance, I sketch at Lake Elizabeth in Fremont. This is one of the sights, some how the birds standing around looking bored near the "Lake Closed" sign seemed very worth a picture.

 Another day at Lake Elizabeth but with a storm coming in fast. I had to go sit in the car to get this one, it was already sprinkling where I was sitting.

 Ah, lunch out! I splurged at Texas Roadhouse. A "rugged" looking place. It's a little loud there, no soft surfaces to absorb sound. The peanuts are good and so are the steaks.

At Lake Elizabeth again. There was a variety of water fowl there, and some I couldn't identify. So I drew them all and checked on line. The main mystery bird was the American Coot. (@#*$) Sorry, I start chuckling every time. I guess I didn't know there really was a "coot" aside from the "old Coot" I'd heard all my life.
There was also that great crooked tree!

Follow up from yesterday (Snoopy Dance)

Legacy, Thanks Mom 4X4 acrylic

Yee-haw! (left over from my Texas life) everything and body woke up fine this morning, including the printer! I'm a cookin'!

 Ah, now I'm back from computer concerns, this weekend was a plein air paint out at the Sunol Wilderness this Saturday. Since it's in my area, I've painted there before. It's a wonderful place, but you aren't allowed to park along the road that has the great views. You are welcome to hike there. Let me think...no thanks. Sometime, when I have a lighter rig. Well, when I'm lighter too, and in better shape. It can get really HOT there in the Summer, but amazingly, after several days in the 90's and above, suddenly it cooled off to the 70's. Alas, I couldn't make it that day, so I went there after church and a visit to the Apple Store geniuses, and ended up taking lots of pictures. Results to come.

The little picture above was a Challenge from Daily Paint Works to paint the tools of the trade. My mom was a painter (violinist, singer, pianist etc) and I have some of her old paints and things. Since they are in metal tubes and are well used they are more "picturesque" than the newer ones. One even has the old, faded price sticker on it. It was an interesting challenge to get the modeling of all those folds and creases, and the lettering. Ever heard of Pictor paint? This was probably purchased in Southeast Asia. It's still viable, though. Thanks Mom!

Independence Day!

This is a Work-in-Progress, there wasn't even a set up for it. Or as one art instructor I know says "OH," or out of my head. Hmmm, that can fit more than one way.

American Color

 This is an 8X8 watercolor in honour of the Fourth. In all honesty, the flag drape probably looks improbable because it's pure imagination, as is the rest. The colors need to be more intense and the shapes firmed up. Looking at it this morning, with at least a little "distance" from it, I can see the lesson again that it is better to simplify, ie. do a few things well rather than a lot of things poorly. Ah, yes, it's brimming with mediocrity!
No, No, my fans and friends, don't say it

*crickets, crickets*

Oh, you didn't say it, so . . .  Anyway, that's why I'm considering it a WIP. Excuses: I was at the dining room table and grabbed some not-so-good watercolors that were nearby and started painting in and amongst the hot dogs. Remedies:

1. Keep better quality watercolors to hand.

2. Do more preliminary sketches.

3. Actually drape some fabric, if not the flag, then something with stripes.

4. GO TO THE STUDIO, THAT'S WHY YOU HAVE IT instead of more living space.

5. Be Prepared (Girl Scout Motto) Ah yes, this lesson, over and over and over and over and over, it must be learned.

Horses or My Little Pony

Now this one. This was a picture of some mustangs I found on the web. When I was a young girl I drew horses incessantly. This surprises few people. Even at that age, though, they came out looking more like mustangs than (sigh) My Little Pony. (This is sooo embarassing) No excuses, I need practice. I'll have to find out who the photographer is, I wouldn't want them freaking out. Somehow I've got to figure out a way to make the lower jaw of the sorrel lighter, right now it disappears into her back.

Seaside visit

This is about 5X7 and is here along the Pacific Coast. The rocks came out pretty good, I was surprised, I've been practicing (self-satisfied smile). Now it is all too evident that it's time to work on surf too. This needs planning. To do surf right, it takes masquing, and to do that right takes sketching, which means pre-par-a-tion. Oh yeah, that.

I still like the rocks.

My Pochade Box

Summer is here like gangbusters. Time for more plein air painting! This is my barely broken in Pochade box from Guerilla Painter.  There was no picture on the top, but it just cried out for one so, hence the butterfly. Then varnishe to protect the picture. This pochade is pretty neat, this is the "thumbox" model, and yes, there is a hole you can open in the bottom so you can put your thumb up through it to hold the box steady while you paint with the other hand. Something I have not mastered yet. I need more hands. And more forearm strength. Fortunately, these clever people also put a bracket on the bottom so you can screw it on to any camera tripod and you can have your hand back! Yahoo! Santa, I need a better tripod. The one I have works, but it can't be tilted at the top. No, I'm not spoilt, you've got almost 6 months.

Ah! the sun is out, the birds are singing, the Liquitex is packed in the pochade box, it's time to paint. The dishes (vacuuming, dusting, mopping, laundry, mowing, sweeping, pruning etc) will get done later. Ur, Uh, sometime.

How about a run to the Coast! It's an opportunity to practice painting surf. What good girl I am!

Painting daily, need to post more often!

China Orchids, watercolor 6X8

The warm weather is beginning, and with it the plein air painting. The rains seem to have ceased, and there have been meet-ups for painting in the open. The French easel gave me quite a pinch last time, but I won, it set up just fine. As soon as I download the pictures from the camera, there will be "WIP" pictures.
In the mean time this little watercolor is actually of two porcelain orchids belonging to a friend. They were lovely with a matte finish, and delicately painted.

The plein air season has begun!

Last Saturday was my first genuine Plein Air Paintout. Courtesy of the East Bay Regional Parks, we were at Coyote Hills. What a lovely group, so many excellent painters. Mine looked like it was done by a school kid. It helped me learn a lot. Above is the view from where I was painting.

Here is about 9AM (We started at 8AM, well most of us) The light was changing gradually, but the water changed constantly, and always looked better than before. Have to pick a version a go with it!

In avoiding a decision, more reeds went in as well as the tower from Cal State Hayward way, way in the back. Starting to put in some shadows now in the water. Need to mix a deeper green, nothing comes out dark enough. It's all coming out medium to light values. BLAH!      

Getting toward noon, time for judging. Working on the water and reflections. Time to buy some really dark green oil paint. There is some veridian at home, but I seldom use it, may be with some white mixed in it will work for the sage on the left! Still mostly medium values, somewhat accurate, but not interesting. The park ranger kept coming by, he loved it. We can always use supportive fans!
  

This may look odd, but the top one is the plein air, with a little more work on it this week, including bug and leaf removal, it got windy. After looking at all the great stuff the real pro's did I was inspired to give some techniques a shot. The bottom one was done about half with the palette knife. It was the only way I could think of to loosen up, get more vivid, and not get so buried in the detail. I wanted to put a big tree on the right in the foreground, but I didn't have the nerve. I did put in the Canadian goose that was hanging around. There was also a bumble bee that visited me a few times that morning! I hadn't seen one since I lived in England! what a treat!

This is for a friend. She wants something pink for the bedroom, and watercolor takes constant practice, so I thought I'd try this for her. Sort of a semi-permanent lend. It needs a little more deep pink in the center and something more interesting done with the negative space in the upper left. Watercolor is very calming...when it isn't totally exasperating!

Current acrylic on the ole easel, a still life I set up in the studio. The blue bottle turned into a blue jar. The golden yellow table cloth under the white scarf had to go. Thanks to this photo, I noticed a perspective problem with the green jug. That fruit could use a little tuck here and there too. On the whole though, I think I will like it. The strange brown blotch by the grapes is a grape leaf, OK?

Today was a plein air session at Stowe Lake in Golden Gate Park with the California Art Club. Sorry I missed it, I just didn't have the gas to get there. Next time!

Ah Spring, A couple of warm days and I'm smiling!

After a recording stint the other day I treated myself to a restaurant lunch at The Fish Market. It was such a beautiful day and I got a table right on the water! Fortunately my Winsor & Newton pocket watercolor set came in with me in a little green nylon bag. However, the results were mixed. I did the view twice. I used my little view finder very briefly because it was too difficult to keep using it without drawing a lot of attention, but it did help. The watercolor version was abysmal, althought the waiter loved it:
(well, I just tried to put the image of the watercolor version HERE, and it went to the top. How do other people get pictures where they want them?)


Anyway, then I did a quick pen and ink. It may have come out better because after the painting the watercolor the scene was more familiar and it made it easier. (I'll try to put the pen and ink here:)

Well? Howcum that worked and the other didn't? Sheesh.

Anyway, that's how I celebrated the coming of Spring! Next Saturday is a plein air Paint Out in a local park. You can register for two start times 6:30AM (to get the sunrise) and the one for sane people at 8:AM. I am the latter, thank you very much! Although it would be a treat to paint the sunrise, I know myself too well.
It's odd though, they will be having a judging at about noon. A bit early. All entries must be framed or be gallery wrapped canvas. ?? That pretty well eliminates watercolor doesn't it? Unless there are some remarkably prepared artists out there with frame selections in their cars. Hmmm. Nope, not me.

Fortunately, knowing myself as I do, I am going for the experience and fun of it, and if I come up with something viewable, great! This will be the first road test of my Christmas present, the Monet Traveling French Easel. It has attached wheels and a telescoping handle.

Late last night I thought I was going to bed, but I found myself sitting at the easel with an oil still life on which I've been working. The new Charvin oils had arrived and they needed to be tested, right? So, some of the shadows are better, the leaf I didn't like because it looked like a plastic leaf (well, it was) was turned into a lime and a couple of citrus leaves. Better (IMHO). Fortunately, at that easel is a floor standing Ott light from my needle work equipment so working after dark is not so bad. Actually, I like to never got to bed! The lime needs some dimpling though.
My thoughts and love are with the people of Japan, land where I was born, and remembering:
"The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea."  There is no good that is beyond the power and scope of God, Father and Mother of us all, and he cares for us all, even as "the lilies of the field."