monday...

We returned home last night after a not very

profitable weekend.  Set up was Saturday morning
at 5am.  Yes I said 5AM!  So at 4:45am we were in
line to get our space.  We showed until 7pm, that's a
14 hour day outside.  Back in our hotel by 8pm and
sleeping by 9!  Sunday there was an artist breakfast
(bagels and coffee) at 8am and we showed till
5pm, a long hard pack up, 2 hour drive home walking in
the door by 9pm. While a first year show,  it had
seasoned promoters.  A great set of professional artists
and a good location just no people.  Very low crowds.

I got up early this morning and took a bike ride.  Linda
woke up with an idea of scrubbing the tent and tarps.
I mean scrubbing, front and back with little Mr Clean
scrubbies.  Thankfully our helper Lori was her scrubbing
buddie, they worked 4 solid hours.  My tent never looked
so clean!  Although we may need to chat that a clean tent
does not equal better sales!  When she is frustrated she cleans!!
Guess there could be worse habits...

Meanwhile my farm commission is on hold.
My client has a lot of changes and poor photos
so we are having a meeting this weekend to go
over things.  Track season finishes this week.
I had a meet tonight. Boys and Girls won.
Boys are 6-1 and Girls are 5-2!  Not bad.
Several of my good runners are ineligible due to
grades which is so sad at this time of the season. 
Thursday is our final Leagues meet.

Thursday check in

Last night I framed my commission and I must

say it looks great.  I think my clients are going to
love it.  I just have to show it off one more time.

We are both still coughing and I would say Linda
is only a pinch better.  But the show must go on...
I leave tomorrow for a new show in Rockville, MD
A-RTS Rockville Town Square Arts Festival
May 4 & 5
located on the streets of Rockville Town Square,
Rockville, Maryland
My space is #236 on E. Middle Lane
Saturday, May 4, 2013 11am-7pm
Sunday, May 5, 2013 10am-5pm
FREE!

Finished commission



I brought a bad cold home from my track kids last week
and after being super careful I still gave it to Linda.
We battled it and lost.  So Monday we went to the
doctor for meds.  Day 3 of meds and the cough is still
nasty and Linda sorta has her voice back.  There was a
lot of whispering going on!

Monday I finished my commission.  The frame came
today so I need to cut a mat.  It looks great.  I am very
happy with it.  Today I started my next commission
which is a family farm.  After they approve the drawing
I will share it.

This watercolor is 22x30"  The space is already picked
out where it will hang.

more on the commission...

Still not over this nasty cold and now Linda
is coughing.

I painted till midnight last night, I wanted
to get most of the next shelf completed.
I started with the background washes.  And
worked on the spice box.  The box belongs to
my client so it is important that piece looks
good!

Building the back and starting the plate.

Adding depth, and working on the jug.

commission work...

I really do not know where all my time is going.
Now I am sounding like Linda!  I have had my nose
into this painting every free moment.  It truly is a
slow build.  Meanwhile...
I had a show in NJ on Saturday and worked on a
painting for myself as a demonstration.
I picked up a bad cold from my track kids and still
have it today...5 days
Sunday morning  I painted and in the afternoon
we went antiquing.  Linda was looking for a cabinet
but did not find the perfect one.
Monday I painted, Tuesday I painted and had a track meet.
Both boys and girls won!  Today I painted and had
track practice.  Meanwhile Linda brought her Mom home!
So we are figuring out a whole new schedule with Mom.
I plan to go back to my painting tonight.

This is the middle shelf about half way.

Middle shelf finished! 

shelf completed...

This is the result of painting several hours last night
and this morning...


















The first shelf is completed!

I took a break and planted two shrubs for Linda
while she brought her Mom home for a home
evaluation.  Looks like Mom will be able to come
home next week, with some help.
I have a track meet and a VORP Banquet tonight.

more on the commission...

I painted till late last night and all day today.
Slowly building my colors, wash over wash.
It seems like I should be able to go right to
the color I want but I think that is what makes
my work so different.  My under washes glow
through the top washes giving a depth you cannot
get any other way.  With experience and lots of
practice I know what colors to mix to build up the
values I want.

 

More layers of wash, totally dry between layers.
I am adding the texture to the shelves.

 

 

Deepening the shadows in the corner, and
making the apples look real!

 

Had to stop for track and a quick run
to Esbenshades Greenhouse, Linda wanted to
"look around" at the new plants.
Back to painting tonight. 

Working on a commission...

I am spending every free moment on my latest
commission.  After a few study pieces, and an approved
sketch I was ready for the drawing.  This is a full
sheet watercolor.  Again up my alley, shaker items!
The drawing took several days, remember I draw free
hand and the drawing needs to be perfect, it is my guide.
Here is the drawing on the watercolor paper (click to enlarge)

 

It may not look like much but there is a full
day of washes on the left side.

I am starting the yellow delicious apples.

 

 

I cannot lie, it has been hectic here. Both Linda and
I are looking rather tired!
I had a big track meet on Saturday (ELCO 22 teams,
our boys took 2nd and our girls 6th .) while Linda spent the day
at her desk.  Sunday I painted while Linda was in
the garden. Oh... I also took the tarp down from around the
studio porch and put up the swing, a sure sign it is spring! 
Monday I painted  and Linda was with her Mom. 
Today was my turn with my Mom and then a track meet
in the afternoon.  (Ephrata -  our boys lost girls won)
Linda's brother was here to remove the storm door
and put in a step for when Mom comes home to make it
easier to get into her apartment.  Bombergers were here,
we are finally getting a new floor put into our bathroom
(not finished yet!) so the hammering continued all day!

 

2013 Still Life #16

4"x 6" original watercolor
$100.00 (unframed + $8 shipping)
Goes to the first person to email or call.
Available till Friday 4/12 at 7PM
then the price goes to $225!   SOLD!

A simple straw hat hanging on a shaker peg.

I spent most of yesterday working on my
drawing for my commission.  Then had a
track meet with Cocalico.  Boys won but girls lost.
Today I spent the morning on this painting
and afternoon back to my big drawing.
I draw everything by hand so it takes time.
I think I will need to work on it tonight.  I will
share it after I have permission!

2013 Still Life #15

6"x 4" original watercolor

$225

I spent a bit of my morning watching my tree's

demise trying to paint in between.  Did my days
blog.  3:00 track practice and tonight I am
drawing my commission.  A full day.

 

The last of our big OLD maple trees came down today.

It is amazing what one guy and a chain saw can do!

 

If you need a tree man in Lancaster County I recommend:
Joel Schans 717-290-8098