Friday, July 16, 2010

Staney Creek Reflection

6" x 8" oil on canvas on wood
$100.00 + $10. s/h

Since my husband and son were still fishing, I had time for another painting.  The sun came out and I was drawn to the reflection in the creek.


I set up on this bridge to paint.  And, while there is a glare on my canvas I think it shows well enough how I prepare for painting trips that involve flying.  I taped 2 pieces of canvas, 1 a 5 x 7 and 1 a 6 x 8, onto an 11" x 14" piece of foam core, which is shown on my easel, an Open BoxM. I can fit 4 of these in the cardboard HandyPorter (under the easel.)  So, I was all set and ready for 8 small paintings.  For the first time I took a small container of Gamblin Galkyd which allows the oil paint to dry faster.  That way if I had painted more than 8 paintings, (I did 7) I could have untaped the first 2, which by then would have been dry, and taped on 2 more pieces of canvas. I threw in a few small pieces of wax paper to layer between the canvas.  I recently bought a new tripod from Judson's Art Supply.  It has more leg pieces so it compacts into a smaller carrier.  I'm thinking about trying water based oils on the next trip.  That would  save me looking for turpentine upon arrival.  Has anyone tried it?  What do you think?


This photo is after the 2nd painting (this post).  I only saw 1 car the whole morning, a Forest Ranger.  I don't know how many painters they see out there, I doubt very many are out in that remote part of Alaska.  He never commented on my paintings, or my appearance.  I had on a raincoat, an apron over it, my ExtraTuf neoprene rain boots and a mosquito net on my head!  It had a green tint to it, so I didn't have it over my face.  My husband told me that I looked like a cafeteria lady!  The Forest Ranger kept his thoughts to himself.

15 comments:

Autumn Leaves said...

Amazing how we can count on husbands to tell us like it is, yes? LOL The ranger was wiser, methinks. Love the fact that focused in on the reflective surface of the water. Really a lovely melding of colors here, Pam!

jsicignano2.blogspot.com said...

I love the reflections you captured. Great colors and depth. Well done Pam.

Debbi Smith Rourke said...

Lovely composition and painting. Love this muted palette - and the description of your attire. Too funny!

Dusty Pines said...

heehee! wonderful images - both of you & the reflections! and i appreciate hearing how folks work en plein air, too . . . gotta try it again one day!

kim shields said...

I like that at first glance the painting has an abstract look to it. I also like looking at your photos of your plein aire working space. It is always interesting to see how other artists work. I also love your garden and floral series. great work!

Diane White said...

I have loved following you on this trip. Your paintings have been wonderful too. I do use water soluble oils and love them. Easy clean up and no nasty turpentine.
I like Duo brand the best. Windsor Newton's are too thick and sticky. I also use Lukas, they are very creamy but might not be as good of quality as the Duo but very reasonable at Jerry's Artarama.

Gwen Bell said...

There is such serenity in this painting. I would say it is very reflective of the wonderful adventure you're having. I like the way you have placed the focus straight on the reflection, cropping out much of the surrounding scene. Great touch of mystery!

Amy Hillenbrand said...

Your painting is lively but still it has soothing quality to it. You sure did go to great lengths to paint, very impressive. I would have loved to seen your get-up!

Deborah Elmquist said...

I can't think of a greater vacation than to paint and be surrounded with such beauty. I sometimes wish I could be a plein air painter but I just can't handle the changing light. Bravo, the work is fabulous.

Nancy B. Hartley said...

Pam, beautiful painting as always! I love your travel log, illustrated with your work, so inspiring! Next time, please include a photo of you, wearing your painting outfit! We might pick up a few fashion tips! About the water soluble oils, I have used them. Please let me know if you have any questions, am happy to help. Happy travels!

Pam Holnback said...

Sherry, Thanks. You're right about husbands. don't know if i always appreciate the honesty!

Thank you Joan, I loved having the opportunity to paint so may reflections.

Debbi, Thank you. Yes, I was pretty funny looking! Luckily no one was out there!

Thank you Dusty, Plein air has it's pros and cons. For me it's great to do while my husband fishes!

Kim, Thanks so much for all your kind words.

Diane, thanks for the works on the water based paints. I wasn't sure where to start.

Dana Cooper said...

Lovely painting of the reflection Pam...I do wish we would have had a photo of you...what a trouper!
I painted with water mixable oils before I start with oil. At this point I think I would only use them if I had to...and maybe you would have to.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Great painting and love to see your set up there. Good thing there was so little traffic, otherwise it might have been dangerous, too.

We have not seen Sitka deer yet on this trip but probably because we are on the water most of the time. I love seeing your grayed greens and blues. Just like it looks up here in Juneau! Thanks for your comments on my blog, too. Alaska is over the top! Big vistas, big water, big fjords, big glaciers, big icebergs, big whales, big docks full of commercial fishing boats ... I love it!

Pam Holnback said...

Gwen, Thank you, After so many drizzly, overcast, sunless days, I was so drawn to the bright reflection when the sun came out! I had to paint it!

Thanks Amy, Sorry, I've been sharing lots of photos of myself in my rain gear, but I just couldn't bring myself to show the net!

Deborah, Thank you. I find the light a challenge also. The small size of daily paintings helps this, as you just have to be quick and go for the color note.

Nancy, Thanks. I'll get back to you about the water based oils.

Dana, Thank you. I'm only thinking of the water based oils for trips. Seems like a good idea for out of the way places.

Katherine, Thanks. I am so envious of your trip. You are doing exactly what my husband would love to be doing!

Carole Baker said...

I'm glad to find your blog and paintings of SE Alaska. Yes, it can be a challenge painting outside here. Your colors are right on, beautiful work.