Arsenale, an interesting bit of architecture and used in the movie 'The Tourist' starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. Expecting to paint around here soon.
Monday, 6 July 2015
Venice photo of the day - Day 2
Actually a bit late posting this so another may follow before the day is out.
Saturday, 4 July 2015
Venice photo of the day - Day 1
Posting my first photo of the day from Venice. Hope you like it.
Beautiful sunny day and very, very warm.
Wednesday, 1 July 2015
Baby Wet Panel Carrier
Hello again,
I've been busy again today building a smaller box to take 7 x 5 inch canvas panels (or MDF etc). This time I've created a twin box allowing 12 panels to be carried. This is the one I'm taking with me to try out in Venice next week. Photos are further down but do have a read through first.
I had quite a lot of valuable feedback from artists on Facebook, for which I thank you. Someone thought, and it did occur to me, that having the sides cover the lid meant it would be difficult to reach the panels, especially when covered with paint. So I built this box with the sides lowered and the lid widened.
I haven't found this to make a huge difference to reaching the panels except for the outer one but did cause the lid to have a little bit of sideways moving at the clasp end. This was resolved by adding a pin (you might see a tiny hole near the clasp on some of the photos).
I still prefer the initial style as it both protects the lid and creates better stability all round. That's the way I will proceed.
Now, when it comes to removing panels from the box it can be done using fingers but in a couple of photos I have shown a small bulldog clip in use on both boxes. An alternative is a pair of small needle nose pliers.
When I go into production all boxes will be varnished (and can be wood stained if requested) plus will have either a handle or shoulder strap (or both) as options.
If you've popped over from Facebook you can subscribe to this blog for my future newsletters if you want. (It's over on the right column)
I've been busy again today building a smaller box to take 7 x 5 inch canvas panels (or MDF etc). This time I've created a twin box allowing 12 panels to be carried. This is the one I'm taking with me to try out in Venice next week. Photos are further down but do have a read through first.
I had quite a lot of valuable feedback from artists on Facebook, for which I thank you. Someone thought, and it did occur to me, that having the sides cover the lid meant it would be difficult to reach the panels, especially when covered with paint. So I built this box with the sides lowered and the lid widened.
I haven't found this to make a huge difference to reaching the panels except for the outer one but did cause the lid to have a little bit of sideways moving at the clasp end. This was resolved by adding a pin (you might see a tiny hole near the clasp on some of the photos).
I still prefer the initial style as it both protects the lid and creates better stability all round. That's the way I will proceed.
Now, when it comes to removing panels from the box it can be done using fingers but in a couple of photos I have shown a small bulldog clip in use on both boxes. An alternative is a pair of small needle nose pliers.
When I go into production all boxes will be varnished (and can be wood stained if requested) plus will have either a handle or shoulder strap (or both) as options.
If you've popped over from Facebook you can subscribe to this blog for my future newsletters if you want. (It's over on the right column)
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| Bulldog clip in use on 12x10 |
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| Bulldog clip in use on 7x5 |
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| 7x5 twin box with 12x10 behind |
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| twin box full (12 panels) |
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| twin box empty |
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| 7x5 box with its 12 panels |
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| 7x5 on top of 12x10 |
Tuesday, 30 June 2015
My Wet Canvas Panel Carrier
I have built my prototype for a compact wet panel carrier. Having looked at what was available on the market I decided I either didn't like the design, materials or size of many. Those I did like were too expensive and as many were in the USA import duties would be added on top of the price. Most are in the region of $100 or more.
So, I have designed my own, similar to some out there, as a compact model. The one built so far is for 12 x 10 inch canvas panels but I will also make them for 10 x 8 and 7 x 5 panels. It can easily be replicated to any size required.
The boxes will mainly take 6 wet panels to keep them compact but I will be making a box to take twelve 7 x 5 panels, which will still be quite compact. Adding a handle and/or carry strap will be an option.
The 12 x 10 box is shown in the photos below and measures just 32.5cm by 28cm. Weight, before added the boards is a mere 760 grams (or 1 lb 11oz)
I plan to test this on location in Venice in July, and if successful, would be able to offer these to fellow painters. They would all be hand made to any size specified.
I would be keen to know what other plein air artists think of my carrier. Please do comment and let me know.
So, I have designed my own, similar to some out there, as a compact model. The one built so far is for 12 x 10 inch canvas panels but I will also make them for 10 x 8 and 7 x 5 panels. It can easily be replicated to any size required.
The boxes will mainly take 6 wet panels to keep them compact but I will be making a box to take twelve 7 x 5 panels, which will still be quite compact. Adding a handle and/or carry strap will be an option.
The 12 x 10 box is shown in the photos below and measures just 32.5cm by 28cm. Weight, before added the boards is a mere 760 grams (or 1 lb 11oz)
I plan to test this on location in Venice in July, and if successful, would be able to offer these to fellow painters. They would all be hand made to any size specified.
I would be keen to know what other plein air artists think of my carrier. Please do comment and let me know.
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| View of box - upright |
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| View of box - on side |
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| Close up of brass hinge |
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| Close up of locking clasp |
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| six 12x10 panels in the box, back to back |
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| Interior of box when empty showing groves for panels |
Friday, 26 June 2015
Two bits of news
No 1 - You can now subscribe to receive emails whenever I post on this blog or send out a newsletter. The boxes are just over there on the right.
No 2 - Daily Paintings
I recently became aware of the popularity of making a small painting, that is postcard size, on a regular if not daily basis. This is both great practice and also fun to do as it doesn't take as long as a larger painting. Many artists are now enjoying doing this.
So I've created another blog just for these daily, or regular at least, paintings. Have a look at it here
http://postcardfromscotland.blogspot.co.uk/
You can subscribe separately on that blog for updates when new paintings are posted.
No 2 - Daily Paintings
I recently became aware of the popularity of making a small painting, that is postcard size, on a regular if not daily basis. This is both great practice and also fun to do as it doesn't take as long as a larger painting. Many artists are now enjoying doing this.
So I've created another blog just for these daily, or regular at least, paintings. Have a look at it here
http://postcardfromscotland.blogspot.co.uk/
You can subscribe separately on that blog for updates when new paintings are posted.
Thursday, 25 June 2015
Watercolour Demo for Kelty & District Art Group
Tomorrow morning I am carrying out a watercolour demo for this small group of artists.
Kelty & District Art Group 10am on 26th June 2015 - Starting with Watercolour
Moray Institute is 92 Main Street, Kelty, KY4 0AQ
Do come along if you can.
Kelty & District Art Group 10am on 26th June 2015 - Starting with Watercolour
Moray Institute is 92 Main Street, Kelty, KY4 0AQ
Do come along if you can.
Sunday, 14 June 2015
Dunfermline Art Club Exhibition
Paintings framed and ready to hang tomorrow in the Dunfermline Art Club summer exhibition. This is very good for me, I'm usually still doing the framing half an hour before they are due in!
Will be on display, and for sale, outside Debenhams in the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Dunfermline from Monday 15th until Wednesday 24th.
Will be on display, and for sale, outside Debenhams in the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Dunfermline from Monday 15th until Wednesday 24th.
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