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.

View of box - upright

View of box - on side

Close up of brass hinge

Close up of locking clasp

six 12x10 panels in the box, back to back

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.

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.

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.