Hay Bales Sakonnet River View

A larger view of the same field as the One of Them painting, was painted from. I wish I could talk the farmer into making at least one stack like Van Gogh and Monet got to paint from. I can understand why Monet went back to the same place every day and did numerous haystack paintings. Every time it is different and a different world and different challenges. These hay bales are like magnets. Maybe if I purchased the amount of hay it would take to make a stack, I could make my own and just keep painting it day after day. The light would change, weather conditions, Seasons, and the stack itself would age. Meanwhile I would have a pile of paintings to the ceiling in no time at all.

Sakonnet Harbor View

A view of the Sakonnet Harbor. A man made harbor, it boasts the Sakonnet Yacht Club as well as very long jetty. There are working fishing boats as well as dock buildings. I haven't gotten as far as that yet. The Eastern side of the Harbor has a large granite rock outcropping. This painting was more than a few visits so I worked other paintings into my paint day. A few hay bale paintings from the farm on the Sakonnet River as well as a couple from Briggs Point nearby. Good to get as many started as possible. Every visit resulted in a finished painting and another start; all the while working on this one.

One of Them

I have done several from this hay field that leads to the Sakonnet River.

Morning Tide

Early Bird painting. Calm. Funny how the early time is quiet and peaceful. How does the ocean know it is too early to get crazy? I like to paint and wake up at the same time. It seems to work out well. I just want hot coffee. This is painted on one of my own panels. Again gessoing both sides as well as the edges several times to make it archival as well as fun to paint on. This faces west so no sunrise view. Just reflections of color from the east. I painted the boat overall mid value and wiped out areas of light and added in darker values. I love to find objects in views that I can do that to when painting them into the composition. This painting is available from The Grenning Gallery.

Fishing

Coventry Country Store

Paint out at Muse Le Belle Artisteis in Coventry CT. www.muselbelleartiste.com
Painted in the past 5 hours.... a lot of people talking but especially me. Oh well. It came out all right. Building was very old. In all fairness to myself I did start an 8x10 and then set that aside to get tacky and started the 6x8 and just kept going with that.
I looked it up on Wikpedia: W.L Wellwood General Store, under new ownership, has been renamed "Coventry Country Store". The general store was originally built in 1787 making it one of, if not the oldest, General Stores in America (past owner claims to have not found one older).

Quiet Place

I decided to make a trip to the Northwest corner of CT to paint a covered bridge there, and since it was over an hour to drive there in the midst of winter, I had to find another spot for the afternoon painting. What I ended up with was a morning one of the bridge: 18x24 painted 7:30-10, a mid morning view from the opposite side: 24x20 painted 10 to 12:30 PM ; and this, the 3rd, 20x16 between 1:00 and 3pm. I drove by and turned around to go back. I just had to go for the third. All three were a total of 5 trips with only 4 of them being productive. The weather was terrible when I got there on one occasion, so I had to leave. No sun.. but the other 4 visits allowed enough time to get most of the information down that I needed to finish the paintings. This painting had more than a few hours studio time, and has made it into a couple of tough juried shows. I just delivered it for another showing at the Salmagundi Club in NYC to the 31st Juried Non Member Show, which will be up until the opening of July 18.

Sunset View

Every Year I wait for this tree to bud out in early spring. The tree has grown and it is similar but different every year; always a challenge. The sky colors at this time of the year are cooler than summer, when oranges and yellows become predominant. The first visit was for the sky. If it wasn't happening I would have maybe done a smaller painting and gone another day to catch the sky for my larger plan. This painting consisted of two visits and finally finished up little details out in my driveway. I like the north light there, as it works well for finishing up.
If you do work outside near a building or vehicle, think about reflections of the colors around you. These may compromise the hues you are working with, just as a brightly colored outfit will relflect on the painting surface. I was really happy to trade my white car for a gray one. I can't tell you how many times I had to move the car when I was painting on site to get rid of the glare. Such problems...!

Riverbend

This is a view of the CT River from the East Haddam Boat launch. The sky was a good one as they have been recently, what with all of the crazy weather. One minute a down pour with thunder and lightning, the next sunny with rainbows. Tough to decide whether to set up or not. I don't mind playing beat the storm but sometimes with thunder clapping in the distance I worry about lightning. This is painted on one of my prepared panels. I love the surface. The texture of the gesso priming gives the painting an added interest. I prefer my own over some of the manufactured brands. Besides liking the result I also enjoy the prep work. This painting will be part of the Art Guide online exhibit.

Maple, Spring Afternoon

2 visits

H.D. Smith Carriage Factory

This is a painting of the H.D. Smith Carriage Factory located in the Plantsville section of Southington, CT. William Sherman Ward took out over 50 patents while serving as superintendent of the factory starting in 1883, including the first of it's kind Carriage bolt cutting machine. I have loved this building ever since I can remember. It has personality as well as history... It was enjoyable to set up across the street and paint this view.
You can find some info on carriage bolts here: http://www.blacksmithbolt.com/gpage14.html
They are kind of beautiful really.

Storm Coming

As soon as I set up I realized it was probably going to rain. But I figured I'd try to beat the storm. It was kind of misty but in the distance some light as well as color. I got there in time for a sunset painting and some of that light was trying to get through the clouds. I love that feeling so I started up. The drops were not that much at first so I kept going. Then I heard thunder accompanied by much larger splashes and that sent me packing. If there isn't any thunder or lightening I would keep on..

Onion Twist

Just thought I would try it. It almost took longer to find thee perfect onion than to paint it. I am sure anyone watching me look through the onion pile in produce would have wondered about me....

Hopperesque

This is the first of eight paintings painted during my short 5 day stay in Rockport, MA. This was painted at 9 am on the first day. A small one to get warmed up. Lot of fun with the dramatic lighting. Hopper had the goods on the light. Right after this I started one of the light house itself. This one seems to be calling out for a larger painting.. hmmm.
I would have liked to have posted as I went along but it would not have worked out time wise. Trying to get computer savvy on someone elses is not worth it. The sun comes over the horizon here around 4 am. If I had been feeling better at least 4 more would be listed. Next time!

Bass Rocks View

Bass Rocks was popular with Emile Gruppe. I had never seen them in person before. When I got there I could see why. Everywhere I looked I saw a painting. A great place to paint. I will definitely return here to paint again. This painting is oil on pastel board. It was an interesting surface for oils. Gesso with a bit of fine grit worked nicely for my effort. I saw this path in my minds eye and did not realize that it was not actually there until I went for the finish. I was asking myself where did it go? The realization of what had transpired kind of surprised me. I like surprises. After this painting, I drove on the same road to the Eastern Point Lighthouse to try to finish the painting from yesterday.

Eastern Point Lighthouse

This was the second painting of the trip. Started the afternoon of the first day. I am not one much for light house paintings but this view with the path attracted my attention. I took my time and enjoyed the view. Kept the light even though I worked it for about 5.5 hours. Lots of information. The next morning I painted the Bass Rocks view and continued to the light house to finish up for another 6 hour stint. Still have work to do on the flag and the railing. Red takes awhile to dry. I kept getting pink....

Essex Boat Yard

I drove out to Essex to paint the marshes but caught by the light here. While I painted, the people in the restaurant right behind me came out to kibitz. Next thing I knew I was being interviewed by Mike Farrell, a reporter for the Gloucester Daily Times. Next came the photographer, Mike Dean, Head Photographer.. I was the story. It was fun and I got my painting almost completely done. Lots of bugs and they were ignoring my best spray.

Lanes Cove

Just a bit farther down the path revealed this handsome little fishing boat. I guess they didn't get a chance to fix the flag. Or maybe it is a statement... In any case this 6x6 took about 2 hours....! all that stuff. Nothing was where it should be and then I concentrated not on the drawing but on the shapes and everything fell into place.

Harbor View Roses

I pulled in to this scene high on a hill that leads to the Granite Pier. Couldn't resist the view so this became my morning painting. Calm waters and strong sunlight.

Granite Pier

After finishing the Harbor View Roses on top of the hill leading down to the Granite Pier, I decided to drive down there to see what I could see. I knew I was going to paint this as soon as I got down there and saw it. No matter the time. Time Challenge and I wasn't willing to give anything up including the masts... I was quick to paint in the hillside so that it would be tacky by the time I went for the finish with the masts.

Magnolia View to Eastern Point Light

This is the last stop from the 5 day painting trip to Rockport. Magnolia is a beautiful oasis off of Rte 1. I enjoyed my visit there and walked the length of the ocean view drive that surrounds the town. Finally settling on this scene. About an hour and a half to paint and 3.5 hours of getting a sandwich and strolling around the town. Pretty bad of me but it was a lovely day.

Morning Breakfast

This one required getting there and set up early... So ... up at 4:15 and there by 6:30, but alas, it was swamped in fog. Couldn't see past our noses.. finally around 7:30 could actually see quite a bit. The cows even got up and went out for breakfast. By 9:30 it was all over with. By 10 it was 90 degrees in the shade and I was getting shaky. I love fog paintings. It is one of the hardest to go out on though. You drive out on belief that you will find the thing to paint.

Stony Creek Afternoon

Stony Creek has so many views to paint, that it is hard to choose. This view last year would have shown a red house..
Painted between 3 and 6 is my best guess on the time. The first hot day and there were a lot of bugs.
Sunscreen, hat, bug spray. Forget the umbrella as it was gusty. About a half hour last night in the studio to clean it up.

~Jennifer

North Cove Sunset

Still getting used to the camera after 5 years... This was finished a few days ago but due to operator error could not get camera to take a picture...
This was a view through a keyhole niche in the wall of private properties lining the street. Luckily I happened to look at the right time and saw the view. No sooner than I set up, the sun went.... But I set up anyway and it came back even better.. Faith

Workin' It

This one with the crane rigging ... !

Mystic Seaport Lobster Shack

A better day for the Seaport yielded this small painting of the Lobster Shack.

Mystic Mist

A rainy day adventure.. A small but challenging view, especially with 3 umbrellas to batten down the hatches.

Sunny Skies

Quick, Quick, One hour No time Crazy!

Providence View

Just the start. I never got a chance to take photos of the finished piece. Rain came in fast. Lucky for a bit of sun.

Montgomery Farm View

First stop was this farm. Montgomery Farm View. With a storm on the horizon I didn't have much time to get this finished. I knew it might be my only chance for sunlight as the week was looking like rain every day. We were not allowed to do any painting from photos. Everything done from life.

Crum Creek View

I am back from a week long plein air event. This is one of the paintings done on site. I always love the sound of water when I am painting. So calming even with the traffic whizzing by.

Apple Lady

Newport Sunset

After the rain.

Turquoise Sun

A mad dash to the finish!

Ancient Lady Apple

This morning's enterprise.. I have been trying for three years to get her.. finally a sunny day in May in full bloom! True Luck..

~Jennifer

Westview Sunset

After I finished up with guiding my pastel class I followed one of my students over to the beach for this view. It just got better and better. Not much time though when the sun is setting. More challenge and gut reactions to the painting of it. Not much time to analyze. It is better.
This an alla prima painting also. Alla prima means " all at once " It was done the next day after the Mystic River View.

~ Jennifer

Mystic River View

Painting is finished. One day. Done. Doing the sketch ahead was helpful in mixing the colors ahead of painting time. More trouble posting this then painting it! It was the Operator... as usual. That is why you may see three today.

~ Jennifer

Mystic River Sketch

Every trip out deserves to come back with a painting.. With Gas prices as high as they are it is only good business. This one is a 10x10 oil on linen. Now I am inspired to go back to the location with my 36x36, and attempt it on a large scale.
Should be fun.

~Jennifer

Late Light Spring

Spring is really starting to take hold. The weather has been warm and the views spectacular. This afternoon light really hits the new buds of this tree just so.. I wait for this every year.. Have to go back for the big painting. Soon.

~ Jennifer

Winter Brook

Had to travel North to find the view for this painting. Following the snow line can be an adventure. I don't know where I will find the view that grabs my interest as I don't know well the areas I am driving. Just looking for the most snow with the good light. This day in New Hampshire was above zero at least.....
~ Jennifer

Devil's Hopyard

Almost the end of the winter paintings. Would have loved to have had more snow days.
~Jennifer

Early Cool

Sunrise yields some lovely views. The quiet time.

Winter Marsh 20x30 Oil on Linen alla prima
Painted recently on site in very cold weather. I set up and got into my painting in spite of the cold. I was so engrossed in painting that I hadn't noticed that a group of birders had gathered to watch; not me but a Snowy Owl, out on the marsh about a half mile away. I got to see it as one of the birders offered me his scope. I really never imagined I would get to see one! Very large and solitary. And very white. Day time owl.. Awesome. He isn't in my painting because I couldn't see him without the scope.

Fakes and Forgeries

I have participated for the last 2 years in the Annual Fakes and Forgeries Show held in Newport, at the Spring Bull Gallery in February. The two paintings shown here are both copies of Frederick J. Mulhaupt Paintings. The catalog of The Retrospective Show is still available from the North Shore Arts Association. I highly recommend acquiring the book.
These were both very involved paintings and I learned so much about the artist himself, as one often does when working a copy, as well as much about what makes a snow painting sparkle. The first one here is titled; By Brook and Ledge; and while my painting is 30x30, the original is 36x36 and hangs in the Plymouth Meeting Library. It was the first one I attempted, it being my favorite. I had to work it twice, as I did not have the correct color for the under painting at the outset. Unfortunately I was half way through the painting before I realized why my colors were so hard to match! The second painting shown here is titled Choate Bridge, Winter and was just as difficult as the first. It is 26x30 and the original is 25x30. Both are oil on linen. It takes almost a year to complete one painting, given all of my other commitments.

Frederick J. Mulhaupt - Dean of the Cape Ann School: A Retrospective

Created for the NSAA 1999 exhibition, this beautiful, full color catalog is the most definitive work to date on the works of this Cape Ann Master. Over a hundred color photos of paintings fill its 58 pages, plus a thoroughly researched essay on Mulhaupt by Kathleen M. Kienholz. A major reference for Mulhaupt collectors.

$35 (Less than 50 left.)