Stealth Painting

[walden]

I think I have perfected my system for surreptitious painting! Since 8 x 10 is my preferred outdoor size (especially for small studies that I want to re-do as studio pieces), I made a little 8 x 10 pochade box which carries all of my supplies-- 8 brushes in a canvas holder, tiny containers of solvent & mediums, a palette, a packet of tissues and a pint ziploc bag for trash, tubes of paint in my minimal 4 color plus white palette, and two masonite canvas panels. I tried it out this morning, sitting in the passenger side of my van with the box on my knees and it worked great. That way, I have a comfortable chair and shade! (I also keep a porta-potty in the back of the van most of the time.) It also feels more secure than being out in the open. Even though I was in a quiet neighborhood, I always feel exposed unless I am in a designated park area, or very close to my home. I'm planning to try to get out 3 or 4 mornings per week for an hour or so, certainly most pretty mornings anyway. I also took my digital camera and snapped a shot before I started painting, so that will help with my larger studio piece. I'll post photos of my pochade next, but here is this morning's results.

[walden]

Here's my pochade box-- that's one of my 8 x 10 plein air paintings, and to the right is my palette (I cut down one of those masonite with a white laminate surface to fit into the box). Closures are with shock cord and tiny cup hooks, since I had a hard time finding tiny hardware to fit.

[walden]

The two panels store underneath the supply box, and slide in from the back (or bottom, if it's hanging from it's strap.) Here's that view:

[bluochre]

seems you are all set and ready to GO ! seems that's the way to be. . . .it's certainly less expensive to make your own pochade rather than purchase some that are available.

i paint every day as well. . . no matter the outcome, it provides the necessary challenges ! and, i do try to attack different kinds of structures, different landscape patterns, and different light conditions with each attempt. for my money, no better way to develop.

happy painting. . . .

my best


:cat:

[Wayne Gaudon]

:D

love it .. inventive always works.

[CarlyHardy]

I can't tell you how many times I'm sitting in a truck waiting for my husband whose checking on a jobsite....and wishing I had brought my sketch pad! or watercolor pad...or something to create with!!

You've really organized well to create plein air! You might like to find a painting buddy for some trips...I find that with another person along, I'm much more adventurous!
carly

[Phyllis Rennie]

Good for you, Lisa! Whatever it takes to give you the chance to paint often!

[walden]

Well, no sooner do I make a resolution than I break it-- the clouds didn't clear until late this morning, and when I got to my painting spot, I decided my subject was too complex for plein air. So, I took a few photos, then went driving around and took a lot more. Spring is finally really here even though we're still getting cold fronts-- but the azaleas, wisteria, and spring hawthorne are in full bloom, and the deciduous trees are just budding out. Beautiful light! I really, really feel for those of you who live where the winters are long-- this has seemed the longest winter in a years.

But, I did paint from one of my photos-- it's over in landscapes-- and I'm going again tomorrow. :) Painting every day IS important, bluochre-- I try to do some at least 5 days a week.

Thanks, Wayne. :D

Carly, I would love to find a painting buddy but just don't know where to look. I need to get busy, though-- and post notes on bulletin boards at local art supply shops, etc.. There has to be someone around here who would like to go out and paint. I feel like an idiot-- a few months ago I noticed someone painting in our local park when I drove by, and like a fool, I didn't stop and introduce myself. I guess I was too shy, but I won't be next time.

Thanks, Phyllis. I really enjoy woodworking, and made this little box from scraps from other projects.

[CarlyHardy]

Walden,
begin painting in the park in the same location...perhaps they will find you!
carly