Art Bike!

Fully loaded Art Bike.



Recently I won 50 bucks at bar bingo which I spent on a bike I found at a yard sale. After a trip to the bike shop where I bought a basket and saddlebags I now have my ART BIKE. I carry everything on it. It is the best plein air bike I have ever seen. I carry my guerilla box with brushes, medium and paint in the basket. My tripod, umbrella, folding chair tied to the back rack. My bird book, camera, cell phone, water, sunscreen, and of course 3 Art Cocoons loaded with canvas panels in the saddlebags. HEAVEN.


Wet oil sketch carried in saddlebags on Art Bike.

Plein Air Painting in the Celery Fields





It's another beautiful day in paradise as I head over to the Celery Fields nature preserve to paint.

 

Ready for plein air painting.

 

I packed everything up the night before so I can quickly get out the door before those dirty dishes in the sink snag me. I did make my bed, however. My husband has joined me. He's biking, birding and taking these photos.


Oil painting in the Celery Fields marsh with 11x14" panel in Art Cocoon.

I love photographing birds and if I want to make paintings from them I am going to have to spend alot of time learning how to paint the marshes.


Covering finished painting.

 

Done and ready to head back. I need to study, probably Carlson's book.

Painting is protected. 

 

I can safely put the paintings on the ground while I pack up.

 

Securing Art Cocoons with wet paintings on french easel.

Heading home.



 I'll be back here again. Soon.






www.myartcocoon.com

Plein Air Painting Prep

Packed up and ready to paint.

Preparing  for plein air painting ahead of time is a good idea.  By taking the time to organize everything the night before you’ll be much more relaxed and ready to paint when you head out the door.

This afternoon I will be driving over to the Celery Fields Nature Preserve which is nearby my winter home in Sarasota, Florida. My husband will be joining me to bike around the preserve while I paint.

Today I am using a folding hand truck I purchased from Home Depot for about $25. It is light, compact, tough and works  great if you are not planning to go too far.  This is my “loaded” set up.  I also travel lighter using a backpack, on my bicycle, and even with a small case if I want to just walk.

 

Here’s what I am taking with me this afternoon:

Art Cocoon Wet Paint Carrier with 11x14 panel.

·         French easel
·         Art Cocoon wet paint carriers with 11x14 canvas panels
·         Umbrella  (Best Brella)
·         View finder
·         Oil paint in a pill carrier
·         Assorted brushes/palette knife
·         Odorless turps
·         Paper towels
·         Plastic trash bag
·         Small sketch pad and pencil
·         Bungies
·         Sunscreen

Art Cocoons on french easel.

 

 

French easel on hand truck.

Art Cocoon a sponsor of Plein Air Easton and Plein Air Curacao in 2011

Step aside, Irene, I'm goin' to Curacao in the morning!  Not even the threat of an historic hurricane will stop me now.  Heading out Saturday morning - moved the flight up one day.  Almost packed.  Very excited about this trip to Curacao where Art Cocoon is an official sponsor and I get to paint all day, every day for a week with some truly fantastic painters.

Here's a recent photo of a Curacao painting by Nancy Tankersley (http://www.nancytankersley.com/). Nancy is one of the organizers of Plein Air Curacao and will also be teaching during the workshop.

I'll be updating all week, so stay tuned!

A community art project - Art Cocoon Kids Paint Out

 Painters signing up at Art Cocoon booth.

A future gallery owner.

Half way point.

 Serious painter with assistant.

 This painter later on took first place.

 A little Picasso.

 A perfect family friendly event.

Everybody is a winner today!

 44 young emerging artists painted in Rotary Park in Goffstown, NH during the Uncommon Art Fair on Saturday, August 6. Sometimes photos say it all!  But, I will add...
... the Art Cocoons were perfect.  There was a lot of wet paint here, but since no one had to touch the wet paintings, the paint stayed on the paintings where it belongs and that made everyone happy! We are heading to the drawing board to design a new product especially for this application. Stay tuned!

Plein Air Easton Quick Draw

 Richard Dorbin and I set up off the main street in the shade.

Two hours to paint in this open competition.

Here comes the judge!

Painting in 100+ degree temps - ya gotta be nuts! The "Quick Draw" at Plein Air Easton is a 2 hour open event that took place on Saturday from 10-noon. Despite the oppressive heat a great number of painters participated encouraged by crowds of onlookers.  I painted a sidewalk scene using my Guerilla box and an 8x10 panel in the Art Cocoon. 

At noon we carried our easels to the main exhibit area for two more hours of judging, sales and awards presentations. Then it was time to say good bye to this great event and head north for the 9 hour trip in a nice air conditioned car.

Road Trip

Packed and heading south today for Plein Air Easton.  Looking forward to this trip for a number of reasons. The three most important - meeting new artists, plein air painting and seeing our new granddaughter.