Thursday, August 26, 2021

Postcards from the Lake: Art Camp -- The Art!

The purpose of art camp, of course, is to make art. But it's not the only thing we do. We read, swim, walk, talk (for hours), eat well, enjoy wine, visit the market. But mainly, we do art! (And talk for hours.)


We set up on the porch at the cottage. It's screened in on all sides, so you get a nice breeze when there is one (and when there is a windy day, it becomes a bit more challenging!) But our weather was perfect -- mid-80s, sunny and no extreme wind or rain so we could work in our own little "studio," clearing the table only for dinner.


We do our own thing and I'll share some of my stuff below. But Kate is a far more experienced artist than I and I always learn something from her. This time, she showed me some foolproof methods for painting clouds in watercolor.

 

And here on the right are my practice clouds and on the left, a practice "from life" freehand watercolor trying the cloud technique.

I wasn't happy with my water so I did a three-part youtube lesson with Chris Petrie on painting water scenes. The lower left corner is "waves" and my least favorite. I did much better with the waves and reflections after watching the video.

When it got super hot with the late afternoon sun coming through the screen, Kate moved to the back to do a little touch up.


But mostly, she worked on the porch. She's working on a page from her annual calendar here.


I worked on redoing one of my favorites that sold last year. Here it is in progress. I'll share the finished version later. The photo didn't come out well because of the lighting when I took it. But you can get the idea.

I also did a couple from recent photos.


This is my cousin's son Mark and his little boy when they were at the lake a few weeks ago. It was sunset and I'm not sure I got it right but it was such a moment, I had to try.


I'm not sure I like this one of my neighbor Rosie's garden. It's too cluttered. So is her garden, but it works better in the garden than on the page! I think I need to try it again, loosen up (not my strong suit in painting) and aim for less detail. This one might turn into bookmarks.

 

The photo that inspired this one was taken at the Pink House at Martha's Vineyard. Believe it or not, the pink was TOO pink (you might think it still is but it's pretty darned close to the original!) Kate showed me how to tone it down using pan pastels. The mat (which is only laid on top here) helps, too.


I've been trying to paint sheep for a bit and not satisfied with anything I've done. I'm pretty happy with this -- its eye is a little wonky but that's really how it looked in my reference photo.


And I did a few things I'm trying out for holiday cards. 

I spent a fair amount of time working on card ideas for Christmas and otherwise. 


The dotted package could be made in a variety of colors for Christmas or birthdays and as a framed piece or card.


And this guy will definitely show up again!

 

I've done the bee hive idea before but I like the border on this one, which I didn't do on the first. I might go back and add that to my first round.


And finally a little basket of blooms, suitable for many occasions.

I have one more art camp post coming, where we'll look at a surprise guest at art camp. And it wasn't human. Till then...


Stay go be creative!

Sharing with:         Pink Saturday     /    Love Your Creativity     /    Happiness is Homemade    /     Tuesday Turn About     /    Share Your Style     /   Rain's Art Date  

67 comments:

William Kendall said...

It looks like you're enjoying yourselves.

babYpose said...

Amazing paintings of Rosie's gardern and your cousin'sson, love the lively momemt out of it. Lovely.

Valerie-Jael said...

Looks like you have been having fun and learning new tricks, always good. Have a wonderful day, hugs, Valerie

Buttercup said...

Wow! I'm awed by your work. I'm a huge fan of watercolors and have a nice little group of them on my bedroom walls. It's been thirty years and I still find enjoyment looking at them. Looking forward to your next art camp post. Take care!

Pamela said...

I love everything at art camp! What fun. You have great holiday cards.

Iris Flavia said...

Oh, this sounds like so much fun - and the clouds look great. I finally ordered watercolors... but have no idea how, what and...
Oh... super-hot. Sweater on again. Even in the news they said it´s Autumn-weather...
You could draw a box. You´d be happy with the sheep inside, as was Le Petite Prince! ;-)
(The only French book I still have and love).
Love all your cards.
Hm. Maybe I take your ideas and make some.
Though... Did some embossing on letters and envelopes and got no response. Frustrating.
But I´ll take your words and try to be creative :-)

Joyful said...

Fabulous way to spend some creative time. I think you are doing rather well!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

My word you girls have fun. I think I might have said that before, Jeanie, but I am certainly impressed with your sheer joy in life, and you always manage to convey it in your narrative. Too bad you don't live around here. I would benefit from just hanging out with you now and then. I'd bring the wine. As you know, I am always very pleased to make favourable (and honest) comments on your work, but I am bound to see that your sheep need serious attention!

mel said...

oh, fantastic!! I love them all!

I especially like the 'cluttered' flowers (possibly because I embrace the wild garden aesthetic lol) and the little elf/gnome.

What a marvelous time that must have been. xo

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Your talent is amazing.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Another fun art post, Jeanie, and always enjoy seeing your work and that of your friends. As David commented earlier, you have sheer joy in your projects and it shows here. The holiday art projects looked wonderful and it seems the holidays will soon be here.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a fun way to spend a week. I enjoyed all of your paintings.

R's Rue said...

You are so talented. I love it my friend.

Jenn Jilks said...

That is just wonderful! You promised you would show them and I am glad you did. I am in awe.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Great to see the art side of Art Camp. I especially love the pink house, and Rosie's garden. Looks like your creative juices were flowing!

La Table De Nana said...

Such fun ..so creative!
I bet your girls have a ball..bffs for sure and wonderful charming work!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Your watercolors are charming! Love the subjects and colors. - just so wonderful.

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Art Camp sounds like the best kind of fun for a week at a cottage. What a great tradition!

My name is Erika. said...

You've piqued my attention with that last sentence of your post Jeanie. Hmmm. I love the cloud lesson. I need to give that a try. And I do like your original water watercolor. Your tries after Kate's "lesson" were also wonderful. It is fun to see all your beautiful pieces of art. I can tell you were having fun. Hope your weekend weather sounds better than ours. Hugs-Erika

DUTA said...

I'm speechless! Such versatile, beautiful art! God has blessed you with a lot of talent.

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

I love seeing all the art you are making at Art Camp. The idea of Art Camp is one that I want to steal. So much fun!

The French Hutch said...

Looks like a fun way to enjoy seeing friends and doing your art. A nice porch with a little breeze and nice temps sounds perfect. Your work looks wonderful and I love the neighbor's garden and the painting! Happy weekend.....

gigi-hawaii said...

You and Kate had a lot of fun at the cottage. I am glad she gave you some pointers. I like your work. You are very talented.

Marilyn Miller said...

Art camp is the best. I would love playing with you at art camp. I actually quite like your neighbors garden. How fun to learn more about doing clouds and water. Then thinking about Christmas and making a cute little gnome. Keep on painting, I like seeing what you do.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

What a happy and relaxing time you two look like you've had!
Lovely watercolors. What is the name of the palette you use?

Mereknits said...

I think your wrt is amazing and as I am a sheep lover yours is incredible. So glad you had a wonderful time.

Rita said...

Looks so peaceful and productive!! Wow! :)

Nancy said...

NICE WORK! I really enjoy watercolors. I am glad you learned how to do clouds. Watercolor is not easy so BRAVO!
Have a lovely weekend!

Pam Richardson said...

Art camp looks like a perfect week. I enjoyed seeing all of your work, Jeanie. Happy painting!

Joanne Huffman said...

Such a great tradition for you and Kate! Good times, good company, good art.

roughterrain crane said...

I like your heart-warming skillful touch.

Karen said...

Such sweet paintings.
I'd love to have a paint camp. We're still pretty much bubbled here unfortunately.

Rita C at Panoply said...

I love reading artists' methods and seeing their work products! I love the Martha's Vineyard pink house! I also love your progress on water scenes. What a great week you two had. It looks like a heavenly retreat.

Sandra Cox said...

All wondrous, but I particularly love the person wearing a red jacket (Red always pops, doesn't it?) with a cat at her feet.

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie, I love your work - everything you have created. Art camp looks like such fun. I would like to have a comfy chair and a good book and just enjoy what you all are doing.

Regina said...

I wish the Lord had given me talent to paint! You are so creative!

Sami said...

So much fun! The art, the talks, the good food...
I wish I had a group of women like that around me.
Love your cards, they are all so cute :) Enjoy it Jeanie.

Red Rose Alley said...

Jeanie, your paintings always delight me. When you mentioned that you didn't care much for the one of Rosie's garden, I didn't know why, because that was one of my favorites. It's sooooo pretty! And I think the red flowers caught my attention. The sheep painting is sweet, and I love the holiday ones with the pops of red. Santa looks so whimsical in this one. What a wonderful art camp, and this was right at the cottage at the lake?

~Sheri

thepaintedapron.com said...

How much fun to be with a favorite friend and paint the day away! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful art! I love photos of peoples backs, and the boy and his dad is adorable. I haven't been doing any art lately, I've got to get back in the groove!
Jenna

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

Art camp looks like fun :)
The painting all have a gentle tone of underlying joy-at least to me!

Divers and Sundry said...

Looks like fun. I'm always interested in seeing your watercolors and hearing how you accomplish what looks to be like magic :) The cloudy skies amaze me!

21 Wits said...

Yes! I really enjoy your artwork!

Ricki Treleaven said...

I needed this post, seeing folks finding joy through creativity. The little Santa gnome is so cute: He made me giggle! Thanks for sharing art camp. :D

Carola Bartz said...

How wonderful to spend a week with a good friend doing art and all the other fun things! It sounds idyllic - I think everybody needs a week like this. Your art is beautiful, Jeanie - I really would ike to see that Eiffel Tower painting when it's done. The photo is stunning, by the way, what a beautiful capture. Since I quit my job I have been way more creative which in itself is a blessing. I find myself turning more and more to water colors. So far I only have a Winsor & Newton travel set, but since there are oly limited colors I learn how to mix colors which is surprisingly fun. Do you use watercolors in tubes? I was wondering about that. Oh, and by the way, I really like the gelato water jars!

Victoria Zigler said...

Even if you aren't entirely happy with some of the results, it sounds like you had a wonderful and peaceful time in your private little art camp. And I'm sure all that creativity was good for your soul.

Life as a LEO Wife said...

Wow! You are very talented! We'd love to have you share on Happiness is Homemade & Traffic Jam Weekend Link Party on https://LifeasaLEOWife.com! I think my readers would love to see these paintings!

Lowcarb team member said...

It certainly looks like you are enjoying yourselves.
Lovely art ...

Enjoy these last August days, I can't believe that it will be September 1st on Wednesday!

All the best Jan

Shami Immanuel said...

So beautiful paintings.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I always LOVE your art camps. They are such great fun to see the art you and Kate have created each year. I actually like the painting of your neighbor's garden. I can see why you think it's cluttered, but I see the beauty in the wildness, I'm thrilled you shared the art you two created at Art Camp this year, dear.

Decor To Adore said...

I love to see artists at work. To see the process and the inspiration. It is a charming setting that delights the heart!

R's Rue said...

I hope you are well my friend. I hope you’re still at the lake enjoying yourself. Hugs.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

I'm sure it was fun working on new techniques, you certainly got a lot accomplished.

Hena Tayeb said...

Oh wow.. these are all so lovely.

Miss Val's Creations said...

All the paintings are so beautiful! It is so wonderful that a group can get together and help each other out with tips and tricks. I look forward to seeing your Christmas cards this year!

ashok said...

Wonderful paintings :)

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Beautiful work! And how nice to have a friend to learn from, too. We just watched a Bob Ross documentary on Netflix so I was thinking of his happy little clouds comment when you mention Kate showing you a cloud technique.

Of course the Eiffel Tower painting caught my eye!! The colors in that photo are stunning!

Rain said...

Hi Jeanie!! :) I think my favourite is that little Christmas gnome!!! So cute. You have me thinking about my Christmas card now too! How cool to have an art camp with your friends! I would love to join in and I'll bring a nice Cabernet Sauvignon with my homemade cheese! :)

DeniseinVA said...

You had a lot of fun and I love all these art pieces. Even the ones you mentioned not being satisfied with, I thought they were lovely, so pretty and colorful. One of the things I enjoyed is seeing an artist at work in the gardens. I try to stay far enough back so as not to intrude but I do like to see what they are painting.

Sandra Cox said...

I like the border on the beehive too:)

Karen said...

Hi! so many great pieces in the works ~ Enjoy your art camp. Love, Karen

Linda Sue said...

What a fun post. Inspiring too! Carving out some time to splash around color- Must do that- maybe tomorrow...

Joanne said...

Art camp sounds so fun and your art work came out great!

crackercrumblife said...

What a great tradition!!! Looks like a wonderful time. :)


DVArtist said...

Ohhh what a wonderful post. 80° I would love that so much. The camp looks like a lot of fun. Your art is exciting and I really like the clouds you were working on. Have a great day.

My name is Erika. said...

I love this second look at art camp Jeanie. It is perfect for sun and water.

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

We are always critical of our own art, but as an outsider, I think you do beautiful work. I admire your earnest effort to improve, but from where I sit, there isn't much you need to do. As for favorites, it hard to decide. I think maybe your cousin's son and his son. It is an awesome moment and you captured it perfectly. Then there is the pink house ... really nice and the wicker chair is perfect. Loved your holiday cards even though it seems early to be thinking Christmas ... but yes, it is wise to get a head start on things when you can. And, I love bees ... so important in nature and to our whole existence. I pray they survive what man has done to them. All in all, if I were your teacher I would give you an A+. So enjoyed all of your art and even learned a few things by observing :)

Andrea @ From the Sol

Rain said...

I remember this post Jeanie! And the beautiful art and friendship shared! I love this:
"We read, swim, walk, talk (for hours), eat well, enjoy wine, visit the market." ♥♥♥

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