Aug 31, 2017

A Full Report - Kilby's Plein Air Festival - Painting & Drawing Tips

"This will be a major highlight to my trip; such a nice atmosphere, such a nice place"  Gabriele  her good byes on Sunday.  Gabriele is from Germany and is spending 3 months traveling around Western Canada.  She found out about Kilby's event on the Internet and decided to make it part of her trip.

"It is cool painting, good to be outside and so relaxing.  I could do this all day" Siena, Milly and Violet were young friends at their very first Plein Air event.

Siena, Milly and Violet busy painting in the Tea Garden, Kilby Historical Site
What is a Plein Air Festival?

It is a coming together of artists to paint the outdoors from life.  Many Festivals can be very competitive with lots of events while others, like Kilby's celebrate the experienced and emerging artists with competitive and fun events. 

The Festival started on Friday.  It was a little cool with a light sprinkle of rain.  Still artists pulled out their gear and started to set up.  Soon the sun came out and never stopped for the whole weekend. There was lots of chatter as everyone picked a spot and then the worked began.  By Sunday, at 2 pictures had to be complete and ready for judging - One night at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort was on the line. 

Harvey, on holidays from England decided to add the Festival to his holiday plans as well.  "It's a brilliant idea, lovely setting, welcoming, laid back and relaxing"

Theresa, Janis and Harvey take time to chat. Good fun sharing "Plein Air & Painting stories." 

Kilby Historical Site is a farm and store built in 1908, in Harrison Mills.  There is lots to paint: farm implements, animals, old buildings, period costume staff, orchard, vegetable garden and awesome flowers.  (Bob has made the flower beds his project and they were 'the star' in many paintings.)

 My role at the Festival is mixed. I have been involved since its beginning 3 years ago.  Steve and I help where it is needed and I am one of the jurors.  We were camped with Max at Kilby's Campsite on the Harrison river.  When I wasn't painting, we were on the water kayaking or hiking on the dikes. (By the way, Max is really getting to be a good little kayak-er.)
Of course when I had a minute I was painting too.  This was luxury Plein Air Painting, Kilby had tents everywhere for shade and not far to walk so I could 'bring everything'!!

Artists come to these events for many reasons: 

Terry is there because "I am an amateur and I want to challenge myself with a competition with my watercolour on Yupo."
Terri was very busy, completing 3 large pieces by Sunday noon!

Chrystal finds "it so peaceful and relaxing" as she works away on her flower paintings.  Another first timer, Gwen feels "it is nice to challenge myself and it is nice to see and work with other artists".  She was busy in the orchard garden capturing the scarecrow on her canvas. 
Gwen taking a break to chat with visitors.  
Kilby visitors loved walking around and seeing "works in progress" and enjoyed the Finished Show on Sunday.  They were very excited to vote for the "People's Choice" Award and a copy bought a picture for a more lasting memory. 
Kerri and Chrystal also spent a day in the Tea Garden, Bob's flowers were lovely everywhere. 

Wayne, Gina, Tatiana and Kerrie have been here before. "There is so much to paint here; time to try new things; talk with other artists; it is another dimension, different from the studio" is what brings them back. 

The Final Day
Sunday is a funny day.  Several artists were there early to finish up their pictures.  Visitors were voting, judges were jurying and then the real fun begans. Awards, prizes, food, and chatter!  There were lots of those. 

A sampling of our hard work!

This is where new friendships are cemented and plans for next year were put in place.
And of course it was a 'Memorial Day' for Theresa, who was the grand prize winner.  Congratulations!
Kilby Barn - Best of Show

For Steve, Max and I the three days were just a blur.  We were busy but had lots of fun.  Max enjoyed all the 'tummy rubs', long hikes in the evening and kayaking in the bay.  For me I think Ray summed it up nicely " a great atmosphere, I will be back". 

Special Thanks:

To the wonderful staff at Kilby for making us all feel welcomed, moving shelters around to give shade in 'just the right spot', wondering the grounds to bring lunch orders, and so much more.  Also to Nicole and JoAnne for helping in Jurying, it was not an easy task with so many beautiful pictures. And of course, to the local businesses that sponsored prizes and awards: Harrison Hot Springs Hotel, Harrison Beach Hotel, Opus Art Supplies (Langley), BC Sport Fishing, KIlby Bed & Breakfast, Ruby Creek Art Gallery, Super Valu, Julie Anne's Art and Framing, Hofa Art Supplies and Framing, Willowbrook Art & Framing.  Without all of their help it would not have been such an awesome event. 


 Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt  Come on In!! 

Special Offer: Free Shipping with your order of 4 or more Doodle Cards.

Special Upcoming Event: 
Open Studio -  Saturday, Sept 30 & Sunday, Oct. 1 – 10-4pm Daily
Special Hands-On Drawing Demos: 11 am & 1pm Daily.  
You are invited to Art by Wendy's Studio, N Surrey - Come and see the latest work, draw along with me, learn more about travel journaling and sketchbooking, enjoy my new doodles, check out my prints, cards, and more. I will be part of the Surrey's Art in City Event.  Maps & more on the event Here
 Contact Wendy Here   See you there!!

Time to Move Inside and Draw
Drop-In & Draw starting: 5 Sessions starting Wed. Sept 20. Mon. Sept 25, Tues Oct 10, Tues, Oct 24, Tues, Nov. 7 10-12pm & 1-3pm
Expressions Art Gallery, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge.  

Come for 1 or all 5, choose the morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook and your project and come draw.  I will be happy to give you a few pointers as you work on your drawing.  $15 Pre-Register Required. Contact Wendy Here

 Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
 Have a great artful day,
Wendy

Aug 24, 2017

Travel Kit Saves the Day - Painting & Drawing Tip

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

I just want to paint!!

You know the feeling - You just want to paint!

  • No hauling out supplies
  • No clearing a space for big canvases
  • No clean up
Just paint!
Play with colour, design, draw.  Whatever. . . 

I have found the secret.  
Title Page for my new summer journal - Gyrfalcon, the Bird for the Northwest Territories
Started on the plane and completed on the layover. 

This summer I have had a number of trips, a big camping/painting trip but several smaller less art focused trips.  I like to paint but when you are traveling or visiting you really can't 'pull everything out'.  But still there are down times when you sure wish you could.  

My new little travel kit really "Saved the Day" for me.

Steve and I just got back from a visit with my brother and sister-in-law in Yellowknife, NWT.  We spent time there but he had also arranged for us to fly-in to Blachford Lake Fishing Lodge for a few days.  It was an awesome trip.  One I really wanted to put into my journal but of course I could not take my whole studio with me!! So I took my new little travel kit.   (My full kit is described in my post" Yippee! I am no longer a Pack Animal" here. )

It worked great. 
To get to the lodge we had to fly from Yellowknife - a small float plane means no big packs of supplies
Of course at the lodge we went fishing and boating.
Cindy and I enjoyed the view while the guys were fishing.  Don't worry I got a turn too and caught an awesome trout!!
Steve and Dave busy on the lines
My full kit has the clamps and board for added support if you are standing or using something to support your work.  However it can be reduced depending on your space and working place.

Smaller Version: 
Replace brushes and water container with a waterbrush

I worked on my title page for my journal on our flight from Vancouver to Yellowknife.  (Note the pictures pre-printed by me so I had things to work on while flying.  I collected a few symbols of the Northwest Territories to paint on my pages. ) When flying on the larger plane I put the board, brush kit and clamps in my checked bag and had this smaller version in my carry-on bag.  Here it is all set up.  
Not much room on those little tables on the plane but no problem with my little kit. 
Smallest Version:
Take only book and pen  (add your colour later)

When we headed out for a hike or boat trip on the lake I just took my book and a pen.  Easy to do a sketch 'on the go' and then in the evening when relaxing I pulled out my paints and added a bit of colour.  
Pen and Book were great for drawing while we were trolling for trout and it was not my turn with the rod. 
When you want to paint, having your materials Ready for Action means you can Paint/Draw when you want.  

What to paint?  I always keep a few pictures tucked into my pack that I can work on if there is nothing in front of me I want to paint. See more ideas here.  What do you do when you have a moment and pull out your book and can't get inspired.

I am off to Kilby for the Plein Air Festival starting Friday - full report for the next post.  See below for more information.

 Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt  Come on In!! 

Special Offer: Free Shipping with your order of 4 or more Doodle Cards.

Special Upcoming Event: Plein Air Painting Festival - August 25-27 - Kilby Historical Site, Harrison Mills, BC
Great Opportunity to Paint on a Historic Site with costume models, farm animals, farm scenery,  old store and more.  Great Prizes for all levels - Beginners to Advanced Welcome - $15 Register events@kilby.ca by August 15, 2017.  Painting Friday and Saturday, Prizes, Luncheon, and Sales on Sunday.

See you there!!

 Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
 Have a great artful day,
Wendy

Aug 17, 2017

OMG!! I have a NEW Major Medium - Painting and Drawing Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

 Not sure if my studio has room for it. . .  but . . . I am really loving it.

It all started innocently enough, I guess all major events start that way.  I was packing for art supplies for our 4 week camping trip.  Now as many of you know, I live on the West Coast of Canada and one of the things we are noted for, is our rain.  So although I prefer to paint outside on the trail or at the beach I know we will have rain.  So I need rainy day art supplies too.

I was pulling things out of my draws and saw my Canson Mi-Teintes Assorted Colors (Pastel) Paper paper.  Yeah, I thought, I should take that and maybe some coloured pencils.  I have always been meaning to try working with this paper.

UP FOR AIR - 5 X 7, Coloured Pencil on soft blue paper Available at Etsy
This little seal was following my kayak when I was kayaking with the salmon last September.  After he checked me out, he gave a good flick of his tail and dove under.  I think he splashed me deliberately!  (See my blog post on kayaking with the salmon here. )

My first picture started out a little poorly.  I didn't realize there was a smooth side and textured side to the paper.  You can work on both sides but it is a lot more work to get a smooth blended picture on the rough side!!  I did persist and QUIETLY WAITING, my heron was the result.

QUIETLY WAITING - 5 x 7, Coloured Pencil on tan paper
Herons are a common sign on the waterfront where we camp on Texada Island.  This heron was standing in the water during slack tide.  He didn't seem to be fishing, just looking around.  

It was after finishing QUIETLY WAITING my real trouble began.

I decided to try another picture using the blue paper and this time I would be sure and use the smooth side. UP FOR AIR was the result.  I loved him.  I even worked on him on sunny days!

When I got home I knew I had to try more.  I had taken this great picture of a crow on a log and I really wanted to draw him.   The camping laundry had to wait, I needed to 'set this guy up'.

WIP - AT THE BEACH - 12 x 16 coloured Pencil on tan paper
Yes, he is much bigger and yes, he is on the smooth side.  I so exciting to see him come alive on my paper.   

You will have to tune in later to see my finished crow.  Needless to say, coloured pencil is slower than painting. Right now it is also slower than graphite as I have to feel my way with colours on the tinted paper.

Spending 4 weeks painting/camping trip this summer has brought about great changes to my work. You can read about the other changes starting here.   For me it has been a real shake up and I think made my work move forward.  New ideas, new mediums and new materials have really given me inspiration for new works.

Do you have ways to really shake up your work?

Oh, and remember that new Travel Kit I talked about in the last post?
Well it really hit pay dirt for me.  Read about my new kit here and in my next post, see how it really 'Saved the Day'.

 Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt  Come on In!! 

Special Offer: Free Shipping with your order of 4 or more Doodle Cards.

Special Upcoming Event: Plein Air Painting Festival - August 25-27 - Kilby Historical Site, Harrison Mills, BC
Great Opportunity to Paint on a Historic Site with costume models, farm animals, farm scenery,  old store and more.  Great Prizes for all levels - Beginners to Advanced Welcome - $15 Register events@kilby.ca by August 15, 2017.  Painting Friday and Saturday, Prizes, Luncheon, and Sales on Sunday.

See you there!!

 Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
 Have a great artful day,
Wendy

Aug 3, 2017

YIPEE!! I am no longer a Pack Animal! Painting and Drawing Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

Let's go!
Excitement is in the air.
The hiking trip that has been planning for weeks is about to begin.  You hoist up your bag and . . .
OMG!!
I can never carry this.  What on earth is in there?
Mermaid Cove, Protected Waters - 5 x 7 experimenting with using watercolour and ink but letting the ink be the star. 
Let's take a look: snacks, water, camera, binoculars, basic first aid stuff, sweater/ rain gear, and art supplies.  It all adds up to a heavy load.

Like you I enjoy the outdoors, kayaking, hiking or just a walk at any time of the year.  My latest camping/painting trip was filled with hikes along the trails, climbing over the logs on the beach and leisure walks along the bluff.  Everywhere I went there were awesome things to paint and sketch, and I did.
View north on Okeover Arm - more of my experimenting with using watercolour and ink 
Don't get me wrong, if there is a nice scenic spot I can drive up to, I take everything!!  Chairs, umbrellas, lots of cold drinks and more.

But. . .

Sometimes you want to go further and see more.  Now you are packing and the luxuries have to be left behind.

This summer I began experimenting with a great portable watercolour kit I put together.  It is small, light weight and has my own paints in it.  ( Getting my own paints was key to my kit as I was finding it a new learning curve every time I tried some of my commercial kits.)


My portable kit open in action, works great for sketchbook or watercolour sheet 7.5 x 9.5


Kit all packed up (top) laid out to view (bottom)
Kit Contents: Referring to the bottom picture - kit laid out Going left to right  
  1. Mesh nylon bag 12 in x 8
  2. Moleskin Sketchbook 5 in x 8 in. (under clamps)
  3. Plastic clamps - 3 - 4in long.  The 2 blue ones are locking which means they really are easy to clamp  and also release.  I would get 3 of this type next time
  4. Magnetic Spice tin with see-through lid (in front of pallet)  - 2 in high 2.25 diameter.  This was a major find, only $2 at Canada Tire.  It is sealed so I can carry water with it and it sticks to my metal pallet when I work.  Awesome!!
  5. Metal Pallet: 5 in x 2.5 in folded up  These are awesome, you put your own pans in them and fill them with your own colours
  6. Brushes -  Jack Richeson Watermedia Pocket Plein Air Brush Set, they come in that handy case and the brushes are really nice to work with
  7. Business Card - never hurts to Advertise!
  8. Plastic Zilock Bag - (under orange clamp at the top) pencil, Pigma Perment Ink Pen 03, kneaded eraser, small pencil sharpener
  9. My board - 1/4 inch plywood with corners sanded 9.5 x 13.5
Full Kit 5 lbs it can be stripped down to Pallet, Book, Zilock Bag and Waterfilled Brush. Stripped Down Kit 1 lb.

My only additions is small piece of paper towel which I hook to clamp as you can see in the action shot. My other addition to any outdoor work is a towel.  (softer seat for a log, use to make more shade, a toy or bed for Max, etc.)
Max, my Art Buddy.  Waits patiently then reminds me when it is time to get up and move. 
I am still tweaking my kit, I may take a few of the brushes out of my brush set and use the spot for pen and pencil, and I may try corrugated plastic instead of plywood.  Always striving for the Ultimate in portability.
I found that Liz Steele, an urban sketcher that I love to follow, has lots of good ideas for a good travel kit. Also James Gurney had a good article in the International Artist Magazine Vol 116, Aug/Sept 2017.  He sells a video that shows how to build his set up.

Have you found a great way to make your set up lighter?  I would love to hear what you do.

My 4 week Painting/Camping trip to Texada Island and Sunshine Coast was full of painting and trying new things. To learn more see my last post "Are you a Swimmer or a Diver?"   My next post is  OMG!! Have I got a NEW  Major Medium - not sure if my studio has room for it but . . . I am really loving it.

 Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt  Come on In!! 

Special Offer: Free Shipping with your order of 4 or more Doodle Cards.

Special Upcoming Event: Plein Air Painting Festival - August 25-27Kilby Historical Site, Harrison Mills, BC
Great Opportunity to Paint on a Historic Site with costume models, farm animals, farm scenery,  old store and more.  Great Prizes for all levels - Beginners to Advanced Welcome - $15 Register events@kilby.ca by August 15, 2017.  Painting Friday and Saturday, Prizes, Luncheon, and Sales on Sunday.

See you there!!

 Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
 Have a great artful day,
Wendy