Painting Naples Florida

One of the things I enjoy about plein air painting is getting the opportunity to visit  beautiful areas to paint. Earlier this week I was in Naples, Fl for the annual 3rd On Canvas plein air event. This was my first time as a 3rd On Canvas artist, but I was treated as an old friend by the organizers and other artists.
We were assigned locations and required to paint from 10 am - 4 pm Monday and Tuesday. My plan for Monday was to begin a painting in the morning and then change my view (not my location) to begin another painting in the afternoon. My strategy with this plan was to view and paint my subject with semi- consistent lighting.
It's good to have a plan. But it is better to be flexible and roll with the punches. This is what Campiellos looked like when I arrived.

 I had just gotten my rough block - in done when the staff came out and very quickly and efficiently removed the heaters and put all of the umbrellas up. So much for my plan. I could still see the bar well enough so I worked on that and decided where I wanted to put some figures. By then the sun was baking me so I was ready to have some lunch and find shade.
Still in front of Campiellos, but on the other side I chose this archway as my subject.

I was happy to have some space out out of the direct sun. This was about 80% complete when I left at 4 pm.
The next morning I made sure I arrived early to give myself plenty of time to complete the bar painting. It was drizzling when I first got there, but it cleared up pretty quickly and I was able to finish and frame the painting.

"Campiellos Bar" 11"x 14" - oil on linen covered board

So after lunch I returned to the archway. 

"Campiellos Arch" - 11"x 14" - oil on linen covered board

I received good feedback on both paintings, but in the end I chose "Campiellos Arch" to be in the auction at the Port Royal Yacht Club this coming Sunday. 

It was a great experience. I'm already looking forward to next year.

It's All About the Light

Central Florida has a number of idyllic small towns in which tourists and locals alike enjoy strolling, shopping and eating. Nestled in the gently, rolling hills of Lake County is Mount Dora. Okay, there is no mountain in Mount Dora. This is Florida after all. There is however a lake, interesting shops and tons of good restaurants. I spent a week soaking it all up during the Mount Dora paintout.

These are the paintings I finished during the paint out. Also there was one that I was convinced I could do better. I usually think that, but this time I had an idea about what it needed.  I didn't enter it into the exhibition so I could work on it at my leisure.

Courtyard Fountain - oil - 11"x 14 - Leah Wiedemer

Workin on the Railroad - oil - 11"x 14" - Leah Wiedemer

Then we had a quick draw competition. It was my first experience with one of these. We had two hours to complete a painting on the grounds of the Sydonie mansion. A little overwhelming.

Sydonie Arch - oil - 11"x 14" - Leah Wiedemer

The judge talked a lot about the affects and importance of light in our paintings. This is something I plan to work on.
This last painting is the one I worked on more when I got home. Let me know if you think it made a difference.

The Masonic Lodge (before light adjustments)

TheMasonic Lodge - oil - 11"x 14" - Leah Wiedemer

I think it was worth spending a little more time on. What do you think? Leave a comment.

Does Alice Live Here?

This week we sought shelter from the rain under a pavilion in Sunflower Park in DeLand, Fl. The name of the park is a little puzzling since we could find nary a sunflower anywhere. But it's a pretty spot and it had a giant clock which reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. I may have seen the white rabbit.

I edited my view a bit by moving the tree to the left and eliminating trash cans and picnic tables.
Here are a few progression shots.

I pretty much worked from left to right on this one. Not my typical method.

Most of the greenery is in.

I'll do a little minor tweaking in my nice dry studio

All done!  "Alices Garden" - oil - 9"x 12" - $370

If you are interested in this piece I'm offering free shipping within the U.S. (continental)

Caught In the Current

Why do I keep returning to the river? Water is always a great subject, but for me the considerations are more practical. Here are my top 6 reasons to get caught in the current.

1. There is shade. In the hot Florida summer sunshine this is a must for me.
2. Many times there is a gentle breeze. That's right, it's all about my comfort!
3. If I need a quick snack or break there is a restaurant directly behind me.
4. It's about five minutes from my house. So it's not just comfort but convenience plays a part as well.
5. The changing light and reflections are always a challenge as well as a source of inspiration. So it's not all about practicality - I am an artist after all.
6. It's just plain beautiful and peaceful.

Here is the progression of my painting on the St. Johns River last week.

toned the canvas and wiped out some areas

placed the dock structure

about midway done on trees and water

now to play with the light and reflections

And the finished painting...

River Bend - oil - 9"x12" -$370 - Leah Wiedemer

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I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please comment below.

We spent a couple of painting sessions in the Garden District of DeLand. It's an area that experienced blight due to poverty, drugs, crime and a mass exodus of law abiding residents. Recently there has been a major effort to revitalize this area. Thanks to the vision of Michael E. Arth this area is making a come back with quaint homes, gardens, lots of white picket fences and even fountains enhancing the landscape.

 Three artists came out to paint  this day. Here are my progress photos.

At this point it was getting really hot, so I decided to finish up in the studio. Here is my final piece.

Garden Cottage 1 - oil - 11" x 14" - Leah Wiedemer

The following week we returned to the same spot, but turned our attention to the opposite side of the street.

We arrived at around 7:30 AM and were painting by 8AM. This time I chose a smaller canvas.

After a few studio tweaks, this is what I have.

Garden Cottage 2 - oil - 8"x 10" - Leah Wiedemer

Tomorrow we go to the St. John's river. Should be fun!

See Dick Draw See Jane Paint

A new painter friend and I met in downtown DeLand, Fl. to paint this morning. DeLand is full of charm and it can be difficult choosing one scene over another. This time we settled on painting the artsy cafe across the street called Dick & Janes.

It's cute isn't it! My friend was painting in watercolor and I was using oils on a 11" x 14" canvas covered board.

I toned the canvas lightly just to get me started. Then sketched in my design with thinned paint.

At this point I was 95% finished and we decided to break for lunch.

I just added some lettering and I think this might be done.

Stay tuned to see what we will be painting around town next week!

Do you paint your hometown charm? Do you prefer to go solo painting or with a friend? Let's talk about it.

Is it a Paint Out or a Party?

Tomoka State Park

I spent this past weekend with the wonderful artists of the Florida Womens Art Assoc. at the Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach, Florida.

It was our annual paint out or artist party, whichever you prefer to call it. I took this picture at about mid day on Saturday. What a beautiful day!

In the morning we were able to watch a demonstration by Ruth Vines which was as entertaining as it was informative.

Then in the afternoon I did a very small painting of the scene on the left. Using a limited Zorn like palette gives the scene more mood don't you think?      

"Tomoka Boat Ramp" - 5"x 5" - oil - Leah Wiedemer

This one sold soon after I brought it into the recreation hall we were using and put it on the table. The thrill never ends when someone hands over hard earned cash for one of my paintings. I'm very grateful for my collectors.

There was still time to watch another demonstration. This time it was a portrait demo by Kathleen Lusby. One of our members posed in period garb for Kathleen. I appreciated how she took the time to teach and explain why she made certain choices.

At the end of the day we had a pot luck supper and elected our new officers.

Since I'm currently living like a gypsy while we wait to close on a house one of our members very kindly let me stay the night at her house. Artists are such fun! I had the best time wandering through her home and admiring all of the beautiful art work. Thank you Babs for your wonderful hospitality.

Sunday was a bit gloomier, but I was still able to paint outside during the morning hours. So I did two more mini paintings.

"Rain on the River" - 5"x 5" - oil - Leah Wiedemer

"Kayaks at Rest" - 4"x 3" - oil - Leah Wiedemer

 Did I mention that these first two canvases had been prepped with super heavy body gesso? I like how it adds texture and makes the paint look thicker than it really is. You can really see the difference by comparing it to "Kayaks at Rest"

Marilyn Masters did our final demonstration in the afternoon. The good people at the Tomoka State Park had 3 re-enactors come in period regalia to pose for us. Marilyn painted a man dressed as an East Florida Ranger and invited us to paint along with her.

Well, I couldn't resist taking her up on her invitation to paint a live model.

Here is a shot of our model James.  And below that is my portrait attempt. I think I'll work on it a bit more and then maybe I'll give it to James as a thank you for posing so long for us. James explained that the tri cornered hat he has on is slightly inaccurate in that the trim should be white and not yellow. I promised to change it in the painting after it dries a bit.

East Florida Ranger - oil - 8"x 10" - Leah Wiedemer

So that was my weekend. A paint out and a party all in one.  I love hearing from you so please leave a comment.

Painting Sunshine on Canal Street

Our plein air painting group finally caught a break with the weather, so we met on Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach.
The sun was shining with nary a cloud in the sky.

If you know Canal Street, you are aware that it is popular with tourists and locals alike. It is lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and galleries. I love to hear the comments of people who stop to look. My favorite this day was "Oh! Fancy!".

This is where I set up. I started out enjoying the shade cast by the building across the street, but all too soon I found myself in full sun and beginning to burn.

I wear sunglasses to help me to not paint too dark in full sun. But even the shades couldn't eliminate all of the glare on this bright day.

Here is my "Got A Minute?" progress video. It even came in at just under a minute this week! Now who doesn't have a spare 57 seconds?

Back in the studio I took this picture of the finished painting.

"Canal Street" - oil - 8"x 10" - Leah Wiedemer - $280

Please leave a comment and tell me your thoughts. - thank you!

The Results Are In

The opening for the Mount Dora Paint Out gallery show was a few days ago. A huge crowd gathered to view the work accomplished that week. I was impressed with the turnout. Many times an opening is attended by mostly the artists and family members, but this brought in locals and visitors from all walks of life.
 Each participating artist could hang up to three paintings and most did. There was a lot of great work. I'm happy to report that I didn't go home empty handed. My painting "Lake Dora Boat Slip" was awarded one of two honorable mentions.

"Lake Dora Boat Slip" - 8"x 10" - oil - $280

Thank you judges!

I put together a "Got a Minute" progress video for my painting of "The Cannonball Caboose". By the way, it came out at exactly one minute! Don't you just love when the trains run on time? Happy viewing and please leave a comment.

Climbing Mount Dora

Did I say 'climbing'?! No, that's just silly. There are no mountains in Florida. Although the land does gently undulate in Lake County  where the charming little town of Mount Dora is located. What I meant to say was 'painting' Mount Dora.

For the past week I've had the pleasure of participating in the Mount Dora Paint Out. Driving back and forth was exhausting, but the time I had painting more than made up for it.




Day 1. I decided to paint Donnelly Street which is the main street in town. You can see from the photo that is was a beautiful day. Here is my finished painting.

"Donnelly Street" - 8"x 10" - oil - $280

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Day 2. Unfortunately it poured rain all day. The good news is that I snagged a spot in the parking garage where I had a great view of the train. So I was able to stay mostly dry. I don't know why everyone didn't do that.

The Cannonball Caboose - 11"x 14" - oil - $462

I'll do a separate post for my 'Got a minute' progress video of the Cannonball Caboose.

Day 3. The sun came back for another gorgeous day and I set up my easel by Lake Dora. The cypress trees make the water appear tea colored.

"Lake Dora Boat Slip' - 8"x 10" - oil - $280

Here is a shot of the hawk that kept an eye on us painting all morning. 

                                         

Day 4. I returned to the lake but a different area. There were a couple of swan boats on the beach that I didn't paint. I did use them in the title though.

Lake Dora Swan Depot - 11"x 14" - oil - $462

 

Tomorrow is the show opening at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. I can hardly wait to see the works that my fellow artists painted during the week.

I'm learning so much by painting on location. There is still sooooooooooo much to learn! 

Please leave a comment or question below.