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.

Painting History

Does absence really make the heart grow fonder? Well if it is true, I must be well loved by now.  Even though I haven't posted lately, I have been painting up a storm.

Our little painting group spent several weeks painting nearby in Lake Helen. Some of these will be on display at Hopkins Hall in Lake Helen during the Christmas Home Tour December 5 &6.

Sunday Morning at Zion Baptist - oil - Leah Wiedemer

We painted several of Lake Helen's historic churches.

Vespers - oil - Leah Wiedemer

And the historic City Hall complete with sand hill crane visitors.

Breakfast at City Hall - oil - 11"x 14"

Then we took a break from Lake Helen and went to Lake Woodruff Refuge. This is one of my favorite spots in spite of the fact that the mosquitoes eat me alive.

Rainy Day at the Refuge - oil - Leah Wiedemer

The sun never made an appearance and eventually the rain chased us away. But this turned out to be one of my favorite paintings. I guess there is just something about a gloomy day that appeals to me.

I'm interested in what you think. Please leave a comment.

Artisan Alley with Four Artists

This week our little painting group went to Artisan Alley in DeLand, Fl. If you come on a Friday evening this place is teeming with people buying and selling at the farmers market. It's a different and much quieter story on a Tuesday during the early morning hours.

Florida sunshine being as intense as it is in the summer we arrive by 7:30, quickly choose our subject, do a value sketch, and begin painting. I'm painting on a 11"x 14" canvas board that I textured with super heavy gesso.


Here are a series of photos in progress.

Sketched in my design with paint on a toned canvas

Let the tweaking begin!

Artisan Alley - 11"x 14" - oil - Leah Wiedemer

 Now to decide where we will paint next week!

You can comment below. Or visit my website - http://lwiedemer.com

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.

Capturing Small Town Charm

Big cities have plenty of excitement and activity, not to mention crime and pollution. But for charm you are more likely to find it in a small town. DeLand, Florida is a small town that is bursting with charm. Our little plein air painting group has no trouble finding paintable spots in and around DeLand. This past week we visited the train station.

The day was overcast which made it semi comfortable for us. Otherwise with no shade available we would have been at the mercy of the hot Florida sun.
I started by toning my canvas with yellow. Maybe I was trying to compensate for the lack of sun?
Then I started on the drawing using thinned paint and lifting out some areas with a paper towel.
Some people were on the platform briefly so I quickly put in some ghost images of them which I tweaked later.
I paid extra attention to the perspective. I need to get it right to make everything work.
At one point a train came barreling through and blew my canvas off the easel. Next time I'll hang on to it more tightly!


                                          

Back in the studio I decided that the building was a little too grey and could do with some warmth. So I added some ochre, tightened up the rails and deepened some of the shadows to help punch up the values.

The Depot - oil - 9"x 12" - $370 - Leah Wiedemer

From Shed to Studio

Four months ago I bought a 10' x 14'  Weatherking Garden shed.  It was delivered to our backyard and that began our learn as you go construction adventure.

Its off the truck.

and put in place

lots of bare wood inside

There were days when I thought we would never finish. I kept reminding my husband that it is a work room and if the dry wall isn't perfectly smooth it will be ok. No need for a third coat of mud and sanding. Sanding drywall in the Florida summer heat is a nasty, dirty bit of business.

So here we are after four long months of work.

I absolutely love my new space. And I'm looking forward to spending hours and hours in there creating new work.

Take a look at the short video (under two minutes) below to watch our step by step progress.