Growing Pains

Mount Dora Lighthouse - oil - 8"x 10" - plein air - Leah Wiedemer

Even though I haven't posted anything in a while, I have been busy painting outdoors and in, as well as doing a lot of thinking about painting.

Like most artists I'm always reaching for a foothold in the next skill and creativity level. The digital age has made online and video study an affordable option for artists to grow. I've invested heavily in these teaching tools over the past year. It's taking time for me to assimilate so much information. In an effort to avoid being overwhelmed I have found it helpful to concentrate on one aspect such as color, value, or composition at a time.

Rain at the Bridge - oil - 5"x 7" - plein air - Leah Wiedemer

Now that much of the information is solidifying in my mind, the next step is to consistently implement it in my painting. Easier said than done. I'm satisfied with far fewer paintings these days and have made it a habit to regularly purge sub par works. It has been liberating to let go of those paintings that used to haunt me with their various issues.

As I continue to press forward I'm faced with another dilemma. I've noticed that many plein air works look to be in a very similar style. How to stand out when there are hundreds of wonderful plein air artists out there doing similar work. I feel a twist on my horizon. I'm not sure what the twist or bend will look like, but it's coming so I'm watching for it.

Painting Flagler Beach

This past week was the culmination of months of planning as I headed up the annual Flagler Beach Paint Out. Being in charge is a role I'm not entirely comfortable with, but my reward is getting the chance to interact with so many talented artists.
Tuesday I was able to take some time to paint with  other artists, have lunch and go back to painting. It was a perfect day. I chose a shady spot under the Flagler Bridge.

There are prettier places to paint, but this location fit my needs. Close to the restaurant where we were meeting for lunch, shady, and protected from too much wind.
This is the painting I did under the bridge. I warmed up the colors and concentrated on making interesting light effects.

"Under The Bridge" - oil - 8"x 10" - $195

Next week I'll be in St. Augustine painting the Castillo Di San Marcos and Fort Matanzas national parks.

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

Join my list of preferred art lovers to receive important announcements  and special deals only available through email.
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!