Monday, March 4, 2013

Cruising... Around Rockport

Lately, I have been working steadily... and daily on a painting project which is both enjoyable and at the same time one which will increase inventory dramatically. I have chosen to use a combination of watercolour with pen and ink because the two encourage a loose, painterly approach and are quick to dry. I am comfortably able to complete at least one image per day and then still have room for other things in my life that deserve equal attention.

The purpose of the whole activity is to create a number of carefully selected images which best reflect and capture the central essence of our picturesque and historic village. Last summer, I paid special attention to how traffic moved in the village and I noted where most visitors lingered longest taking pictures and looking over the historic plaques which The Rockport Development Group have installed at these important sites. I have focused my time and energy on these select sites.

We intend to have cards depicting these images commercially printed  into 7x5 inch cards and 10x8 matted enlargements. These are portable... less expensive than original art and should appeal to those who are with touring groups or are vacationing visitors who arrive independently. The original art for these images will be shown framed in our Gallery... but at the moment, it seems likely that we will choose not to offer these for sale right off the bat.

We did very well with my photographic images and photo reproductions of my paintings last summer, but making the cards ourselves makes the activity very labour-intensive. Our time we feel... would be better directed towards painting and doing our own originals to compliment and supplement the tourist items Not being able to purchase a larger original work... in the presence of less expensive reproduction alternatives should inspire souvenir sales opportunities... which can be themselves framed inexpensively... and to their tastes and pocket books later on when they arrive back home. A part of making a living in the art market and economy... at any time... past or present was having diversity of product and price point!

I soon will be able to return to what I truly enjoy... painting BIG... whether en plein air... or in the studio! There is a smell in the air... creeks and rivulets have started to run... birds are arriving at the feeders earlier due to earlier morning light. Cardinals are noisy... with their territorial song displays. SPRING.... is definitely in the air!


 "Autumn Shadows at The Church of the Redeemer, Rockport" - 7x5inches - w/c & ink on paper


 "The Boat House Restaurant"... Once Cornwall's Store c.1900 in Summer


"St Brendan's Roman Catholic Church in Winter" - &x5 inch w/c & ink on paper


"Captain Carnegie's Home" - 7x5 inch w/c & ink on paper in Spring
Captain Carnegie was the skipper of the ferry which crossed between Rockport and Alexandria Bay.


"Down Cornwall Lane" - 7x5 inch w/c & ink on paper in summer

"The Collins General Store c 1910... now the Rockport Boat Line Gift Shop
&x5 inch w/c & ink on paper



"Victorian Boat House at Smuggler's Cove... Now a Ghost" - 7x5 inch w/c & ink on paper


Well... must get back to the drawing board! Check in again soon... here's the run so far.... Enjoy!


Good Painting!... to ALL!!

14 comments:

  1. Lovely work, Bruce! It would be hard to pick a favorite,

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  2. Bruce, might I ask your price on these watercolor and ink pieces? I really love them and would to have one of my very own! I hate the thought of depleting your inventory on you knowing how hard you work though!

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  3. Good Morning Wendy!... Thanks for the visit and the vote of confidence!No vote necessary! Glad that you enjoyed them. That's key!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  4. Good Morning Sherry!~... Tnak you for visiting and for the high compliment.

    At the moment they are staying put until they are published and then Deb (my manager) will make that decision. I will put you at the head of the list... before they are offered for sale.

    I can say that the purpose for doing these was to offer them at really affordable prices.

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Bruce, these cards are truly lovely. I am sure they will be among the top sellers in your gallery.

    All the best to you,
    Joan

    ps
    Hopefully you will get back to your plein air and larger paintings soon.

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  6. Thanks Joan!... Sure hope so... they are a bit labour intensive... but also... a labour of love as well! No complaints!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Wow Bruce, these are fabulous. I know for you it is about the cards but what I see are beautiful paintings. I'm a massive fan of Pen & Wash paintings like these. I've tried a few myself from time to time but have never achieved anything as good as these. Brilliant work as always.
    All the best
    John

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  8. Hi there!...Thanks John... for these encouraging words from you!

    I very much value these words... given my deep respect for your own pencil masterpieces and draughtsmanship!

    Thanks for taking the time ti drop by and to comment! Good luck with your parents' care John!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. Wonderful little paintings, love your style. I can see these being very popular, must try my hand at pen and wash, what kind of pen do you use and ink, I guess the ink must be permanent.

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  10. These w/c/ink drawings are wonderful...each one is unique. I love the Collins General Store...!

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  11. Hi Bruce, these make a lovely set of cards and I'm sure they will do well. The buildings are all full of character and must have interesting histories. It occurs to me that it might be nice to provide a bit of background information, either printed on the back or on a separate slip.

    All the best,
    Keith

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  12. Good evening Keith!... Thanks for your encouraging remarks and insightful thoughts about the historical details!

    Already in the making... and will appear on the reverse side of each card! Great minds... and history buffs think alike! HA HA!!!

    Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to add your useful comments! Always appreciated Keith!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  13. Nice drawings Bruce, here I is a link to the Belleville festival of plain air http://www.bellevillepleinairfestival.com/ is in May 31- june2, $4500 in prices.

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  14. Hi there Jesus!... Long time since... we last talked!

    Hope that the winter was good for you and that you got in lots of painting!

    Thank you for the comments and the visit. I will look over the Plein Air in Belleville details. Thanks for sending it along to me

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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