Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Summertime Dreams...

I have painted through most of February... focused solely upon winter both en plein air and in the studio. I thoroughly enjoy winter as a theme for my paintings because things in the landscape are either transformed by the presence of snow... or they are brought into view when they would normally be overwhelmed or covered by foliage in the other seasons. Elusive light and shadow play together dramatically at the beginning and end of each sunny winter day... making interesting and challenging subjects to paint. I never really tire of winter, but many other people do not share enthusiasm... and many of them shun such paintings on their walls.

A good portion of our clientele are summer residents or visitors who worship the things which summer affords them. Enjoying the freedom to move about without having to be layered in heavy winter clothing and
being able to spend greater amounts of time engaged in summer-only activities such as boating, fishing , gardening, sun bathing and travel during vacation times. The last thing most of these sun-worshippers want to look at... is a painting reminding of the long winter cold!

So, I have set to work on a necessary project these past two days creating  paintings based upon other seasonal themes and especially focused upon summer in Rockport. They are quick... loose... painterly little ditties which I first paint in watercolour washes and then enhance with ink rendering to create contrast and detail. People seem to enjoy them.They are portable... less expensive and souvenir-based. All of these characteristics make them highly saleable in our Gallery.

I plan to do one or two each day in the mornings... and (hopefully) reward my Self with afternoon work opportunities on larger canvases, both en plein air and in the studio. This reward system will keep me motivated to carry out this necessary task and at the same time provide new material for both kinds of visitors.

Here are the first two "pot boilers."... These can hardly be classed as  full scale works of art, but nonetheless, have a jaunty and colourful presence! I enjoy the "puttin' along.... Hope that you enjoy them!


Good Painting... to ALL!!!



"The Rockport General Store and Gift Shop" - mixed media w/c and ink on paper 7x5 inches


"Up Cornwal Lane, Rockport" - mixed media w/c and ink 7x5 inches

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14 comments:

  1. hmuxoFebruary 20, 2013 at 4:28 PM

    I love these two paintings, Bruce...they would sell so fast because its the perfect painting to take back home with them...a place that they have visited!!..the General store and Cornwal Lane! I love the wonderful colors in both of them...

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  2. Bruce ShermanFebruary 20, 2013 at 4:54 PM

    Good evening Hilda!... Thank you for your visit and for such encouraging comments!

    You are absolutely right! All of us look for an inexpensive... original souvenir to bring home to remember our vacation trips. Sure hope that these hit the mark!

    Thanbks for your positive assurances!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  3. wendyytbFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    Love! Love! Love! I think I may just have to make a trip to Rockport! Sure needed these reminders that sun and flowers are on the horizon! Nicely done!

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  4. Lisa Le QuelenecFebruary 21, 2013 at 3:50 AM

    I can feel the sun on my back looking at these. A lovely taste of the summer to come :o)

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  5. Bruce ShermanFebruary 21, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    Good Morning Wendy!... Thank you for visiting... and for your Love(ly) comments! HA HA!!

    The winter can be long... anywhere in Canada... so drifting ahead is one way to feel sunny and upbeat! A visit to Rockport is another way to lift the spirit! It is a uniquely beautiful part of Canada... a "must vist" destination!

    Good painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  6. Bruce ShermanFebruary 21, 2013 at 5:56 AM

    Good morning Lisa!... Thank you for visiting and for your encouraging comments!

    If you can feel the sun... then I have succeeded... as did you with your wonderful yellow daffodils in lifting the spirits of my viewers!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Autumn LeavesFebruary 21, 2013 at 5:59 AM

    Oh I do love these, Bruce! They are beautiful!

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  8. Bruce ShermanFebruary 21, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    Good moprning Sherry!... Thank you for your uplifting remarks and encouragement! Glad that you enjoyed these wee "sun catchers"... HA HA!!!

    More on the way today... I hope!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. Diana MarshallFebruary 21, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    Love these two small paintings, love the combination of wc and ink, perfect for your gallery as a less expensive way to buy original art, portable and unique little treasures for visitors to lovely Rockport.

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  10. Bruce ShermanFebruary 21, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    Hi there Diana!... God to hear from you again!

    Thank you for your kind comments. These will indeed be attractive for tourist visitors to our gallery. Small... portable and less costly are the "go words" here in the summer. Larger paintings do sell... but it's always a waiting game... as you know!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. Keith TilleyFebruary 22, 2013 at 4:52 AM

    Hi Bruce, these certainly have a summer feeling about them and should be popular with the tourists.

    It's a problem, isn't it, that winter provides some of the best subjects but the least popular paintings. I was reading something on the subject recently, where the artist was saying that he always tries to put as much warmth in the painting as possible. I think that's something that you do as well and I must try to remember that.

    All the best,
    Keith

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  12. Bruce ShermanFebruary 22, 2013 at 6:14 AM

    Good mornoing Keith!... AS artisits we often find ourselves in the "thrawl" of what drives our own creative interests. I believe... that this is still paramount to the creative process and feeling of ownership which an artist must maintain. It's the pay off for me.

    However, I have learned "how to" overcome these attitudes about winter as an example... where I add in an element or two which meets the need of the "populace" who might wish to purchase a piece. Warmth is an essential part of art which commands and determines client interest. It does not take away from my needs... so I add it.

    Occasionally... I love to paint those wild and unruly days... cold-to-the-bone days... because I simply enjoy being "out there" to experience them. I get my fix! HA HA!!!

    Glad that you liked these pieces... more on the way. Thanks for your visit and encouraging comments Keith!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  13. jsicignano2.blogspot.comFebruary 22, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    Good morning Bruce,

    I love these watercolor/ pen and ink paintings. They are all about the happy days of summer to come. Well done.

    All the best to you,
    Joan

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  14. Bruce ShermanFebruary 22, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Hi Joan!... Thanks for visiting and for your positive feedback!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

    ReplyDelete