My Still Life Rig

The vast majority of my painting for a long time was plein air, which is to say painted on site. Urban or otherwise, landscapes had become my subject matter of choice. There is an immediacy to painting that way that really appeals to me. The downside to that, though, is the fact that when you want to paint, you have to pack up all of your gear, hope for decent weather, and head out to your painting location. The problem is that, with a full-time day job, a thriving business that I run with Angela which is another full-time job and being a full-time parent, trying to find the time to paint can be a real challenge. I found that I wasn't painting as much as I needed or wanted to. To that end, I decided to switch to still life for awhile. I could paint on a daily basis and still be close to home where I needed and wanted to be. The one downside to painting at home is that the light in my 'studio' aka 'the garage' isn't the greatest. To that end, I came up with a system where I could control the light and set up my subject matter exactly the way I wanted to. If, by 'came up with a system' you mean 'stole from Carol Marine, who is my new favorite artist and inspiration as a daily painter and can be found at http://carolmarine.blogspot.com '.
Here, then, is the place where all the magic comes from, and how it came to be.

The materials

The Boy, added for scale

Bottom and backing panel added

 

 

 

The Final Setup

So there you have it. Thanks again, for all of you that have signed up for my mailing list and have been along for the ride with 52 Weeks 100 Paintings. I'll be picking back up with painting #54 when I get done with all of my painting commissions and other assorted holiday projects.

52 Weeks 100 Paintings #53 - Cake

52 Weeks 100 Paintings
#53 - Cake
7" x 5"
Oil on Canvas Panel
$53.00

This painting is available. Click here for details.

52 Weeks 100 Paintings #52 Venti Americano Extra Shot No Room

52 Weeks 100 Paintings
#52 Venti Americano Extra Shot No Room
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel
Sold

 

My drink of choice at Starbucks. If the barista is feeling extra magnanimous, he/she will throw in the sixth shot of espresso. Not always, but it's a nice little extra when they do. Some people say they can't exist without their coffee. But you know what? After watching the devastation of Hurricane Sandy I'm reminded that it's most definitely a luxury. It's too bad that it takes something horrific like that to make one appreciate big important things like having a place to live and being warm and dry. I just need to remind myself to be grateful for everything, large and small. And to enjoy a Venti Americano Extra Shot No Room when I get the chance. All proceeds from the sale of today's painting will go to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

52 Weeks 100 Paintings #51 - 3 Bowls, 1 Spoon

52 Weeks 100 Paintings

#51 - 3 Bowls, 1 Spoon 

5" x 7" 

Oil on Canvas Panel
Sold