Saturday, September 30, 2017

Airstream Bambi 'Minnie Lou'


 Airstream Bambi 'Minnie Lou'purchase info hereorig. watercolor 8x5x11in

It's been a loooooong painting day again- nightshift painting again- final spurt. It was a 'Just Because' sort of day...
Airstream Bambi 'Minnie Lou' is my last official camper portrait for this time around. Even though I have painted two paintings today. You will see the other one below, you'll understand. But first, let's start with this one here:

I know, I know, this one is a new Airstream Model not an old one. But I got asked to paint it and because I liked it, I did paint it! Ha! feels good to being able to make a decision like this Just Because;-)

No really, I am struggling with this perspective thing as you have seen a few days ago (with dear Catalina from New Zealand) and what could be more challenging in perspective than an Airstream from a sharp angle with reflections? This was reason enough to give it a shot.

What I've learned again is that really what we paint is not what we think we see. So, I've not painted aluminium panels reflecting sky and landscape, but I've looked carefully and painted shapes and light values, what I saw in the reference photo. Actually, I exaggerated what I saw in the colors, yielding a more 'polished look' (haha, no pun intended!)
Here is a photo of the work-in-progress:


But this was not all I painted today.

As I mentioned above, I painted another painting today. Just Because I felt I needed to!
I just couldn't let it sit to not give Catalina a decent showing here. So, for my own peace of mind I painted her again today. I painted her this morning right after the kids were in school and I got a brisk walk in (this month's sitting is starting to give my lower back some grief). In short: I was fresh and ready to go!

I focused on the angles, the interplay of the angles and the perspective. I asked my husband to check it (haha). Once he gave me green light, I carefully tip-toed my way into the painting with light layerings to establish the various plains, I have to say it was quite a process, but I feel much happier with this one now. I might still touch up that white middle bar (maybe, haha).

So, here my second painting: Dear Miss Catalina from New Zealand!

1969 Catalina from New Zealandorig. watercolor, 8x10in (matted to fit 11.14in frame)
purchase info here

I thank you all for your support and encouragement and the invitation to your friends that love art and/or campers to follow me online! Thank you very, very much!
I will post all paintings featured in a collage tomorrow and early next week I should have the voting online for you to like your favorite paintings, which will be featured in my 2018 calendar collection.

I will announce once it is online and ready to go, just follow my Facebook: Simone Ritter Art or Instagram: SimoneRitterArt or here of course;-)

Thanks again and stay in touch! Gotta go, zzz now.... too late already again;-)

Friday, September 29, 2017

1965 Aristocrat Lo-Liner

1965 Aristocrat Lo-Linerorig. watercolor 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)
purchase info here

Today's camper is this red 1965 Aristocrat Lo-Liner. It's proud owner writes the following:
'This is "The Hen House" - my very first vintage trailer. I named her
after finding some cute curtain fabric & a vintage red leather
suitcase! My very first vintage trailer!'

Isn't it the best how many people start a renovation (camper or other) with a some inspiration piece? Here it was a cute curtain fabric and a vintage leather suitcase. My own kitchen reno and so many others behind me I know exactly how she feels. It takes just one inspiration piece to get a vision. I guess that the red leather suitcase was the model for the red color outside.

Side note about submitting photos:

Today I had to work some imaginary angles as the photo was cropped. I usually don't choose cropped photos as it just adds that extra level of stress to guess it right, but I am a sucker for red, so I let it slip. It was stressful, haha! The owner offered different photos but it was too late to contact her as my month is coming to an end very soon.

I believe more people have tried to send  photos in, but my 'super basic uploader' doesn't have a landing page stating if things went through. Many people were wondering (however the uploader shows if things don't go through). Most problems I saw was too large files. My computer screen is not showing the whole photo if files arrive at full size, often 5mb!
I had this a couple years ago and it drove me crazy to re-size almost every other photo. So I decided that photos have to be sent the right size for me to work from. Many people read and understood and I'm very thankful for the time I could spend painting rather than editing pics;-) Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Tomorrow, more camper before we call it done for this time and I want to thank each and every one again for sending in your pics! I had fun and hope you did have, too!

Thursday, September 28, 2017

1968 Forester 'Violet'

1968 Forester 'Violet'orig. watercolor 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)
purchase info here

Today's feature camper is this 1968 Forester 'Violet'. It required a lot of sensitive mixing and keeping the wells clean to get all those purples and violets, but I enjoyed it. See, every day a new challenge for me here, haha. 

Also, today I was sooo sure to be done before dinner time with the painting as I have specifically nothing planned for the whole day. Oh well, it is again 10:30pm as I write this... And I still have to bake an apple cake as I have a friend come over for coffee in the morning. And drain the chicken stock bubbling on the stove.

So, you see, my time management skills are definitely not 100% and could use some adjusting.

My Mommy Day Today:

This afternoon was a most beautiful day outside. The morning started foggy and drab, but by noon it cleared up and the sun was glorious mid afternoon. Once they arrived from school, I grabbed the kids, the bikes and scooters and we headed down to Indian Point Beach for fresh air and beach combing. Besides, I wanted to check out if that aqua Shasta Re-Issue was still at the campground. Prepared, I had brought my paints. Unfortunately, the camper had left already.

At the Beach though, a large rock formation is my kids' imaginary pirate ship and they always have fun hopping and climbing busily up and down. Today the fighting was kept to a minimum- bonus!

As I was taking photos of them, I realized again how fast they are growing up. I cherish my time with them and try to spend meaningful time with them, often outdoors. I enjoy our small adventures, even if it's just a bike ride down to the beach and collecting shells. Winter will be here in no time and then I enjoy the sweet memories of summer days gone by.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

1959 Shasta 'Ginger' Holiday

1959 Shasta 'Ginger'orig. watercolor, 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)
purchase info here

Today's feature glamper is this most awesome 1959 Shasta 'Ginger'. I had a blast painting it! Wow, what a statement camper! I can just imagine the looks and comments coming every time it is being taken out. Wouldn't this be the perfect addition to any Christmas holiday market?

What comes to mind is the saying: sing as if no one is watching. Really, the little kid in us is being drowned out so often, just to 'fit in' and to 'be normal'. This camper today shows that life doesn't have to be like that. It can be a reflection of our creativity, fun and life-loving self. In the way we live it, we give others joy and hopefully courage to pursue their own dreams.
I'm somewhat Philosophical today, but this is what thoughts just came to mind. High five to its proud owner! Great job, love your little Shasta! Thank you for sending her in!

I'm thinking, I should start decorating around the house- fall, Thanksgiving... yes, this painting might have done it. But first I have to finish painting my daily campers. It seems my life has been on hold as I spend so much time each day to paint and post those. Almost there, just a few days left...

Thanks again for stopping by and I hope to see you tomorrow again with another little camper!

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Orange White 1968 Shasta 1500


Orange White 1968 Shasta 1500orig. watercolor 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)
purchase info here

Today's Orange White 1968 Shasta 1500 felt like painting a deja-vu. I have the small version of it, haha, so I'm quite familiar with its angles and curves (now doesn't this sound sexy!).

This one here is in a low-light situation, it seems overcast or dusk with little reflective light bouncing around. Makes a challenge to paint a happy sunny scene, so I opted to just forgo that endeavor but embrace what it is. It's owner is a very pretty, happy young woman. She was in the submission photo, too. But out of fear of biting too big a piece off the apple in regards to getting the portrait right, I simplified and not add her in the scene. I can tell you, it was a challenge just by itself!

You gals keep me on my toes all right! My hope is it will make me a better painter.
There are only a few more days left and I'm looking forward to seeing the full 30 paintings all lined up. My favorite part is always the collage poster with every one camper featured. 5 more days to go, oh, wait- 4 more days;-)

Thanks again for stopping by and let's see what's in tomorrow's camper-candy-bag!?

Monday, September 25, 2017

1953 Fleetwood

1953 Fleetwood
orig. watercolor, 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)

Welcome Stevie, a 1953 Fleetwood Camper! You are our feature glamper today! Sent in by Penny's owner from a couple of days ago. What a beautiful restored campie I'd have to say!

And today not even my Wiki friends from TinCan Tourists can help out with information.
So, I'd keep it short and just want to say a great big 'thank you' to all of you journeying with me.

I see it an honor to paint every day those beautiful old campers that people of all walks lovingly restore and enjoy the great outdoors in. Our hearts are often longing for adventure, for freedom and to explore our beautiful planet. And these campers speak exactly this, in the simple ways of life from yesteryear. It certainly is on my bucket-list to travel our continent and learn about its people.

I hope to see you again tomorrow with another little vintage;-) And if you'd still send your photo in, please do so, I might have a couple of spots open end of the week. God bless you and keep you in this new week!

Thank you Leslie Saeta for hosting the 30 paintings in 30 days project for artists again!

Sunday, September 24, 2017

1955 Trotwood Cub

1955 Trotwood Cuborig. watercolor 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)
puchase info click here

This 1955 Trotwood Cub is my feature camper today. Have I ever mentioned I love red in vintage trailers???? Love the striped awning, wanted one for my little campie, but not the right red to be found for this color connoisseur, haha!

Unfortunately, I don't have any info on the (hi)story of this little guy, so I hopped over to my dear wiki-friends from the TinCanTourist website (big thanks!):

"It all began with Ray Kuntz and Warren Wagner back in the late 1920’s. These schoolteachers occupied their summers in a garage on Grand Avenue. Here they were designing a prototype canvas tent on wheels to take camping.

Despite the economic gloom of the Great Depression in 1932 they opened Trotwood Trailers. By 1950 they grew to control 20% of the camper trailer market in Ohio. Because there were many models to choose from. One of their largest models can still be seen in the mobile home park on East Main Street of Trotwood Ohio. It was a regular sight to see 12 trailers rolling out of town every day on their way to customers across North America.

Their neighbors tolerated the pair working long hours from their ‘home office’. They were not realizing the impact their inventions would have on the trailer world as a result from innovative axle systems to the first side entry door trailer. 
Unfortunately Fire destroyed Trotwood’s legacy business back in 1981. Thousands of campers and travel trailers were built on North Broadway, Trotwood Ohio, for delivery all across the country. Trotwood Trailers were respected due to their innovative features and high quality construction. Many still survive today but the company does not."

Saturday, September 23, 2017

1969 Catalina from New Zealand- a Lesson in Perspective

1969 Catalina from New Zealand!
watercolor study 8x10in,  (not for sale)

Today's camper is one of the hardest campers I have ever painted. It's shape, color and a canvas tent that is longer than the trailer caused a huge challenge.
I call today's painting a fail, but a learning experience.
Still I am posting my laboured efforts, just to show you that not every painting works out. And I have to be honest, posting this is a bit humbling, too. And I hope this painting will be a good teaching-lesson for me. I want to get better at what I do, this is why I started painting to paint 30 paintings in 30 days a few years back under the umbrella of artist Leslie Saeta's call to join her.

Let's analyze...!

So what happened  today you might ask? I was trying so hard to capture the immaculate high gloss finish. The muted colors were almost white soft pastel tones. I was trying hard to capture the rounded front windows, the tent-addition and simplify the layout somewhat. There were extra canvas stipes on the awning poles, too that I wasn't sure would read right in the painting. I edited those out.
First, the area rug seemed to fall out from the painting. I didn't see this as I don't have good perspective from the get-go. Then I asked my dear husband and he told me. As I tried to see it and adjust the rug's shape, I saw the pole on the left ended up too long, and as a result the corner of the awning looked to be by that pole.
So I painted the white pole over to fit with the dark open door (you can still see where I patched that pole, haha). At this point, I knew there was no going back, nor going forward. So, here I am posting this camper in hopes to being able to try a second round... but I might take a couple of days with other campers to calm my nerves, haha.
Anyhow, thank you so much for following along and hope to see you tomorrow again!
Sorry my sentences might read jumbled. I'm just too tired and weary now. Time for bed, zzzz.

Friday, September 22, 2017

1969 Shasta Compact 'Penny'

1969 Shasta Compact 'Penny'orig. watercolor 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)
purchase info here

1969 Shasta Compact 'Penny' is my feature model today. Isn't she cute? I might be biased as I have a little Compact myself. You can see it's painting here.

Actually, I have known about 'Penny' for some time now as she was featured in the very first 'Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine' I received in the mail and her story was so real, her name being Penny as her reno did cost quite a good 'Penny', haha! 
Her proud owner operates now a camper renovation biz, AmericanTravelersRestorations - so if that's what you need for your camper near Hemet, CA, give them a jingle or check out their Instagram!

I am thinking of taking the kids camping next week sometime. Hm, fall is in the air, but the weather has been so warm, almost summery that it might be just too early to quit the camping season for another year. We shall see. My 'Little Wings' certainly is ready, all looking cute in the driveway. I have already looked at a campground that might do the trick.
It is getting late here, so I better call it a day and fold in for the day (if that's a correct expression?)

Anyhow, thanks for your interest and we shall see you tomorrow with another camper painting! Yey Friday!

Thursday, September 21, 2017

1963 Winnebago Cab Over


1963 Winnebago Cab Overorig. watercolor, 8x10in, matted to fit 11x14in frame
purchase info here

A 1963 Winnebago Cab Over is our camper of the day today. 

What a beauty! It was pure joy for me to paint it. You know how I love red, vintage red that is on those cute campers and this one here sports it! I kept the composition somewhat simplified as I didn't want to take away from the campers beauty. I think it has still lots of interest already with the striped awning and the accessories around it.

The fall has arrived here and it makes me tired. I see all the work that is waiting around the house to be done before winter and all I want to do is curl up and sleep! 
I'm still catching up from my last weekends away painting and on my courses. With three kids the chores just don't do themselves. Oh well, it'll get done. The chores AND the stuff around the house. 

On a positive note, I picked most of the apples from our tree in the back and they are nice and big this year! I hope to grab a longer ladder tomorrow to climb up and get the upper ones- they are even nicer looking! I can see apple crisp in our near future;-)

Thank you for stopping by and I'll be here with another campie, fresh off my easel;-)
thanks again and enjoy the beautiful fall if you can!
Simone

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

1966 Aristocrat LandLiner


1966 Aristocrat LandLinerorig. watercolor, 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)purchase info, click here

I've been practicing white siding again with today's 1966 Aristocrat LandLiner.
Here is the info I received from it's proud owner: 'Set up at the 2nd annual Bodega Bay Rally. My Trailer's name is Scout, after our dog who would have enjoyed camping in it with us.' Yes, I think our dogs love to hang with us in nature, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and companionship offered during camping.

Here is some info on the make from Wiki Tin Can Tourists, bless their heart for collecting all the trailer info for people like me and many more!

"Irv Perlitch (Perch) made his fortune by founding Aristocrat Travel Trailer after moving to Morgan Hill in 1957. Mr. Perch collected unusual antiques such as a 1929 Ford Tri-motor, the first commercial passenger plane to make coast-to-coast flights. In 1969, he sold his successful trailer business to begin work on a 200 acre family resort in Morgan Hill, CA. It was home to his museums of antique cars and airplanes and where he built his Flying Lady Restaurants. Irv Perlitch passed away April 30, 2008."

Hope we can see each other again tomorrow with another camper, what will it be? Not sure yet, but I'm looking forward to painting! Thank you for stopping by!

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

1963 Arrow Duplex Cabover

1963 Arrow Duplex Caboverorig. watercolor, 8x10in (matted to fit 11.14in frame)more info and purchase, click here

Welcome to today's 1963 Arrow Duplex Cabover. The step-up tiny camping home for the person who needs a bit more space (or has more kids, haha).

This one here is a 1963, almost 55 years old! I'd love to look this good when I'm 55, just sayin'!

Here is what its proud owner shared with me: "This is my camper Flo. We have a lot of fun because I just 'go with the Flo.'" Some comments make my day, and this was one of those! Thank you very much for sending in your darling Flo for us all to smile with you!

I am posting this, yawning. So tired today. This weekend I was out and about painting at Kings Landing Historic Settlement at their annual plein air fundraiser. The other artists attending are fun to be around with and really, as creating art is kind of a solitary endeavor, it feels special to paint alongside likeminded. We stayed at the bunkhouse where they host the summer camp kids. You can guess how well I slept, haha! 
I will share some of the paintings created with you once the month and my camper project is over. If you are interested in looking at the exhibit and enjoy a wonderful fall excursion, you can head to Kings Landing until October 9th, 2017 before they close for the season.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Pink 1959 Aloha

Pink 1959 Aloha orig. watercolor 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)
purchase info here

Look at today's Pink 1959 Aloha Glamper! Doesn't pink make one smile? This painting is a much simplified version of the sweet photo I received. It had dainty flower garlands wrapped around the awning strings. How to paint those, to convey the right look? 

Well, I opted to leave them out because I wanted the pink color and the striped awning itself to be the focal point. I like the dark contrast of the trees in the background. I pre-wetted the paper and applied the background mixes wet-into-wet. The mingling of the paint makes for soft shapes which I like with the soft pink color.

Here is what info I received along with the photograph: 'Dixie would love to be a fabulous work of art. She is currently out of commission for an indefinite amount of time. It's tough being Vintage. It would be nice tribute.'

So, our little Dixie here is battling old age- just as my Glenette who resides in all single pieces in the back storage of our building. I still have hope that SOME DAY she will be resurrected, I have faith as I cannot see it happen anytime soon. Her frame, stripped bare is rusting slowly but surely parked at the back outside as well.

But let's not finish on a dreary note, so I wish you a great day with a fun surprise or two- even if it's  something little like a smile in a store or the turning colors of a tree nearby. Have a great day, enjoy the little wonders!

Sunday, September 17, 2017

1969 Okanagan Camper


1969 Okanagan Camperorig. watercolor 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)
purchase info here

Welcome to this 1969 Okanagan Camper! I love it when the owners put their creative touches on the outside. Here we have colorful flowers and vines growing on the middle strip. It makes it look friendly, welcoming and cosy. 

I tried to imagine where the camper was parked. The red sand could be in the Southern US or it could be on the Northern Eastcoast and Canada... In any case, I liked the contrast with the lush vegetation as a back drop.

Here is what it's proud owner shared with me: 'My trailer's name is Scruffy. She was built in Penticton, BC, Canada, but currently resides in Arlington, TX.' Okanagan is a very well known wine-growing region in British Columbia, Canada.

Ha, and this trailer is doing what it's supposed to do! Travelling the roads. Lucky little campie!

I wish you all a Happy Weekend with first of all some relaxation and laughter and sunshine! And probably it includes some outdoor-time, too?! Maybe even camping!

As you read this, I have been painting at Kings Landing Plein Air Event and should arrive home late this evening. Thank you for travelling alongside me and I hope we will see each other again tomorrow!

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Green 1954 Aljoa Sportsman



Green 1954 Aljoa Sportsman

orig. watercolor, 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)
purchase info here

What a pleasure it was to paint today's campie. This Green1954 Aljoa Sportsman looks so inviting and move-in ready!  I have known it's proud owner for quite some time on Facebook and when I have worked my way up to her submission, I was smitten! I had NO idea her little campie would be such a cute treasure.

This time in my camper-a-day event I have taken the approach of first come-first served. If, for whatever reason I couldn't paint a camper set-up, I have contacted the owner directly and asked for different photos. Also, this time around, I am not opening all the photos immediately. I wait til it is their turn to be painted and so it is a surprise for me what I'll end up painting each day! I loooooove it! Thanks everyone!!!

Today, I like the dark green and honey colored wood this green1954 Aljoa Sportsman features. Nowadays, light color themes prevail and many vintage campers are being painted over to suit a more contemporary style. But this one here has kept it's vintage look. Love it!

Funny, here I'm talking about keeping the original look- I, the one that painted white her own camper's whole interior, haha. But to my defense, it didn't sport any wonderful birch ply.

At the moment I'm dreaming of an Airstream as a backyard studio.... but again, it would have to be shell-only, gutted! It almost breaks my heart to see any 1950's or 60's beauty stripped of it's original interior. So, I will have to wait for one that is already gutted by someone else. This way I don't feel bad having done any damage.

Anyhow, enough of my dreams, I wish you a wonderful day and hope to see you here again, same time, same station, new camper;-) Happy Trails!

Friday, September 15, 2017

1963 Shasta 16SCS 'Tin Can Annie'


1963 Shasta 16SCS 'Tin Can Annie'orig. watercolor, 8x10in (matted to fit 11x14in frame)purchase info here

Look what we have here today! 1963 Shasta 16SCS 'Tin Can Annie' is our country camper! I get to practice more of the wonderful Southern landscape. The purples, the brittle vegetation, the country feel of a simple life make me want to dream of these faraway places. My bucket list is growing this month!

As you might know, I am member of the 'Sisters on the Fly', camping ladies, and maybe I just have to hitch my own little Shasta and go on a road trip!

Well, the fam wouldn't be thrilled I am sure, but dreaming is always a possibility...
Here the weather grows colder by the day, the nights start to feel nippy lately, too. Fall is knocking on the door. As I write these lines, I have the balcony door open and hear the drying leaves of the nearby maple trees rustle in the ocean breeze. The first trees are starting their splendid display already. A bit early I think, it was a dry summer, but then, I think I say this every year that it is too early for fall.

Right now I'm battling a nasty cough, hope it will get better soon. My kids think I'm barking like a dog, haha. Oh well, fall must be in the air and surely this is the sign.
Thank you for stopping by and I hope we will see each other here soon again with another campie!
Simone

Thursday, September 14, 2017

1966 Shasta 1500 'Free'



1966 Shasta 1500 'Free'
orig. watercolor 8x10in (archivally matted to fit 11x14in frame)

This 1966 Shasta 1500 'Free' is my feature camper today. I love its patriotic set up! It's proud owner shares her love for her country and lovingly decorated this little Shasta in Stars and Stripes.
Growing up in Germany, there was very little display of national pride as in flags or banners or such (except for soccer events and other global sports competitions where the Germans won). I think after WW2 the whole national pride thing got ushered out the door and instead of flags and banners, people measured their pride in accomplishments.

When we arrived first here in Canada in 2000, I have to admit that I felt almost a sense of bewilderment when I saw all the flags proudly flying at every street corner and many homes. I have come to appreciate it over the years. The flag is an outward sign that unites a people, even if they don't agree on much else besides. A love for their country and a sense of a kind of nationwide brotherhood is best displayed every year during July 1st, the national holiday.

'Flying their colors'

I see the same with my US friends. We live close to the US border and even more than the Canadians, the US residents love to share their love for their country in flying their colors.
By now, I am a bit saddened when I don't see the flags in Germany when we visit. But I understand. And being humble has not often been a bad trait. Germans as far as I can say, as a people, are not wired that way, haha. Their open-ness often comes across as frank and direct and you have no idea how often I have stepped in a pot of grease by just talking out loud- especially here with the polite Canadians! Yup, still learning that 'silence is golden'- maybe I should just get myself a flag instead, haha)
Thanks for journeying with me, I will be here again tomorrow with another camper, so stop on by anytime;-) Until then,
Happy Trails! Simone

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

1982 VW Camper Van 'Tortue'


1982 VW Camper Van 'Tortue'orig. watercolor, 8x10in approx (matted to fit 11x14in frame)
purchase and more info click here

Today's feature is this 1982 VW Camper Van 'Tortue'. 

I painted it on location this summer during St. Andrews' annual VW camper van meet called 'gathering of friends'. I painted an orange VW during the same event, you can see the post about it here.

Bummer, I didn't take a proper photo of the painting before I matted and framed it up for sale at our Europa Restaurant. All I can post are those photos you see here. I try and snatch a proper pic once it slows down a bit.

What I liked about this one, was the different colors used. This is the factory original paint job, but as it was produced in Mexico, they used different colors then the Euro market models.

VW had stopped producing the old fashioned kind of VW campers by 1982, except in Mexico the factories still produced, and this was where this baby was born. It belonged to a National Geographic photographer who worked in Mexico. This explains the name 'Tortue', or turtle in english. As the photographer retired, he came back to Canada, bringing the VW with him. He died and his widow looked for a good new home for this 1982 VW Camper Van 'Tortue'. The current owners were looking for a VW and friends connected both parties and the rest is history. The only request of the widow was, that the camper be held in honors and be not sold for big profit after the family was done with it, but kind of pay-it-forward pass it on to someone new who would lovingly use and tend the sweet camper.


As I was painting, the proud owner came over and told me this story. I hope I got it all right here, as I was painting and focusing on my work. But the story was so unique and lovely, I wanted to share with you all.

I hope it made you smile- surely did make me smile;-)
I'll be here again tomorrow with another painting, hope you can pop on over;-) thanks for stopping by!

Simone

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

2009 Shasta Airflyte 12


2009 Shasta Airflyte 12orig. watercolor, 8x10in (matted size: 11x14in)
purchase info here

Today's feature camper is not a vintage as in 30 years or more, but, well, a 2009 vintage. It is a Shasta re-issue Retro Camper. I have never included one in my camper-a-day projects ever, but I don't think I have ever had one submitted either. So, as I liked the beautiful red color and the sun creating wonderful shadows on the siding, I was thrilled to get started with the painting!
The Retros are very popular, giving people all the modern comforts and safety standards including the cute vintage look. Certainly worth a consideration if budget is not the problem but rather the carpentry...
I am still looking for a few more camper submissions, so if you know of someone who might like to send in a pic, please send them to my submissions page here. The maximum file size is 1MB, that's the only thing to keep in mind. I think some folks might have had problems with re-sizing their photos. Easy way to downsize from a cell phone is to send the photo to ones own email. My Iphone offers four different sizes: small, medium, large, original size. I pick the size just below 1 mb and send it to my own email. There I can download it very easily to my photo stream again in the changed sized. 
I hope we will meet again tomorrow, same page with another campie.... thanks for stopping by and spreading the word!
Simone

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Snowy 1959 Pink Aljo

Snowy 1959 Pink Aljoorig. watercolor 8x10in (matted size: 11x14in)
purchase info here

Isn't she darling? Today's Snowy 1959 Pink Aljo looks like a girly, sweet candy.
I am amazed yet again about the wonderful selection of photo submissions that arrive in my submissions inbox! It makes me smile to open one after another and paint along every day- pure bliss!

This one was special and I was excited as the subtle pastel colors throughout are not my usual fare. Bold didn't do it today! So I took my time again and slowly inched my way into this painting by carefully laying down one wash over another. I was careful not to overwork as well. I am happy with the result and think I've become a better painting because of this painting! It's the little things I guess. I have painted a few Aljos over the years but never a pink one.

Here is some extra info on the name and its history from its founder/owner C.T. McCreary or “Mac”(interview from: wiki tin can tourists)

"The name Aljoa derived from a name of a friend's boat “Al-jo” changing it to Aljo, and when he setup in California someone told him to add an “a” on the end to make it more “Californian”. He did have to drop the “a” from the end in about 1950 when Alcoa saw that he was advertising an all aluminum trailer and the name infringed on theirs. His trailers were on the set of the Red Skelton Show and he had a feature on his company on a TV show called “Success Story” showing how the small guy can make it in different businesses."

Thanks again for stopping by and I'm wishing you a wonderful Sunday! Will be here again tomorrow with a new campie. What will it be???

Saturday, September 9, 2017

1970 Klassic Camper Caravan

1970 Klassic Camper Caravanorig. watercolor, 8x10in (matted size: 11x14in)
purchase info click here

Today's feature camper painting of this 1970 Klassic Camper Caravan is a bit funky. Well, this time it's not me, but the photo got submitted like that! I couldn't say no as the photo already made me smile. 
So, here we go, it is weekend and who needs to be all straight and pulled together on the weekend? Time to relax, unwind and to not worry. I hope this painting speaks this. Hope it makes you smile, too!

I tried to find out more about the make, but my wiki-source for campers couldn't help today.
I love color, so the bright green and the added color in the shadows is what I wanted in this watercolor.

Again, Happy Weekend from my home to yours! I hope you stop by again tomorrow to see a new vintage camper painting! Thank you for your interest!

Friday, September 8, 2017

1966 Airstream Tradewind Landyacht


1966 Airstream Tradewind Landyachtorig. watercolor 8x10in (matted size: 11x14in)purchase info here

Today's 1966 Airstream Tradewind Landyacht makes me want to go on my dream tour of journeying this continent from East to West. Isn't the Airstream aura of exploring the wild, freedom and the American Dream so much present in this painting?

The colors here are very much foreign to my local landscape here with the lush vegetation of Eastern Canada and the Atlantic Ocean ever present with its changing dark blues.

I took my time with this one. Actually, each one painting so far has taken me much longer than I expected, but that is OK, as I try to take these daily practices to better my craft and I want to push myself to do the best I can. 
Airstreams don't have corners. Those 'silver bullets' how they are also lovingly called are a challenge to paint in the correct perspective.

I am a colorist, color is what excites me in a painting. Perspective is something that is not my main focus, but here with airstreams I try to get it correct, or close to. An Airstream would be a dream-come-true for this gal, and until this day comes- if ever- I love to create paintings of them!

Please know that painting each and everyone of these vintage treasures is a great honor for me and I feel very fortunate being able to do so.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

1972 Sprite 'Daisy'

1972 Sprite 'Daisy'

orig. watercolor, 8x10in approx. (matted size is 11x14in)

purchase info click here


Today's feature camper is this cute yellow and white 1972 Sprite 'Daisy'. Daisy has a little owl sitting by the door. The photo to work from was quite tiny on my screen, so I hope I captured what makes this trailer unique. I might try for a different photo under daylight.
What I see is a stripe textured siding which is not common in this UK brand, actually Euro caravans are usually flat siding. maybe there was a renovataion done, I am not sure, as the windows look original and the shape is certainly a Sprite Shape. If you have more info on this, please leave a message, I'd love to learn! Here is an informative youtube on the history of the Sprite brand.
Really, I had thought I had it all photographed this afternoon but when I checked the camera, there was no photo of it on the chip... so, I took one under artificial light and edited a bit the colors to look more true to the painting.

My Day Today

Fall has started here on Canada's East Coast. I got washed down while on the highway to our nearest city about an hour away, Saint John, New Brunswick. My littlest had his 8th birthday today and as he wanted a very specific LEGO set, I asked if he'd be interested in picking it out himself instead of me going shopping and likely buying the wrong one. Of course, all kids thought that was a great idea and so I picked them up from school and drove directly to the city. We checked out the new toy store, too!
Oh my, this was a feast for the eyes! No cold-lit Toys'r'US with uninviting isles and isles of merchandise, but a cute little store with wonderful lighting, happy music for children and wonderfully creative displays of toys. Sort of like the NY toy store at 'Kevin Home Alone', just a tad smaller, haha.
Anyhow, now I'm home and catching up on to-do's and so am glad this pic is uploaded.
I hope you will stop by again tomorrow to see what tomorrow's painting will be! Thank you for your encouragement!
Simone