Airstream Camper and 1963 Red Shasta Compact

Airstream Front View at Dusk

orig. watercolor 11x14in (matted to 16x20in, ready for a frame)

more info and purchase: click here

Today marks the last day for my 'Camper-a-Day' Project.

Wow, it has been intense. It was a lot of painting, photographing, editing, blogging, writing, posting, sharing. I am tired now, haha!

But it was so much fun! I met so many new, wonderful people that share the same enthusiasm for their hobby and dreams as I do! Thank you for journeying with me!

As I didn't get to really have a good representation of Airstreams, here is one as my feature camper today. It was a cropped photo taken at dusk, so there was not so much light to play with or color reflecting on the panels but warm glow from the string-lights. I enjoyed painting this one, but I have to say it was a challenge, too!

1963 Red Shasta Compact

orig. watercolor 11x14 in (matted to 16x20 matboard)

more info and purchase: please click here

The second camper today, a 1963 Red Shasta Compact, is of a dear Canadian Lady Camper who also has a vintage shop biz out of her darling campers and home. You can check her FB page out by clicking here: Cellar Relics. She is also a treasure trove for any questions vintage camper related for sourcing or what to look for... I almost had forgotten to paint her campie!!! I really wanted to!

Even though this month is over and we will have to vote now for our favorite camper paintings, I am still looking for a Christmas Camper photo for my 'December' Slot in the calendar! I got so many submissions, but no Christmas Season campie! If you an help me out, or know of someone, please send them to my website to send in a pic! Thank you!

I am still finalizing how to best do the voting, so it might take me til Monday for the voting to be set up, but it will start soon! Keep your eyes on my fb feeds or here on my blog/website!!!

Thank you again for your interest and stopping by to walk with me! I feel so blessed! THank YOU!

Simone

ps: great, big thank you to Leslie Saeta for hosting again this month's painting challenge! It was a lot of fun, thank you!

1964 SCS Shasta in a Field of Roses

1964 SCS Shasta in a Field of Roses

orig. watercolor 11x14in (matted onto a 16x20 archival matboard)

for more info and purchase: please click here

Yes, we've had a whole bunch of Aqua Shasta's this month! It must be a very popular color!

This one here I call 1964 SCS Shasta in a Field of Roses.

I chose this one as I liked that vintage truck with it, so cute. And as the fall is here now in the Maritimes with colder nights and crisp air in the mornings, I liked the warm sunshine drenching this scene. Summer- where art though??? I miss you already!

This is s special Shasta as the owner explains:

'1964 SCS Shasta, the SCS stands for "Self-Contained with a Shower", I call her "Super Cute Shasta"'

A couple of days ago, we had another aqua colored Shasta, featuring a pinup girl. You can read about it by clicking here.

I'm off to bed now, as tomorrow we have a busy day ahead of us: my youngest fledgling is starting hockey and will be in hockey gear the first time! You should see the huge mount of gear I just packed! Unbelievable! Those hockey players are dressed like tanks! I quietly had hoped that this cup would pass by us, but once he heard about hockey sign up, he really wanted to give it a try. So, here we go, you might see me post hockey sketches soon!

I hope you enjoyed this month filled with campies and I thank you very much for journeying with me! Thank you, thank you! If you like a camper, please feel free to share the post or photo to your social feeds! But we'll see you tomorrow with another camper- end stretch for me!

I'm wishing you a great day and thanks for stopping by!               Simone

Teardrop Camper 'Mary Beth'

Teardrop Camper 'Mary Beth'

orig. watercolor 11x14in approx. (matted to 16x20 archival matboard)

more info and purchase: please click here

As this month's Camper-a-Day project comes to a close, I thought I'd spice it up with one of those cute, beloved teardrop campers. Here we have 'Mary Beth'. I do not know a whole lot about her, but that her proud owner built her by herself!!! Now, that is awesome! Girl power!

My to-do-camper rebuild:

Reminds me, that I might have to dig in myself if I ever want my darling disassembled Glenette Camper re-built. At the moment it resides in our back-storage of our inn- lovingly are all individual parts stored inside waiting patiently for now about two years! Yikes! If I don't get to it someday soon, I might forget how it got together! I took photos, but who knows how many questions will surface once the re-build starts. I assume my darling husband still has the hope that I will let him off the hook by acclaiming one day that we should just scrap the camper project.

And the story that goes with it:

What he doesn't know is that I still dream of this little trailer where I camped my very first time in Canada. I was invited to go hunting Moose in the wilderness without electricity and a dug-out toilet-hole in the bush! And a group of old men- all retired- that wanted to show me how rough the huntin' is in this country! Haha! One day I saw a bear running down the lane where the camper was parked- that freaked me right out as I had just used the outdoor 'toilet'! Makes for fun stories for sure! I got this camper, my Glenette now, as a gift once the old gentlemen retired it!

As you can see, I come from the highly tamed Germany where nature's inhabitants consists of small foxes and the odd dear and maybe a hedgehog. We never got that moose by the way...

Now, what does this have to do with this teardrop camper? I don't know, just somehow felt like sharing this little anecdote.

In any case, this month soon will come to a close. I will be wrapping up my camper project soon and hope you will help me cast your vote which paintings to choose for the 2017 Camper Calendar!

Hope to see you again tomorrow, with another Camper of the Day!                       Simone

1961 Shasta Camper Aqua Pinup

1961 Shasta Camper Aqua Pinup

orig. watercolor, 11x14in approx. (set in a16x20in archival matboard)

more info and purchase: please click here

Today's feature camper is another Shasta! This 1961 Shasta Camper in Aqua features a darling pinup, too... It is called 'Vintage Love'! Today, I actually wanted to paint a different camper, but the owner went the extra mile and submitted her darling twice to make sure I get it, right early after my asking for submissions- so, how could I not?

Here is what she writes: 'I wanted to enter my sweet refinished 61 Shasta , Vintage Love in your contest !! I created The Glampers of Virginia page and belong to a lot of the other great sites for our fabulous campers.'

There are quite a few more submissions in my email account which I won't be able to squeeze into this month. I am so sorry but hope to being able to paint as I have time. My theme this time was, first come, first painted, just to be fair. Still, I think there was a good selection of shapes and sizes and themes, and it was fun to open my email every day and open the next email to my my day's camper!

This coming month there will be the voting where you can participate to select your fav 13 for next year's calendar! I hope you all will be on board and  help me out! October project, here we come!

Also, there will be a special surprise announcement for all the campers that got painted this September. Something I had not originally thought possible, but stoked to share with you October 1st;-) Stay tuned!

I invite you to share this post with your friends and on your feeds! Thank you- and we'll see you tomorrow again with another Camper of the Day!                             Simone

1964 Shasta 'Fit to be Tied'

1964 Shasta 'Fit to be Tied'

orig. watercolor 11x14in (matted to 16x20 matboard, ready for framing)

more info and purchase: please click here

Today we have this fun country themed 1964 Shasta 'Fit to be Tied'.

Well, it looks like working farm girl to me, so Monday seems a good day to make it my feature camper!

As this is not my mother tongue, I had to look up if this name means something that needs censorship on this blog (haha). So, here are my findings- of course you probably know and are laughing out loud now!- 'the idiom fit to be tied according to thefreedictionary.com means angry and agitated. (As if needing to be restrained.)'

See, every day I learn something with painting your campies! Just love it! I don't know what is angry about today's camper. Maybe the owner hitches up her Shasta and goes for a weekend camp trip to cool down and chill out when she feels angry and agitated which would make PERFECT sense to me! I have my 'Little Wings' which I just love to visit once in a while. Just to 'hang out' and chill if I need my quiet, kind of a she-shed on wheels. Yeehaw!

So now, with this campie I am wishing you a good start into this week and don't get too upset about small stuff (except you have a camper where you can run to for relaxation, haha).

We shall see you again tomorrow with another camper! If you like what you see, please feel free to share my blog or photos with friends, pinterest boards or on your social feeds!                 Simone

1958 Oasis 'Life Saver'

1958 Oasis 'Life Saver'

orig. watercolor 11x14 in (matted to 16x20 archival matboard)

more info and purchase: please click here

Today's 1958 Oasis 'Life Saver' is a very special camper. Its decor is elaborate with lots of pattern and I have to confess, that I had to wait for a day with extra time when I selected to paint it. Its owner was very sweet and went the extra mile to send the photo to me- thank you!

I don't know the name of the camper, really, but called it 'Life Saver'. It is not because of the rainbow colors, but because it really proved to be a life saver for the owner.  There are times in our lives when we feel in over our head and walk by faith and not by sight. The story below will explain.

Please read what was shared with me...

'I worked on this (camper) about once a week as a break. My in laws lived with us for three (years). He was 95 and in a wheel chair. And she was 93 and had Alzheimer's. They were married 72 years and we didn't want them separated. He died 1 1/2 ago and she died last month. It was a long journey . But my trailer is what kept me going.'

Wow, what a story! What an incredible sacrifice! I am just painting little campers, but what people share with me about their every-day-heroic-lives blows me away. It is so comforting to know there are still so many caring, loving people out there that put their own needs and wants on the back burner to help others. May my little camper painting today be a small tribute to all you fearlessly loving people out there that make the world a better place! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Simone

1961 Metzendorf 'Downton Abbey'

1961 Metzendorf 'Downton Abbey'

orig. watercolor 11x14in approx. (matted to 16x20in archival matting)

for more info and purchase: click here

Today's camper is very British and sports the Union Jack and other Brit-themed decor and colours. The reason, of course is the beloved PBS series 'Downton Abbey' which aired it final season this year. My husband and I enjoyed watching it, too, so I do understand the motive for this camper decor.

What I love about this camper is that Metzendorf is a German name, so I had to look up with my friends at TinCanTourists.com for info. Here is what they have- just a bit of info on its original owner and an obituary from the owner who bought the plant and built the campers for 18 after that!

Founder of Metzendorf Camper Trailers:

(Provided by great nephew Brin Metzendorf)

The campers were produced in the 50's and early 60's by Martin Metzendorf of West Farmington, Ohio, approximately 10 miles northwest of Warren, Ohio. Martin (my great-uncle) and his wife had the trailers built with Amish laborers, she picked out the interior patterns and colors. They delivered most of the trailers themselves until a delivery accident deprived my great-aunt of her arm. Martin sold the business in the early 60's and the trailer was produced for a few more years under the Metzendorf name, I believe they closed the doors in '63 but I'm not 100% on that. If their is a real interest out there I might be able to piece together some facts from my relatives, but admittedly they're all a touch fuzzy on events from forty years ago. 

Here's an excerpt from the Obituary of the German Karl H. Gerlt, who bought the plant from Metzendorf:

Karl H. Gerlt 1919-2007 Western Reserve #507 was born Aug. 22, 1919, in Bremerhaven, Germany, the son of Emil and Charlotte Gerlt.

He came to the United States, with his parents and two bothers Emil and Helmut. They settled in New Jersey, where he graduated from Bagota High School.

He enlisted in the Army at the start of World War II. He received the Commission of 2nd Lieutenant in the Signal Corps and was later promoted to Captain.

Karl was transferred to the Military Intelligence Corp., serving with Supreme Head Quarters Allied Expeditionary Forces. He also served in the occupation force of Berlin, Germany, commanding the office of Communications.

Upon discharge from the Army, he married Velma Coster. They settled in West Farmington. He worked as an electrician for Ohio Lamp of Warren for 16 years, before purchasing Metzendorf Trailer Plant, in West Farmington, where he built travel trailers for 18 years. He then worked for the Village of West Farmington Water Treatment Plant, until he retired at age 71.

I know this is lengthy, but I thought it worth sharing. So, here you have it, the behind the scenes of the Metzendorf Camper! More info is on the TinCan Tourist website

We'll see you tomorrow again with another campie!                        Simone

1963 Mobil Scout "Mabel'

1963 Mobil Scout "Mabel'

orig. watercolor 11x14in approx. (archivally matted to 16x20in mat board)

more info and purchase: click here

Today's camper is a diamant in the rough still. But so many vintage campers are when they first get discovered and eventually will be lovingly restored. This is the case here with this 1963 Mobil Scout 'Mabel' as well. 

Its proud owner wrote those lines to introduce her:

'Here is Mabel our our vintage camper. She is being restored (and) will have new paint in same colors and design. Glass in triangle door window and no orange tape. We rescued (her) from the woods in Texas.'

Wow, if she is from 1963, we don't know how long she has been forgotten sitting in the woods! Since I have been bitten by the camper-bug, wherever I travel my eyes wander to the woods, too, to any field, behind houses, yards and so on to scout for that vintage camper gem. My friends make fun of me now, but really, after a while I hear them comment on any vintage camper they see! In our neck of the woods, there are still so many around, just waiting to be picked up!

If you are looking for a project this winter and live in our area, just check the Kijiji or Craigslist listings or keep your eyes peeled when you travel. (Of course, if you are the driver, keep your eyes peeled on the street, haha).

I want to thank all of you who have submitted photos this month and keep journeying with me, it has been a blast and I learned a lot! There is only one more week 'til end of the month, so I might not be able to paint every camper submitted. Or I might have to keep painting into October... what is your take on this? Enough campers? Time to move on? Or keep glamping away? Please let me know! I'd like to hear from you!

In any case, w'll see you again tomorrow with another camper!                            Simone

Blue Volkswagen Beetle Bug

 Blue Volkswagen Beetle Bug

orig. watercolor 4.5x6.5in approx (matted to 8x10in archival mat)

purchase info: please click here

Today I'm posting this small plein air study that I painted a few weeks back during a one-day-workshop.

Somehow, there was so much other things going on that I didn't find the time to paint a camper! For once, my dear Schatzi took me out to dinner, which was long overdue. It was the perfect mini-vacation for the two of us as we enjoyed a nice lunch at the local Niger Reef Tea House right by the water.  Here is a selfie taken afterwards on our stroll along the water.

Also, my friend called to ask for me to come along digging some clams for dinner. So, as the sun was shining I couldn't say 'no'.  We worked hard, but they made for a yummy dinner!

I hope tomorrow I'll be back on track and can paint again a sweet vintage camper trailer.

Thank you for stopping by and see you again tomorrow!               Simone

1965 Oasis Vintage Camper 'Lola'

1965 Oasis Vintage Camper 'Lola'

orig. watercolor, 11x14in approx (matted to fit 16x20in frame)

more info and purchase: click here

So, today we are back on track with campers, and today's feature is this cutie, a 1965 Oasis Vintage Camper  'Lola' is her name!

I don't know much about her, but I have to say, there are quite a few angles on this painting and as the awning is cropped, I didn't have enough time to paint it before the plein air event. So today I took the plunge and got at it. I like how the painting turned out. It had a lot of accessories in the photo and I moved them around to simplify the composition of the painting.

Yes, it was good that I waited until I had enough time to paint Lola, and today was the perfect day for it! Yea, it rained outside, too, so this cheered me up!

My youngest wants to play hockey this winter. I had always hoped it would not happen as I don't like cold ice rinks and the tight schedule with practices and games. But here we go... we live in Canada and it is the national sport. So, the Ritter's are entering the arena of hockey, haha! We got the gear and now are waiting for the official kiddie sign-up. Our little guy is ready this much I can tell you! I might have to take my paints to the ice rink now and paint hockey- stay tuned!

Boiling the Wool at Ingraham's House

orig. watercolor 11x14in (framed: 16x20)

purchase info, please click here

This weekend was a busy one for me. I got juried to attend my first plein air event. Participating artists were gathering to paint for two days at the historic village settlement 'King's Landing' near Fredericton, New Brunswick. At the end of the two days, all submitted artwork that was painted in those two days was judged and the top three winners announced.

It was quite an experience for me, had I never done an event like this before. First, it involved having enough paintings created for my 'camper a day' project and ready to be posted daily while I was away. I knew I would't have internet. King's Landing is, well, a historic settlement!

Getting Ready:

I had to pack not only my paints and papers, but decide what size paintings I wanted to create and get the frames and mats and any tools needed for assembly ready-to-go and packed.

The event started on Saturday morning 8am sharp with 'stamping of the canvas' which means any artwork created had to be done on canvas or paper that was stamped at the start of the event. This was to forego people cheating with artworks being submitted that they had created prior to the event.

I had a whole stack of papers stamped with my thought being, that I don't know how many times I will screw up to start over, haha! Fortunately, all my paintings except one sketch made the cut and I could frame them. I was able to hand in six paintings in all.

And a great ending:

My painting 'Boiling the Wool at Ingraham's House' came in third place, which I am ecstatic about. It made my day! Not only were the other artists so helpful, positive and supportive, but the village itself and its staff were most friendly and also helped by showcasing a variety of activities done in the 19th century. This made for wonderful subject matter!

The main organizer's home got struck by lightning only two weeks prior to the event.  She was such a trooper, keeping a smile the whole time and helping whenever she could. I hope to participate again next year- God willing. It was a wonderful weekend! Thank you to all wonderful artists, organizers and supporters for making this fundraiser event so much fun!

Red Shasta with Wings

Red Shasta with Wings

orig. watercolor painting 10x13in approx. (matted to 16x20 archival mat)

purchase info: click here

Today's campie is this cute red Shasta with it's iconic wings. The wings are a signature part of it and many collectors buy new or old wings on Ebay for big bucks. If selling your Shasta, it is an extra bonus if yours still has the wings, which makes it very recognizable to everyone.

The attention to detail from manufacturers way back was wonderful. The tiny Shasta Compact models have shorter wings, versus the longest deluxe models have longer wings- to go with the overall look. So, if you buy your wings, get them the right size, haha!

This painting today was a bit of a free-styler, as the submission photo was quite small and so I painted from a 1.5 inch by 2 inch photograph. I thought to myself that this will be a good exercise in putting down what I already know about this particular camper and incorporate all the info I was able to see on the small reference.

As you probably know by now, I love red in the campers and so I surely did enjoy my exercise today!

Thank you for stopping by and hope to see you tomorrow again with a new camper-a-day! All the best to you!              Simone

1960 Garwood Pink 'Paradise'

1960 Garwood Pink 'Paradise'

orig. watercolor 11x14in approx. (matted on archival 16x20in mat)

purchase info: click here

Hola! Now, if this isn't a sexy, girls glamper! I know many ladies here will love the pink, the black, the polka dots and darling decor! Yea, this is a true 'camp like a girl' she-shed-on-wheels!

I loved painting it- it flowed just from my brush... love when that happens! Also, it made me smile when I painted it. I like the pink and apple-green combo. It always looks so fresh and friendly.

Here is some extra info I received from its proud owner:

'(This is my) 1960 Garwood, her name is "Paradise". My husband Brad and I restored this beauty and plan on traveling out west with my brother and his wife, who also have a vintage camper.'

I hope you guys will have a great time travelling the country in Paradise! Surely you will turn many heads! You have a true keeper! Happy Trails to you both!

Today I am still painting at the Plein Air Event at Kings Landing, so, if you have an interest in stopping by and saying hello, I'd be thrilled! This is my first Plein Air Event, so I will let you know how it went once I'm home again. 

1978 Apache Yuma

1978 Apache Yuma

orig. watercolor painting, 11x14in approx (matted to 16x20 archival mat)

purchase info: click here

Ok, girls, if you want to glamp, but the boys in the family are hesitant to venture out in you pink beauty... you might want to consider something like this here. This camper is so cool. My guys would love it! I would love it, too- the bits and pieces that make it a true glamper are all there- the bunting, the striped awning, the sweet touches here and there- just perfect! Congrats on making today's feature camper a fun and very unique glamper!

Here is what its proud owner writes:

'Hello, this is my 1978 Apache Yuma It came to me on my birthday this June and I have been working hard to make him special It's a hard sided pop-up with the unique feature of the slide out kitchen His name is Louie Clark!'

As you might know, today I'll be painting at the historic 'Kings Landing' Settlement for a fundraiser Plein Air Event. If you are in the area this weekend, please do stop by! I'd love to welcome you!

You will still see every day a new campie, as I prepared before I went, ha ha! And if you like, please do share the link with friends and family and your fb group! Thank you for stopping by today!      Simone

1950 Westcraft Coronado

1950 Westcraft Coronado

orig. watercolor painting, 11x14in approx (matted to a 16x20in archival mat)

purchase info: click here

 

'Hi! This is my 1950 Westcraft Coronado that I restored and love to camp in!
Hope you like her as much as I do!'

this was the introduction I received with this stunning vintage camper. Isn't it a stunner?

I have  a heart for the old, old ones, they are just so luxurious, long and spacious- kind of a travelling home. It would be my dream to own one some day! But here by the ocean, the salt in the air and mist would corrode any non aluminum part pretty fast. So, I enjoy looking at the beauties that are being restored and loved in dryer regions of the continent!

In the last few days, I have gone on a journey to different states of the US, from temperate climate just like home to hot and dry . I am looking forward to showing you more different campies in the coming days, it will be great!

I received a wonderful selection of very different campers. Thank you all who participate and walk this journey with me- sending in photos, encouraging comments or liking and clicking on my Facebook and Instagram feeds. Thank you so much!

As you read this, I am packing my car to head out to a Plein Air Event at the historic Settlement 'Kings Landing'. I will meet other artists and paint for two days and interact with the visitors. It will end Sunday evening with a showing and sale of all the artists' work. If you are in the Fredericton region and look for a fun event- please come and say 'hi'! I'd love to see you there!

Never the less, there will be a camper of the day tomorrow, so please do stop by and check it out!

... and if you like what you see, please share the link on your social feeds and Pinterest! I'd feel honoured! Thank you!                    stay in touch! Simone

Yellow Buttercup Vintage Camper

Yellow Buttercup Vintage Camper

orig. watercolor painting 11x14in approx. (matted to 16x20 archival mat)

purchase info: click here

If I'd have a winner for 'most work to send in a submission photo', this owner would be it hands down! Not only did she re-submit her photos in a re-sized format for me to be able to paint, but then, she set out and did a photo shoot to have a greater variety of shots to choose from!!!

Honestly, I felt humbled when I received all the emails. Thank you for all your work!

This campie is a fun example, that in the glamper world there is no holding back. You can see the 'Shasta wing' at the back attached, however, it is not original to the camper, as this make is not a Shasta, but the wing was just what was missing to finish the look! And hey, I think this is fully OK!

Here is the story behind this camper, which is just so tender and sweet:

'(I am) not sure of year or make. She's just a cute canned ham that I love.
My son (now 35 yrs old) used to say when he was around 3 yrs old
"Mommy, you're my little Buttercup". So, I had to name her Buttercup!
Then with the name, came the color. Buttercup yellow, inside and out.'

I hope you enjoy today's feature campie, as I very much enjoyed painting it, actually JUST finished it (still a tad wet;-)

1952 Aljoa 'Daisy'

1952 Aljoa 'Daisy'

orig. watercolor 11x14in approx. (matted to an archival 16x20in mat)

purchase info, please click here

Today's camper draws attention not only because it is cute by itself, but because its owner is a gorgeous lady with a wonderful happy smile! Here is some information the owner has provided:

'I love my vintage camper, a 1952 Aljoa 'Daisy'! She is the namesake & office of the Driving Miz Daisy Vintage Market
held the 2nd Sunday of every month @ Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA.
www.drivingmizdaisy.com'

In all seriousness I have to say, I started this painting a few days back and my fear of painting yet another person without a lot of wiggle room and time to scrap and start over, made me a bit apprehensive to dig in and go. Though, it is not perfect, I am reasonably happy with the result: I can see a likeness and the happiness shines through I hope.

In any case, I did enjoy the process of painting it, in its simplistic form, color and shape. Sometimes less is more and especially in watercolor, I like when the unique character of the medium is shown. In this case the soft wash in the sky, the colorful shadows in the dress and the deliberate brushstrokes with dry-brush markings in the shadow under the camper.

My day was filled to the brim with happy moments, which I am so grateful for. Are those days not an embrace for our soul, a memory to look back to when things get rough. This day for me was one of those and I am so thankful for the many blessings that showered down on me today.

With this I will say good bye until tomorrow again and wish you a wonderful day from my home to yours!                                                    Simone

1953 King Canned Ham

1953 King Canned Ham

orig. watercolor, 11x14in approx.

purchase info: click here

Today's sweet camper is this 1953 King Canned Ham. It sports a polished exterior and very simplistic decor, so I really liked this desert theme very much and choose to paint it.

Here is what its proud owner writes:

'I travel with my two Golden Doodles living near the coast in summer and desert in the winter. Wilbur and Walter are both Therapy dogs,so we can visit assisted living facilities,schools,Vets Memorial. College campuses. They love the beach,so we work in those area mostly.'

Wow, this campie has a job, to bring the two therapy dogs to workplaces! How awesome is this?

Usually we think of 'happy camping' and vacation, but really, many, many vintage campers have been converted to earn their existence in one way or another. Food trucks, travelling antique shops, even hair studios and beyond! Well, my 'Little Wings' is my travelling art studio, too, so, yes, I know all about it!

Actually, talking about travelling art studio:

I am excited to tell you that I got accepted into the juried Plein Air Event at Kings Landing Historic Settlement this Saturday and Sunday. I am still debating to take Little Wings or stay at the offered Summer Camp Cabin. Either will be pretty basic accommodation, but that is fine for me. Will call the organizer tomorrow to ask a couple more questions. This will be my first plein air event, I feel just now that the kids are ready for me to take off a couple of days and dad is 'the mom'.

They surely enjoyed last weekend when I was away at a course. I am the disciplinarian, he is the fun guy (but working too often and he doesn't have enough time with them really). So, it is a win- win for all. And I enjoy how my 'stocks' go up, after coming home- I am more appreciated, too!

In any case, stay in touch to see what our camper of the day will be tomorrow!           Simone

1968 Scotty 'Wildflower' Summer

1968 Scotty 'Wildflower' Summer

orig. watercolor painting 11x14in approx. (matted size: 16x20in)

purchase info: click here

Some camper owners are taking part in my camper-a-day project more than once. They send in different photos of their camper or re-submit the photos if I didn't get around to getting their campie painted the first time around. Today we have such a camper who I have painted before. Her name is Wildflower and she is a 1968 Serro Scotty.

I'd say along with the Shasta make, the Scotties are among the most beloved and available names out there in vintage camper land. These here have a distinct aqua color (except the very last years of production) and often this dome-shaped top. You can see the painting of Christmas -Glamp Wildflower by clicking here.

A bit about this painting:

I tried to push the white siding colour towards a sunny yellow with this painting, reflecting the warm colors around it. I like colorful shadows, especially when the subject is so whimsy as this camper. A general rule of thumb in the art world is, that shadows may be painted with lots of colors when the surrounding is not very colorful (example: bright sunlight washing out colors from the surrounding objects), and other way around, keep the shadows more neutral when there is lots of colour happening around (often on overcast days). Of course, we are here in art, so every rule is there to be broken- with gusto! Cheers to that!

1968 Scotty 'Wildflower' Summer

The owner of 'Wildflower' actually was the one that submitted the photo for her glamper friend who just got her diagnosis of cancer. You can read about the story here. By the way, the friend will start full treatment of the very aggressive cancer within the next days. She is in fighting mode now- she has to! I will keep you in my prayers!

Let's stay in touch and see what my camper model will be tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by!

Simone

 1965 Little Gem Camper 'Pearl'

orig. watercolor 11x14in approx. (matted size: 16x20in)

purchase info: click here

Ha, who do we have here today? Her name is Little Pearl! Isn't she cute? She looks like a little bird with a beak, so small and round. This photo was submitted at an angle, just like the portrait here. I googled to see more of those Little Gem's and I could find a few, but only a few. Pretty rare, I'd say!

I have painted a painting last time around, without the awning and all the dress-up- and at a regular landscape format, you can see it by clicking here (the painting size was 5x7in, this here is 11x14in approx.).

I enjoy very much painting those little campers, they make me happy, every day I can take a brush into my hand! I also have to admit, that it is quite a bit of pressure to produce a painting for each day of the month... and I don't want to post one that went terribly wrong (which happens of course! And not rarely either! LOL).

But here now, our 1965 Little Gem Camper 'Pearl', a fun painting today for you, just right because it is weekend after all! I wish you a relaxing couple of days with good early fall weather and some quiet time to smell the air and the roses!

Thank you for stopping by and stay in touch again tomorrow, with another painting of a cute vintage camper! Happy Trails!                                             Simone

1947 Lintzcraft Camper

1947 Lintzcraft Camper

orig. watercolor painting 11x14in approx.

purchase info: click here

This camper truly is an oldie but goldie. Pre-1050's campers are something very special and rare. Often they feature plain siding, no grooves or such, which came later. This one is like this, solidly built, just beautiful.

Here's my story about a pre-50's camper:

Last year, there was a 1940-something listed on Craigslist, pretty bad condition outside. The guy didn't even post inside pics, but the camper was only $500. I wanted to buy it so badly, dreaming about a beautiful resurrection making my perfect studio space in our backyard. But my husband was rather frightened at the thought of yet another old clunker on the property. Picture him as he has an inn located in a small, upscale seaside resort town with lots of people visiting for its beauty and charm and wonderfully kept heritage homes. Now add a very large (30-40 foot long) old, shabby looking camper in our backyard- oh my! My heart is still aching we didn't get it, it could have been a beauty restored!!! Well, he just doesn't have the same vision.

I guess I have told you the story before about my complete dis-assemble camper still waaaiting in the back for its resurrection, haha! Poor Markus, he surely has his hands full with me. But I love writing to you all here, as you camper lovers understand me and are on MY side!!!

So, long story short, I am glad this (shorter) 1947 Lintzcraft camper is in the very best of hands as its proud owner takes it to vintage camper rally's to show her off.

We will see you tomorrow again, with yet another one-of-a-kind;-)               blessings, Simone

1966 Roadrunner Cabover 'Flo'

1966 Roadrunner Cabover 'Flo'

orig. watercolor 11x14in (matted size: 16x20)

purchase info: click here

Today's cute feature camper is this 1966 Roadrunner Cabover named 'Flo'. While I painted it I was actually drifting into a daydream of chilling on those chairs- crazzzzyyy! What those campers do to me, haha!

There are so many cute submissions, I am actually just plucking away in the order they came in, they are all so special! Thank you to all that sent in their photos- you made my day! You will see in the coming days that every camper has a different decor, too, as each owner make it their own.

Well, today's is very classic I'd say, I edited out a bit of the decor, as sometimes it would get overwhelming to make all those little shapes read right for the viewer. Sometimes less is more. I hope you can feel the sun- warm not hot, haha! We had fog today, well, we live by the sea after all. Fog feels good on my skin, I like it. But hopefully tomorrow will be sun again as the kids have a school excursion to New River Beach, a beautiful sand beach with crashing waves and stunning surroundings. Yes, let's go for sun!

Thank you for stopping by and see you tomorrow again!

Simone