Christmas Snow St Andrews

Christmas Snow St Andrews

orig. oil on canvas, 8x10in, $225

more info and purchase here

I hope you had a great Christmas this year! In our house it was a bit different. My husband came down with a bug and was sick to his stomach for a full 24 hours. He spent his Christmas 'talking to the big, white phone' as he so calls it. Poor dude. We even had to cancel our annual pay-what-you-want dinner that day! It was pretty upsetting (pun intended;-).
So, on Boxing Day I decided to head out with my oil paints to capture the low afternoon sun at low tide. However, I never made it out to Indian Point. Once I saw the beautiful interplay of shapes and colours in the homes lining Water Street, I just had to pitch my easel there. Hence the title Christmas Snow St Andrews.
Smart me, I dressed warm and had hand warmers with me. The temperatures dropped as I was painting the afternoon away and by the time I was done, my toes were really cold and the finger tips nippy. However, the oil paints stayed great, got a bit more sticky maybe, but overall, a great performance. In contrast, when I venture out with my watercolour, painting is very different. There my paint freezes inside the palette and onto the brush (even with water being replaced with vodka or other high percentage clear spirit of sorts).

On another note:

Now, the New Year is fast approaching and I have a few more camper calendars here. So, as a Special I've reduced my camper calendars more than half to $10 (first come first served, click here to order)!
If you are looking for a glamping gift for a friend or yourself, now's the time! If you have ordered one and like to get another to give away, no better time than now!
Thank you so much for all your encouragement this past year!
Stay put what's coming in the new year- I am working on some fun new ideas! Stay tuned!

Girlcamper Podcast Feature

Wow, what a suprise! Yesterday I listened to the Girlcamper Podcast by Blogger and GoRVing contributer Janine Petitt. She featured my vintage camper calendar, Creative Journey and glamping gift ideas on her Podcast Show!

The show was titled Christmas Gift Guide from our Women Entrepreneurs (Episode #112) and you can listen to it by clicking HERE.
The title made me grow a couple of inches instantly, haha! Thanks Janine! For anyone not knowing of www.Girlcamper.com phenomenon yet, I invite you to check out her website, Facebook or Instagram. You'll feel empowered to go on your adventure, even if you have never camped before or hitched a trailer. I like women like her, they give us the tools, the know-how and right contacts to make our dreams come to life, she makes us feel confident that we can do it; be it to travel alone or with other women, start something new, reach for the stars and adventure further then we've ever done before.

And what is Your dream?

What is YOUR dream? What do you need to make it happen? And what needs to happen to bring this dream out from the 'dream closet' and out in the open to actively pursue its fulfillment? See, whatever your dream might be, whatever it would need to make it reality... It likely is much easier to not walk alone but have a support network and team to cheer. Janine is someone like that. She rejoices with every woman who's dream of towing and exploring this glorious continent comes true.
Thank you Janine for all you do! For who you are! And for all your efforts to empower women to reach for the stars!

I have still some calendars and other artsy-glampy gift items available if you are looking for a meaningful, artist-direct item for the glamper in your life;-) I ship from the US twice a week and to Canada daily. Hop on over to my web store to see what's available;-)
With your purchase you support a living artist, mom and small business. Thank you very much, it means so much!

East Coast Woman Powerhouse

Today I want to introduce you to Sheena Young, a real East Coast Woman Powerhouse.
A couple of days ago I was invited to check out a fleet of fishing boats on Deer Island, NB, Canada to be captured in a watercolour painting.
starting a small sketch of the Young Family fleet of boats[/caption]

The Young Family

All boats are owned by the same family, fishing the waters of the West Isles for several generations now. The family has expanded since into selling quality Atlantic lobster wholesale abroad. Their business is called Young's Lobster Company. The little wharf in Leonardville seemed to be a family operation. Sheena, who invited me, introduced all the boats by name- from her dad's fishing boat, to her brother in law's and other relatives' boats anchored. Dad is also the wharfinger (or harbour authority).
Everyone in these small coastal towns works together and looks out for one another, dad explained as every family works so hard to make a living. Fishing is a tough life, but I have always found the people genuine and very likeable. Sort of like the lobster they fish: tough and rough on the outside, but special and sweet on the inside. Reminding me of the locals in my native German Bavarian alpine region.

Lobster Fishing

The day was dreary, overcast with that smell of snow in the air. People that live in colder climates know that special smell, we even say to one another: 'it smells like snow today'. Two days ago, it smelled like snow, temperatures around the freezing point. It was supposed to be the start day of lobster season. A very special day for any lobster fisherman.
For days and weeks preparations have to be done. From making sure there is enough traps and buoys (yes, it appears this is the correct plural spelling), rope, and so on... the traps are to be filled with bait and equipped with long rope to haul up from the ocean floor. Each trap is carefully stacked on the back of each boat. The boats are loaded to capacity as it will be a race to be first at the best fishing grounds. So, having as many cages per run as possible is very important. To me it seems almost a science when I look at those loaded boats. (There is more info and statistics on the government website by clicking here).
As said, it should have been the first day of lobstering season, but it had to be postponed for one day due to high winds offshore. That was my signal to take the ferry to Deer Island to take photographs and make sketches from the Young family fleet.
Sheena and her family were already at the wharf getting last things seen to, her brother in law bringing in his new boat from the mooring and docking 'Explorer 1' next to the other family boats. Dad was bringing down the delivery truck from the lobster wholesale biz to the wharf.

Visiting the Lighthouse

After taking oodles of photos, I warmed up with a cup of tea from my thermos, went for a short drive to the lighthouse. Lucky me, a couple of guys were working on replacing the lead-painted shingles, so I stopped by the road and asked if I could sneak a peak inside. They said yes and here is a pic I took.

Usually the lighthouse is not open for visitors- what luck, this made my day! (Sheena leads a community group 'Friend’s of Leonardville Lighthouse' who are hoping to gain possession of the now ‘surplus’ property of Department of Fisheries and Oceans. This woman does it all)!

I think I've found the epitome of a strong East Coast Woman Powerhouse in Sheena! You go, girl!!!!

I hope to being able to start the large painting soon, I will keep you posted with the final result...
Thanks for stopping by and stay in touch,
Simone
Below, the video is not from Deer Island, but I wanted to include it anyway. See how massively loaded those boats are??

Annual Gift Sale Starts Today!

Wow, has October flown by so fast! And as we on the East Coast still enjoy phenomenal late-fall weather with warm temperatures, I have been busy designing gift items for the vintage camper  and art lover. My annual gift sale and Christmas sale is starting today and I hope you get a chance to stop by my online shop.

Greeting Cards:

My greeting cards have been very popular in the past and people like picking them up throughout the year. As a thank you for your continued support, I am offering special bulk rebates for greeting cards on top of my sale prices. So if you are looking for some quality stationary for your glamping friends or bundle a few together as a hostess gift or stocking stuffer, these would fit the bill (and not break the bank). Quantities of 10 or more receive 10% discount, 20 or more receive 20% discount!

New this year, holiday greeting cards!
After seeing how much people loved the gingerbread house themed little Shasta camper, I have decided to offer my favorite holiday themed glampers as seasonal cards. They have writing on them, too. (The snowy pink Aljo is on backorder, but should arrive soon. Will list once it arrives).

calendars:

of course, the calendars have arrived, too. I am offering a glamping calendar featuring your 12 favourites, the winners of the October voting held on my blog. You can check it out here.           
And for my non-glamping friends, there is a calendar, too. 'Creative Journey Caledar' features 12 watercolours created this year, from florals to land and seascapes and the gingerbread camper for December, it features a bit of everything what I've been working on these past months.
Fun Christmas gift tags are here, too... check them out- perfect little stocking stuffer. 12 for $5.
Looking for a one of a kind gift? Still have a couple of slots open for your special glamper commission painting. And of course:  free shipping for $60 or more.
Anyhow, I better get back to packaging a bit more and hope you get a chance to stop by my annual gift sale!

What's Your Favorite Camper? Voting Has Started!

September is over, all paintings are painted, now it's time to vote! I ask you for help to select YOUR most favorite 12 campers I have painted this past month. These 12 will be featured in my 2018 Vintage Camper Calendar.

3 lucky winners will receive a calendar, just leave your email at the voting page. I need your email to contact you if you win;-)

I will keep this short, but hope you'll hop on over to my voting page and choose your favorite glampies!

thank you and stay in touch!!

Simone

Vote for your favorite paintings!

This collage shows all paintings I created this September past. It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed the journey very much! Thank you for all your encouragement along the way- it means so much!

Now I am asking YOU to tell me which glamper paintings you enjoy the most!

Please ‘like’ as many as you want, come back often and tell your friends! The more people participate, the more fun!

The 12 most voted-for campers will be featured in my 2018 calendar!

Voting will be on until Sunday, October 8, 2017, 8pm EST

Side note: Please allow a couple of seconds to add your vote (clicking often and very fast will cancel your ‘like’ again). Only one like per image per visit. 

The link below should bring you directly to my website voting page.

http://simoneritterart.com/vote-favorite-glampers

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;-)

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!

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.

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!

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!?

1953 Fleetwood

1953 Fleetwood

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

purchase info here

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!

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."

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

1966 Shasta 1500 'Free'

1966 Shasta 1500 'Free'

orig. watercolor 8x10in (archivally matted to fit 11x14in frame)

purchase info here

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

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