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!

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

1963 Shasta Compact

1963 Shasta Compact 'DealiaJo'

orig. watercolour, 5x7in approx.

more info: click here

Sold

Today's sweet camper is a 1963 Shasta Compact.

It is a very special camper, her owner writes: 'I love her. Her name is DealiaJo after my grandmother and mom who I lost both to cancer.'

She is a memorial to two incredible women that were much loved and inspiring, her owner is cancer survivor herself!

A young 16 year old woman in our town just got diagnosed with a very aggressive leukaemia and is fighting for her life, my mom is still on her long-term cancer hormone treatment, too, a friend of ours from Germany, Hameln just lost her battle and leaves behind a broken hearted husband- and I bet there is no one who has not been touched by cancer one way or another... 

So, today's campie is our symbol for all the ones fighting this terrible disease and a cyber hug from me to you!

Unser heutiger suesser Wohnwagen ist dieser 1963 Shasta Compact.

Es ist ein ganz besonderer Camper, seine Besitzerin schreibt: 'Ich liebe diesen Wohnwagen. Ihr Name ist DealiaJo, benannt nach meiner Oma und Mutter, die beide dem Krebs erlegen sind.' Sie ist ein Denkmal an zwei einmalige Frauen, die sehr geliebt waren und deren Leben eine Inspiration waren; die Besitzerin hat selber schon Krebs überlebt!

Eine junge, 16-jaehrige Frau in unserem Dorf wurde gerade diagnostiziert mit aggressiver Leukämie und kaempft um ihr Leben, meine Mama ist noch immer in Langzeit-Hormontherapie zum Schutz gegen neuen Krebsausbruch, und eine Freundin aus Hameln, Deutschland hat gerade ihren Kampf gegen die Krankheit verloren und hinterlässt einen herzgebrochenen Ehemann- ich ich wette dass da niemand ist, der nicht von dieser schlimmen Erkrankung noch nicht betroffen war- selbst oder eine geliebte Person...

So, unser heutiger Camper ist unser Symbol fuer all diejenigen, die diese Schlimme Krankheit kaempfen und ein liebe Cyber-Umarmung von mir fuer euch!

Work-in-Progress

About 8 years ago, I did some commercial painting for a US firm specializing in limited edition reproductions.

I did learn a lot in a very short time, but it was very stressful, too. 

Of one of the original paintings that sold, the collector contacted me to paint two 'add ons', one for each side as the new living space requires a bigger painting.

I have the original painting here now and ordered all the supplies in and set to work.

As you can see, the painting is not my usual style, the focus on this piece was to select harmonious flowers in muted colours to go with neutral interior colour palettes. 

Anyhow, I am trying now- 8 years later- to create pieces to fit this style, select complimentary flowers in colours that would add to the original piece- and here you see how far I got by this afternoon after quite some time thinking, contemplating, sketching and researching. I have a schedule to finish beginning of September, so I'll keep working along and will post for you to see the final product.

Below are some impressions from last weekend's Opening of my art show at Jerome Andrews' Gallery and his grounds, so beautiful!

I loved the fog rolling in-and-out and the sun trying to burn it off, really magical! 

Thank you to all of you that made it out and stopped in, it was so nice to see you- knowing especially the extra effort it takes visiting the island by ferry and taking the 'winding road' less travelled!

My Display at Jerome Andrews Gallery Opening, August 23, 2015

Jerome is a gracious host and loves to interact with visitors. Thank you!

On another note: I am thinking of doing another vintage camper challenge for September, so if you know of anyone that would like to submit a photo for a possible camper portrait, please send them my way! 

If you own a camper or vintage car and would like to submit a photo resulting possibly in a painting, please submit your photo to my email: simone.ritter.art@gmail.com or attach it in a FB message (Simone Ritter Art).

• You will give me permission to use your photo for creating a small watercolour painting and offering the finished painting for sale. 
• You may purchase the painting if you so wish, however there's no obligation to do so.
• If I receive more than 31 photos, I reserve the right to choose specific photos over others, depending on clarity, contrast and colour harmony of the submission photos.
• The finished painting will be featured on my blog and facebook page and in a collage of all September paintings and possibly as a Spoonflower-camper-collage-design-fabric.
• I will not share your name or email address on my blog, if your camper has a nickname you'd like to share, I might use it.
• I might select a few paintings to be made into greeting cards. If you'd be interested to have your camper featured, let me know. Only campers that I have written permission will be selected.

There's nothing to loose and a fun time to join me! I hope you can join me! I'm looking forward to your sweet vintage campers and car submissions!
Thank you and stay in touch and God's blessings to you!                                                             Simone

My 'Little Wings' 1960's Shasta Compact, tagged along, parked next to the Gallery- now, if that isn't a beautiful view!

Vor ungefaehr 8 Jahren habe ich fuer eine US Firma gemalt die sich auf Kunstdrucke in limitierter Auflage spezialisiert war.

Ich lernte sehr viel in sehr kurzer Zeit, aber es war sehr viel Druck- zeitlich und kreativ.

Der Besitzer eines meiner Originalbilder kontaktierte mich und fragte an fuer zwei weitere Bilder in der Serie, eines fuer jede Seite, denn 

die neuen Wohnräume bräuchten ein groesseres Format.

Ich habe nun das Original hier und alle Farben und Leinwand um 8 Jahre später zu versuchen im gleichen Stil zu malen. Es dauerte einige Zeit bis ich mich mental darauf eingestellt hatte; welche Blumen passen? Welche Farben komplimentieren das Original?

Meine deadline ist Anfang September, so werde ich euch auf dem Laufenden halten, wie's vorangeht und ein Foto vom fertigen 3-teiligem Gemälde schicken.

Die Fotos oben sind von meiner Vernissage vergangenen Sonntag bei Jerome Andrews' Gallerie. Sein Grundstück direkt am Meer ist wirklich wunderschön und die vorbeiziehenden Nebelschwaden über dem Wasser tauchten die Nachmittagssonne in magisches Licht.

Danke allen, die den weiten Weg auf sich genommen haben, inklusive Faehre und kurvenreichen Nebenstrassen, vielen Dank!

Ich werde wieder Oldtimer Wohnwagen malen, im September, falls ihr jemanden wisst mit einem (europäischen?) Wohnwagen oder Oldtimer Auto/Traktor usw., ich bin am Fotos sammeln, oben in Englisch sind ein paar Outlines. Keine Kaufverpflichtung aber auch keine Malverpflichtung (meinerseits) falls mehr als 30 Einsendungen kommen. Die besten Fotos sind mit starken Kontrasten (zB: hell-dunkel; Sonne-Schatten; bunte Farben, interessante Umgebung, usw.)

Es gibt nichts zu verlieren, aber viel Spass fuer alle Beteiligten! Ich hoffe ihr könnt mitmachen!

Bis bald und Gottes Segen!                                                                                                            eure Simone

Selfie Markus and I on the ferry ride back! Happy Summer from New Brunswick!

Art Show on Deer Island

'Island Horizon' Fishing Boat, orig. watercolour by Simone Ritter
20x28in approx.
more info and purchase click here

It has been a while since my last post- but I have been busy painting all along; and we also had our Art Show at the Algonquin Resort a couple of weeks ago which was busy as usual. I had written a special blog post for this, but forgot to post it online- yikes- (artists brain dysfunction I call this). Also, I have been copying blogposts from my website to here, so sometimes I forget... if you'd also like to sign up for my newsletter at www.simoneritterart.com. All subscribers will receive a surprise shortly;-).

Anyhow, if you are in the area next Sunday, August 23rd 2015, please stop in 2-4pm at Jerome Andrew's ocean front Studio Gallery (14 Clines Point Road, Leonardville, Deer Island, (506)747-2310 for a joint exhibit with Jerome's and my works.

'Little Wings' tagging along down to the Lord's Cove Wharf on Deer Island

A couple of days ago, I took my 'Little Wings' vintage Shasta camper over to Deer Island to paint for this coming exhibit-our first overnighter painting trip, while my kiddies had a fun sleep-over at my dear friend Mary's house (bless her heart for taking them all and giving me some time for myself and painting- thank you, thank you! The offers to take kids get fewer the more kids there are, so if someone is helping out, it means so much to us moms).

Anyhow, I arrived later than planned on Deer Island, it was foggy and so I ditched the idea of doing some nice sunset paintings as all scenery was 'vanishing in the mist'.

I took my time getting 'Little Wings' parked (you get the idea, ha, ha) and set up at my friend Anke's Deer Island Inn (www.diinn.com), who so generously allowed me to stay on her grounds.

I really enjoyed my peace and quiet there and also had a pleasant visit by two girls, friends of my daughter's who were hoping Sabrina had tracked along.

Inside my 1960's Shasta Camper, making a simple but yummy breakfast

In the morning after cooking up some breakfast and a warm cup of coffee from Anke, I stopped by Lynne Bowland's place- Fireball Gallery- specializing in handcrafted glass beads and works by canadian women. I am very fortunate to be one of her featured artists!

Well I just wanted to say 'hi', but after hearing one of my paintings just sold, I treated myself to a most beautiful bracelet and earring set handmade by Lynne. I just love her works! Check out her etsy store , too (www.etsy.com/shop/islandgirl).

After FINALLY starting to paint then in the morning, I began with smaller paintings and finished with this big fishing boat portrait of the 'Island Horizon'. By then the fog was almost burnt off. 

All paintings will go in my show on Deer Island opening next Sunday, August 23, 2-4 at Jerome Andrew's ocean front Gallery Studio, where you can see his surrealist works as well. We will share the wall space for one week, Art will be on display until September 1st 10-4 daily.

Hope you can come and check it out- I might even bring 'Little Wings' along for the Opening!

Old Fishing Boat, watercolour by Simone Ritter, 5x7, plein air
 For more info and purchase: click here 

Nun ist doch schon wieder einige Zeit vergangen seit meinem letzten Eintrag, aber ich habe recht viel gemalt diesen Sommer und wir hatten auch unsere jaehrliche Kunstausstellung beim Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews welches immer gut besucht ist. Ich hatte schon einen Blogeintrag darfuer geschrieben, aber vergass ihn online einzustellen- HILFE- Kuensterhirn hat zugeschlagen! Ich blogge jetzt auch direkt von meiner Webseite und so vergesse ich manchmal hierher zu kopieren. Falls ihr interessiert seit an Neuigkeiten und kommenden Shows, dann tragt euch doch fuer meinen Newsletter ein- Newsletter-Abonnenten koennen sich demnaechst auf eine Ueberraschung freuen!

Naechsten Sonntag, August 23, 2015 von 14-16 Uhr ist Vernissage von meiner Kunstausstellung mit Jerome Andrews auf Deer Island (12 Clines Point Road, Leonardville, Deer Island, 506-747-2310). Ihr seid alle eingeladen, kleine Haeppchen gibt es natuerlich auch;-).

Vor ein paar Tagen habe ich 'Little Wings', meinen kleinen Camper aus den 60ern mit nach Deer Island genommen fuer unser ersten Malausflug. Die Kinder waren bei meiner Freundin Mary, die sich bereiterklärt hat, die 3 Racker fuer den Nachmittag und die Nacht zu nehmen, es ist wirklich ganz lieb wenn sich Freunde anbieten uns Muettern zu helfen, denn je mehr Kinder man hat, desto weniger Hilfe bekommt man natürlich! 

Als ich dann auf Deer Island ('Insel der Rehe') verspätet ankam, war es neblig und so legte ich die Idee Sonnenuntergänge zu malen schnell mal beiseite. 

Ich liess mir viel Zeit beim rückwärts Einparken mit dem Wohnwagen (Frau am Steuer- und ich geh jetzt nicht auf Einzelheiten ein ha, ha...) bei Anke's Pension Deer Island Inn, die mich großzügig fuer die Nacht parken liess. Ich genoss die Ruhe und den Frieden und bekam noch netten Besuch von 2 kleinen Freundinnen, die Sabrina suchten und hofften dass sie mitgekommen sei.

Am Morgen machte ich mir ein feines Fruehstueck und genoss eine frische Tasse Kaffee von Anke, bevor ich bei Lynne Bowland's Haus- Fireball Gallery- vorbeiguckte. Sie stellt exquisiten, handgefertigten Glasschmuck und -perlen her und repräsentiert kanadische Kuenstlerinnen, unter anderem auch mich!

Naja, nachdem sie sagte dass sich gerade eines meiner Aquarelle verkauft hat, hatte ich keine Ausrede mehr und so kaufte ich ein wunderschoenes Armband mit passenden Ohrringen! Sie verkauft auch auf Etsy (www.etsy.com/shop/islandgirl). 

Mitmorgen, als ich dann endlich doch zum malen anfing, begann ich mit kleinen Bildern im Nebel und malte im Anschluss dieses Bootportrait von der 'Island Horizon'. Als ich fertig war, war es sonnig und fast schon heiss.

Alle Aquarelle werden ausgestellt bei Jerome Andrews' Gallerie direkt am Meer, und Vernissage ist am Sonntag, August 23, 2015 von 14-16 Uhr.

Und vielleicht bring ich auch 'Little Wings' mit fuer einen kleinen Ausflug!