Collector's Pics

Christmas updates from my collectors:

It ALWAYS makes my day when I receive Collectors Pics of my paintings in their new home.
This year a couple of people sent in these pics of the paintings under their Christmas trees. I see it as a great honour being included and getting a glimpse where my paintings find their home.
I was so busy tending to commissioned paintings that I didn't have a lot of time to post on my blog in December, so I hope to thread in in the next few weeks what has happened last month in my 'studio' (actually my easel is pitched in my living room by the warm fire, haha).

If you have been following my blog, you have seen above painting before. You can read the story behind this painting in the blog post by clicking here.
And the painting below was purchased by a sweet husband who wanted to surprise his darling wife. I had painted the Winnebago Cabover Painting as part of my 'camper a day' project this past September. He called me up mid December and I got the painting on its way right in time for Christmas. I am smiling as I see how lovingly it is placed! You collectors of mine are theee best, thank you! I appreciate each one of you so very much! You keep me painting and pushing my limits to become better at what I love to do! Thank you!!!

Cold Snap

Have I mentioned it was cold here in the Maritimes the last couple of weeks? Below are some photos from the St. Andrews wharf I took just a few days ago. The sea smoke on the water is a sure fire indication that it is a verrrryyy cold day. 

My painting day today

We are expecting a 'snow bomb' to explode here in the Maritimes tomorrow. Markus and the people of St. Andrews have been busy getting their houses ready. I hope people will stay home and stay away from the roads. Here this was the view from the wharf this afternoon. Isn't it beautiful? I started a painting, but couldn't quite finish due to frozen cold fingers. Will post about that in the next few days sometime. Hope to finish some last touches, maybe tomorrow. 
Thanks for taking time to visit, and stay in touch again tomorrow.

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.

Claris Caravan- Another Date with This New Zealand Beauty

Claris Caravan

orig. watercolour 5x7

more info and purchase: click here

Who do we have today? May I introduce Claris Caravan, almost would I call her an 'old friend'. She is from New Zealand and quite busy socializing as event prop and business venture extraordinaire. She does get quite a bit of publicity, too. Her proud owner has a sensible touch in decorating her, just enough, not too much. I love the beach-ey feel, the hot sun shining through the set up. Just the right thing for the colder regions that are longing for spring- like me!!! I have painted her before, last year, and you can see the blogpost about that by clicking here

We here have a relatively mild winter so far... hm, I better not write that actually, it might turn on me!!!

I'm inching myself up towards the end of this month's camper a day challenge and I hope it brought you some smiles and joy- it certainly was a fun start for this new year for me, kind of a celebration! My first camper a day I did last January, exclusively with Canadian campers. Here is the collage I did featuring all of them:

I am planning to do a collage again featuring all campers from this month, including Claris Caravan and all the other darlings. Special thanks to artist Leslie Saeta for hosting this January painting challenge again! It is always fun and so great to see hundreds of artists worldwide participate!

It is getting late (again), so I better hang up until tomorrow, nighty night all.                Simone

1959 Winnebago and 1967 Scotsman- 2 Campers Today!

Today we have a darling 1959 Winnebago called 'Miss Kitty' set up under trees and below a 1967 Scotsman Cab-Over called 'Molly Mae' travelling through 48 US states last summer- wow, what a vacation that would be!!!!

1959 Winnebago 'Miss Kitty'

orig. watercolour, 5x7

more info and purchase: click here

As I was busy painting yesterday's featured airstream over two days, I painted two campie portraits today. My time painting a-camper-a-day for January is coming to a close, so I try and stick to my goal. What a fun month it was!

I have been thinking about travelling for longer periods, kind of exploring our beautiful world for some time- and what better way to do it than bringing a little house-on-wheels along? The trend of 'tiny home' comes to mind. I'd so love to pack up and go! My dear husband would have a hard time as our inn is a big, 100 year old house that cannot be left alone for long periods (especially in the winter, where it is so cold here and pipes freeze up and burst and in the summer we are so busy with the rooms and restaurant)... maybe later... something to put in the bucket list I guess!

1967 Scotsman 'Molly Mae'

orig. watercolour 5x7in approx.

Now, can you see where the travelling Scotsman impression was taken? If you look closely you can see the huge rock formation with the Mount Rushmore iconic chisseled bust of George Washington peeking out. What a great memory! I so much like this shot, but had such a hard time with the perspective, especially of the car. I might re-visit this tomorrow, we'll see. Sometimes the eyes see better after sleeping over it for night.

Thank you for stopping by, we'll see you tomorrow again with another vintage camper, have a blessed day everyone (or in my case: a good night).                    Simone

Honeybee - Little Canadian Camper

Honeybee - Little Canadian Camper

orig. watercolour, 5x7in approx.

more info and purchase: click here

Today's camper is this little Fiberglass cutie called Honeybee. When I go through all the submission photos, I do see clearly that Canadians have more fiberglass campers such as Bolers, Trilliums or Biggars. This camper setting is in a serene garden, so I opted not to crop out the surroundings, but rather left them for you to see.

We had wonderful sunshine here today, but bitterly cold. My little one had bright red cheeks when he came home from ice skating at the rink and then walking in. No matter, when I ask if they have put vaseline on their faces before going out, they never seem to care, lucky being a kid I guess. They do just love going out and playing in the snow. Someone tried to cheer me up leaving a facebook comment yesterday: only 61 more days 'til spring- wohoo, that sounded so great, ha ha!

I'm off to tackling some laundry now as it kept patiently waiting the last days where I painted so late! Thank goodness laundry is patient!

See you tomorrow again with another camper!                    Until then, my best wishes to you,                 Simone

Little Scotty and Charlie the Cat

Little Scotty and Charlie the Cat

orig. watercolour 5x7in approx.

more info and purchase: click here

Here we go, another Christmas Campie, fully decked out, including a happy little visitor- Charlie the cat! The owner writes that as soon as she was finished decorating, her cat came and sat down on the chair not moving away. Even the little animals seem to enjoy the special touches and love that goes into getting things decorated with heart.

It is again a late night, so I shall keep it short and sweet with this post today. I hope you had a great day!

Our town is full of excitement and buzz with Canada's new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holding his first cabinet meeting in our little town of 2500.     St. Andrews is filled with police, media and security. Today when we went ice skating, the police was already parked outside the rink as there was a spaghetti dinner meet and greet for the towns people with Mr. Trudeau and his cabinet members. Many photos are proudly shared now on facebook, I opted to stay home with the kids, being more of the introvert kind and after seeing the crowds when he arrived at the Algonquin.

Anyhow, time to call it a day... thanks for stopping by! And see you tomorrow again with a new campie portrait!          Simone

Journey Ahead

Journey Ahead

orig. watercolour, 5x7in

more info and purchase: click here

Life is a journey, often we don't know where we are going, if the direction is the right one... often we feel uncertain if a task at hand can be accomplished and self-doubt is creeping in.

Painting today's painting is part of my journey... it was a challenge as I am by no stretch a figurative artist. Yes, I do paint shapes and the relation between each, but when it comes to human figure, facial expression and features, it is taunting. To capture likeness takes years of dedicated practice and I admire portraitists for their skill.

So, today's painting took two shots to get this final product. The first one never made it past a light yellow painted sketch. I do not use pencil sketching, so there is no erasing. What I paint, I paint and that stays on the paper! I do a basic outline in a very light wash to fill in the biggest shape or subject and then 'mold' it into the shape I want as I apply the following layers of paint. In watercolour you work from light washes with very little pigment toward darker mixtures loaded with pigment. I do use the three primary colours, so as the first washes might very often be just secondary mixtures, as I go along and get darker applications my mixtures are tertiary, using all three of the primary colours.

Anyhow, I am learning a lot already with all the different campers sent in, challenging myself to paint nocturnes, figurative and reflections on silver. Thank you all that you participate, sending in your precious campers and photos- each telling its own journey, its own story.

I hope you do enjoy tracking along on my painting journey, it is a great honour having you join me! Every journey is more fun when not walked alone, right?! Thank you for walking with me!       Blessings to you!                                    Simone

Mobil Scout 'Boss Lady'

1954 Mobil Scout 'Boss Lady'

Original watercolour painting

5x7in, comes archival matted, ready for a frame of your choice in a white double mat 9x12in

purchase: click here

Today's camper is this 1954 Mobil Scout called 'Boss Lady'. It's owner has been very patient as she submitted it last September and I just didn't get around to painting her then.

She is quite the camper all glamped up. I couldn't put in all the details on the small size of just 5x7in.

The sun and reflections and shadows forced me to look and 'paint what I see' not 'what I think there is'.

A very good exercise and fun, love this little canned ham, tin can glamper.

If you are interested in more info about Mobil Scouts, you can go here to the tin can wiki page.

1967 Kit Companion 'Miss Priss'

1967 Kit Companion 'Miss Priss'

orig. watercolour painting 5x7in approx.

more info and purchase: click here

Kit Companion 'Miss Priss': here we have another sassy camper today. Did we have 'Boss Lady' yesterday, here we have 'Miss Priss'! The Woman power campers are marching on.

It takes me quite a while to paint those little artworks, actually when I started over a year ago, I thought it would be little 'quick sketches' of about 30 minutes for the small size of 5x7in which seemed to me just fair... well, let me tell you I'm at about 3-4 hours for each one by now! By the time they are painted, archived, photographed, blogged, posted on social and so on, half a day is gone like a flash! Artists really love what they are doing, I can tell you this much- and for me painting every day for January is a treat to cut my cold winter shorter (especially seeing your campers in hot summer weather while we here in New Brunswick are freezing at -12Celcius).

What will I paint tomorrow? Hm... I have a couple ones that I'm thinking about already. Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you tomorrow again!            blessings,   Simone

'Beer Barrel Betty' Shasta Starflyte

'Beer Barrel Betty' Shasta Starflyte

orig. watercolour 5x7 in approx.

more info and purchase: click here 

Today's Campie, 'Beer Barrel Betty', a Shasta Starflyte,  was hard work, but I am done now (yes, and I am done, ha ha). The owner was so sweet and dug in her archived photos to send me more photos from different angles just so I could paint this today! I think it turned out well, I am pleased. It is always hard to paint 'paintings'.

Today I attended a memorial for well known potter and artist, late Tom Smith. He was an inspiration to me and so many in his gentle, kind ways, never boasting his success on national and international level. I remember him sitting every morning at Sweet Harvest Market Cafe and sipping a cup and reading the paper and waving when I walked by. A true inspiration with a most impressive prolific and highest quality art output. One story shared today resonated with me: '...and there I saw him sitting at his desk, pouring over sketches he did 30 years earlier. He told me he wasn't able to create those pieces back then as he didn't know how- he said, he didn't have the craftsmanship developed yet... but now, he was revisiting those sketches, starting to work on his ideas from 30 years earlier.' 

Wow, I feel so much consolation from this as I often feel discouraged when my ideas (in whatever part of my life) don't come to fruition, not yet and at once that is. 

Enough from me, time to wrap it up, it's 2am! Night, night!

Thank you for stopping by, and have a blessed Sunday!                                                                                Simone 

Unser heutiger Camper war eine harte Nuss (und ich bin jetzt Toast, ha, ha). Die Besitzerin war so hilfsbereit und hat in ihrem Fotoarchiv gegruschtelt und mir noch extra Fotos geschickt, sodass ich das heutige Tagesbild malen konnte.

Heute war ich bei der Gedenkfeier fuer den verstorbenen, bekannten Toepfer und Kuenstler Tom Smith. Er war eine inspirierende Persoenlichkeit, nicht nur fuer mich, sondern fuer so viele Menschen, mit seiner liebenswuerdigen, sanftmuetigen und freundlichen Art. 

Er war nie arrogant oder ueberheblich trozt seiner nationalen und internationalen Erfolge. Ich erinnere mich, wie er morgens immer im Sweet Harvest Market gessessen ist und Kaffee getrunken hat und seine Zeitung gelesen. Er winktle immer wenn er mich vorbeilaufen sah.

Eine echte Inspiration ist Tom wenn man das weite Spektrum und die Vielzahl seiner Arbeiten sieht und das auf allerhoechstem Niveau. Eine Geschichte räsonierte mir besonders: '... und da sah ich ihn sitzen, an seinem Arbeitstisch, ueber einem Zeichenblock gebaeugt. Der zeigte Skizzen, die er 30 Jahren zuvor gemacht hatte. Er erzaehlte mir, dass er damals nicht in der Lage war seine Ideen auszufuehren, da er das know-how noch nicht hatte, aber jetzt waere er so weit, er hat seine Skizzen wieder hervorgeholt um da fortzufahren wo er 30 Jahre zuvor abbrechen musste.'

Wow, diese Geschichte gibt mir sehr viel Trost, denn ich fuehle auch sehr oft, in verschiedenen Bereichen meines Lebens, wie mein Koennen und Wissen ungenuegend sind um Frucht zu tragen- wenigstens nicht sofort, nicht auf der Stelle. 

Nun aber genug von mir, Zeit die Bordsteine hochzuklappen- es ist schon nach 2 Uhr nachts! A guat's Naechtle!

Danke fuer's vorbeischauen und ich wuensche dir einen gesegneten Sonntag!  Alles Liebe,                                   Simone

Two Campers- Day and Night

Shasta 'The Cantina'

orig. watercolour, 5x7in approx.

more info and purchase: click here

Yes, I was a busy bee today and got to paint two campers! I have now reconciled the camper I didn't paint a couple of days ago. As we are inching up to the end of this painting challenge, I want to make sure I'm getting 'on top of things'.

It does take me about 3-4 hours each day to do this, so it is a big commitment for me between mommy duty, our restaurant/inn which is hoppin' busy this season (and going strong), some commission art I have been working on and cleaning and organizing after the leak we had in our kitchen ceiling.

However, I have a lot of fun painting and seeing the little collection growing one campie each day. You Glamper Girls have amazing campers and I am so grateful that you share them with me! Thank you!

Friday is come and gone, weekend is here and I hope you can enjoy a relaxing time, sunshine rays and fresh autumn air! Why not take your camera and capture some fall impressions!

                            See you again..........tomorrow!                          Simone

Thelma Lou

orig. watercolour 5x7in approx.

more info and purchase: click here

Ja, ich war heute produktiv und habe zwei Wohnwagenbilder gemalt! Ich wollte mein Versaeumnis von vorgestern nachholen. Da bald dieses Septemberprojekt zu Ende geht, moechte ich alles nach und nach auf dem Laufenden haben.

Ich brauche ungefaehr 3-4 Studen jeden Tag um ein Tagesbild zu malen und online zu listen. Das ist eine grosse Zeitbeanspruchung neben Mamaverpflichtungen, Restaurant/Pension wo bei uns dieses Jahr wirklich viel los ist (und kein Ende in Sicht), Auftragsbilder, und das Putzen und Aufräumen nach unserem Wasserleck in der Kuechendecke.

Aber ich will mich nicht beschweren, denn ich habe so viel Spass meine kleine Serie wachsen zu sehen, jeden Tag um einen Camper. 

Freitag is nun schon 'rum, Wochenende ist hier und ich hoffe, ihr koennt euch etwas entspannen, Sonnenschein geniessen und frische Herbstluft schnuppern! Und vielleicht sogar auf Fotosafari gehen, schoenen Herbsteindruecke sammeln! 

                      Wir sehen uns bald wieder.......... morgen schon!                 Simone

#vintagecamper #vintageshasta #tincancamper #thirtypaintingsinthirtydays 

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!

1968 Shasta Airflyte

1968 Shasta Airflyte

orig. watercolour 5x7in 
sold

Today we have a 1968 Shasta with some funky curves, her name is 'Rosie'!

Her proud owner had to be quite patient waiting for it to be painted, thank you!

I enjoyed my evening painting it very much!

God's Blessing is my wish for you. Thanks for stopping by!                                 Simone

PS: If you'd like to received a newsletter twice a year, I'd feel honoured, sign up at my website www.simoneritterart.com

Heute haben wir einen 1968 Shasta Airflyte mit coolen Kurven und Kanten.

Seine stolze Besitzerin musste ganz schoen lange warten, bis ich dazu kam, ihn zu malen, danke!

Ich genoss meinen Abend diesen suessen kleinen zu malen.

Gottes Segen wuensche ich dir. Danke fuer's vorbeischauen!                                                                                                                                                                              Simone