RPod Watercolour- Creating Custom Paintings

RPod Watercolour- Creating Custom Paintings- (Painting is Sold)

Before Christmas I got contacted by a woman who proudly owns an RPod camper.
She has seen my name endorsed on the Girlcamper.com website and sent me an email after visiting my website.
So far I have painted lots of vintage campers, glampers, VWs and the like but modern, new campers have not been my regular fare. I loved how she reached out and accepted the commission.
It was funny how I quickly set out to put the first layer of basic shape on the paper and it was the oval, egg-shape of so many of my vintage 'glampies'. I really got a juckle busting my own well trodden path, haha! Nothing better than starting the new year with something new, right?
The owner is a designer and wants to create a custom flag for her campsite, too. So came to an agreement of using the image for her personal use. So far I have not been approached by a designer to use my art in a design product. I have used them myself in my calendars, cards and other products though.

About Copyright:

Interesting to know, the copyright of artwork stays with the artist even if the painting is sold! Many people don't know this and might (unknowingly) infringe on copyrights by creating cards and the like of artwork they own.

I appreciated the openness of the collector and it made for a very positive collaboration. The painting is already on the way to its new home and I hope she will enjoy her painting and her camper flag. I am excited to see her final product and cannot wait to share with you;-).
With sub-zero temps in the Maritimes again, I'm dreaming of summer, sun, warm and camping and meeting new friends and likeminded! Only, hm... maybe 4 more months to go, haha! Thanks for stopping by and stay in touch with new art soon!

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!

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.

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

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!

2009 Shasta Airflyte 12

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

Today's feature camper is not a vintage as in 30 years or more, but, well, a 2009 vintage. It is a Shasta re-issue Retro Camper. I have never included one in my camper-a-day projects ever, but I don't think I have ever had one submitted either. So, as I liked the beautiful red color and the sun creating wonderful shadows on the siding, I was thrilled to get started with the painting!

The Retros are very popular, giving people all the modern comforts and safety standards including the cute vintage look. Certainly worth a consideration if budget is not the problem but rather the carpentry...

I am still looking for a few more camper submissions, so if you know of someone who might like to send in a pic, please send them to my submissions page here. The maximum file size is 1MB, that's the only thing to keep in mind. I think some folks might have had problems with re-sizing their photos. Easy way to downsize from a cell phone is to send the photo to ones own email. My Iphone offers four different sizes: small, medium, large, original size. I pick the size just below 1 mb and send it to my own email. There I can download it very easily to my photo stream again in the changed sized. 

I hope we will meet again tomorrow, same page with another campie.... thanks for stopping by and spreading the word!

Simone

1953 King Camper 'Queenie'

1953 King Camper 'Queenie'

orig. watercolor 8x10in, matted to fit 11x14in frame, 
more info and purchase: click here

Today's cute camper is a 1953 King Camper named Queenie. It doesn't have any paint color, but left its natural aluminum siding. I painted a King Camper last year and it reflected the desert setting, so it was great to see today's camper which looks so sweet all decked out in bunting and cowboy boots and vintage finds.

I don't have a lot of info on the camper manufacturer, except it was built in the 50's in Los Angeles, CA. The great guys at TinCan Tourists have a great wiki archive, where I find great info on all kinds of different trailers while I am painting. If you are renovating one or looking to get one, check out their website! There are not many around, so if you  know someone with one, or happen to own one, wohoo- lucky, lucky!!

Here I want to share with you what it's proud owner sent to me. 'She is called "Queenie". And I often say: "I wonder if she thinks about me as much as I think about her."

Today will mark the back-to-school for us again. The kids are so excited to see their friends again, pack their lunches and start a new year of adventures and discoveries. I am excited for them and with them. I look forward to some more me-time for uninterrupted painting and maybe even a lunch date with my hubby. Life is good at the Ritter household...

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you will continue the journey with me as I will paint another vintage camper tomorrow! Have a wonderful day!

Annual Gift Sale begins

My annual gift sale has begun!

This October, I thought, I would catch up with all the things that fell by the wayside during my September 'painting a camper a day' project. It has not quite worked out that way. Even though, I was lucky enough to tackle a couple of projects from my to-do list.

I have been busy designing and ordering gift items to fill my web-store for the upcoming Christmas and holiday season.

I packaged more greeting cards, nice quality- thick and glossy with vibrant colours. The sought-after calendars have also arrived and orders are coming in already. New this year are mouse pads, a cute hostess gift or stocking stuffer or 'thank you' for a vintage camper fan.

I am still waiting for a couple more items and look forward by mid November to have my shop all filled to the brim.

To have a web-store is more work than what it seems. (I am learning)- first, design and order your items, then after shipments arrive, inspect and package and photograph items. Then photo edit items to smaller scale for web, then upload them and write your store description.

I just had an unexpected 'surprise':

While my dear hubby takes my bunch out to trick-or-treat, I was hoping to post my greeting cards online in my gift shop. It has taken me over an hour to take the photos a couple of days ago and I wanted now to edit them for web... Oh, well, they are nowhere to be found! I must have deleted them- both from my camera AND from my computer (probably while downloading). Oh, my, my artist mind has gotten the better of me today... So, tomorrow, I will go at it again and take more photos- and hopefully it won't rain, haha!

Update: I JUST found the 'lost' photos while searching for this family photo below- so, guess what: I'll be editing and posting as soon as I am putting my period on this sentence, haha! Have a good week everyone and Happy Halloween!

Here's a family pic we took recently... wishing you a wonderful week!

1956 Kencraft Christmas Camper

1956 Kencraft Christmas Camper

orig. watercolor 11x14in (mounted to 16x20 archival matting and backing)

more info and purchase: click here

The month of October just seems to fly by in lightning speed- already half the month is over!!! Where has the time gone? Here I am, getting ready for the Christmas Season!

Well, I know, this might seem a bit early, doesn't it? But I have started to order so many things in and they are specialty print items which take time. I want to have my gift-giving shop ready to go by November as many people order online and have their gifts shipped. 

So, in the spirit I just finished my first Christmas Camper Painting! I hope a few more will come!

The owner of this 1956 Kencraft submitted the photo as part of my September Camper-a-Day Project. Somehow I couldn't make out it's Christmas Decor in the small thumbnail pic that opened in the email, so I dismissed it! Lucky for me, she sent me a note about her campie after reading my call-out for Holiday Glampers. And I'm so glad she did!

I was still looking for a feature holiday camper to include in my 2017 Calendar to fill the December slot- and was so glad to have received this photo! 

As I am talking about it again, I want to give a great, big 'thank you' to all of you who so generously shared your campie photos with me! I enjoy each and every one so much and would love paint them all if I would have the time! Thank you again!

If you are interested in gifts for the glamper in your life, I invite you to check out my shop again beginning of November. I will be adding many more gift ideas starting at $15 and up.

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!

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

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

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

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;-)

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

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