Creating House Commission Paintings

Augustus Hall Commission 8x10in oil painting, sold

'It's not just a house, it is a home'. Homes are personal cornerstone places in our lives, mark special events, people, family members and loved ones, history important in one way or another. Many people build or lovingly restore homes. Houses hold memories of happy times spent and special people met.
Everyone has places that are special to them in a personal way.
It is a special honour to be invited to capture a keepsake painting featuring a special house in someone's life. This painting is such a commission. I was actually very surprised when the collector contacted me asking if I'd be interested in creating a painting of his beloved historic home. He is designing, building and also renovating custom luxury homes.
As you know, I'm more an impressionist, meaning that I'm more interested in colour than correct angles, haha. So, this one was going to be a challenge and I knew it! As an added level, the collector asked for an oil painting. So, I knew I had to put aside extra time to not feel rushed. Also to give myself sufficient time to tip-toe into this commission piece.

Creating the Painting:

And time it took- this little 8x10in oil was occupying my mind and brush for almost a month!
What proofed a challenge was that white clapboard siding, few shadow areas, working from multiple photos taken at various times of year showing various sunlight at various angles.
My aim was to keep correct the angles of the architecture (well, as good as I could manage that is). Also to keep colours crisp and clean while playing with pushing the white towards different tints such as pinks, yellows, blues, purples and so on. Just the tiniest smidge of yellow warms pure titanium white to look sunny and friendly. On the other hand, just a bit too much makes it appear like yellow siding. Also, if a warmed white is put next to a cold, blueish white, the contrast between both colours shifts the cold colour backwards and lifts the warmer colour to the front.
I went back-and-forth. I adjusted angles, whites- and scraping off again. Yup, and I applied paint again and eventually got a pretty good feeling of the home. Yes, I was glad when I could finally say: yes, this painting is finished, I'm OK with it! I learned so much like applying layers, adjusting temperatures and adding pops of colour and I really have to say it has grown on me and I had fun along the way.

What a surprise when the collector came and not only picked up the commissioned oil painting, but the (below) watercolour as well. I hope both paintings will be a sweet memory of their beautiful home! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture your special place!

Augustus Hall Commission 8x10in, watercolour, sold

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!

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!

1953 King Canned Ham

1953 King Canned Ham

orig. watercolor, 11x14in approx.

purchase info: click here

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

Here is what its proud owner writes:

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

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

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

Actually, talking about travelling art studio:

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

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

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

1968 Scotty 'Wildflower' Summer

1968 Scotty 'Wildflower' Summer

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

purchase info: click here

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

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

A bit about this painting:

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

1968 Scotty 'Wildflower' Summer

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

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

Simone

1964 Aladdin Canned Ham Camper

1964 Aladdin Canned Ham Camper

watercolor 11x14in approx.

purchase info: click here

Today’s feature campie is this cute1964 Aladdin Canned Ham Camper having a grand ol’ time by the beach… actually, wouldn’t we ALL have a great time camping right by the beach? So, then, maybe today’s painting is an invitation for a mini-daydream on this Tuesday! Join me for a quickie vacay with our little Aladdin!

Summer surely is coming to an end here in Eastern Canada. The leaves on the trees make that dry, crisp sound when the wind is blowing. This is sign they are drying on the tree before they put their beautiful fall dresses on for a last hurrah before being blown down and cleaned away.

I want the summer to stay- just a little longer. I will miss the sunset bike rides down to the ocean, watching the sun go down, slowly, in magnificent yellows, oranges and reds; painting the sky with a heavenly paintbrush… sigh…

Oh, well, now my dream is already coming to an end… as I am about to ice some cupcakes for a very special little boy who will turn 7. He wants to bring a sweet treat to school- which is the first day of school after the summer! So, my friends, I have to say good bye until tomorrow- with another vintage treasure painted in watercolor!

As a side note: Special Thanks to fellow artist Leslie Saeta for hosting again over 1000 artists to paint daily this September and sharing on her blog. It is so great to see new faces and old friends on her feed!

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 

Watercolour Simple Tutorials and a 'Baby Whale' Airstream Excella

Airstream Excella 'Baby Whale'

orig. watercolour 5x7in approx.

buy it here

Here is the last vintage camper from the 'Girl Camp Canada' Group, an Airstream Excella with its 3 proud doggie 'camp-alongs'.

Also, as promised, I have been busy creating these beginner watercolour tutorials with Chinkok Tan's method (3 colours, one brush) for anyone interested.

These are short videos I created that explain step-by-step colour mixing and application paint-along and product overview.

The videos are 'a first' for me and unfortunately not perfect (I wanted to edit them somewhat on my computer, but gave up frustrated).

So, please forgive my not perfect english and lighting and so on... but I hope you will find them useful and encouraging!

So, let's get painting!

Watercolour Simple Tutorial #1: Tools and Equipment, why and how

http://youtu.be/cGLtX-uSRBI

Watercolour Simple Tutorial #2: Mixing and Values (Part 1)

http://youtu.be/g_blH0t3gI0

Watercolour Simple Tutorial #2: Mixing and Values (Part 2)

http://youtu.be/8tk2l1pv3CA

Watercolour Simple Tutorial #2: Mixing and Values (Part 3)

http://youtu.be/RRSrDr-5xWs

1973 Trillium Camper

1973 Trillium

orig. watercolour 5x7in

more info and to purchase 
go to my website

Today another fiberglass camper, a 1973 Trillium. They do look so cute, but are a challenge to paint with their simplified shape and no edges...
I'm coming to the end of my stack of submissions, only a couple of more campy's lined up at this point, so, if you know of anyone who'd like to send along their vintage camper/glamper pic, please let them know;-). My Website: www.simoneritterart.com
Thank you!                                                                                                       Simone


Heute male ich wieder ein Fieberglas Wohnwagen, ein 1973 Trillium. Sie sehen so suess aus, sind aber nicht einfach zu malen so ganz ohne Ecken und Kanten...
Ich komme langsam aber sicher zum Ende mit den tollen Wohnwagen, die eingeschickt wurden, drum: falls ihr jemanden kennt der gerne seinen 'oldtimer' Camper/Glamper Wohnwagen Foto via email schicken moechte, bitte an meine Webseite schicken: www.simoneritterart.com
Vielen Dank!                                                                                                 Simone

German 1972 Tabbert Wohnwagen

German 1972 Tabbert #1

orig. watercolour 5x7

sold

Wohoo, here we go: I've been sooo itching to paint a Euro-Camper again- and today's the day;-)

May I introduce: a G-E-R-M-A-N 1972 Tabbert Camper!! (Can you see I'm yearning for a good visit to my dear ole German home country). I've been basically harassing the poor owner for info on it and bless her heart, she went and took pics of all the plaques and decals on it! It was imported by a serviceman who was stationed in Germany.

Sorry for the late post- went out tonight with hubby and good friends before finishing this painting;-)

Happy Lord's Day everyone- don't forget to rest!                                               Simone

German 1972 Tabbert #2

orig. watercolour 4x6in

sold

Juhuu, hier nun endlich: ich wollte schon seit längerem wieder einen europäischen Wohnwagen malen und heute ist nun der Tag gekommen. Darf ich vorstellen: ein DEUTSCHER 1972 Tabbert aus Bad Kissingen! (Kann man sehen, dass ich überreif bin fuer einen Besuch in meinem Heimatland?).

Ich habe die jetzige kanadische Besitzerin dieses Tabberts angeschrieben fuer mehr Info und ganz lieb ist sie sogar gegangen und hat sämtliche Plaketten und Aufkleber fotografiert! Der Wohnwagen wurde importiert von einem stationierten Soldaten.

Sorry fuer den spaeten Blogeintrag heute- ich war aus mit meinem Schatzi und guten Freunden, drum heute etwas später dran mit bloggen;-). Einen schönen 'Tag des Herrn' euch allen, vergesst nicht, euch eine 'Verschnaufpause' zu gönnen bevor die neue Woche anfängt! Alles Liebe,                                                                              Simone

'Happy New Year' from Wee Miss Abby

Wee Miss Abby

watercolour 5.5x7.5in

sold

What a great group of girls from 'GGC' who so generously submit their beautiful camper photos- a great big 'thank you'! I have so much fun painting your treasured vintage campers!
Today's model camper is a Glendale make (not sure the model or year though). 
Her name is Wee Miss Abby, all dressed up for the New Year. And to top it off: her owners in true canadian spirit go camping this January weekend with her, woohoo! I guess I have still not quite adapted after my 15 years here to ALL canadian ways of life, so I prefer to paint in the warmth of my home with a hot cup of tea besides, haha. Happy camping Wee Miss Abby!
Thanks for stopping in, see you tomorrow and God bless you!                                              Simone

Was fuer eine tolle Gruppe von Frauen, die mir so grosszuegig Fotos ihrer schoenen Wohnwagen schicken- ein grosses "Danke"! Ich habe so viel Spass diese Schaetze zu malen!
Heutiges Model ist ein Glendale Camper. Sie heisst 'Wee Miss Abby', herausgeputzt fuer's Neue Jahr.
Und das Sahnehäubchen ist, dass ihre Besitzer dieses Wochenende campen gehen mit ihr- in wahrer canadischen Lebensfreude! Ich bin dann doch nicht ganz 'canadisiert' nach meinen 15 Jahren hier und so bevorzuge ich in der warmen Stube zu malen mit einer schoenen heissen Tasse Tee, haha. Viel Spass beim Camping, Wee Miss Abby! 
Danke fuers vorbeischau'n, bis morgen wieder und Gottes Segen!                               Simone

Juicy Orange

Juicy Orange

Oil pastel on synthetic paper

5.5x6.5 inches

Today's Painting is of this juicy orange, yum! Good thing that those paintings can be sketched AND eaten!
To celebrate 100 likes on my 'Simone Ritter Art' Facebook page: as promised: the lucky winner of yesterday's watercolour painting is: C. Graham! Congratulations!
Thank you for all that commented. Let's do that again some time!

Das heutige Bild ist eine saftige Orange, lecker! Gut wenn man Fruechte zuerst zeichnet und dann isst! 
Um die 100 likes auf meiner 'Simone Ritter Art' Facebookseite zu feiern, hier der glueckliche Gewinner des gestrigen Aquarells:  C. Graham!  Herzlichen Glueckwunsch!
Danke an alle, die einen Kommentar hinterlassen haben. Lasst uns das mal wieder machen!

Fruity Parade

Citrus Parade

watercolour, 6x14in approx

Fall is here and so the Citrus arrive on the shelves again... and last time in Saint John I found those juicy Clementines WITH green still on. So, here we go, fresh citrus plus an apple harvested from our tree out back;-) Guten Appetit!                                                   Simone

Little Apple

 6x5in approx

Der Herbst is da und so kommen auch wieder die Zitrusfruechte in die Ladenregale... und als ich das letzte Mal in Saint John war, fand ich diese Clementinen MIT Blaettern dran. So, hier also, die frischen Zitrus plus ein Apfel von unserem Baum im Garten! Guten Appetit!                                                                                                                                   Simone

Little Citrus

6x5in approx

Painting it with Live Music

Cottage Craft, oil, 6x6, 50$

(10$ from each sale will be donated to 'Let's hear it for Debby' for hearing aids

https://www.facebook.com/events/933751463305810/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Happy Weekend! I had a great time painting down at Market Square (as per Sabrina's request- she wanted to climb up the big tree there). So, here I set up and it was an entertaining spot, right near the 'Red Herring Pub' sporting a patio full of patrons and live music, my kids climbing above me in the tree (orangutang-style) or running on the green space around (and not the memorial area this time). There was quite a coming and going at the pub but quiet under 'my' tree, some older tourist couples walking hand-in-hand was very sweet to see... (hey, notice that rhymes, too!)

Anyhow, Saturday 2pm, Highschool St. Andrews: Voices of the Bay Concert and the Fall Fair at the Anglican Church Hall 10-2! Wonder what I'll paint tomorrow...       Simone 

Sabrina in the tree

Markus has Oktoberfest in the Restaurant!                                  

                                                                                

Schoenes Wochenende! Ich hatte einen guten Wochenendstart mit malen am Marktplatz (Sabrina's Empfehlung- sie wollte den grossen Baum hochklettern). So, hier malte ich dann unter dem Baum; es war ein unterhaltsames Plaetzchen, nahe am 'Red Herring Pub' mit voller Terasse und live Musik. Meine Kinder waren oben im Baum oder rannten unten auf der Gruenflaeche (diesmal nicht am Kriegergedenkmal!) Da war ein Kommen und Gehen beim Pub und eigentlich ganz ruhig unter 'meinem' Baum, ein paar ältere Touristenpärchen schlenderten vorbei, schön romantisch!

Morgen ist ein Chorkonzert 14 Uhr in der Highschool und Herbstfest bei der Anglikanischen Kirche gegenueber 10-2 Uhr. Was ich wohl morgen male...? Happy Weekend!        Simone

Peeking Over the Fence, Day #6

Peeking over the Fence, oil, 6x6in (15x15cm approx.), plein air, 50$

Today's painting is of my neighbours house's beautiful little back entrance.
The house has a white picket fence which blocks out the view from the Street.
He is very attentive to his yard and the little house is a gem downtown St. Andrews.  The house has
a law office on the ground floor.
It was overcast all morning and looked like rain, so I decided to stay on our deck under the umbrella.
Now it is all cleared up and the sun is shining.
Today is also the birthday of our youngest: Mathias is turning 5! Happy Birthday Mathias!

Das heutige Bild ist der Hintereingang von meinem Nachbarhaus.
Das Haus hat einen weissen Holzzaun, sodass man eigentlich den Eingang nicht sieht von der Strasse aus. Mein Nachbar ist ein sehr guter Gaertner und das kleine Haus ist ein Juwel im historischen St. Andrews. Das Haus hat ein Notariat im Erdgeschoss.
Heute morgen war es bedeckt und sah nach Regen aus, so entschloss ich mich, von unserem Balkon aus zu malen und unter'm Sonnenschirm. Jetzt haben sich die Wolken verblasen und die Sonne scheint.
Heute ist auch der 5. Geburtstag von unserem Kleinsten: Happy Birthday Mathias! 

painting marathon

with my pregnancy progressing into the few last weeks, i am feeling bigger by the day, hence my painting energy seems to dwindle a little… however i am still pushing as my upcoming show july29-august 1st, 2009 at the fairmont algonquin is coming fast… so far, i have held up my endeavor to paint every day… here a little update of my finished ones;-)

watercolour, 22x20in, 55x50cm aquarell, painted 'en plein air' ,SOLD

stranded, acrylic on canvas, 24x30, gestranded, acryl auf leinwand, 60x75cm, painted 'en plein air'

lupins and foxglove, w/c, 8x10 approx, Lupinen und Digitalis, aquarell, 20x25cm, 'en plein air', SOLD

Da meine Schwangerschaft sich nun langsam dem Ende naehert (33 Wochen), komme ich mir taeglich noch umfangreicher vor, so verlangsamt sich auch meine Malausdauer etwas… trotzdem male ich taeglich- mein Vorhaben an mich selbst bis ende des monats- denn unsere jaehrliche Show ist schon bald: Fundy Artists- Juli 29- August1, 2009, Fairmont Algonquin Casino. Hier ein kleines update ueber meine neuesten Bilder…