Blue Volkswagen Beetle Bug

 Blue Volkswagen Beetle Bug

orig. watercolor 4.5x6.5in approx (matted to 8x10in archival mat)

purchase info: please click here

Today I'm posting this small plein air study that I painted a few weeks back during a one-day-workshop.

Somehow, there was so much other things going on that I didn't find the time to paint a camper! For once, my dear Schatzi took me out to dinner, which was long overdue. It was the perfect mini-vacation for the two of us as we enjoyed a nice lunch at the local Niger Reef Tea House right by the water.  Here is a selfie taken afterwards on our stroll along the water.

Also, my friend called to ask for me to come along digging some clams for dinner. So, as the sun was shining I couldn't say 'no'.  We worked hard, but they made for a yummy dinner!

I hope tomorrow I'll be back on track and can paint again a sweet vintage camper trailer.

Thank you for stopping by and see you again tomorrow!               Simone

1965 Oasis Vintage Camper 'Lola'

1965 Oasis Vintage Camper 'Lola'

orig. watercolor, 11x14in approx (matted to fit 16x20in frame)

more info and purchase: click here

So, today we are back on track with campers, and today's feature is this cutie, a 1965 Oasis Vintage Camper  'Lola' is her name!

I don't know much about her, but I have to say, there are quite a few angles on this painting and as the awning is cropped, I didn't have enough time to paint it before the plein air event. So today I took the plunge and got at it. I like how the painting turned out. It had a lot of accessories in the photo and I moved them around to simplify the composition of the painting.

Yes, it was good that I waited until I had enough time to paint Lola, and today was the perfect day for it! Yea, it rained outside, too, so this cheered me up!

My youngest wants to play hockey this winter. I had always hoped it would not happen as I don't like cold ice rinks and the tight schedule with practices and games. But here we go... we live in Canada and it is the national sport. So, the Ritter's are entering the arena of hockey, haha! We got the gear and now are waiting for the official kiddie sign-up. Our little guy is ready this much I can tell you! I might have to take my paints to the ice rink now and paint hockey- stay tuned!

Boiling the Wool at Ingraham's House

orig. watercolor 11x14in (framed: 16x20)

purchase info, please click here

This weekend was a busy one for me. I got juried to attend my first plein air event. Participating artists were gathering to paint for two days at the historic village settlement 'King's Landing' near Fredericton, New Brunswick. At the end of the two days, all submitted artwork that was painted in those two days was judged and the top three winners announced.

It was quite an experience for me, had I never done an event like this before. First, it involved having enough paintings created for my 'camper a day' project and ready to be posted daily while I was away. I knew I would't have internet. King's Landing is, well, a historic settlement!

Getting Ready:

I had to pack not only my paints and papers, but decide what size paintings I wanted to create and get the frames and mats and any tools needed for assembly ready-to-go and packed.

The event started on Saturday morning 8am sharp with 'stamping of the canvas' which means any artwork created had to be done on canvas or paper that was stamped at the start of the event. This was to forego people cheating with artworks being submitted that they had created prior to the event.

I had a whole stack of papers stamped with my thought being, that I don't know how many times I will screw up to start over, haha! Fortunately, all my paintings except one sketch made the cut and I could frame them. I was able to hand in six paintings in all.

And a great ending:

My painting 'Boiling the Wool at Ingraham's House' came in third place, which I am ecstatic about. It made my day! Not only were the other artists so helpful, positive and supportive, but the village itself and its staff were most friendly and also helped by showcasing a variety of activities done in the 19th century. This made for wonderful subject matter!

The main organizer's home got struck by lightning only two weeks prior to the event.  She was such a trooper, keeping a smile the whole time and helping whenever she could. I hope to participate again next year- God willing. It was a wonderful weekend! Thank you to all wonderful artists, organizers and supporters for making this fundraiser event so much fun!

Red Shasta with Wings

Red Shasta with Wings

orig. watercolor painting 10x13in approx. (matted to 16x20 archival mat)

purchase info: click here

Today's campie is this cute red Shasta with it's iconic wings. The wings are a signature part of it and many collectors buy new or old wings on Ebay for big bucks. If selling your Shasta, it is an extra bonus if yours still has the wings, which makes it very recognizable to everyone.

The attention to detail from manufacturers way back was wonderful. The tiny Shasta Compact models have shorter wings, versus the longest deluxe models have longer wings- to go with the overall look. So, if you buy your wings, get them the right size, haha!

This painting today was a bit of a free-styler, as the submission photo was quite small and so I painted from a 1.5 inch by 2 inch photograph. I thought to myself that this will be a good exercise in putting down what I already know about this particular camper and incorporate all the info I was able to see on the small reference.

As you probably know by now, I love red in the campers and so I surely did enjoy my exercise today!

Thank you for stopping by and hope to see you tomorrow again with a new camper-a-day! All the best to you!              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

1950 Westcraft Coronado

1950 Westcraft Coronado

orig. watercolor painting, 11x14in approx (matted to a 16x20in archival mat)

purchase info: click here

 

'Hi! This is my 1950 Westcraft Coronado that I restored and love to camp in!
Hope you like her as much as I do!'

this was the introduction I received with this stunning vintage camper. Isn't it a stunner?

I have  a heart for the old, old ones, they are just so luxurious, long and spacious- kind of a travelling home. It would be my dream to own one some day! But here by the ocean, the salt in the air and mist would corrode any non aluminum part pretty fast. So, I enjoy looking at the beauties that are being restored and loved in dryer regions of the continent!

In the last few days, I have gone on a journey to different states of the US, from temperate climate just like home to hot and dry . I am looking forward to showing you more different campies in the coming days, it will be great!

I received a wonderful selection of very different campers. Thank you all who participate and walk this journey with me- sending in photos, encouraging comments or liking and clicking on my Facebook and Instagram feeds. Thank you so much!

As you read this, I am packing my car to head out to a Plein Air Event at the historic Settlement 'Kings Landing'. I will meet other artists and paint for two days and interact with the visitors. It will end Sunday evening with a showing and sale of all the artists' work. If you are in the Fredericton region and look for a fun event- please come and say 'hi'! I'd love to see you there!

Never the less, there will be a camper of the day tomorrow, so please do stop by and check it out!

... and if you like what you see, please share the link on your social feeds and Pinterest! I'd feel honoured! Thank you!                    stay in touch! Simone