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Pleine-aire Painting with John Budicin

Last month I was able to take a landscape painting workshop with John Budicin (fabulous painter) through the Scottsdale Artists' School program, held in San Diego. What a "WOW" experience, one that I've been really intimidated to attempt in years prior. I learned a tremendous amount from John and met some wonderful artists in the class.

In four days I painted 7 little studies, none of which were very good, but that's not the point. The point is simply to pay attention and paint. As fast as you can:) To say my equipment setup was heavy, awkward and archaic is an understatement, and coming back to Phoenix I got completely excited about the Art of The Cigar Box Pochade, and decided to build myself a little painting box.

The only thing I probably do worse than singing is sewing, and even worse is carpentry. Things never quite line up after I'm done with them. But it was really fun, and even if it's not a thing of grace and beauty it works just fine and I think it's cute. Here are the pics of my box - there's a ton of DYI info on line, and I think that you just have to improvise based upon the particular box you have.

Here's my little Asylum box (well named, no doubt), with a handle and clasp from Home Depot.

I added some sturdy hinges, and glued a cedar block (from Bed Bath & Beyond) on the back to act as a stop so that the lid won't open too far.

Four small cedar cubes, glued about 1" below the opening, support the little mixing palette, and and provide room underneath for about 8 tubes of paint and a small bottle for turps.

Positioning the cubes on the left added a little support for the screws that secure the handle to the left side. There is a tee-nut in the center of the bottom towards the back, which is where I estimated the balance point to be with the lid open - it screws onto the tripod or quick release head. You can also see that I've used some pieces of wood to add strength on the inside where the hinges are placed. The piece of wood inside the lid has 2 little l-shaped brackets attached which function to hold the panel flush against the front of the upper lid, and are placed so that they rest against the mixing palette ( held in place by the rubber band) and prevent it from falling against the lie. There's enough space inside the lid behind the brackets to secure short brushes with Velcro .

The mixing palette is just a thin piece of craft wood from Michael's and the screw eye makes it easier to lift out.

Here it is in action! I took it for a test drive on the canal near my house, and it worked just fine. I only have 91 paintings to go and then I figure I should know what I'm doing.

Article, Artists & Illustrators Magazine

The July 2012 issue of the UK publication, Artists & Illustrators features my new article on painting skin tones...it should be available now in US locations. I worked with editor Steve Pills, who was a pleasure:)

Artists' Magazine Finalist, Still Life Category

I just received work that my still life, "Crisp & Fresh" was named a finalist in this years' Annual Competition. This  is the first still life competition I've entered so it was happy news:)

Just out: Artists' Magazine article, June 2012 ...an excerpt from my new book:)

Joan, in Torrit Grey

Last week, the Portrait Artists of Arizona visited me for a studio tour. Since my studio is just one room, the tour itself took about 7 minutes, LOL. So we 'volunteered' Joan to sit for a while so I could try out the new Torrit Grey color for 2012. For those of you unfamiliar with Torrit Grey, here are the details -  it's a fun annual competition by the Gamblin folks. (That's Gamblin, not gamblin')

An amazing surprise from my artist friend in Bulgaria...Petko Pemaro. Thank you so much! Chris Saper -art paintings.mpg

Here's a new still life, "Celadon", oil 8 x 10. 

I painted it on a board prepared with a coat of Kilz (water-based primer, sealer and stainblocker developed with new technology that’s formulated to perform like an oil-based product)

Landscape painter George Coll recommended it to me. He's an excellent painter and very generous with his knowledge.

Best of Show, Portrait Artists of AZ Second Annual Members Juried Exhibition and Sale

My portraits "Threshold" received the Best of Show Award, and "Tasha", a Merit Award at last night's Opening Reception at the SunDust Gallery in Mesa, AZ. Twenty-one portrait artists' works were juried into the show, which was judged by acclaimed artist Robert Lemler. Jean Turner Smith was awarded First Place...I don't have the details at the moment about other award winners, but will post as soon as possible. There is some fabulous art at the show , which is free and open to the public, and will hang through May 5...head on over to see the work!

The Show Committee did an amazing job - lots of hard work and many hours. Thanks to every one of you! And especially Pamela Jonas whose astonishing commitment and energy brought life to the  Portrait Artists of Arizona. Brava.

New still life work at Sedona Arts Center - show opens April 6, 2012

I'm so pleased to be a new artist member at the Sedona Arts Center Fine Art Gallery  - I'll have three pieces in the show - please contact the gallery directly for purchase!

Excellent hand-held palettes

Artists, please check out New Wave's ergonomically friendly hand held palettes - they're well balanced, properly colored  and pretty darn cool.

New Wave Hand-held palettes