What a beautiful day. I headed over to West Valley in search of this sweet, little apple tree that Sally and John Zerfas had told me about. I had a steady breeze and the best light I could ask for. I think all of that, and more, comes through in this painting. I have just a few things I want to touch up when the paint dries a little. I am enjoying oils so much.
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Day 9 of the 30 in 30 Challenge. I walked through the rain on my way to the studio this morning. I knew that if I painted outside, it would have to be in the afternoon, because of the forecast. I decided instead, to paint a requested portrait of a special golden retriever, who is no longer with us. Micayla, was known for her gentle spirit and beautiful flowing coat. Day 8 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Day Challenge. I had a couple of appointments in the studio this morning, so by the time I could pack up my painting gear, the skies were looking ominous. I decided that today would be a good day to work in the studio, With a cup of tea and my favorite podcasts. I took a photo of this bridge a couple of years ago, while hiking Finger Lakes Trail. When I went back to revisit this beautiful place, the trail had been closed by the land owner. I was so thankful that I had taken a photo. 6" x 8" Oil painting. Day seven of the 30 meetings in 30 days challenge. I enjoyed having company today. Judson Brown came over with his easel and painted with me. This is the first day, during this challenge, that I painted with oil paints. I had forgotten the buttery, wonderful feel of oil paint spreading across the canvas. It took me back to my college days. I will probably revisit this painting, when it has dried a little. There are a few details that I would like to add. Day six of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. Today was an interesting day, I decided to paint in Ellicottville. Setting up your easel on the sidewalk always draws attention and I love talking to the people that stop by. I decided to paint a little cafe table outside Katy's Cafe. What drew me to this scene were the shadows and the mesh backing on the chairs. I wanted to see if I could reproduce the semi transparency of the fabric... plus, having lunch at Katy's was an added bonus. Day 5 of the 30 paintings in 30 day Challenge. They hardest part of this challenge is finding the place to paint... Today I set up my easel down by the twin bridges (you locals will know where that is). It was crazy hot, but I had company... a blue heron. Half way through the painting a couple kids showed up to fish. I decided to paint them into the painting. Happy Labor Day everyone! Day 4 of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I had a lot of fun with this one. It was another day of changing plans. I had forgotten about Labor day and my planned painting areas were swamped with people, squeezing the last ounce of vacation out of summer. I found this little scene while driving on a seasonal use road into Allegany State Park. This painting reminds me of my Grandfathers paintings with all the flickering shadows across the road. This is also 8" by 6", interactive acrylic. I think I'm going to start writing Country songs... Here's the start of my first lyrics "I never end up where I thought I would be. I just keep driving 'round to see what I see" (insert slide guitar here)... I headed to my planned location early this morning... hmmm... the light was too harsh. oh well, there was a cool little cemetery near by that... hmmm, the corn is too high. Then, over the bank and down the hill, there it was, a small farm pond with an inviting dock. I painted for a couple hours and then finished it up at a fantastic Labor day picnic. Yup, I took my paints and easel to a picnic. Painting number two of the 30 day challenge. I'm one of those crazy morning people. I usually wake up at 4:30 AM and stare at the ceiling until five a.m. because somehow that seems like a more respectable hour to get up. I had my day planned out… yes, I had a couple of appointments, but I planned to be out painting at Allegany State Park by 11 o'clock. Things never go as planned and I was way behind. It had been dreary all morning so I just decided to start driving and look for inspiration. I found it only a quarter of a mile down the road as the sun broke through and light began rolling across the hills. I mentioned I was going to be stepping out of the studio, But I didn't mention how far out of the studio I would be stepping. In an effort to check over my equipment, I decided to paint my studio. As the day went on I found that that was a sound decision. I'm using a new easel system, so I spent longer than usual setting up. And then of course there was the numerous times back to the studio for things that I forgotten… I feel better prepared for tomorrow. I mentioned that I have a few surprises up my sleeve… this painting introduces you to one of my surprises. This is my first painting, since 1982, that isn't watercolor. This painting is 9" x 12" and was done using interactive acrylics. |
Robin Zefers ClarkPull up a chair, put up your feet and listen to a few stories while the paint dries. Archives
October 2020
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