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Plein Air Painting: Day 1- Preparation

Categories: drawing, Elysian Studios, En Plein Air, painting, Rocky Mountains, tutorial

I have painted “En Plein Air” before, but I have been primarily a studio painter, focusing on abstract images and the occasional still life. Because I am surrounded by such a stunning and dynamic landscape in Colorado, I am committed to returning to nature to better understand light and shadow, color, and structure of natural elements. As an abstract painter, it is critical to be able to communicate these ideas to your viewer even if your imagery is inspired by your imagination. The other benefits of getting out of the studio, are refining your equipment, gaining precision and accuracy of paint application, and developing reliable reference materials. I am going to attempt three small paintings in locations near my house. For better or worse, I will share my process and hope it is successful!

First, I found convenient locations,chose my compositions, and sketched them in pen and ink in my sketchbook. It is surprisingly overwhelming to be outside and translate all of that natural information into one little sketch! My focus on each sketch was speed and value. I documented the time and place of my sketch, so I can try to get back to that site to paint at the same time, and then snapped a photo for reference.

Location #1:

Location #2:
Location #3:
I have compared my sketches to my reference photos and printed out copies of them to take with me. Next step: Pack my equipment and return to paint! Tweet

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Ribbon and Ruffles: A Story of Three Pillows, part 2

Categories: decorative pillows, sewing, textiles, tutorial

The third pillow of our giftable trio, is a bit more complicated than the others. It is adorable with its inset center panel, contrast welting, and applied ruffle, but each of these components must be constructed individually. Having one pillow stand out with unique design details makes the grouping look uniquely custom.

Like the others, this is an 8 inch pillow. Please see my previous posting on welting for details on how to make yours for this project. Cut your panels for both the front and back of your pillow. Since this pillow is for a child, I have figured 1 inch seam allowances for durability. My center panel is 5 inches wide x 10 inches high, which will result in a 3 inch center panel. The side panels are 4.5 inches wide x 10 inches high, which will result in 2.5 inch side panels.

Pin center panel to the side panels and stitch using a straight stitch on your machine. Press open the seams to ensure the panels lay flat for the completed pillow. I made two identical sides, one for the front, to which I applied a ruffle, and one for the back, which I left plain.
For basics on the ruffle, please see the Ribbon and Ruffles part 1. You will need two sides and one center component for the ruffle embellishment. The two sides can be made the same way the ruffle fringe for the previous pillow was made (shown at the bottom of the picture). The center panel is a narrow, straight strip with both sides turned under (shown at top). Stitch down both sides of the center panel so it will lie flat. The center panel is then gathered in the same manner as the side ruffles. Take a thread from the spool and cut it a few inches longer than the center panel. Sew a loose zigzag stitch over it, in the center of the panel (shown at the bottom). Then gently pull the straight thread and gather the panel until the desired fullness is reached (at top). You should now have three ruffled pieces: two sides and one center. Top stitch the right side of your ruffle on the right middle of the center panel using a straight stitch on your machine. Sew the right side of the center ruffle on top of the right ruffle. Tuck the left ruffle under the left side of the center ruffle and stitch in place. Whew! It is a complicated process and sounds confusing, but ruffles are amazingly forgiving. The difficult process will pay off with “oohs” and “aahs” when people want to touch and squeeze your pillow! Sew your welting to the other side of the pillow. For details on how to do this, please see my previous post on applying decorative cord and use the same process. This post will also show you how to add a zipper and finish your pillow. Once you have the pillow sewn together, turn it right side out and stuff with your insert. Enjoy or give a handmade gift made with love to someone special!

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I never thought I’d buy something from Bob Ross, even though he was a cheerful little painter with his “happy trees.” However, an artist friend of mine recommended this to me when she saw my hands with Cadmium Red paint permanently worked into the nails and callouses. Oil Paints contain many chemicals that are highly toxic, like Cadmium, so it is very important for painters to protect their skin while they work. Gloves are definitely NOT an option for me, as half the fun is feeling the paint, not to mention getting a firm grip on your brush! This product is a lotion that provides an invisible layer to the skin, and allows paint to easily wash off with soap and water. You do have to work a generous amount on to your hands and over the wrists, being sure to work it in well around your knuckles and fingernails. I noticed that Michael’s Arts and Crafts has this product on clearance, so I stocked up while I could. I wish it came in a larger size since I still end up with paint on my feet, arms and neck, much to my husband’s wonder and dismay! What can I say? I get lost in my painting and have been known to let a brush drop now and then!

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