Old Car & Elevator

I knew that when I saw this image taken by Saskatchewan photographer Linda Kopp, that I had to paint it. For several weeks I 'painted it in my head' until one day I was ready to tackle it on canvas.

In the beginning: using a 28 x 22" canvas I covered the top half in warm colours; quin gold, ochre yellow and naples yellow, plus white - cadmium red and maroon on the bottom half.

Then came the sketch: using burnt sienna, I outlined the shapes, filling in some of the darker blocks of shadows. Not a bad days work at one of my regular TOSH volunteer days.

Filling in the colours: I did the easy stuff first, such as touching up the sky and painting the elevator. Next I worked on the car, spending a considerable amount of time, as I wanted it to be accurate.

The foreground with the tall grasses was FUN. I worked with vigour using a 1/2 inch flat brush blocking in colours and dabbing in the grass, not worrying about details. I just needed to give the 'impression' of tall grasses.

Finishing touches: mid-ground shapes, a few dabs of colour on the trees and little bits of bright colour throughout, brought it all together. I had to stop ... as I was in danger of overworking it!!

Now the hardest part: giving it a title??!!

Any suggestions?

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Wrapping it Up!!

As you may know from my previous Dog Blog, I have completed this commission and am ready to pack it up and send it safely to my client in Alberta.

1. After wiring the back, the first step is to wrap the painting in parchment paper. This is one of the few types of papers that will not stick to the painting and possibly lift some of the paint off.
2. This next step involves putting cardboard protectors on the corners. Then we take a plastic roll and wrap around it, securing the protectors in place.
3. The painting is then wrapped in the first layer of cardboard, but first .... I enclose a few cards of the painting that I have made for the client. This is a great opportunity to include some of your own promotional material.
4. Now I build another outside box, bigger then the first, leaving at least a one inch buffer-space on each side. The first box goes in, paper is rolled up and stuffed around the outside making a nice cushion. Another opportunity for some promotion, by including a copy of a recent Island Arts Magazine.
5. Tape, seal and address the box. Don't forget fragile stickers. All ready to get shipped to the client. I have found that Canada Post provides the best service. Their prices are great and parcels arrive earlier then expected. Just remember to buy extra insurance ... 

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan