A painter's craft

Last week I posted a photo of my dirty oil brushes and trusty painting smock as my blip. That post generated these questions from one of my blip friends. I'll post for 365 as well.

Since I don’t paint it’s interesting to see the tools of an Artist, or tools of the trade. It must take quite a bit of effort to clean brushes and paint from clothing. Is it distracting to paint while talking to others in-person or on Zoom? Do you prefer painting at certain times of the day?


So today when thinking of a blip, I decided to post a collage of a variety of my completed paintings. I've been involved in drawing since I could hold a pencil and dabbled in all sorts of art and craft forms in my 70 plus years on this planet. I have loved linoleum block printing, watercolor, scrimshaw, collage and calligraphy among others. For almost the last 20 years I have finally settled on oil painting and photography as my passions. They work hand in hand, I usually paint from one of my photos and I can do each daily if I wish.


This collage above is composed of some of my paintings, I probably have done close to 120 or more. Many hang on our walls, here and in Maine or in T's office(lonesome now since the pandemic) or have been gifted to many friends.


Now to answering the questions.


I love the whole process of oil painting, the creamy consistency of my Old Holland oils, the excitement of a blank canvas waiting to take the colors I choose., the anticipation and diving in. I love mixing on the palette to achieve the hues I want. I even love washing the brushes after a day, or hour of painting. I use a natural substance for cleaning and a green soap that tidies up oily hands. The smock gets a wash every now and then and the paint on it adds to the charm.


I began oil painting at the local Fuller Museum when they offered courses. So, I'm used to painting in a group with conversation and sharing of tips, ideas and confidence building comments. I've now painted since 2002 with the same group of friends, weekly when possible for at least the first 13, 14 years. Now with some of the group in Florida, sadly in Heaven or busy with grandchildren, we paint less often, but still get together. Painting via Zoom is not fabulous, but being together with our canvases is such a blessing during the pandemic.


I paint here in the loft when the spirit moves me. Some paintings need to percolate, to develop and evolve slowly and others call me to come finish quickly. I usually need to be happy with the painting progress to stop for the day or the canvas will keep calling me back till I'm happy enough to let it rest.


It's hard to say whether I love my cameras and photos or my brushes and paint best. I'm happily married to both I'd say.


The man with the baby in front of the fire is my Swedish'Brother', Lasse. The baby is now 12. The ocean and ledges are Pemaquid Point, Maine, the waves, local, the Juniper tree is at the Grand Canyon. The men in uniform are my ggrandfather and grandfather. The sunrise is in Machiasport, Maine, as well as the lane, marsh and river. The dunes, Truro Massachusetts at Long Nook and the icy ones, a February in Provincetown. The stormy ocean is from my thoughts of my sea captain grandfather. My grandmother, Nora is there in a square and some Hanover river scenes and icy, snowy river cattails as well. The autumn trees and leaves are from Dogcorner. There are so many more...


For the Record,
This day came in warm, sunny and perfect. I had teh pleasure of meeting a friend to borrow her fruit picker so we can pick those hanging pears of yesterday.

[Joan Robillard]

Fabulous collage