Ellie Boyd Studio

POP June 22 (Rain Date 6/23) 9-2 Monique Shay Antiques Woodbury

2019-06-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Monique Shay Antiques in Woodbury, CT

Join Pomperaug Outdoor Painters for a free plein air painting session in a location with many views, nooks, and crannies full of subject matter. This will be one of the stellar locations of the 2019 season. If you plan to join us, alert your collector friends so they can see what you are up to. Monique Shay Antiques and Design.
PLEASE CARPOOL.

Location: 920 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Bring: Lunch/beverage, your painting supplies
Leave at home: Your pets
Please carpool if possible

Rain cancels. Rain date: Sunday, June 23rd.

Check the Google Calendar on the tab above for future dates. PLEASE CHECK Calendar BEFORE you head out. Things change!

POP may be migrating to a group communication app GroupMe It's a free app that lets you text a group on the fly to let them know if you are planning to go out and paint and want company. It's a free download and works really well. You can turn it on and off (if you don't want updates). Click here to join: 'Pomperaug Outdoor Painters On the Fly' -- feel free to share with painting buddies.

Try it! Plein Air Class

2019-04-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

2-Day Class for the Beginner --Oil

"Plein Air Painting for the Absolute Beginner”

Join me for a 2-day class for adults, Tuesday and Wednesday, May 21-22, from 10 am - 1 pm. Learning tips and tricks for getting outside and capturing a scene outdoors in oil. See what the excitement is all about in plein air!

If you have never tried “painting out”, this will be a gentle introduction. Some familiarity with painting is helpful.

Come to Learn:

what to wear/take on your plein air adventure
how to get outside and paint a simple scene in oil, and enjoy being part of nature,
how to use a viewfinder and simple design tricks
how to make a thumbnail drawing and three-value study
how to mix color using a limited oil palette.

Group will meet at a pre-arranged location in Southbury. Participants must be able to walk and carry gear over uneven terrain. If you have a portable easel please bring it. Wear old clothes and bring a folding chair, water, snack. Classes will be rescheduled if rain cancels. Most supplies included.

Fee $75 which includes most supplies. Class size is limited to 5 students. Call Arts Escape at 203-586-1474 to register. Credit card, check, cash.

#artsescape

#ellieboydstudio

#southburyct

#pleinair

#artexcellence

#oilpainting

Life’s a Party! En Plein Air

2019-03-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate the beginning of the 2019 Spring plein air painting season with six painters: Thomas Adkins, Zufar Bikbov, Ellie Boyd, Lorraine Chapin, Linda Marino, and Betty Ann Medeiros at the gallery show reception at Arts Escape, 88 Main Street South, Southbury, CT on Saturday, March 30th from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. Grab this chance to meet the artists, find out about why they go outside to paint, and take home a special painting of Southbury, Maine, or Cape Cod to add to your collection. Would you like to have your own backyard view painted this year? Arts Escape is a wonderful place to learn about the arts, and your purchase helps support classes and special programs. Delicious light catered appetizers, bourbon barrel aged red, and live jazz with Michael O’Mara and Fred Kruge await you. Stop on your way out to dinner and see the show.

This is a show about vision. Six pro artists who teach, inside and outside, who have different training and paths in the art world, who have come together to share a diverse body of plein air work. As you walk around the show, you might ask yourself, what has drawn you to a particular painting — is it the subject matter? The colors? The shapes, lines and action? Does it bring back memories of a favorite scene? “Oh, that scene reminds me of the farm I grew up on”—perhaps not the exact scene but maybe it has the timeless quality that speaks to a memory. Those are the paintings that will carry you, keep you coming back for more.

Dog Park Fun, Southbury, CT, Oil
by Ellie Boyd, 12” x 16” $1500

Why do artists go outside to paint?

The French Revolution wasn’t confined to the monarchy! Painters fed up with the strict rules of the Paris art academies, dark paintings, historical subjects, and dim studios, sprinted for the fields and suburbs to study the effects of light on scenes of the country, gardens, scenes of boating parties, farming, and picnics. Today’s plein air painters face the same challenges as the French trailblazers—finding the perfect location, fighting a sun that moves rapidly across the sky, carrying a truckload of supplies. You could even say plein air painting is one of the toughest “sports”— on the level of learning to play tennis. With more people than ever trying their hand at painting and attending 250+ plein air shows, competitions, and conventions all over the country and internationally, plein air painting is on a roll.

Sugarhouse Forsythia, Stiles Farm, Southbury, CT by
Tom Adkins, Oil on Linen, 30" x 30" $7400

Do you ever wonder how much thought goes into making one of these great paintings? With such an outdoor smorgasbord, how does the artist narrow what they see down to something engaging? First they have to find “the honeyhole”—the perfect spot to set up— as they drive by, hike, or get suggestions from collectors and fellow artists on where to go. Then they must be selective in narrowing the view—ignoring details at first, concentrating on light effects, groupings of interesting shapes/intersecting lines, curving lines, leading attention to the focal point. There are days when the paint flies off the brush outdoors and the painter goes home satisfied with the “day’s catch”. A rare day.

By time you view it on wall, the artist has generally spent hours: an initial pencil sketch, then a small color study, photos of the scene for reference, and/or a second studio painting based on the small study, sketches, and photos. Artists often reconsider the original composition back in the studio either with more sketches, or using photo editing programs, repainting areas, placing the artwork in a temporary frame to study. At times the painter will return to a location to continue work on the painting when the weather/lighting conditions are similar. Finally come the last touches of the brush and the signature, followed by a light intermediate varnishing, and the ultimate framing choice. The entire process takes days or months to get it right.

Cerulean Blue Winter Woodbury, CT, by Tom Adkins
Oil on Linen 24" x 24" $4600

Some collectors respond to more to detailed realism, and some prefer movement and brushstrokes. Thomas Adkins, of Southbury and Maine, a seasoned veteran of plein air painting says “My paintings spring from a lifelong fascination with the outdoors. The moods, mystery, atmosphere and inherent design of nature intrigue me. My paintings express those qualities documenting a specific place and time. “

At the Mooring by Zufar Bikbov
Oil 9" x 12" $950

At times a painting may look so realistic it resembles a photograph, at times the artist has left a bit more room for the imagination, and a composition that is timeless. Russian artist and doctor Zufar Bikbov says “My love of painting has been instrumental in shaping the direction of my life. “ He describes his work as “plein air with moderate landscape abstraction, constantly searching to express on canvas, things essential to life and human experience.” Zufar is conducting classes regularly at Arts Escape, for example a four week class to help painters improve fundamental drawing and compositional skills.

Russian Village Chapel by Ellie Boyd
Oil 8" x 10" $395

Sometimes painting is an act of capturing the identity of a community—ie, Southbury’s Russian Village—where is it anyway?? At the end of Winter, Ellie Boyd found a spot over by the settlement of Russian immigrants who fled the country during the revolution. Count Ilya Tolstoy (son of author Leo Tolstoy) thought the area was much like the Russian countryside. A tiny jewel of a chapel, the St. Sergius Chapel, with it’s distinctive onion dome is the most recognizable artifact of that turbulent time. Ellie will be teaching a 2-day introductory plein air class for Arts Escape May 21-22.

The Art Lesson, Thimble Island, Branford, CT
by Linda Marino Oil 12" x 16" $425

When the artist walks into the view what are they looking for? Artist Linda Marino, of North Haven, seeks to “interpret the world in a way that will not only inspire others but to evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions.” Currently working in oils and acrylics, Linda captures her subjects with the use of expressive color, bold, confident brushwork and a fresh perspective on coastal scenes and farms. Linda has taught at Arts Escape since 2016. On Mondays she teaches acrylic painting for artists who wish to work on special projects and still life paintings.

Southford Falls, Southbury CT in Late Summer
by Betty Ann Medeiros, Oil 11" x 14" $400

Danbury native Betty Ann Medeiros has a request for the viewer. “While visiting the gallery and my plein air paintings, I would like the viewer to see the love I have for New England and the area I live in. As they gaze at my paintings I hope they are transported outside, feeling the warmth of dappled sunlight, the coolness of the shadows and experience all of natures atmospheric elements.” Betty Ann continues to teach a number of classes on Thursdays and Fridays at Arts Escape--sketchbooking, painting on the iPad, watercolor, and oil studies.

Golden Marsh, Cape Cod by Lorraine Chapin
Oil 14" x 18" $655

Lorraine Chapin can’t get enough of the Cape, the ocean, the shore. “Cape Cod has so many wonderful memories for me as a young girl vacationing there with my family. Now, I go every year to paint and enjoy its beauty with my friends. I truly love the amazing landscapes and capturing my very favorite places en plein aire.”

Bringing all the elements of a 3-D scene together onto a 2-D surface is quite a challenge. No, it is not as “relaxing” as the public imagines, but it is immensely satisfying to look at a painting and remember exactly what the day was like, whether the sun was shining, the winds blowing, the scent of flowers in the air, and wonderful to be taken right back there, in the moment.

Can you learn it? Yes, one step at a time. Zufar cautions the new painter not to be too descriptive, and to engage in creative practice every day — be it drawing or painting. If you do that, and exercise your “art muscles” frequently, you will make great progress. That and a course or two at Arts Escape can help.

Visit with our artists as you stroll the show and consider taking home a painting or commissioning one. A portion of all artwork sales will be donated to Arts Escape by the artists to help fund ongoing programs. Purchases may be made by credit card, check or cash. Show runs until April 25th. Open during regular hours or by appointment.

Finish Your List -- Easily

2018-12-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

Thoughtful? Handmade? Local?

Are these gift terms mutually exclusive? No!

A short drive will take you to Middlebury, CT, to the Shutter Speed Gallery holiday gift reception this Saturday, where you will find beautiful Winter paintings and photographs from a number of local artists, jewelry, woven items, wool felted ornaments, purses — for the discerning on your list. 12:00 to 4:00. Additional parking behind adjacent restaurant.

Gift Certificates for portraits and paintings are available as well — call or email to set it up.

Here are my small Winter paintings on view at the Gallery:

Happy Snowman 5" x 7"

A small studio painting I created by studying a snowman doll purchased at the UCC Holiday Fair. You could say it is a portrait of a portrait of a snowman.

Touch of Red, 12" x 12"

It's nice to have a touch of red to decorate for the holidays that needs no watering or sunlight. This is my interpretation of a Poinsettia still life, painted in the studio.

Russian Chapel, 8" x 10"

Southbury has a very interesting history of Russian emigre´s. The visible traces are signs pointing to Russian Village, and this little jewel of an orthodox chapel, visible from the road. Perching on a hill in the snow, this little painting was completed during a lull in the weather, outside.

Ellie Boyd Studio, (203) 429-4356

Take an Art Adventure

2018-11-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Mary Ellen and Dr. Frank try out a
morning of plein air painting.

Want to try plein air painting? See what it’s all about with the help of Ellie Boyd in a special 3 hour lesson for up to two people, to be arranged at a convenient day/time. This little class will get you started in the footsteps of Monet!

You’ll learn:

what to take on your plein air adventure
how to get outside and paint a simple scene,
simple design tricks
how to make a thumbnail drawing and simple value study
how to mix color using a limited palette

You can be the winning bidder on November 17th in the live auction starting at 2:00pm at the UCC Southbury Holiday Fair, 283 Main Street North, Southbury CT. Come to the fair and register to bid on this and many other great items. Proceeds help support UCC programs and community outreach.

Value $120. Minimum bid $60.

What do previous students say?

“Ellie Boyd is an outstanding art instructor who generously engages her students with her considerable skills to inspire confidence and artistic expression!” Mary Ellen

#pleinair #art #artlessons #ellieboydstudio #uccsouthbury #holidayfair #auction

Why Plein Air?

2018-09-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

Ellie Boyd painting "en plein air" on Saint Simons Island, GA.

What is “Plein Air” ?

When an artist goes outside with materials and creates artwork in two hours, before the light changes completely, that is considered “plein air” art.

So you might consider petroglyphs on rocks some of the original “plein air” artwork. When the weather was bad, those ancient artists came inside the cave, and continued to create and communicate. We don’t know what those cave paintings really “meant”, but we still enjoy the raw beauty and power of the symbols and animals they left for us millennia ago. The French pretty much perfected it, called it "plein air" and brought it to the world as Impressionism, capturing the light and drama of the landscape with bold, broken strokes of color and movement. They were sick and tired of dark, traditionally painted, acceptable subjects set up in the ateliers or composed “history” paintings, or religious themed paintings. Boy did they ever break free in a memorable way?

Today, artists enjoy getting out to paint, to study nature and the natural settings that go on to inspire them again, back in the studio. Many of the larger paintings displayed in my solo show at the Southbury Public Library, like “Bocce Ballers” started out as small plein air studies, created in a matter of hours racing against the changing sunlight, and were later used to bring back the memory of things I observed and wanted to capture, then create in a larger format. As part of my process, I try to take a photo of the scene before I start painting, as an aid for later. The photo is only a poor reference to the photos in my mind, and the sketches done as compositional aids before I pick up the brush. The hard part is deciding what to paint, then how to make it come alive on a flat, two dimensional canvas. I use my newly acquired outside painting “vocabulary” in my portrait work as well.

"Shaylee" 16" x 20" Oil by Ellie Boyd

Sometimes I've had a lot of company painting with other Pomperaug Outdoor Painters (POP) on the scene or at plein air events in other states, sometimes it was a solo activity. I really have never had a bad day painting or drawing outside, and treasure these memories. Since 2012, POP has visited about 20 locations in and around Southbury, and many of those painters said they had no idea the locations existed, like Audubon Bent of the River or Topsmeade State Forest. Some “paintouts” have been at private properties that abound here, Maine, and in NY, and I am very grateful to the homeowners who have shared their beautiful places. They almost always end up with a painting as a memento.

"Bocce Ballers" 8" x 10" Plein Air Oil NFS Private Collection

When I look at the plein air version of “Bocce Ballers”, I can still hear the waters of Lake Sebago slapping gently against the dock, the guys playing a friendly game, swapping turns, with hoots and jeers from the peanut gallery, the sound of the loons and the gulls calling, the sound of boats and fishermen plying the waters. I can still feel the warm sun on my skin as my brush moves from palette to canvas, and the smell of pines surrounding the yard. It was all about having fun, and relaxing in the moment. Creating a second, larger studio painting is another whole challenge, in terms of painting larger shapes, and striving to retain the freshness of the original outdoor painting.

Which version speaks to you?

"Bocce Ballers" 20" x 24" Oil (Studio) by Ellie Boyd

Catch my solo exhibit benefitting the Southbury Public Library. This wonderful venue hosts hands on activities for children and adults, lectures, and collections for all ages, and is an especially valuable resource for children. All of my artwork in the 35+ piece exhibit is original, most is for sale and almost all qualifies for free domestic shipping at the end of the show. Purchase art or call to arrange a commission -- the library will receive 15% of every sale. You can preview the paintings on my website.

Work may be reserved by calling 203-429-4356 or emailing ellie@ellieboydstudio.com.

Many thanks to collectors who have loaned paintings for the show, and to those who have sat for portraits, or graciously hosted POP painters over the years.

Ellie Boyd painting on site in North Bennington, VT.

Two Locations--Southford and Lachat Farm

2018-09-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Painters and Friends,

Two final locations are on tap for September and October to round out the season. Here they are:

September 15th, Saturday, Southford Falls State Park

8:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. (If you want to stay the rest of the day on your own, you may.)

Free and Open to all artists, to gather and paint outside, at a beautiful small lake, waterfall, and covered bridge in the Fall color season. At the turn of the century, this was the site of the Diamond Match Company. Scenic waterfalls are at the southeast end of the Park on the Eight Mile River. Southford Falls was established as a state park in 1932 and has 169 acres.

www.ct.gov/deep/southfordfalls

(No instruction; bring your own supplies, snacks, lunch, folding chair.)

Parking in lot. Bathroom available.

Leave pets at home.

Directions:

I-84, Exit 15, travel South on Route 6.

Turn right on 188, park will be on your left.

No rain date.

More info: Ellie Boyd, 203-429-4356, leave message.

Lachat Farm Paintout, Weston, CT Saturday, October 6th

8:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. with popup show and reception

Grab your easel, paints, and friends and head to Lachat Town Farm on Saturday, October 6th (rain date, October 7th.) John Forgione has made arrangements for POP painters and friends to spend the day painting there, with the possibility of a follow on display of work in the barn, and sales of artwork created there that day. Lachat is offering this great location and friendly atmosphere, and is requesting a 30% donation from the artists if any sales result from hanging in the barn. [See video link below.] At sunset, wine, cheese and a bon fire may be on offer for artists who exhibit starting at 5:00 p.m.

https://Lachattownfarm.org/gallery-farm.html

This event is free and open to all artists, to gather and paint outside, in a beautiful farm setting with 18th c (1770) pre-Revolutionary home and farm buildings and vistas. Devil's Den nature preserve is right next door, if you bring a friend who hikes. (There is no instruction. Bring your own supplies, snacks, lunch, folding chair.)

Parking is in the designated parking area in adjacent fields. There are portapotties and water on site. No smoking.

Location:

106 Godfrey Road West, Weston, CT 06883

Video of property on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQMz__bJ51o

Labels: #‎pleinair, #pleinairpainting #art #artists #pomperaugoutdoorpainters, #Lachatfarm,

Summer Fresh Art at Strawberry Festival

2018-06-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

"She's a Beauty!" (Sold) by Ellie Boyd

Summer fresh art for Father’s Day. Come pick out your masterpiece June 10th in the Strawberry Festival booth featuring the artwork of Ellie Boyd and Zufar Bikbov on the Green at 283 Main Street North, United Church of Christ, Southbury, CT. Summery themes, tiny-to-large sizes. Bring the best of the season to your home, cottage, or office. Come and meet the artists, 11 to 3. Taste the delectable homemade strawberry shortcake while you’re there!

#art

#pleinair

#artshow

#festival

#strawberries

#artofstrawberryshortcake

#UCCSouthbury

#SouthburyCT

Sweet Briar College Alumnae Alliance Silent Auction 2018

2018-05-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

"All Abord"
Oil, original painting by Ellie Boyd
Painted onsite at Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar College Alumnae Alliance Auction 2018

Join us for an online auction fundraiser organized by the Sweet Briar College Alumnae Alliance to benefit our College! Two paintings will be donated.

PAINTING #1: "All Abord" 12" x 12" oil on panel, painted en plein air on the campus, showing off the old Sweet Briar railway station and caboose.

PAINTING #2: The second painting is of your choice as a bidder: bid on an original plein air oil landscape, 9” x 12”, by Ellie Boyd to be painted just for you, of your favorite view, to keep or gift. Artist will travel to your location to paint your favorite landscape – park, beach, your backyard--sorry, no house portraits. Travel and Framing additional. Questions? (203) 429-4356, ellie@ellieboydstudio.com Painting Value: $450

Auction link: https://www.32auctions.com/SweetBriarCollege2018. Click the green button at the bottom of the page to scroll through items.

The auction benefits the Sweet Briar Fund which supports: scholarships, enabling the best and brightest young women to choose Sweet Briar; the sustainability of the campus, including maintenance of the historic campus; and keeping the academic programs strong, including strengthening our programs and adding new faculty. Learn more at www.sbc.edu.

Get Out And Paint Plein Air May 20th!

2018-05-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Lots of Platt Farm visitors walk the trails everyday

along Flood Bridge Road. Try painting it!

Pomperaug Outdoor Painters (POP) is still going strong, and our first paintout will be at Southbury Land Trust's Platt Farm located on Flood Bridge Road in Southbury on Sunday, May 20th, (rain cancels, no rain date) 8:30am – 1:00pm. Any artist can come and sketch or paint for the day at no charge. There is no instruction, and artists bring their own supplies. This the first paintout of the season.

Here is a one minute "driveby" video of what you will see along Flood Bridge Road:. https://youtu.be/z7X8f21ZrKA

POP is a “plein air” (outdoor) painting group that was formed to promote landscape painting in all media, camaraderie amongst local artists, and passive enjoyment of natural spaces in the Southbury, CT area.

The SLT Platt Farm Preserve, 110 acres adjacent to Town parklands, was purchased from Willis and Lillian Platt who had farmed the land for more than 50 years. The property features open hayfields, mature floodplain forest along the Pomperaug River, glacial boulders, a beautiful old adjacent farmhouse, and barns. The property offers many views and painting opportunities for artists, as well as hiking companions. Dogs must be on a leash on SLT land at all times.

Directions: the preserve may be reached by taking Exit 15 off of I-84. Drive North on Route 172 to the South Britain Library. Take a right off of Route 172 onto Library Road, continue up the hill, turn right on Flood Bridge Road. As you drive down Flood Bridge, you will see many areas to paint along a 1 1/2 mile stretch of pavement and dirt road--and a couple of places where you might park on the road. If you continue on to the dirt portion of the road, just before you get to the far Eastern boundary of the preserve, you will see a grassy, fenced parking area on your left. No restroom facilities are available, but at Exit 14 there is a Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts.

For more information on this event or future events, please call or email:

Ellie Boyd, 203-429-4356, pomperaugoutdoorpainters@gmail.com

A Sweet Jack Russell

2018-05-07T16:57:00.002-07:00

Shaylee, a very sweet Jack Russell,
investigating an old hollow tree. Work-in-progress.

Mother’s Day!
A taste of what’s in progress on the easel—perfect gift for her. 16" x 20". Oil on linen.
You got this. Gift certificates for custom oil portraits. Pricing available on request for similar portrait.
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#mothersday
#mothersdaygift
#art
#oilportraits
#ellieboydstudio
#connecticutartist
#artexcellence
#luxe
#artistsofinstagram

Plunge Into Plein Air Class

2018-04-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Painting en plein air is the ultimate sport --
challenge yourself to try something new.

Intro to Plein Air Painting (Painting Outside) Classes

Two, 2-hour sessions.

$25, payable to instructor.

Wednesday, May 16th,

Wednesday, May 23rd,

9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.

Class size limited to 5 students.

Reserve your space at the Heritage Village Activities Desk.

Group will meet at Brush and Pencil, then take short walk

to nearby painting location.

Rain cancels — class will be rescheduled.

Come to Learn:

how to get outside and paint a simple scene,
and enjoy being part of nature,
simple design tricks
how to make a thumbnail drawing and simple value study
how to mix color using three primaries and white.

No easel necessary, but if you have an easel, bring it.

Must be able to carry supplies over uneven terrain.

Wear old clothes and bring a folding chair.

Please contact Ellie with additional questions:

ellie@ellieboydstudio.com

(203) 429-4356 (leave message)

Lori Putnam -- "Bold Brushstrokes and Confident Color," Quick Review

2018-04-02T14:10:00.001-07:00

Why did I pick this DVD?

The cover photo of her subject matter did not “grab” me, but I saw Lori’s indoor demo at the Plein Air Convention and Expo in 2016, and liked her teaching style. I thought I could learn some new ideas. This video is suitable for beginner to advanced painters.

How long is the video?

162 minutes, including the demo, an interview with Eric Rhoads, and a slide show of her other paintings.

Best part of video?

Many practical tips for the plein air painter, for use on site, outdoors, to make the painting process go smoothly. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the interview, which taught me about Lori as a painter, hard working graphic design business owner, and an artist willing to take risks.

Part of video less helpful?

While I wasn’t in love with the subject material, but really appreciated her step-by-step approach.

What was the takeaway from this video? Here are a few nuggets of info:

Complete a thumbnail sketch that focuses on the division between light and dark areas. Stick to that as the sun moves, and shadow patterns shift. Stick to 2 values. When painting, no more than 5 values.
In the design, try to maintain a 1/3 to 2/3 light pattern, be it 1/3 light to 2/3 shadow, or the reverse.
Wear neutral clothing, i.e. gray or black, to avoid reflections of color on your canvas.
Simplify your palette outside: start with 3 primary colors + white, then gradually add other colors.
Lay out your palette with Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Orange Deep, and Naphthol Red on the left edge. On the right edge, squirt Quinacridone Violet, Ultramarine Blue, then Permanent Green Light. You will see that the complements are directly opposite each other. (Lay Titanium zinc white on top edge in middle. ) This is actually brilliant, in terms of mixing muted colors.
When transitioning from light shapes to dark shapes, use transitional colors where the two intersect rather than smudging the edge.

This was a good teaching video, very easy to follow, with clear information. Lori approaches her painting career in a businesslike manner, and I appreciated that. She teaches workshops at her specially designed home and studio in Eastern Tennessee. Maybe I’ll travel there some time and take one— Lori Putnam's Workshops— in the meantime I will continue to read Lori’s blog.

Take a look at the collection in the Southbury Public Library, check out a video and paint! Then enter the art show June of 2018. http://southburylibrary.org/ Here is a PDF with the art DVD titles/artists you will encounter. http://bit.ly/ArtInstructionVideosUpdate

Dreaming About Plein Air?

2018-03-27T13:20:00.003-07:00

Diane Dubreuil and Ellie Boyd painting in Maine.

Now is the time of year to offer up ideas for POP painting locations/dates for the 2018 schedule. The group paints together about once/month.

If you have a good spot you'd like to share with a group of 2 to 10 painters, preferably with parking and an on site bathroom, please email pomperaugoutdoorpainters@gmail.com.

Thank you,
Ellie Boyd (203) 429-4356

Inspired Art

2018-02-28T11:18:00.001-08:00

A Different Kind of Show

In June 2018, the Southbury Public Library will host a different kind of art show. Artists 18+ years old are invited to check out one or two art instructional DVD's from the collection of 150 videos, and either paint along with the instructor, or be inspired to apply new knowledge gleaned from one of the DVD's to create new art of their own. Videos can be checked out for two weeks at a time.

In the spirit of supporting the show, I selected Brian Blood's video "Studio Secrets", by Lilliedahl Productions ©2015, produced and directed by Eric Rhoads. Brian takes a complicated California coastal scene full of large rocks surrounded by ground clutter, swaying cypress trees, pounding surf, distant rocky shores with trees, all touched by a warm sunny sky. His purpose was to teach the viewer how to paint a larger studio painting, using a small plein air (outdoor) sketch he created at Point Lobos, and a photo reference on an adjacent monitor.

Brian Blood's Photo Reference for Point Lobos Painting

Why did I pick this DVD?

I had seen another Brian Blood plein air DVD in the collection and I liked the subject matter and palette. Also I am pushing myself to take my own plein air studies to the next level, and was intrigued by the title. He demonstrated on a 16” x 20” panel. This was my chance to study with Brian in a "private" session.

Brian Blood's Small Plein Air Study of Point Lobos

How long is the video?

The actual video is 1hour and 53 minutes, but the DVD also contains an excellent interview with Brian Blood conducted by Eric Rhoads, the genius behind Streamline Publications, proponent of all things plein air, and a selection of Brian Blood’s other paintings. This is an average length video -- some in the collection are 10 minutes, some are 6 hours, divided into two DVD's. I checked out the video for two weeks, returned it, and rented it again for an additional two weeks, while painting and note taking.

Brian Blood's painting in progress (detail.)

Best part of video?

You can see exactly what the artist is mixing with the help of a dedicated camera over the palette, and a camera on the canvas. I found this very helpful since I have “issues” with color mixtures and color relationships. To help cement the mixes in my artist brain, I created a rough simplified study of the layout of the painting, with space to write in the names of the pigments used. The camera work and editing by Cameron Schmucker was flawless. The quality of these videos cannot be beat!

Vasari grays on left hand side, primaries on right.

Part of video less helpful?

I didn’t have Vasari “grays” on hand to add to mixtures, so I had to punt on that (approximate.) Looking online, while known for high quality pigments, and linseed oil, and no fillers the secret ("proprietary") mixtures, are not within my budget for the moment. Vasari makes these convenience mixtures with Cadmium Yellow + the other primaries + white. One looks like a buff color, one looks like a greenish-gray color, one a slate blue, etc. Nice to have, but had to skip for this exercise.

My 11" x 14" study painted with help of Brian Blood's video,
and a paper showing color swatches with notes on pigments.

What was the takeaway from this video?

Simplify the composition, especially the background, to set apart the foreground, keeping background lighter, to avoid competing with foreground elements.

Use separate harmonious “families” of paint mixtures.

I really enjoyed painting along with Brian, and hope to take a workshop one day with him. He managed to take a very complicated scene and simplify it in a beautiful way. Watching the video was a great way to see if I might like his teaching method enough to invest in a trip to California to study with him. https://brianblood.com/workshops In the meantime, it will be a good challenge to apply some of his methods to my own work and I can use the tuition/travel budget for more paint and canvas.

Take a look at the collection in the Southbury Public Library, and check out a video. Here is a PDF with the titles/artists you will encounter. http://bit.ly/ArtInstructionVideosUpdate

(Screenshots from the video used with express permission of Streamline Publishing.)

#BrianBlood

#artvideos

#southburypubliclibrary

#art

#oilpainting

#pleinair

#pointlobos

#california

Holiday Cheer: Your Favorite View

2017-11-03T11:38:00.001-07:00

What's your favorite view? Bid on a chance to
win a custom oil painting, 8" x 10", of your
favorite view-- a lasting treasure.

What’s Your Favorite View?

A morning drive through the mists of Litchfield Hills?

Ducks swimming across Hidden Pond in the Fall?

Open fields of Platt Farm in the Spring?

Your own back yard?

The ocean from your beach house?

Bid in person in UCC's Silent Auction at Holiday Fair 2017 on an original 8" x 10" oil landscape custom painting just for you of your favorite view to keep or gift. Framing additional.

Painting can be anywhere, any season, inside or out. Pick the location and the artist will paint a custom 8" x 10" oil painting for you to hang in your home, office or camp, working either plein air (outside) or from photos, after the holidays.

All proceeds donated to United Church of Christ Southbury by Ellie Boyd, Artist. Value: $375

SILENT AUCTION ENDS AT 12:00 P.M.

Lovely Pine Meadow Gardens

2017-08-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

A week before the "big event" at Pine Meadow Gardens, a fundraiser for Arts Escape, eight professional plein air painters took advantage of the great summer weather to capture views of the gardens. As visitors strolled through the manicured paths, they could stop and chat with artists busy at work.

The White Garden, 8" x 10", Oil

My paintings for the week focused on the "White Garden", a terrace garden and fountain at the rear of the house, a view of the end of the garage where the Bantam chickens formerly roosted, a stunning pot of succulents leading to one of the aviaries with doves, the sculpture of the pipes of Pan, the Japanese Lantern carefully placed by the pond, and an opportunity to paint the beautiful model Erin in the garden on the day of the event.

"Succulents" 5" x 7" Oil

Erin posing on the terrace garden.

It was an honor to be asked to pull together a fine group of painters, and I was thrilled to see their reactions to this veritable Eden. Thank you to Tom Adkins, Zufar Bikbov, Harriett Carew, Lorraine Chapin, Rick Daskam, Edward DeVoe, and Jane Zisk for joining me in this adventure.

Why “plein air”? The French coined the term when they rebelled against the strict rules of painting taught in the classes of the academies. They left the studio, and went outside to capture the fleeting effects of light on scenes of the country, city gardens, and street scenes. The challenges are the same today as they were back in the 1890’s. Only today there is a massive movement of plein air, with more people than ever trying their hand at painting and attending plein air shows, competitions, and conventions all over the country and internationally. Lightfilled, colorful "impressions" of subjects are no longer scorned but highly sought after. Plein air has been termed “the new golf".

Today’s plein air painters still have to battle the movement of the sun and other elements — there is no air conditioning in nature, and the bugs are ever-present— but they have the luxury of pencil sketches and digital cameras to take along to capture a reference of the scene. However, without the fresh studies of nature painted “plein air” the painter attempting to paint from a photo has a hard job. The camera compresses the field of view, makes the sky too light, darkens the shadows to uninteresting black shapes. The plein air painter is racing against the clock of the sun, showing the viewer what the scene was really like. Even with a small study, most outdoor painters can look at a painting years later and tell you where it was, what the weather was like, sounds happening around them, and even what the location smelled like. The goal of the plein air painter may be simply to enjoy being outside, studying nature, often in a relaxed group setting.

A show of these plein air works from the gardens and other spots in the area will take place at Arts Escape at 88 Main Street South in Southbury from September 5th to the 28th. The show is open for viewing Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. Artists will donate a portion of each sale to benefit Arts Escape.

"Japanese Lantern" 3" x 10" Oil

"I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers." Claude Monet

#ArtsEscape #Southbury #pleinair #gardenart

Avoidance is No Tax Strategy

2017-03-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

Kris Roberts, of Roberts Tax Group, based in
Torrington CT on the air at WAPJ on Wednesdays.

With gentle persuasion, Kris Roberts coaxed a group of artists and art professionals into a discussion of tax pitfalls and working with the IRS to resolve issues. The talk took place at Washington Art Association on Monday night, just in time for the dreaded tax prep sessions for 2016, with a look to 2017. She knows from whence she speaks -- she's married to a musician. If you missed this session, you might be lucky enough to find her on your radio dial all during tax season on WAPJ during the Miscellaneous Morning Show on Wednesdays with Barrie Soucy. http://www.wapjfm.com/ to listen live

Washington Art Association (WAA) in Washington Depot CT hosted this talk, hopefully the first of a series of professional development workshops for artists. Some of the topics covered included how to find a good tax preparer who meets your comfort level; use of an enrolled agent versus a neighborhood franchise tax preparer with a foam mascot (you get what you pay for, and it may not be a qualified tax preparer); what to deduct and what records to keep; how to write off a home studio; loss carryforwards; mileage bookkeeping and deduction; expensing show commissions; online bookkeeping programs -- Quickbooks; and sales tax preparation. She also addressed common IRS scams and how to avoid them.

Many thanks to Barbara Von Schreiber and Peter Talbot of WAA for organizing and promoting this forum, and to Kris Roberts for taking the time to speak with the group.

You may contact Kris at the Roberts Tax Group by email

kroberts@therobertstaxgroup.com

or by phone: (860) 283-4847. Check out her Facebook page too: https://www.facebook.com/TheRobertsTaxGroup/

Your Dream Painting Spot?

2017-02-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

Can this really be in Connecticut and open to the public?

Now is the time of year to offer up ideas for POP painting locations/dates for the 2017 schedule.

If you have a good spot you'd like to share with a group of 2 to 10 painters, preferably with OK parking and a portapotty or on site bathroom, please email pomperaugoutdoorpainters@gmail.com.

Thank you,
Ellie Boyd (203) 429-4356

Out With the Old? Moving Photos

2017-01-11T12:43:00.002-08:00

New Year, new resolutions!

After two years of stalling, for fear of losing all of my photos, I finally took the plunge and backed up then moved most of them to external hard drives and the cloud.

Why bother? My computer needed a system update and I had no room for it, and I really wanted to stop seeing those Google messages about no longer supporting my browser. After Olympic reading sessions, pouring over reviews, and figuring out the process, I was able to backup the computer to one external, then move the library to a second external drive, and next up is backing up the computer to the cloud. I've ordered additional RAM to speed things up as Yosemite tends to slow things down, and may even switch out the hard drive with a SSD one.

The end of the tunnel here and my MacBook is coming out into the light unscathed. The computer accepted the updated OS without a hiccup, and now I have more room for more storage. Life is good. Now I can get back to painting.

What's your New Year's Resolution? Go for it!

"Small Treasures" Pop-up Gallery at UCC Southbury 50th Holiday Fair 11/19

2016-11-11T14:30:00.000-08:00

Southbury, CT -- For the final year, more than 16 artists in paint and wood will bring their creations to UCC's Fiftieth Holiday Fair, Saturday, November 19th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Artists from Pomperaug Outdoor Painters and Hat City Carvers are again setting up a pop-up gallery to showcase and sell small plein air, still life, and studio paintings as well handcarved wooden gift items.

Following in the footsteps of the French Impressionists, John Singer Sargent, Homer and others, painters have taken their easels and paint outside to capture the beauty of the landscape. Some painters paint only “plein air”. Other painters work in the studio to create universally beautiful scenes of still life, flowers, people, favorite memories. This year's show will feature small collectible original oil, watercolor and acrylic paintings by:

Zufar Bikbov,
Ellie Boyd,
May Phillips,
Linda Salvagne,
Arline Corcoran,
Anita Gregorski,
Carolyn Bucha,
Shirley Michaels,
David Merrill,
Diane Dubreuil, and
Sandra Wakeen.

Hat City Woodcarvers will bring carvings of Santa ornaments, wooden jewelry, small Santa statues, bottle stoppers, and other decorative collectibles. Traditional woodcarving techniques are passed down from carver to carver and encompass many styles from Norwegian flat plane carving to relief, chip carving and carving in the round. This year pieces will be shown and sold by Ellie Boyd, Marty Sprock and Dennis J. Taylor.

In addition to the popup gallery, the event offers

unique shopping opportunities--crafts, homemade baked goods and jams
live and silent auctions with 100+ items (Silent Auction closes at 12:00) Be sure to bid on a $500 Gift Certificate toward the portrait of your choice by Ellie Boyd (Silent Auction) or a "Sip & Paint" Class for Four Friends, Project: Handpainted Christmas Balls.
a great raffle (1st Prize --handmade quilt "Women of the Bible"; 2nd Prize --Microsoft Surface Tablet; 3rd Prize --Amazon "Echo", 4th Prize -- $75 Gift Certificate to Newbury Place. Raffle tickets are available for $2 each or a book of 10 for $20. Only 2,000 will be sold.
a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and
a delicious luncheon.

A portion of all sales support UCC Southbury's wider missions. UCC Southbury is located at 283 Main Street North in Southbury. For more information call Ellie Boyd (203) 429-4356.

CWA Show 8/20 - 9/23 Slater Museum

2016-07-26T12:13:00.005-07:00

"Wish You Were Here -- Lilies" 24" x 24" OIl on board. $1,200

Paddle on over to the Slater Museum, in Norwich, for the Connecticut Women Artists juried show Saturday, August 20- Friday, September 23. My painting, "Wish You Were Here -- Lilies" 24" x 24" OIl on board, will be included in the show. Juror of selection and awards: Min Jung Kim, Director of the NBMAA. Come take in the show!

"Painters 3" Pop-up Gallery at UCC Southbury Strawberry Festival Sunday 6/12

2016-05-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

"She's A Beauty!" 8 x 10 Original Oil Painting by Ellie Boyd, $375

Three area artists, Linda Salvagne and Ellie Boyd of Southbury and Diane Dubreuil of New Milford are hosting a popup original art gallery at the 40^th annual UCC Southbury Strawberry Festival, Sunday, June 12^th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at 283 Main Street North on the green adjacent to the church. Art collectors of all ages are welcome to stop by to view work fresh off the easels as they savor the church’s homemade strawberry shortcake, and listen to the live music of the Fairfield Counts. The festival offers a host of activities for all ages.

The three artists met out in the fields at Pomperaug Outdoor Painters (POP) local “paintouts.” POP is a small group devoted to promoting landscape painting, camaraderie, and the preservation of natural landscapes. Each artist brings a unique perspective and personal experience to their artwork, and all share the common thread of colorful representational themes. #strawberry, #uccsouthbury #tractor #red

Throw Down the Brushes -- Strawberry Pie Bakeoff!

2016-05-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Painting is great, but strawberry pie is greater! UCC Southbury is having a strawberry pie bake-off as a new feature of the 40th Annual Strawberry Festival. So join us in celebrating all things strawberry. Your pie could be the winning entry! See rules below.

Piemeister Doug Boyd knee deep in strawberry pie fixin's.

#strawberry #uccsouthbury #bakeoff #strawberrypie #southbury

Bake-off Rules:

Donate two (2) identical STRAWBERRY PIES (9” minimum) to United Church of Christ Southbury, 283 Main Street N, Southbury, CT. between 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 12, 2016, in a disposable tin or pie plate marked with your name.
The contest is opened to the public. Anyone wishing to bake can enter.
All pies must be homemade. No bakery or store bought pies/fillings can enter.
All varieties of STRAWBERRY pies are welcome.
Pies will be scored based on appearance, crust, filling and overall taste by a panel of judges.
Public can also vote by sample tasting ($1 per vote/$5 minimum). Voters will receive a certificate for a free cannoli from Bakes N’ Cakes Café
Judging begins at 11:00 a.m. Winners announced at 2:15 p.m.
2 Prizes:
Judged Vote: A cake of your choice every month for one year from Bakes N’ Cakes Café (value $300); and
Popular/Public Vote: An Elegant Pie Plate with Server together with a $20 Gift Card to Bakes N’ Cakes Cafe.
Please provide your name and phone number when entering pies.

Painters 3 -- Strawberry Still LIfe

2016-05-26T16:49:00.002-07:00

How did the "Wimberly Plamp" work out? Pretty well, actually. Too bad there is not a frame like that for zeroing in on what matters in life. I used it indoors to capture a still life idea. You can see the arm of the plamp in the upper lefthand corner, holding the square mat that "frames" the still life I wanted to paint. You can see how it developed in each square. This painting will be available at the UCC Southbury Strawberry Festival, June 12th, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Come visit my booth. I'll be there with Linda Salvagne and Diane Dubreuil. Together we make "Painters 3". $275. Call or email if you are interested in purchasing.
#strawberry #uccsouthbury #originaloilpainting

"Three's A Crowd?" 6 x 6 Original Oil Painting by Ellie Boyd