EXPLORE BLESSINGS: Part IV Painters Paradise Plein Air How To's

Explore BLESSINGS: Part IV next in How To series, continued from "You Be The Judge..."; Part II: How to make your own Painters Paradise & Part III: How To's of Plein Air Painters Paradise

replace rock after you share your hands on it

Find This Rock in the Grand Tetons National Park

 Plus Adding a CONTEST-win 5 Day Workshop Explore Blessings Contest No purchase necessary, all you have to do is EXPLORE Blessings to Win, and send a picture to me showing that you found the ROCK !  HINT: 
40 paces!  
Gary had the idea to leave a mark, to see if we can find it when we return again.  He had me sign my name on a cool Rock he found, while I was Plein Air Painting the GRAND TETONS. Why not see if others can find it too, AND make it a contest?  So.... in an effort to get others out to explore, to enjoy the blessings that The National Parks are, and discover this view for yourself... Gary's mark, is now your opportunity to be blessed too!  Not only with a view, but with a Painting Workshop too* !
I love the 
National Parks, and 2016 marks their Centennial !!!  In honor of that, and what just may be my new favorite National Park, Grand Tetons National Park...  first time explored, is on this USAHoneymoon, If you have further questions on this little contest, send me an email, and I will reply asap and/or click here.  The photos are your clues as to how to find the spot that the rock is at.  Again, the hint of 40 paces.  Along with that, note 4 wheel drive.  Check out the title of the painting too... for a further clue.  Good luck on this win win... getting out to explore more of the Grand Teton National Park.  I am very curious how many will even take on the challenge... 

Next some "How To's" for you in this Part IV of Painters Paradise.  This outing was a learning experience for me too.  While visiting Jackson/ Jackson Hole, Wyoming, home of Grand Tetons National Park, i sought out learning experiences for myself too.  
Two of those stops:  
1. the premiere Tetons Painter, Jim Wilcox Gallery, and 
2. the National Museum of Wildlife Art.  
Both inspired me to take on new challenges, just as I hope I am doing for you too.  

First, Jim Wilcox, is not only a great painter, he is brilliant as an inventor out of desire too.  He invented the 


Soltek Easel.  
Some of the things that make it special; is the easels ease of set up, its strength in the wind, and its ability to hold large plein air pieces.  I ended up putting all of these to the test on my humble attempt to paint both the Snake River, and the Grand Tetons Range. Two things never done before.  On top of that we took a 4 wheel access only drive to get to this location. Most of you know of my handicap, of two reconstructed knees.  Though i would LOVE to climb a mountain, I simply cannot.  The jeep or other ways of 4 wheel driving gets me to places i wouldn't have been able to get to before.  If you don't own one, a lot of places will rent you one... just a thought. 

Day 1 -Snake River Bend, check. Grand Tetons, will have to be taken on in round 2, of impromptu

well, the winds on day two for round two of this view, gusted to about 20mph.  When we initially headed down this highway, the day before, it was to explore.  Well... um as a plein air painter, the

Day 1 Snake River Bend; check. Sun going down, forced time.

view just couldn't be ignored!  Gary was a dear, as I began to impromptu set up my gear.  I had both of my easels with me. Both my beloved Mini Strada, and my New Soltek ( **#3 on my list).  Along with that a 16x20 hanging out in the back seat since we arrived at the Tetons a week ago.  To save time, I nabbed my **Mini Strada, and today just used it as a palette, because it was already loaded up with paint.  BUT this view was tooooo Grand for a little panel, soooooo the 16x20 came out, and therefore my NEW **Soltek too. (Note the mini with an extension can hold a 16x20 too, just liked the excuse to try this new) 

Day two, Sun came out after all... and we raced back to this spot with a packed snack and Gary in hiking gear this time too.  Rocks, were added to brace the Soltek legs.  I don't think they were needed, but my creature of habit to weight something down kicked in with the wind. 

this the finish... "Snake River Bend At Grand Tetons" by Karen Ann Hitt

 Above, how the painting came out of the trunk, though weighted, and 'thought' all hazards tucked underneath.... well, after a very rugged FUN drive back in the Jeep... this the result.  Dirt, bag, and paper towel magically appeared ... into the painting too.  ALL is fixable, lesson though known before trying... thoroughly learned.  THIS WHY SHOULD ALWAYS USE #18 or the like on my list**: RAYMAR Wet Painting Carriers.  I didn't have one in a 16x20.  Not traveling in my 'trusty steed' that has ample area to lay down a wet painting... i tried something new... and  re-learned what works best.

before, loaded into trunk under evening light

after, a little beat up but fine...

the view of the drive home!

 how the jeep looked in the morn, as went out to open up the trunk to see how the painting survived.  All is well, and fixable indeed. The lead picture that was shared at #7 on the list**, also shows my carrier usually used.  I will next time! The drive home so much FUN, again, all fixable and all worth it.  Sharing here so you don't have to learn the lessons the hard way...

 This leads me to the next part of the how to do's.  NEXT taking example from the paintings viewed at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
While at the museum, a HUGE pleasant surprise, AND a great learning envirionment too.  Next i will let the pictures do the talking.  My hope to try this approach on my next adventures here.  If time allows, a hike to a lake that Gary also has some awesome references for me of too.  Resources can come in all shapes and sizes.  I do believe that Plein Air Painting in itself, has completely awakened these eyes in how to see!  Years ago, i went out with a paint box, and stantec easel.  Simply using what I had on hand, an got myself outside.  Also originally just to get out, because often worked on commission portraits alone in the studio, of children from photographs.  Something that I still love to do, but the plein air painting has enhanced that side of my work too.  LIFE simply brings to LIFE all that you do.  GET OUT AND EXPLORE AND LEARN ALL POSSIBLE... no matter how professional and experienced you are... there is so much MORE out there.  Hope to see you soon.  And I can NOT wait to see if anyone finds the ROCK!   
Pictures from the Museum:

1930 version of Plein Air to Studio... before the time of the fanciful name of plein air.  OUT DOOR painting, was simply titled field sketches.

the plein air... field study

 Just as this professional artist found new ways to branch out and reach new professional avenues... we each have that potential to grow as an artist to meet the next season in life too.  This is my 3rd year into this three year mission of concentrated studies to do just that.  With all the new added, beyond the original plan, the key remains: "the journey IS the destination" - Godspeed indeed.  Hope to see you out and about.

If you would like to see any of my classroom/workshop opportunities coming up this new season; visit this page: WorkshopClasses

email: orighitt@gmail.com 

* * My List:
1. Rosemary & Co. Brushes.
see last post (Post II) for more on each brush loved
2. Guerrilla Brush carrier
3. Strada Easel 
    and added a new one too Soltek Easel 
4. M. Graham Walnut Seed Oil Paints
5. Shade Buddy Umbrella
6. Tripod
7. Car Window Shade Screen
8. Back Pack
(misc. bungy cords, clamps, etc.)
9.Bug & Sun Stuff
10. Sunscreen Shirts
11. Smart Wool Socks
(Out Door Studio)
12.Screened Gazebo
13. stool
14. Easel ( for larger panels)
15. Stan Rite Portable Easel
16. outdoor mat
17. portable Table
18. Raymar Panel Carrier
19, Revelite EL light

*if you can't make a 5 Day workshop, a comparable trade will be made for you to still enjoy the
*Prize:  Intensive Oil Painting FUNdamentals study Workshop

January 25,26,27,28&29, 2016
*waiver: not responsible for any expense, injury, loss, etc. of any kind as you explore. PLEASE keep it fun :-)

#findourparks  #TetonsNationalParks #PleinAir #OutdoorPainting #NationalParks #USAHoneymoon  #CentennialNationalParks 

Part III: How To's of Plein Air Painters Paradise

 "Painter's Paradise" Part III: You be the Judge... who knew how much life would change... 
Part III: I will get into a few more of my favorite things that make my work easier and what I have learned with all these miles traveled, from personal experience, friends, peers, muses... along the way.  There are a LOT of great resources out there. These shares,  are but a few of the possibilities.  Learning more everyday. My List:
1. Rosemary & Co. Brushes.
see last post (Post II) for more on each brush loved
2. Guerrilla Brush carrier
3. Strada Easel
4. M. Graham Walnut Seed Oil Paints
5. Shade Buddy Umbrella
6. Tripod
7. Car Window Shade Screen
8. Back Pack
(misc. bungy cords, clamps, etc.)
9.Bug & Sun Stuff
10. Sunscreen Shirts
11. Smart Wool Socks
(Out Door Studio)
12.Screened Gazebo
13. stool
14. Easel ( for larger panels)
15. Stan Rite Portable Easel
16. outdoor mat
17. portable Table
18. Raymar Panel Carrier
19, Revelite EL light

# 2, 3, 6 & 7 are the focus of today's post.  We are getting ready to head into nomads land of CO/Wyoming in the Routt National Forest area on our #USAHoneymoon.

Because Bryan Mark Taylor the genius and talent behind my favorite Plein Air Easel is running a little contest, thought I would focus on that today too.   Plein Air Magazine, Bob Bahr for Outdoor Painter helped me out with a share too, on how I use a car sunshade to protect my eyes from glare when a umbrella is not feasible.  SO honored by Bob taking my mistake and making it look good:
 Plein Air Magazine, Outdoor Painter: Painter Hack ( click on the link to the article)

My favorite plein air easels, are made by the same company.  Strada Easel.  I have the original, and the mini.  Hope to win a micro, Bryans newest addition to his genius line of easel.  These easels are both light weight and literally indestructible!  I have taken them around the USA, several times and stuck them on rocks, in rivers, sand storms, winds... (no snow yet) a little bit of everything.  He even has an extension so you can add larger panels.  Here is Bryans Facebook post on his latest contest:   

"One of our STRADA easels recently made a trip to one of the most remote places on earth, Easter Island! Where has your STRADA been?
Use ‪#‎stradaworldwide‬ in your post on Face book and we'll enter you to WIN a STRADA MICRO!
‪#‎stradaeasel‬ ‪#‎travel‬ ‪#‎aroundtheworld‬  " A link to Strada Face book Page: Strada Easel

this my first beloved 1/2 french easel

original Strada in La Conner Washington

This picture shows me at my first beloved easel.  Though I loved it, you can see that making it tall enough was a technicality for me. Most locations it was fine... though now that i have a higher one, it has really helped!  Second picture is the my first time using a Strada Easel, the Original.

painting at the "Angel Tree" in Charleston SC.  Notice the height of my Mini Strada

#2 and 6 on list

#1 and #2

Here are two essentials every time I go out, my brush caddy that I ordered from Judsons Ooutfitters, my new tripod, the lighter version, with my heavyweight head from my original tripod inserted.  Click on any picture to enlarge. 

here i used my original Strada, in my on the road studio set up as my paint palette. 

THIS IS A QUICK POST ... literally at a pull out on Rabbit Ears Pass moving the house... I will be back.  Go to face book and post your pictures with your Strada Easel and enter to win a micro! 
1. Rosemary & Co. Brushes
2. Guerrilla Brush carrier
3. Strada Easel
4. M. Graham Walnut Seed Oil Paints
5. Shade Buddy Umbrella
6. Tripod
7. Car Window Shade Screen
8. Back Pack
(misc. bungy cords, clamps, etc.)
9.Bug & Sun Stuff
10. Sunscreen Shirts
11. Smart Wool Socks
(Out Door Studio)
12.Screened Gazebo
13. stool
14. Easel ( for larger panels)
15. Stan Rite Portable Easel
16. outdoor mat
17. portable Table
18. Raymar Panel Carrier
19, Revelite EL light
Speaking of Back To School, here is my list 
Workshop & Classes to date.  
This too will be updated by part III.  Until our next!

Part II: How to make your own Painters Paradise

"Painter's Paradise" Part II: You be the Judge... who knew how much life would change... 
"How To's" post, sharing a bit of what i have learned along the way on the 3 year journey to grow as an artist to meet the next season in life! With that said, I make no claim to be an expert; simply sharing what have learned along this journey.  What works for me and yes, what doesn't 

Starting first with the right tools. Here is this artist list.  My Painting "Painter's Paradise" surrounded by a few of them. First share, Part II:
1. Rosemary & Co. Brushes.  I am not just saying this, they seriously have enhanced my ability to paint tenfold.  Everyone has their favorite brushes.  These are mine.  Look at "Painters Paradise" here, I layed certain brushes in places that I might have applied their use.  Another key, that i ALWAYS say to students, I do NOT want to look at your painting and know exactly what brush you used to paint it... they are TOOLS not crutches.  A good brush frees you up to paint. Every brush picture shared here, is a Rosemary & Co. Brush.



THIS is a NEW, I haven't tried this Rosemary &Co. new line yet, but asap i am going to! Its a synthetic, that I think will be affordable, especially for the beginner.  NOTHING can replace having proper tools.  Painting is hard enough without working against yourself, by not giving yourself every available advantage.  This spoken by a single mom, who has had to make every penny count.  I learned years ago, the investment goes further buying the best you can afford, verses saving pennies on cheap replacements for the best.

Ivory Long Flats

Masters Series 279 Long Flats

These two pictures of brushes, are the two main brushes that i currently use.  If your budget needs to edit, this may be your answer. 
These fan brushes pictured below are very useful, especially for me with my sky work, or mist in water; read their caption.

Fan Brushes are a tool,

not a vice.

the six pictures above show two other types of brushes that i like to use.  To the left are angles at different degrees.  They work for edges, and also i use the sword and the daggers for foliage and grasses a lot.  Prices are very very reasonable on all of these.  The pointed, round brushes are a long time staple.  What I love about the red sable rounds, is that I use them for both my oils, and my watercolor painting.  The long riggers are excellent where a palette knife doesn't do the trick.  Again, see the painting pictures shared to give you an idea of how apply these favorite brushes to my painting processes.  These are just my suggestions, in my humble opinion.  

"Painters Paradise" and Rosemary & Co. Brushes

  excited about another in the works.. sets hope to be adding at "An Original Hitt - K Hitt - Fine Art & Atelier" 230 Ponce de Leon Ave. Venice FL 34285
 

This next picture is one of my greatest honors on this journey, when Symi, with Rosemary &

Karen Ann Hitt & new patron Symi Jackson with Rosemary & Co. Brushes

Co. Brushes chose to surprise me at the Lighthouse Paint Out by purchasing my little painting anonymously... and keeping her being my newest patron a surprise until the last night!  Exceedingly more than i could ever hope for or imagine keeps meeting me along the way.  A lot of thank you's, especially a great big thank YOU God.  See you at the next... "The Journey IS our destination" Part III   


Part III I will get into a few more of my favorite things that make my work easier and what I have learned with all these miles traveled, from personal experience, friends, peers, muses... along the way.  There are a LOT of great resources out there. These shares,  are but a few of the possibilities.  Learning more everyday.  Stay tuned for part III where begin to break down more of this list, as we all get ready for back to school. 

2. Guerrilla Brush carrier
3. Strada Easel
4. M. Graham Walnut Seed Oil Paints
5. Shade Buddy Umbrella
6. Tripod
7. Car Window Shade Screen
8. Back Pack
(misc. bungy cords, clamps, etc.)
9.Bug & Sun Stuff
10. Sunscreen Shirts
11. Smart Wool Socks
(Out Door Studio)
12.Screened Gazebo
13. stool
14. Easel ( for larger panels)
15. Stan Rite Portable Easel
16. outdoor mat
17. portable Table
18. Raymar Panel Carrier
19, Revelite EL light
Speaking of Back To School, here is my list 
Workshop & Classes to date.  
This too will be updated by part III.  Until our next!

You be the Judge... who knew how much life would change...

Part I: Update and a sharing of the tools behind a "Painters Paradise" and a NEW Season in Life...

The Flume "Painters Paradise" by Karen Ann Hitt

Karen Ann Hitt Painting The Flume

 Photograph by Turner Vision for Plein Air Magazine

Eric Rhoads, Publisher of Plein Air Magazine and Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, hosts  #PaintCamp once a year in upstate NY Adirondack region each June.  This year we were even there right when the escape convicts were on the loose!  Nothing could steal the JOY of 100-ish artist gathering to PAINT en Plein Air where the number one rule is "NO DRAMA" We managed to stick to that rule, accept when it exploded into the sky! 

Adirondacks Drama II by Karen Ann Hitt, Plein Air Oil

Third Year has begun on my committed plan to grow as an artist to meet the next season in life,  as of April 2015.  Right after my One Women exhibit "At That Moment..." (two years and 21,000+ solo miles cris-crossing the USA in its making) wrapped up, that third year began.

Its been quite the journey!  And who knew it would be a new beginning instead of a wrap up! The jest in April 2013 "Youngest turned 22 and momma took a road trip, a really big one!" 21,000+ solo miles, 70+ Paintings for a One Women Exhibit later...

A desire to paint "Boundless" that inspired a gift that has just kept on giving...
"Exceedingly more than I could hope for or imagine" while seeking to "Put this (gift)... to work" as the Red letter counsel inspired me to do.  

Boundless, 48x60" oil, at a new roost, testing its fit

Karen Ann with her 83year old mom, solo exhibit opening

 Ponce de Leon- Miracle Studio

Grace Love Fellowship Tour - Miracle Trip

When I returned to my home in Sept of 2013, from my 21,000 plus mile journey that felt like a miracle gift in itself,  another dear friend and her husband had me in mind for another miracle blessing to bestow upon me; a working Art studio that they originally had for a family member. They decided it would be well served with me inhabiting it.  When I shared that I loved the space, but that there was no way that I could take on anymore debt, they shared--- don't worry about it, we already paid for EVERYTHING!  Who, i ask who does that happen for?  Perhaps this is all too much information, but I think its important to share that by gifts, well beyond what ever deserved, it has given me a second and third chance at my art career beyond 17 hard years of single parenthood.

This third year the year to put into practice every professional avenue made available to me, by working hard, continuing learning processes, and continuing leaps of faith. 

Who knew what would come from simply leaping out, working hard with the means supplied, and keeping the faith. Much HARD WORK remains ahead on this three year plot, that in reality is a journey for life.  Growing, is a key indeed, to well, just that-- growing.
This year in my original plan, was to be the year that I paint the many people that to this artist were indeed Angels here on earth; and to also paint studio paintings with the focus on applying all learned across the miles into paintings to use as entries for competitions, and gallery inquiry.   Two professional application of my painting career, that I have been waiting until it was felt the quality could at least measure up to the hopes. Continually challenging myself with new subjects while applying learned techniques from workshops and demos of peers and muses. Growing, underlines still and HUMBLING defines any artist's pursuits.  So with that in mind, I am right in line.

A professional nationally exhibiting artist and fine art instructor, yet also a growing artist, building an inventory.  Its amazing what all has changed in this past 3 years and especially this past year. 

I went from touring the country for over 5 months camping out of my Trusty Steed of a Tahoe... yes, for the most part living out of it.  When I really needed to soak my toes in a nice hot tub, a beautiful B&B along the way, was where I would stay. Often I found myself blessed with them wanting me to stay on longer- so my budget of only a day or two, turned into a painting barter for a week or so stay. Some places I still have a balance even.  So, i went from camping IN my Trusty Steed of a Tahoe to....

 

You can see my Tahoe here at Zion, with my tent gazebo... this pretty much how I traveled the country solo, en plein air, my comfy bed in the Tahoe.  I actually felt safer that way, with my feather blanket, and feather pillow for my head...

...well, not!

my trusty steed learned to trust,
and it got hitched! Um, me TOO and WE are now on our #USAHoneymoon making our new road map!

I've HITT the road again.  This time I am on a #USAHoneymoon with my love and yes, my new husband.  Funny, we both had prayed a prayer accepting God's obvious plan of being alone in life.  Then bamn --we met.  We kept our relationship dedicated to God's call on our hearts and honoring of His ways.  Something foreign to most at our stages in life; 7 months later God turned our 7 into a first for both of us, as we married with just our immediate family around. 

Some of his attractions to me is my faith, aesthetic passions and my passion for traveling.  He admired my road map :0) that little jaunt that i took.  Well NOW we are on one of our own.  Married in May.  The first painting i painted as "Mrs." Just so happens was done for my church, The Bridge Church in Venice Florida.  Here is a link to that; P23 I delivered it, on a wednesday, and we were off on our #USAHoneymoon tour right after church on that Sunday in May 2015, and we are there still today.


Finding a wifi to update my blog and websites the challenge for the day.  This my last painting painted, "Superior's Towers" my first midwest grain elevators.

Along with this is a link to my updated Workshop/Classes page, and also a sharing of some of my favorite tools too...
stay tuned for my Rosemary Brushes supply list, STRADA mini, tripod, and other tricks of the plein air trade that i have learned along the way; along with how to set up a outdoor art studio too.  This truly is a working #USAHoneymoon, but we didn't forget to live outloud also that "The Journey IS our destination"

That remains where I began, and also where I have landed.  I feel all has grown my painting ability as hoped, and awakened me also to how much more there is to do.
If you would like to follow along on the journey, request to be my facebook friend, and also check back here or join here too.  I am excited to share my class offerings, adding some NEW WORKSHOPS this year, and soon a kit of supplies too.... stay tuned.  I remain humbled and honored to be a part... Part II: The tools used and how to apply posting next week.