Hey, Look What I Built! And It Works, Too!



Hey, Look What I Built! And It Works, Too!



"Society Finch"      5x7"       oil

Greetings from the studio and happy spring! 
Spring is a season that is full of awakenings and new beginnings. I have been enjoying my adventures in oil painting. "Society Finch" is a recent work that is a change from the still life I was making with somber, dark backgrounds emphasis placed on chiaroscuro. I wanted a more open, delicate feel to compliment the subject of the bird. Society finches are not found in the wild and were bred to be companion pets. Hence the choice of domestic items to place with him. I don't own a finch so I spent a lot of time in the local pet store watching them and I am pretty sure the employees now think I am some bird stalking lunatic that has no life. And to that I say ... "what of it?!" This painting is framed and available.
I have been wanting a lighter, more mobile easel for plein air painting so I spent some time building a paint box for outdoor use and was quite pleased with how it turned out. I was even more impressed that I did not slice off any of my fingers! Here is the finished box all set to go on it's first trip outdoors -


I added panel slots for carrying wet paintings and the whole thing attaches to a standard tripod. To take a visit to my studio and see what I did to make it, check out my Facebook Art page for a step by step description with photos:  DIY Paint Box
So, since the calendar was saying "spring", I decided to take my new box out for it's maiden voyage in some beautiful spring weather! : 


Yep, we had a mini snow storm come through the Philadelphia area and despite the snow and cold, my new box held up like a champ. I'm looking forward to taking it up to Monhegan. At about 3 pounds it will be a lot easier to carry than my Julian easel.  Here is the finished painting below - "On the Reservior - Knight Road"  6 x 8"  oil.  It is framed and available.

"On the Reservior - Knight Road"  6 x 8"   oil

The studio is picking up speed for upcoming shows and events. I am again pleased to be included in the Historic Yellow Springs Art Show at Historic Yellow Springs in Chester Springs, PA. This is a beautifully organized show that I enjoy each year. They hold multiple openings for the show. Please check out the website for the events listed for certain dates - Historic Yellow Springs Art Show

Also, I am gearing up for the summer show at Patricia Hutton Galleries from June to August. Information about the dates and opening will be posted when announced. 
And I will be once again holding my open studio this summer on Monhegan Island in Maine. Information for the days and times of the Open Studio 2013 is on the events page of my website www.katharinekrieg.com  

I hope to see you at one of the shows coming up!
Best wishes!

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