Don't be a Sheep: Anne & Edward Fine Art Newsletter XXVIII
Sent: 8/19/2022 4:08:11 AM

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What separates you Subscriber from others? Is it the way you dress? The way you talk? The friends you keep (or those you avoid)? Is it your eclectic interests or pastimes? Maybe it's the way you go through life.

Each of us can be defined by something unique. That's what makes life intriguing. For us, we have chosen this phase of our life to paint together, en plein air -- outdoors, on location.

"Don't be a Sheep. Be Unique."

- by artist, Jean Haines

Don't be a Sheep. Be you.

What separates our art from others? Is that what they mean by "finding your style"? Should that be the end goal or simply be part of our art journey?

Coming Home

"Coming Home" by ANNE --
Every time I see this scene I feel like I'm coming home. It's like a beacon. I'm sure others have felt the same. This painting is going into the King's County Museum's "Paint With Nature" plein air art show. After being away awhile from the Annapolis Valley, this view of Cape Blomidon always makes me feel like I was home in Nova Scotia. This view still takes my breath away. I called it "Coming Home"

Grain Elevators near Pier 26 in Halifax

"Halifax Grain Elevators" by EDWARD --
The worst thing someone can say about an artwork of mine is "nice". NICE! What the blazes does NICE mean? I don't want my artwork to be NICE. I'd prefer UGLY or GRUNGY over NICE. I've been known to paint a rusty, stained porcelain sink over an idyllic tropical coastal scene (right Vlad?).

I never want to be fully happy with my work. For me, my goal is like trying to bake the perfect loaf of bread or pizza from scratch. You never get there, but the trip is so yummy and satisfying. Thanks to all those master artists out there who set the elusive bar, like a carrot on a stick.

banner_FASO_PaintPuddleNewsletter_OURJOURNEY

Touring our Landscape Canvas

brushWithNature_WillowbankFarm_20220804_101729

Willowbank Farm on Starr's Point Loop, Kings County

Two cows approach as we explore painting sites at the Willowbank Farm. Once we "discovered" this gem, we planned to paint a scene nearby as part of "Brush with Nature"; an event hosted by Kings County Museum. A colourful fall visit and apple picking is in the works, methinks.

Six-by-Six by Two

6x6" Hay Bales Study in Oils by Anne (exploring the light)

6x6" Hay Bales Study in Oils by Anne
(exploring the light)

6X6" Bridge Impression watercolour by Edward (exploring brush handling)

6X6" Bridge Impression in watercolour by Edward (exploring brush handling)

Both of us are embarking on a six-by-six journey where we are to explore and experiment on over 400 six-by-six inch MDF panels (purchased through a favourite local supplier of ours, the Twisted Doorbell). This project was inspired after reading Carol Marine's book "Daily Painting".

Feel the Energy and Mood of a Place

EDWARD --
Two and a half hours. That's about the time I have to complete a plein air painting -- and my first thirty minutes involve no painting. That is when I sketch and immerse myself into my space. Once the sketch is done, I "walkabout" to psyche myself up for the watercolour to follow.

What I love about the process is the zen-like feeling of being able to absorb all the senses about me; the smell of a campfire breakfast, the cry of a seagull, dappled light washing across the forest understory, a fresh breeze off the lake, the taste and sip of my favourite tea. Then, by painting (and maybe writing about it afterwards), I will sear memories of a place, unlike any other past time (except maybe unicycling 800km from Yarmouth to Baddeck).

"Urban sketching allows you to immerse yourself in a space, to sit, understand and feel the energy and mood of a space".

- by art director and urban sketcher, Tom Pajdlhauser (aka @Captain_Tom)

Visit our Paint-out Site

Painting Blomidon in mist high atop a vantage point

Painting Blomidon in mist high atop a vantage point

High above the landscape, at Veteran's Memorial View Park, we painted in the drizzling rain looking out to Blomidon Peninsula. A small plaque noted that this was a Photo Site for a Canada 150 Project. At one point in time, we could see the Five Islands on the horizon. Coastal fog and mist moved in and out throughout the morning. In the foreground, one can see Highway 101.

The Legend of Great Uncle Arthur

The book, "The Legend of Great Uncle Arthur", has just been published.

This is my second collaboration with author and motivational speaker (and former world-class strongman) Marshall Ennis. This rhyming story is based on his great Uncle -- a relative of legendary physical and moral strength -- who lived in a coastal community off Newfoundland. At the end of the book are historical references for each page to give the story context.

Book Cover

A Joli Good Time

Early Morning Fog at the East Side of Port L'Hebert

Early Morning Fog at the East Side of Port L'Hebert

Underpainting at Port Mouton Harbour -- by Anne

Setting Up Camp -- sketch by Edward

We camped in Thomas Raddall Provincial Park near Port Joli and used this as our base from which to take painting excursions to East Side Port L'Hebert, Port Mouton Harbour, and Carter's Beach (see these points on our map at tinyurl.com/FootstepsEast). The weather was hot. Edward slept soundly through a three-hour thunderstorm and flashing skies on our first night. Our beach trip was spectacular. Anne kept comparing Carter's Beach to Tahiti, The Caribbean, Australia's Gold Coast, Florida and other tropical coastal areas. Aquas, deep blues, greens, yellows. We had it all.

Carter's Beach, Nova Scotia

Media for "Brush with Nature"

Article posted in the Annapolis Valley Register

Article posted in the Annapolis Valley Register in reference to "Brush with Nature".

The SHORT BRUSH component of "Brush with Nature", hosted by the King's County Museum, Nova Scotia, begins soon. The three-week LONG BRUSH component concluded a couple of days ago. Details of this plein air event were posted on the SALTWIRE media.

Book Review

Atmospheric Watercolours by Jean Haines

Atmospheric Watercolours
painting with Freedom, Expression and Style

by Jean Haines

published by Search Press
15 May 2012
ISBN 978-1-84448-674-8

Related YouTube Video link

by EDWARD --
This book would suit those who crave spontaneity, impressionism, unabashed use of vivid colours, and plenty of exploratory exercises. Jean Haines' handling of her brushes is an art lesson on East meets West. I tested this on a plein air trip. Her text is uplifting, positive and motivating. While her examples often dwelled on floral subjects, I would like to have had more on built structures. Haines borders on the abstract which, if done right, can add intrigue to a plein air work.

Atmospheric Watercolours was a useful read and would be enhanced with accompanying online video lessons or workshops. I would especially enjoy seeing how she handles her brushes.

Follow us on our FootstepsEast Map

Check out the continually developing FootstepsEast map (including text, sketches, photos, audio and video) of our two-year art trek, where we are inspired by similar landscapes that inspired Canadian artists Tom Thomson and members of The Group of Seven.

"Once, is a mistake. Twice, is an idea. Three times is style."

- by jazz musician, Miles Davis (1926-1991)

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