An Oil Painting of a VW Bus

"Baja Roadtrip"

18" x 36"

oil on wrapped canvas

This one is done. I really like the way it turned out.  I love the feel of the hot sun, although these days, in the heat, it wouldn't be one of my favorite journeys.

It actually rained here about 25 drops while I was in the studio..

come on rain, do your thang!!

P.S. The story behind this van, it was a 1960's and was purchased 'used' for $350. from Continental VW in Littleton, Co by a friend of DH.  The photo that I worked from was from a 3 month ~ 2,500 mile trip that it made in 1975.  It also made a big trip to the West Coast right before that time to pick up DH.  While in Mexico, it broke down and needed a complete engine rebuild and was rebuilt hither and yon for parts, in Mexico and then driven back to Denver.  I hear about this trip OFTEN.  I think it was almost life changing - definitely on a 20 something's 'bucket list' back in those days.

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY, DON'T IT??

Where I Stood Saturday (and Friday and Thursday)

Life is good, the studio has great AC and with this heat, there isn't much else to do but stay inside and try to stay cool.

I started an oil yesterday - 18" x 36".  It isn't done yet, but is getting close.

It is one for the show in Russell - in late August..I hope.

I always forget to get that beginning photo.  I sketched the scene out in pencil first, then, started with the darkest darks,

then moved on to the sky, the sand, with intermittent work on the van.

More of the details were painted today. 

This bus is a little worse for wear and that part isn't showing in my painting yet.  Oh well, all cars start out new at some point..this one is definitely USED.   The photo I am relying on is from a trip that my husband took with friends to La Paz, Mexico ~ back in the 70's.  It was quite a memorable trip for him, so if I don't happen to sell it, it will hang in his office for him to reminisce the days away.

Dog Dreams

"Chaco Dreams"

6" x 8"

oil on black claybord by Ampersand

If you read my blog, you might be aware that ~ for me, it's difficult to be away from the easel for more than a week.  My painting days have been so sporadic.  I lose my 'mojo' so to speak.  I did a warm-up of a young goose...photo of the artwork came out with a brilliant shine on the surface, so I think I will let it sit for a little bit, do some drying and tackle a few spots that I don't like.  The painting above came together, alla prima - without a drawing or much of a plan.  I took this great photo of my red doxie, Chaco, and immediately saw a whimsical version of it in paint with the stars all around - so out it came.  I love painting on the black claybord surface, but it sucks up the paint right away and the colors don't stay very vivid or bright.  I used a large-ish brush and decided to just go with the flow..since my earlier attempt had more or less 'bombed'.

To Southeast Missouri and Back Again

The RV is in front of the guest house at Lake Tealwood, Missouri. It was our 43+ year 'Gray Family Reunion'.  There were 61 family members plus 2 extra guests attending. We were there for only a day and a half, but got to see everyone, and visit with most.

My aunt and uncle and their family host this event each year...and have for the aforementioned years.  Hot and dry there as well as continuing here at home. Ugh!

Difficult to commit camera shots to the outdoors with everything so dry and burnt.  Should be back in the studio soon.  Lots to catch up on.

My daughter and her family came through here on their way to the reunion and on their way back to Colorado. It was the first time she had been to our place here in the Central Plains, since we moved here 6 years ago from Colorado.  Sorry she had to see it at it's worse and mostly from inside the air conditioning.  Thank goodness for AC's!!