tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017374212536047652024-02-21T08:57:01.120-07:00Scott Ruthven Fine ArtPlein Air and Studio Oil Paintings of Landscapes and Still Life by Scott RuthvenScott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-546018070257987262019-08-04T10:56:00.000-06:002019-08-04T10:56:03.020-06:00Musing on my emotional response to the landscape<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRH-J8VteTmtPFbEtWsOO5qUgtp5PIdmFq-Ppdi_WEIGdJbCoMUarqawyIu9y6XKD88QFOM4oMQolaslvIufbIWQC-LH43C-LTHoRF-xExsnsjs2Lc-wfxzC50ixnvnRR4Nf7rsUfp6_fI/s1600/IMG_4560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRH-J8VteTmtPFbEtWsOO5qUgtp5PIdmFq-Ppdi_WEIGdJbCoMUarqawyIu9y6XKD88QFOM4oMQolaslvIufbIWQC-LH43C-LTHoRF-xExsnsjs2Lc-wfxzC50ixnvnRR4Nf7rsUfp6_fI/s400/IMG_4560.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reykjavik, Iceland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've spent hundreds of hours painting the landscape on location. Early on it was a pursuit to make my painting look <i>like</i> the subject. There was so much to take in and all the while the light, tones and colors were changing; so many details I <i>had</i> to get down to copy the scene. Although stressful, it forced me to respond intuitively. Over the years, this intuition has become the stronger force in my work pulling me to capture the <i>feeling</i> of the scene rather than simply its likeness. Now I ponder the success of my painting by the connection I had with the scene and how I communicated my emotional response to it rather than my ability to match the scene color for color, tone for tone. These are the paintings that take me back to that place where I can hear the birds chattering at one another and the squirrel barking an alert of the fox slinking through the tall grasses. I can once again feel the heat of the radiating sun drawing beads of sweat from my skin and then suddenly the respite of cool shade courtesy of the sole cloud passing in front of it.<br />
<br />
Scott Ruthven<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3Kng22m5LOjctfD0BIydWUWIb94Rg_luDYY8QziSJtehI6lyYpq2STHNUzyVIrt2ONqNH3uyCfFcW6v_nPuZIOC-w7o7DV5uTwlExSQlaSnMaPLbiddIhXSdAoQ1ii9hJSsYNl8awxOu/s1600/Iceland+painting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3Kng22m5LOjctfD0BIydWUWIb94Rg_luDYY8QziSJtehI6lyYpq2STHNUzyVIrt2ONqNH3uyCfFcW6v_nPuZIOC-w7o7DV5uTwlExSQlaSnMaPLbiddIhXSdAoQ1ii9hJSsYNl8awxOu/s320/Iceland+painting.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting Reykjavik Harbor - Scott Ruthven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-43824886185002630532019-07-09T09:34:00.004-06:002019-07-09T09:45:32.146-06:00New Ultimate Plein Air Gear Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/71c705826a63/plein-air-gear-landing-page" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJosZlEQMkdfVPPPYowTbH-BZnFeABHhZghQzZZfBDPGlgH98WHHBCV55jCGqbhzMB1Bw9NOiyTT2TeE9F0up47Dt9ZPPgQ7MCHzPjXWDuH_hZuJpQetOSnI4NKYC1tBbdPMsNDcFkpuJ/s640/my+ultimate+plein+air+gear+guide+Heidelberg+painting+with+video+sash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My students always tell me how much they love the part of my workshops when I go through my plein air gear. With so many gear options to choose from, it can be daunting to take the leap and try plein air painting.<br />
<br />
So, after months of filming and editing, I have released a <u>full-featured, 38 minute long video </u>where I show you <u>everything</u> I take in my pack to paint on location in oils.<br />
<br />
Now everyone has access to this part of my workshops without the cost of actually attending a workshop. And...I'm making the video very inexpensive so anyone can afford it! After all, my goal is to create more joy in our world by creating beautiful art and teaching others how to do the same. With the information in this video, you'll have the <u>courage</u> and <u>confidence</u> to experience the <u>joy</u> of plein air painting.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"From backpacks to brushes, paints to pochade boxes, and everything in between!"</span></b><br />
<br />
Click the link below to learn all about the video and to purchase it if you so choose.<br />
<br />
Click here for more info ---> <a href="https://mailchi.mp/71c705826a63/plein-air-gear-landing-page" target="_blank">Scott's Ultimate Plein Air Gear Video</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/71c705826a63/plein-air-gear-landing-page" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aNu7PCLHxLcN0dmanSElQxkRl33N8JdC0ZMgiboG_6zlI7sMbQ9_rUldeG0i7H-Jw0QfcryYNx9d7qFrMbYjx5NgBC8C81f8QaWAiytt_Bk_oyWeoyrcUhVyle6YAXbP8LFAnmYlVuGj/s400/plein+air+gear+what+youll+learn+cards+Bonus+demo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-76982154123730252812018-09-05T08:27:00.000-06:002018-09-05T08:27:24.222-06:00Ultra Portable Painting Kit<span style="font-size: large;">What do you call an all-in-one, super compact painting kit?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">A THUMB BOX!!</span></div>
<br />
<u>Definition Thumb Box:</u> <i> "A small box that contains painting materials, a panel for mixing colors, and a small canvas or boards and has a thumb hole or other device by wich it can be held upon the thumb like a palette to make a small sketch usually in oil." - Merriam-Webster</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7eR0oGEhNvw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7eR0oGEhNvw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Among painters, a thumb box is sometime called a cigar box, since many a homemade thumb box has been made from a cigar box. Well, that's precisely what I used to make mine. You see, I like to tinker, so of course I made my own. Since I didn't have any plans to follow, I began by finding a suitable cigar box. Turns out there is demand for cigar boxes and the local smoke shop didn't have any to give or sell. That's fine because I ended up finding a cool old one at the antique shop for $3 USD. With box in hand, I knew the dimensions I had to work with and began scrounging together the wire and plastic scraps to complete my project. <br />
<br />
If you want to make one for yourself, don't worry about plans and instructions, just get a box and design it around your needs. The golden design rule "form follows function" is spot on!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0y4rkhXHWcp5orUVnG2yX8LQJ-PhH3QO08ilbBhEswDyleKeFUJ-6BSjXSihxSZ32d0c7vWONYBaRNBCvZnnwzjLiy8xHeuUvmBF7LnDhvNzkuPiHVGvLoDpme9WE9AtMMkLaapopm7T/s1600/Thumbbox+Closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0y4rkhXHWcp5orUVnG2yX8LQJ-PhH3QO08ilbBhEswDyleKeFUJ-6BSjXSihxSZ32d0c7vWONYBaRNBCvZnnwzjLiy8xHeuUvmBF7LnDhvNzkuPiHVGvLoDpme9WE9AtMMkLaapopm7T/s320/Thumbbox+Closed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvBgxe96T0iL64M5O99n1VYHfdK_ry420-jVwIj7yzuQoxhEeJL6PdJMXPpW5K43wOejqz5XaVzfeaFF8FFi9IkEw2JcgvtnHGiF5chqRyZesGL-O6QPLBpOBX5O36g_P-jj6Gv5L9nXb/s1600/Thumbbox+Open+To+Storage+-+Thumb+with+Arrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvBgxe96T0iL64M5O99n1VYHfdK_ry420-jVwIj7yzuQoxhEeJL6PdJMXPpW5K43wOejqz5XaVzfeaFF8FFi9IkEw2JcgvtnHGiF5chqRyZesGL-O6QPLBpOBX5O36g_P-jj6Gv5L9nXb/s320/Thumbbox+Open+To+Storage+-+Thumb+with+Arrow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I store four tubes of <a href="https://www.gamblincolors.com/oil-painting/color/fastmatte-alkyd-oil-colors/" target="_blank">Gamblin's FastMatte oil paint</a> (white, ultramarine blue, cad red light and cad yellow), two brushes with the handles cut down so they fit in the box, a palette knife and a little bit of Gamblin's solvent free gel in the box and keep the kit under the seat in my truck, along with a 5"x7" primed panel. If I have a few minutes and an intriguing scene, I just grab the kit and paint!</div>
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-9840107885387491312016-11-10T22:13:00.001-07:002016-11-10T22:22:25.210-07:00Limited Palette As A StrategySwedish artist, <a href="http://www.anderszorn.org/" target="_blank">Anders Zorn</a> (1860-1920), produced many amazing paintings using a limited palette of colors*. Having a limited selection of colors can simplify mixtures and improve color harmony within a painting. I'll show you how I sometimes employ it as a strategy to achieve a desired outcome.<br />
<br />
While I generally have a warm and cool of each primary plus white on my palette, from time-to-time a subject calls for a constraint of color choices. For example, my vision for the painting below was to create a sense of the soft, cool, atmospheric conditions we see just after sunset in November, here in Colorado. The sky is colorful but not too saturated and the overall feeling calls for values in the middle of the value range, not letting areas get too light or dark. So, starting with a red, yellow and blue, I further constrained my options by tinting each with white to get a lighter, less saturated version from which I could no longer mix a dark, dark or a highly saturated color. These three muted primaries + white then became the palette from which I painted "November Sky". <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMaAdBrOICBzkx3_gzVPmQhWdUoZpiacVvxKLSVjo2c6cJKKSQbHMZWt5njsObeZTL8WAiI2Us1WxoE1WQr9aZM7D0UvukuDvic-xJK6XZWGJO-uohICJpom11cpgSt8t8oLupn8Z67QG/s1600/November+Sky+by+Scott+Ruthven+10%2522x8%2522+Oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Scott Ruthven" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMaAdBrOICBzkx3_gzVPmQhWdUoZpiacVvxKLSVjo2c6cJKKSQbHMZWt5njsObeZTL8WAiI2Us1WxoE1WQr9aZM7D0UvukuDvic-xJK6XZWGJO-uohICJpom11cpgSt8t8oLupn8Z67QG/s640/November+Sky+by+Scott+Ruthven+10%2522x8%2522+Oil.jpg" title="November Sky by Scott Ruthven" width="509" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November Sky<br />
10"x8" | Oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This painting is available for purchase <a href="https://scottruthven.com/workszoom/1936863" target="_blank">here</a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoP8Xg3TwU2wGAjHfUD8m2K120fLcKo-x1MR08MqGDXy4mbKuObsXanlYocXa3fW8YyDLo5JfYGAIo_YjK5kIvRoHZED1NdABSa2gHOCgnOHdYa8l_l67nak8d3J4JHS6YmLESt9f6hpG/s1600/IMG_5389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoP8Xg3TwU2wGAjHfUD8m2K120fLcKo-x1MR08MqGDXy4mbKuObsXanlYocXa3fW8YyDLo5JfYGAIo_YjK5kIvRoHZED1NdABSa2gHOCgnOHdYa8l_l67nak8d3J4JHS6YmLESt9f6hpG/s320/IMG_5389.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My muted three primaries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
*Here's a link to a great article on James Gurney's blog about the <a href="http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2011/07/zorn-palette.html" target="_blank">Zorn Palette</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 98px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 294px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-26705444833720732722016-10-16T20:19:00.000-06:002016-10-16T20:20:52.963-06:00How To Make A Wet Panel Carrier<h4>
Here's a quick tutorial showing how you can make a wet panel carrier from basic materials.</h4>
<u>Materials I used to make this box which fits (4) 8"x10" painting panels :</u><br />
1.5"x3/4" pine or poplar or oak board that's 28" long at a minimum.<br />
2pcs 1/8" MDF board about 9"x12" (you will need to cut it down to size later)<br />
Wood glue<br />
18-20 Small brad type nails.<br />
Hammer, table saw.<br />
<br />
<u>Step #1 Cut the channels / slots</u><br />
Using a table saw, cut channels in the 1.5"x3/4" length of wood. The channels should be about 1/8" deep and about one and a half widths of the saw blade. This allows enough room for the painting panels to slide freely in these channels / slots. Try to space four slots equally across the long face of the wood. You want enough gap between slots so your wet paintings won't touch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GkoNeXOL3IsOOKlwcRtcthntrelURNc9bNSjHgaZFTBM3TK9pOSe8uQocfuWVst4yqq-kz0QqYzV8dhE0_zYydRLh96-5rYl07AwrjZEjoJfV67MG0MwdW_sT8AopeNVaqpXc1HF05P7/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GkoNeXOL3IsOOKlwcRtcthntrelURNc9bNSjHgaZFTBM3TK9pOSe8uQocfuWVst4yqq-kz0QqYzV8dhE0_zYydRLh96-5rYl07AwrjZEjoJfV67MG0MwdW_sT8AopeNVaqpXc1HF05P7/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Step #2 Cut the slotted 1.5"x3/4" into the two side lengths and one length for the bottom:</u><br />
By cutting the channels first, while the board is in one length and then chopping that board into the sides and bottom, you ensure the slots align perfectly. You'll understand this when you assemble it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLIsflJb3D6tIN-igV3xsWf31ul1D851lSdLhkaHKS9cOFVeKH4_TlQDANKFQkPMxds079wiaDalDvItIMwZm-4ziXBQdjsENr08b9AJmcPY-VnUFlPBUc_zYTB2dQmYEn9x-ijZbnclZ/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLIsflJb3D6tIN-igV3xsWf31ul1D851lSdLhkaHKS9cOFVeKH4_TlQDANKFQkPMxds079wiaDalDvItIMwZm-4ziXBQdjsENr08b9AJmcPY-VnUFlPBUc_zYTB2dQmYEn9x-ijZbnclZ/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Step #3 Layout the sides and bottom pieces with the channels and attach the 1/8" MDF panels for sides.</u><br />
Now remember, if you want a carrier that holds 8x10" panels, have a few on hand and make all your measurements and cuts so the panels will fit perfectly into the channels.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkhEDc5HtzP9KaoBiKKNyAz4FT9uN577dhlF3vnOyhsT3Z3V7Ne9wks5dwrTfGgcw1x5zCmEiEe7jZVgsvPzOLHSxVMST9ZhlA-MHaqO9DXtEdb68zREFa_H88cU_69BrlozyxtUiJx4h/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkhEDc5HtzP9KaoBiKKNyAz4FT9uN577dhlF3vnOyhsT3Z3V7Ne9wks5dwrTfGgcw1x5zCmEiEe7jZVgsvPzOLHSxVMST9ZhlA-MHaqO9DXtEdb68zREFa_H88cU_69BrlozyxtUiJx4h/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rMUeCEWRZv0pvUtosT16yqVbLDczv3eehN6CcsbtXIZX_VDTx9W9Ty3B7dSt7lOrx5R5SbyitE32VpUF44UeMuBwqjTN55lKEFFRAm3RyG8sVkJufKbVZnS4X43xrz9AAd62CIbi3zi-/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rMUeCEWRZv0pvUtosT16yqVbLDczv3eehN6CcsbtXIZX_VDTx9W9Ty3B7dSt7lOrx5R5SbyitE32VpUF44UeMuBwqjTN55lKEFFRAm3RyG8sVkJufKbVZnS4X43xrz9AAd62CIbi3zi-/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF71lzblqZ97tE2O4jknMMZB0uqlCoU5V0uqr63ENkC7ILXSUPGIyE4gNFCQIhwYHwmOQP8KXHVWbRXZ28TfwkpoRSzxApJyPO_bR9zuIcvXHNc1LLGaBsNyHehfGDu-AJz2zsGylUMkAi/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF71lzblqZ97tE2O4jknMMZB0uqlCoU5V0uqr63ENkC7ILXSUPGIyE4gNFCQIhwYHwmOQP8KXHVWbRXZ28TfwkpoRSzxApJyPO_bR9zuIcvXHNc1LLGaBsNyHehfGDu-AJz2zsGylUMkAi/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I used wood glue and small nails (I actually used small brads since I have a nail gun) to attach the MDF to the 1.5" wood with the channels. You can put a couple of 8x10 panels in the carrier and use clamps to hold the unit together while glueing up to be sure the unit is square and will hold your panels.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUTrG3G1x4El4vhCpRJQQLRWCecqtlbJ1I0_iq5tjrSTT10N188Hveg-ffr5qK7JkNtfkiSW7_cWlP_dqtzBIXofP21N4OedozyrQ5AMELyudNTlJoo6JQ7jrdiHhbztMVWceu-jYA96g/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUTrG3G1x4El4vhCpRJQQLRWCecqtlbJ1I0_iq5tjrSTT10N188Hveg-ffr5qK7JkNtfkiSW7_cWlP_dqtzBIXofP21N4OedozyrQ5AMELyudNTlJoo6JQ7jrdiHhbztMVWceu-jYA96g/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Step #4 Cut and fit the lid.</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The lid is another piece of the 1.5" wide wood, but only 1/4" thick. It has no grooves since the painting panels will slide down into the box and be flush with the bottom-side of the lid. It is cut to fit exactly into the top recess in the box. I also sanded the bottom edge where the lid pivots against the box...this inside edge needs to be rounded off so the lid can open and close easily without catching on the box.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To attach the lid, I drilled a hole through each sidee of the box, into the side edges of the lid (which I held in it's final, closed position, while drilling). I inserted a small nail into each of these holes as a hinge.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Step #5 Final sanding</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once the box is assembled I sand the outside edges of the closed box lightly so all edges are flush and slightly rounded to the box feels and looks nice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Step #6 Stain and seal</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, I added a red stain to the sides and then applied polyurethane to all of the outside surfaces. You can omit the stain if you want but I do suggest sealing the wood with polyurethane to protect it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-43234721359159057772016-10-16T20:17:00.001-06:002016-10-16T20:17:29.607-06:00Stanley Hotel<h2>
Stanley Hotel</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBqnLco6tmuQFwFvvBqQd6MnGuMlx0FheQmoubjflr0tAkI1HNA2pNyebfOygHK934ZK2Pulngf-nZjoGnkHtNoa_wpjjVXcUBblTbhLSIiGtsI1cjCeJsV0krGRnvCMj9f39f2N5_43c/s1600/Stanley+Hotel+Study+by+Scott+Ruthven+11inx14in+oil+on+linen+birch+panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Scott Ruthven" border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBqnLco6tmuQFwFvvBqQd6MnGuMlx0FheQmoubjflr0tAkI1HNA2pNyebfOygHK934ZK2Pulngf-nZjoGnkHtNoa_wpjjVXcUBblTbhLSIiGtsI1cjCeJsV0krGRnvCMj9f39f2N5_43c/s640/Stanley+Hotel+Study+by+Scott+Ruthven+11inx14in+oil+on+linen+birch+panel.jpg" title="Stanley Hotel" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stanley Hotel (Study)<br />
11"X14" Oil on Linen Panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Stanley Hotel is in Estes Park, Colorado. Built by F.O. Stanley (of Stanley Steamer fame) in 1909 to be one of the grandest hotels in the world. It was originally painted yellow but I personally love the sharp, clean white and red combination. Some of you may also know it was the inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining" and parts of "Dumb and Dumber" were also filmed there.<br />
<br />
I started this painting on location so as to really capture the early morning light. I finished up the indication of windows and other details back in my studio. I would like to make a much larger studio painting from this piece.<br />
<br />
Click <a href="https://scottruthven.com/workszoom/2193149" target="_blank">here</a> to see it on my website.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbUDRXKklPFyOpSayGJIhvKHDeTCcCcSLAveGEBFdtPd9CXPBSfpmxGClh_R1S-EXmh0pwgYcCiKDryo2UC1Nb55eoVRHO5dst5KnB1eGum30vQcmCWYjP15SkSL2IEqeqtThEmc4PlRr/s1600/IMG_4848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbUDRXKklPFyOpSayGJIhvKHDeTCcCcSLAveGEBFdtPd9CXPBSfpmxGClh_R1S-EXmh0pwgYcCiKDryo2UC1Nb55eoVRHO5dst5KnB1eGum30vQcmCWYjP15SkSL2IEqeqtThEmc4PlRr/s320/IMG_4848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-45705612303782285362015-08-08T05:00:00.000-06:002015-08-12T12:38:32.481-06:00Sunshine At Rainbow Lakes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgske1BJHfrqtTFFGonL8UX7If4na6TEwRjymYmmXZONV20vTJKzD967NSMQpP4MgY2sgbC1jq46KYattkBQVv6hCbt8rTb2Cq_urbPPNzk5TtQb_xdQqSzNdUEDBeaHIF-Y0nfd1ZUfTma/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgske1BJHfrqtTFFGonL8UX7If4na6TEwRjymYmmXZONV20vTJKzD967NSMQpP4MgY2sgbC1jq46KYattkBQVv6hCbt8rTb2Cq_urbPPNzk5TtQb_xdQqSzNdUEDBeaHIF-Y0nfd1ZUfTma/s640/IMG_0263.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sunshine at Rainbow Lakes"<br />
6"x10" Oil on Linen mounted to Gatorboard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I painted this on location in the Colorado Rockies, Northwest from Boulder, Colorado. It is oil paint on linen which is mounted to archival gator board. All materials are of the highest quality and it has a protective varnish applied. I have signed the front and back. The painting measures 6"x10" and is mounted to a 10.5"x14.5" piece of black Gatorboard. You can frame it or display it as is.<br />
<br />
$99 Ebay Auction:<br />
Sold, but you can see what's currently up for auction by clicking --> <a href="http://www.ebay.com/usr/scottruthvenfineart?_trksid=p2047675.l2559" target="_blank">HERE</a> <--Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado, USA40.012101922476369 -105.581188201904340.006020922476367 -105.5912732019043 40.01818292247637 -105.57110320190429tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-26287005853072444592015-08-07T07:14:00.000-06:002015-08-10T09:12:27.800-06:00How To Make a Paint Box and Panel Support - Part IIIIn this third and final post, I'll show you how to make the panel holder which secures your painting surface to your tripod.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPte5RwQ_C3q-5DuL-orc48WhzZ-4ABnadwwonlvEBP9V0VqIawnidERCytzLThRZVe3gMP3pOhySNbX_fCWs0wkBlBgy_2FRYKPyUTVtmjPSrXrSOZ6cSoOK0asBTSsodCMe95K1yM2f/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPte5RwQ_C3q-5DuL-orc48WhzZ-4ABnadwwonlvEBP9V0VqIawnidERCytzLThRZVe3gMP3pOhySNbX_fCWs0wkBlBgy_2FRYKPyUTVtmjPSrXrSOZ6cSoOK0asBTSsodCMe95K1yM2f/s400/IMG_0020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The wooden contraption holding my painting is the panel holder</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<u>Material list:</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> (1) 1"x2"x4' piece of oak or similar hard wood.</li>
<li> (1) 1/4"-20x5/16" T-Nut.</li>
<li> (1) 1/4" x 1.25" long carriage bolt.</li>
<li> (1) 1/4" female thumb screw head.</li>
<li> (1) Metal washer to fit around the 1/4" bolt.</li>
<li> (2) Small 3/4" nails and some wood glue (to attach the bottom ledge to the main body).</li>
</ul>
<br />
I bought all the parts at my local Home Depot but you can find the wood at most lumber yards and the hardware at ACE hardware or other hardware stores.<br />
<br />
<u>Required tools:</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Fine toothed hand saw</li>
<li>Table saw</li>
<li>Drill</li>
<li>3/4" spade drill bit</li>
<li>3/8" regular drill bit</li>
<li>1/4" regular drill bit</li>
<li>Hammer</li>
</ul>
<br />
The main component of my holder is the 1"x2", 4' long piece of oak. The actual size is .5"x1.5"x4'. I chose oak because it is a rigid hard wood that will stand up to some abuse but you can use whatever you want.<br />
<br />
<u>Process:</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
1. Cut this 4' piece of oak into the following lengths:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>(1) 24" piece for the main body</li>
<li>(1) 4" piece for the bottom ledge</li>
<li>(1) 6" piece for the top support </li>
</ul>
<br />
2. With your table saw, plunge cut a slot lengthwise down the center of the 24" piece. The slot must be a little wider than 1/4" so the bolt you will run through it can move along the length easily. <span style="color: red;">This is a tricky and dangerous cut to make and you should not attempt it if you are not trained and familiar with this type of cut on a table saw.</span> The slot should start about 3" down from the top and end 3.5" up from the bottom of the 24" main body piece. <br />
<br />
3. With a 3/4" spade drill bit, drill a hole <span style="color: red;">halfway through</span> the main body piece, 2" up from the bottom. Center this hole on the 1.5" width of the board. Then, switch to a 3/8" standard drill bit and drill a hole in the center if this 3/4" hole that goes the rest of the way through the board. This is where you will mount the T-Nut in the next step.<br />
<br />
4. Insert the 1/4" T-Nut into the hole you just drilled. The T-Nut has four spines that you want to drive into the wood so it will not turn when you attach the tripod mount to it. You can set the T-Nut in place by hammering it down with a small block of wood or dowel. It should be recessed into the 3/4" hole you drilled.<br />
<br />
5. Angle your table saw blade to cut a 15 degree bevel along one long edge of the 4" and 6" pieces. This bevel will help hold on to your painting panel.<br />
<br />
6. Attach the 4" bottom ledge piece perpendicular to the 24" main body piece with the bevel edge facing up (see picture). Attach it to the bottom end of the 24" piece, just below the T-Nut. I put some glue on it and then nailed it to the 24" piece. You want to make sure this 4" piece is at a 90 degree angle to the 24" piece. This 4" piece is what supports the bottom of your painting panel.<br />
<br />
7. Drill a 1/4" hole all the way through the 6" top support piece...centering the hole 3" from either end. <br />
<br />
8. Coat all the wood pieces with polyurethane. This will protect the wood, waterproof it and make it easier to clean.<br />
<br />
9. To attach the top support piece to the main body, insert the 1/4" carriage bolt through the slot on the 24" board from the back then through the hole you drilled in the 4" top support piece. The bolt should protrude 1/4". Place the washer over the end of the bolt sticking out and then screw on the thumb screw head. You can now adjust this top support up and down the main body and use the thumb screw to tighten it down.<br />
<br />
10. Screw on the tripod mounting bracket that came with your tripod to the T-Nut from the backside of the panel holder.<br />
<br />
11. Attach the holder to your tripod.<br />
<br />
12. Now you can secure a painting panel to the holder by adjusting the top support to accommodate whatever panel size you are using.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCvel5xqHIyoOnxOSdRL9Ly139okzykZWnaHGTf24VNfZ2Dv5Wbrz0bgJ_R8-_4DxOY8lciDWHRzocA5cAdQNyzD8ZW-rw-KVAJfG0DiGc_SMIgpYVbk3JdiM8w_byFp2pq453D5Teqbz/s1600/P1010165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCvel5xqHIyoOnxOSdRL9Ly139okzykZWnaHGTf24VNfZ2Dv5Wbrz0bgJ_R8-_4DxOY8lciDWHRzocA5cAdQNyzD8ZW-rw-KVAJfG0DiGc_SMIgpYVbk3JdiM8w_byFp2pq453D5Teqbz/s400/P1010165.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Here's a closeup of the bottom end of the holder.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOp4RKF-i1a_8jcszlos_5k8hwrJ-IiDGA8rKyi13jabdZI23TJfKjtWKI3F1Y8oGFHHxWrcKdOBetXy8F_jr9FywfOAeAWT5nsN4-2SsCu4ccqP8bcOQENe1RX_csRdUHLcJt8AnOwDr/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOp4RKF-i1a_8jcszlos_5k8hwrJ-IiDGA8rKyi13jabdZI23TJfKjtWKI3F1Y8oGFHHxWrcKdOBetXy8F_jr9FywfOAeAWT5nsN4-2SsCu4ccqP8bcOQENe1RX_csRdUHLcJt8AnOwDr/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">1/4"-20x5/16" T-Nut</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47Y5cXGDGP6Oh5mPr9CKHnHtdARy-vIbxb1LJ8coygM_iv31K4IbL3dDirK6MZK4AgP2LJgQhYjy1Movb6yjlB6BSQZVmg2NGQS-x31ivGVSpuMho-PeiB1AxbPrInezkqhrfKb4t9M-I/s1600/P1010164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47Y5cXGDGP6Oh5mPr9CKHnHtdARy-vIbxb1LJ8coygM_iv31K4IbL3dDirK6MZK4AgP2LJgQhYjy1Movb6yjlB6BSQZVmg2NGQS-x31ivGVSpuMho-PeiB1AxbPrInezkqhrfKb4t9M-I/s320/P1010164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The top support assembly</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYqdVzvOWNqETgIsIJ-LcUadpa61Mtk8ZnhvoYbSK89UXaZIir5VARFha8PJ32-CKujJV9z9N5HCoQVa6Ey16EGwDxVcsBq56HqbimgqP4tOrLWkQZkGcjFnMNLOaJsLMdSaFVRGuHkwN/s1600/P1010160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYqdVzvOWNqETgIsIJ-LcUadpa61Mtk8ZnhvoYbSK89UXaZIir5VARFha8PJ32-CKujJV9z9N5HCoQVa6Ey16EGwDxVcsBq56HqbimgqP4tOrLWkQZkGcjFnMNLOaJsLMdSaFVRGuHkwN/s320/P1010160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My camera to tripod mounting bracket attached to the T-Nut on the backside of the panel holder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So, now that you know how to make one, unless you love woodworking, save yourself the hassle and buy the whole setup from James Coulter at <a href="http://artboxandpanel.com/">http://artboxandpanel.com/</a>. I don't know James and get no profit from this but I'm telling you, you can get the palette and panel carrier and even a tripod from him for a great price and he makes a great product.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Now get out there and paint!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-23935148568667860352014-10-05T18:50:00.000-06:002014-10-05T18:50:44.014-06:00My Unbelievable Night!As I get ready to submit my paintings for the 2014 <a href="http://gtmd.org/colorado-plein-air/" target="_blank">Colorado Plein Air Arts Fest</a>, hosted by the <a href="http://gtmd.org/" target="_blank">Golden Triangle Museum District</a> in downtown Denver, I realized I never wrote a post about the FANTASTIC night I had last December at the 2013 show.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNQAMgJG1WiqBr9TkS55Lm_Ts-tCpB4resZKGWLKFuV5oVCVFKP5es7Pa8afSg0sQZbD8bAR2pZyeaiYLmcX7iYVdHflEMudLBryrrhlwUzLHxr2ydZpnEjtliW0wvk8oTn0kMRniQ5Bp/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNQAMgJG1WiqBr9TkS55Lm_Ts-tCpB4resZKGWLKFuV5oVCVFKP5es7Pa8afSg0sQZbD8bAR2pZyeaiYLmcX7iYVdHflEMudLBryrrhlwUzLHxr2ydZpnEjtliW0wvk8oTn0kMRniQ5Bp/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott Ruthven - 2013 Colorado Plein Air Arts Fest Awards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I entered three paintings and all three won awards!!! Wow, was I shocked when I walked in and saw the award medallions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The painting on the left, "San Pellegrinos & Lime" won 2nd place in the professional artist category</li>
<li>The middle painting "East on 16th From the D&F Tower" won the "Prudent Man Award of Excellence.</li>
<li>And the painting on the right, "Aligned and Sublime" won an honorable mention.</li>
</ul>
54 professional artists had work juried into this show, which makes winning these awards even more special to me.<br />
<br />
You can see all the work and full list of award winners <a href="http://gtmd.org/award-winnders-2013-colorado-plein-air-festival/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
Scott<br />
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-32683939043356299802014-09-10T20:38:00.000-06:002014-09-10T20:38:29.025-06:00Paint The Poudre Plein Air 2014Here are my five paintings from the "Paint The Poudre Plein Air" competition in Fort Collins, Colorado this July.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVuilkL68-tIocU9N29QcT2p5oQUMSBC_eYhziNu2MLi2EvYg-uul0CGGIRmgq_4TfByNloa9YcovJmgnX4Z724bhBptnQSimzjFrYf5BcuEV4Cru4wKKOYg1uthxi14Zd1oNGDHiMmrY/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVuilkL68-tIocU9N29QcT2p5oQUMSBC_eYhziNu2MLi2EvYg-uul0CGGIRmgq_4TfByNloa9YcovJmgnX4Z724bhBptnQSimzjFrYf5BcuEV4Cru4wKKOYg1uthxi14Zd1oNGDHiMmrY/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drive-in, Mishawaka Style, 12"x9", Oil<br />©Scott Ruthven 2014<br />Fist Place Winner and Purchase Award Winner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaK5xFm8rtRUVWlw-tvyN1P2eRihoDtOJy1x1LGr_Hc5cnTnQx_fRoTwfXACi0B3rOfsotl6U_LOwKrOHRC22DjFrKUdi8J3GhEbzQtlzQnlRdFLCikrgVn4_0eOeKEJhtr-aFWhfWDg3/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaK5xFm8rtRUVWlw-tvyN1P2eRihoDtOJy1x1LGr_Hc5cnTnQx_fRoTwfXACi0B3rOfsotl6U_LOwKrOHRC22DjFrKUdi8J3GhEbzQtlzQnlRdFLCikrgVn4_0eOeKEJhtr-aFWhfWDg3/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" height="400" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balance and Grace, 12"x12", Oil<br />©Scott Ruthven 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBJ8bv9_cPkQtxLBafkfkpFSNbE7wgjsB-OxYAnzTKjlLrL33p63knJPMn5ZltIkCnDpzwP212fGOeKYZKlP7WVRMLf4Og0_eKWNuxKP7VXD6WVDFLgEA20Cd-vQSxTp8hX2vtnzyaRII/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBJ8bv9_cPkQtxLBafkfkpFSNbE7wgjsB-OxYAnzTKjlLrL33p63knJPMn5ZltIkCnDpzwP212fGOeKYZKlP7WVRMLf4Og0_eKWNuxKP7VXD6WVDFLgEA20Cd-vQSxTp8hX2vtnzyaRII/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" height="313" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening Walk, 11"x14", Oil<br />©Scott Ruthven 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjjDAshKv28XBC8IC9nJBfwedrgjucK6WWzPem6optZt76T5HeepptM9JA5fP26kYsVT9n_Om9ZsU-dxuS8_qFWD0cDx33unxnzXH-qMb6rJjZi86srG4l4nbXcfY7LNAMG72AGuptU4o/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjjDAshKv28XBC8IC9nJBfwedrgjucK6WWzPem6optZt76T5HeepptM9JA5fP26kYsVT9n_Om9ZsU-dxuS8_qFWD0cDx33unxnzXH-qMb6rJjZi86srG4l4nbXcfY7LNAMG72AGuptU4o/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quiet Pastures, 11"x14", Oil<br />©Scott Ruthven 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ya45oYpzfIo0uPk-I58ColDzf4Teybh9Glwvetzg9961Jpc3HROjCdAshKx_gDcATWUwswwjms7JJYPDuWmHEZ9-ze8kBF6w6LoR6UEAK4Zl6iTDTzvynpWwHQA1xRAXWB27-8pWqVhX/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ya45oYpzfIo0uPk-I58ColDzf4Teybh9Glwvetzg9961Jpc3HROjCdAshKx_gDcATWUwswwjms7JJYPDuWmHEZ9-ze8kBF6w6LoR6UEAK4Zl6iTDTzvynpWwHQA1xRAXWB27-8pWqVhX/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Light on The Poudre, 9"x12", Oil<br />©Scott Ruthven 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPywuqXyc3wTWiA8ygSGv8Og831JXOxqAfPZAn89HG9FxQeVIlqIXFtVMbZRwTZ-P0aB59AMHQZSpF-_PEPTsAnK_KFBgaJxqyEZ9Kjnsn0LaQ6fEzFiyLG91dQqUvAZQHv9k5Rcx0XTx/s1600/IMG_1492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPywuqXyc3wTWiA8ygSGv8Og831JXOxqAfPZAn89HG9FxQeVIlqIXFtVMbZRwTZ-P0aB59AMHQZSpF-_PEPTsAnK_KFBgaJxqyEZ9Kjnsn0LaQ6fEzFiyLG91dQqUvAZQHv9k5Rcx0XTx/s1600/IMG_1492.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To cap off the week, I was thrilled when the amazing landscape painter, Marc Hanson, awarded my painting "Drive-in, Mishawaka Style" first place! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marc is a wonderful person and artist whom I have learned a lot from over the years. Receiving this award from him is something I never would have imagined just a few years ago.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UFEOVVeFNY9vP1bSOHf6iofRojtzZTEuZuI0MICjKOC0U_cAAPCfpPRYDNGFxwUHDCU0RY0-4zlOoHUBpyW2QrMI_V4FAF3vgx9FG52yVejSefQUqGamoXTsUHc6qic08pHMcTmD0l21/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UFEOVVeFNY9vP1bSOHf6iofRojtzZTEuZuI0MICjKOC0U_cAAPCfpPRYDNGFxwUHDCU0RY0-4zlOoHUBpyW2QrMI_V4FAF3vgx9FG52yVejSefQUqGamoXTsUHc6qic08pHMcTmD0l21/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3peKUcsxhsUswANZ_StVW8sRQiLLTxUTL4V_zpeWZP90FePBo8cqrSE-xb2Y6B6FEbWP3wnoj1ZWDwWYyHpLSBlwRIZXimmtAvxSyW79bn2QtvkWYkg84131ntIfNWihzXO91JdWtRGwR/s1600/10592800_10152311237569226_4421326438719612813_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3peKUcsxhsUswANZ_StVW8sRQiLLTxUTL4V_zpeWZP90FePBo8cqrSE-xb2Y6B6FEbWP3wnoj1ZWDwWYyHpLSBlwRIZXimmtAvxSyW79bn2QtvkWYkg84131ntIfNWihzXO91JdWtRGwR/s1600/10592800_10152311237569226_4421326438719612813_n.jpg" height="366" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving my award!<br />Photo credit: Ani Espriella</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Cheers,<br />
Scott<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-89101392743837086342014-08-31T09:08:00.002-06:002014-08-31T09:08:38.993-06:00Banish Your Paintings To The Closet!The value of putting a painting away for a while then taking a fresh look at it later.<br />
<br />
As artists, we get so involved with a piece that our brain starts to see what it wants and often will overlook the most obvious of flaws. <br />
<br />
Here are two of my paintings where this happened. <br />
<br />
"B's" and Smiley faces<br />
<br />
In the painting with the plane, somehow, the dashes and dots of color I built up in the trees formed a perfect capital 'B'. You can see it dead center in the detail photo (2nd below). It wasn't until I was looking at thumbnails of the painting on my computer that I noticed it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTrX8X-xs07x3qJ7ODTNnzJPzVSCvb1TuYJE2O_Ac1MKHkuodGtt_0Bh2HJIFRzFT6PFiK-jbKFpqnC1EC2u-PUzJf_sFH31u44yTtTOmwrLNE6FAenOXHZv5fbFGBbM5O6y8Gu3q23j_/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scott Ruthven" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTrX8X-xs07x3qJ7ODTNnzJPzVSCvb1TuYJE2O_Ac1MKHkuodGtt_0Bh2HJIFRzFT6PFiK-jbKFpqnC1EC2u-PUzJf_sFH31u44yTtTOmwrLNE6FAenOXHZv5fbFGBbM5O6y8Gu3q23j_/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" height="237" title="Scott Ruthven" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2qRU8O7ImzPJuLyEyiav_-HS6PyZKJmNX0evP6Mq49ZPgZfh65V2jDlG5IRiqYFhyphenhypheneOC7b0prBRKgJ9ex1JC5Igmkdw8fWH4M7B2Mb-kAZ2zRuCms74OeqrJoFncy3EVvwT5C9abDsPE/s1600/IMG_0001_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scott Ruthven" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2qRU8O7ImzPJuLyEyiav_-HS6PyZKJmNX0evP6Mq49ZPgZfh65V2jDlG5IRiqYFhyphenhypheneOC7b0prBRKgJ9ex1JC5Igmkdw8fWH4M7B2Mb-kAZ2zRuCms74OeqrJoFncy3EVvwT5C9abDsPE/s1600/IMG_0001_2.JPG" height="260" title="Scott Ruthven" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
In this painting, done plein air, the tangle of roots and dead branches at the base of the fallen tree formed a pretty clear smiley face, complete with a long nose! It looks like a character from the Wizard of Oz.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU-uTyS9K8aKS4_Ku4CLCMqe8O1GaMbu45Ev2PqPbJGQiyqBSmoE-mEtRpw8lP2wAjMXb8ZF6IBUGCSMWvCScblsDxuwmAFbI4BI7JOtJZc3U71t8GAfcPF-rW6wQe5OShBULW8VpQWq-/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scott Ruthven" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU-uTyS9K8aKS4_Ku4CLCMqe8O1GaMbu45Ev2PqPbJGQiyqBSmoE-mEtRpw8lP2wAjMXb8ZF6IBUGCSMWvCScblsDxuwmAFbI4BI7JOtJZc3U71t8GAfcPF-rW6wQe5OShBULW8VpQWq-/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" height="239" title="Scott Ruthven" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqMS6AWXfzbXf9g9Vu58KVHjKw3BklK7yVvs7zjCQyq20OyGI6Oj5a0BiJ5pnCD0C2p8KkQYB5wA3z9tDsUMMYIxMnKRMhGOyqq9ATlNSTclP-1DhyMVGi8aHc3IL7mkWbt8O77RWeKoW/s1600/IMG_0004_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scott Ruthven" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqMS6AWXfzbXf9g9Vu58KVHjKw3BklK7yVvs7zjCQyq20OyGI6Oj5a0BiJ5pnCD0C2p8KkQYB5wA3z9tDsUMMYIxMnKRMhGOyqq9ATlNSTclP-1DhyMVGi8aHc3IL7mkWbt8O77RWeKoW/s1600/IMG_0004_2.JPG" height="239" title="Scott Ruthven" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Maybe, there is something else happening here...some larger code being delivered through me over the course of my painting career. Hmmmm....just saying :-) Anyway, fixing these was easy enough, you just hope you find these things before the painting makes it out into the world! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, once you find a flaw it is the ONLY thing you can see from then on. It SCREAMS at you to be fixed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Scott </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-39459768673705046472014-04-19T12:16:00.001-06:002014-11-25T10:03:11.546-07:00Ahhh, Springtime!!Finally, Spring has come to Colorado. I love painting winter scenes, but it sure is nice to mix up some greens and dollop on some pure cadmiums!<br />
<br />
Here are two recent paintings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIpnDD5LzlpAhP3K_qiwHn_T-T9lU5W2Wsgok3fdkxJhlrgVm8ro6sL62ulk9L-po6e6OOf7pLh_elzH3DCBTiPIJnjx5TFS14Kp-MeH7lohiILHrdWw88uvkRmgef1mR7YDqiKUkfpNc/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Plein Air" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIpnDD5LzlpAhP3K_qiwHn_T-T9lU5W2Wsgok3fdkxJhlrgVm8ro6sL62ulk9L-po6e6OOf7pLh_elzH3DCBTiPIJnjx5TFS14Kp-MeH7lohiILHrdWw88uvkRmgef1mR7YDqiKUkfpNc/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" height="640" title="Springtime In Boulder Colorado" width="507" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springtime In Boulder, Colorado<br />
10"x8" | Oil on linen panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />Painting this scene of the foothills and snowcapped peaks from Boulder Colorado was a real treat. In this one scene you experience the cold, snowcapped mountains, the foothills, which have just a bit of now on them and the fields bursting with golds and greens of Spring.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /></form>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-dRS5rymFI96Vy7BkTFh3U8M1sRzug5-270PrPqoM9FQtOAOu6fmFZOW7lCwU3ksDauwWiaVvO_ulFSQ9ngEE3PZUJIxQwKc50hmalLigU6EvlSDS5CQzG9Uk6StwR1fKK3EntK4GO53/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Plein Air Garden Birds" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-dRS5rymFI96Vy7BkTFh3U8M1sRzug5-270PrPqoM9FQtOAOu6fmFZOW7lCwU3ksDauwWiaVvO_ulFSQ9ngEE3PZUJIxQwKc50hmalLigU6EvlSDS5CQzG9Uk6StwR1fKK3EntK4GO53/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG" height="640" title="A Spot For Tea" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Spot For Tea<br />
10"x8" | Oil on linen panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />This was a quaint garden at an early 20th century home in Eaton, Colorado. The Forsythia is in full bloom and the larger trees on the property create that wonderful dappled light on the lawn. What a lovely spot to sit with a cup of tea and listen to the birds.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /></form>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-19999170364819150222013-11-14T12:18:00.001-07:002013-11-14T12:18:19.923-07:00Painting At The Historic Daniels & Fisher Tower in Denver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This past September I was given the opportunity to paint from the observation deck on the 14th floor of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniels_&_Fisher_Tower" target="_blank">Daniels and Fisher Tower</a> in downtown Denver. Built in 1910 and modeled after St. Mark's Bell Tower in Venice, Italy, the D&F tower was the tallest structure between the Mississippi and California for decades. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This observation deck is not open to the public but a generous supporter of the arts has offices in the building and extended this offer to a handful of artists.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozX4lb5p6GvuT0OjMoX1uksJTxRiVH2E6Lw4IW2Q2DkippxCwZTrdJVisV4tZimxGL2AbMY_vCFPb9Bw8J_1yp8jrVb2b95X2GCLi2obnZ1NvsszuYzQY7uX2MTMPLAdSim42xiThfx6-/s1600/IMG_2486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozX4lb5p6GvuT0OjMoX1uksJTxRiVH2E6Lw4IW2Q2DkippxCwZTrdJVisV4tZimxGL2AbMY_vCFPb9Bw8J_1yp8jrVb2b95X2GCLi2obnZ1NvsszuYzQY7uX2MTMPLAdSim42xiThfx6-/s640/IMG_2486.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I arrived at 8AM and stepped out onto the three foot wide balcony for a wonderful view of downtown Denver. This deck wraps all the way around the building, allowing me to choose from several views. It was clear, however, that the soft, cool morning light streaming between the buildings and the atmosphere that builds as your eye travels up the long street was what I wanted to capture. <br />
<br />
The street in the painting is 16th and it is closed to cars. Instead, trees are planted down the center with nice, deep sidewalks down either side and in the middle, under the trees.<br />
<br />
I brought several different shaped panels to paint on but felt this 20"x10" format was the best fit. Compositionally, I used the long, dark rectangle on the left...it's a building of course, but for my painting I left it as a single dark tone with only a few suggestions of windows and ledges. This framed the street, gave scale to the buildings and contrasted with the light and detail in the street. Likewise, the distant buildings are suggested tonally but without detail. These distant buildings create an interesting shape and blend with the sky to build the feeling of atmosphere. The corner of the rooftop in the lower left points the view into the picture. From there the delicate shapes of light take your eye on a journey up the street. People walking, the colored awning and details on the building facades on the right give us some places to stop and look at more closely. It is a city waking up, people enjoying a quiet walk and merchants setting up for business.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQJHL1jNosd4SCxRJYcnOGiVzL5y5i7V7pHsWnh307VCVjJwin4cPkPo_kqQj1JxpKHghjtF3ecPdlQ5k5roinkeSp5lYL1bIZqEqmcOGT4LMJ8Gwyy2fgnSRL70zBMubGtXe03f_3ULI/s1600/IMG_2490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQJHL1jNosd4SCxRJYcnOGiVzL5y5i7V7pHsWnh307VCVjJwin4cPkPo_kqQj1JxpKHghjtF3ecPdlQ5k5roinkeSp5lYL1bIZqEqmcOGT4LMJ8Gwyy2fgnSRL70zBMubGtXe03f_3ULI/s640/IMG_2490.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GbUmqm8JfK-ZeCQbaqY57hhyphenhyphenq8yU88063qE0sy5F6eEkjvJTwEBAAolgV3eEyvDEmKR_Ai054CFjsrN-R1FqXw45uwiB9Xy24X_V52XziBkIeGAKW9a4A5_zlLcjaZ3ZcVq52BCkptXY/s1600/IMG_2489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GbUmqm8JfK-ZeCQbaqY57hhyphenhyphenq8yU88063qE0sy5F6eEkjvJTwEBAAolgV3eEyvDEmKR_Ai054CFjsrN-R1FqXw45uwiB9Xy24X_V52XziBkIeGAKW9a4A5_zlLcjaZ3ZcVq52BCkptXY/s400/IMG_2489.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The View!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJn0W4nQBBDMSyipTDDgsiw_bxLJ9sr5TfVopZu2mTi8G819RF4F12ZNPjLFZ1LElYL6psPKU5lh6OvlRl4WXvqJ6VX_91nYHpBzKDL2J_FnZYmsGR2qgux6_1be1WummQHeHZySKZtFy/s1600/IMG_2493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJn0W4nQBBDMSyipTDDgsiw_bxLJ9sr5TfVopZu2mTi8G819RF4F12ZNPjLFZ1LElYL6psPKU5lh6OvlRl4WXvqJ6VX_91nYHpBzKDL2J_FnZYmsGR2qgux6_1be1WummQHeHZySKZtFy/s400/IMG_2493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These are the artists I painted with from left: <a href="http://www.abendgallery.com/html_artists/olson_mikael/olson.htm#.UoUYgShc_0c" target="_blank">Mikael Olson</a>, <a href="http://www.artsatdenver.com/artists/valastro.html" target="_blank">Ken Valastro</a>, <a href="http://www.cherylstjohn.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl St John</a>, <a href="http://www.terrielombardi.com/" target="_blank">Terrie Lombardi</a>. Click their names to check out their art. We were having a toast with our wine served up in bowls since we forgot glasses! Wine in bowls, pizza, and a day of inspired painting with wonderful people....I'm blessed!</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO1wsAVFWkZltJZxpk686nw3FhVFYA8hFnDUuxPE2CsVDhgEiZP5wMPQD3K23AvIATqkwsuZ2kU_rUKUR1zq34rZrspBe-3rx5Yl4ClyaTTOcN_kGUQdUA_TKFrapQGB7A44NUkn-ZUKP/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO1wsAVFWkZltJZxpk686nw3FhVFYA8hFnDUuxPE2CsVDhgEiZP5wMPQD3K23AvIATqkwsuZ2kU_rUKUR1zq34rZrspBe-3rx5Yl4ClyaTTOcN_kGUQdUA_TKFrapQGB7A44NUkn-ZUKP/s640/IMG_0017.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"View of 16th From The D&F Tower" - ©Scott Ruthven<br />20"x10" Oil on canvas panel 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, as if the painting experience wasn't wonderful enough, the painting was juried into the 2013 <a href="http://gtmd.org/colorado-plein-air/" target="_blank">Colorado Plein Air Arts Fest</a> (The country's largest urban event of its kind) where it won the "Prudent Man, Award of Excellence" and sold on opening night!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you like my art please tell your friends by sharing this on <b>Facebook, Twitter or Google+</b> by clicking the links below! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, consider <a href="http://eepurl.com/Iyryr" target="_blank">signing up for my newsletter</a>. I will be offering special pricing on a bunch of paintings for the holiday season soon - available to my newsletter subscribers first!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com3The Daniels and Fisher Tower, 1601 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO 80202, USA39.7481136 -104.9957213000000114.226079100000003 -146.3043153 65.2701481 -63.687127300000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-68786237569235330622013-10-16T05:30:00.000-06:002013-10-16T05:30:04.851-06:00How To Make a Paint Box and Panel Support - Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the second in a series of posts on how to make your own portable painting palette and panel holder for plein air painting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After staining and coating the panels with 2-3 coats of polyurethane the next step is to attach the side trays to the center palette with some hinges. I clamped the side tray/lid pieces to the center palette in their closed position then placed the hinges where I wanted them and drilled pilot holes for their screws. Repeat this for the tray on the opposite side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCzgjmXfe5-03pn1nICIF4-LUHIIp4sjcARiyowb-5twR7Ptbj2xWwR3CROjIqEh-Sg_ktBE7ft5L_Tlt7dSOGUS9UsmdySURYUQYUlYZfxm236mXoXXLbX42BSu_5vlARnXftwnZgAtJ/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCzgjmXfe5-03pn1nICIF4-LUHIIp4sjcARiyowb-5twR7Ptbj2xWwR3CROjIqEh-Sg_ktBE7ft5L_Tlt7dSOGUS9UsmdySURYUQYUlYZfxm236mXoXXLbX42BSu_5vlARnXftwnZgAtJ/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once the hinges are in place I stuck one vinyl feet/bumper next to each hinge as shown below. These provide a stop for the side trays to rest against when in the open position (second picture below). This is important to ensure the side trays don't open past 180º.... because if they do then anything you rest on them (turps, brushes, cellphone) will slide off!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_BG5xegYVFRptXsVCiHK4DXYUwo885rIIzmPy5jhKZU1C4WpdgsyqIs1o30Qc_H4D8r8PzgLQ25pv5hus1-laCsbdKPLk-zzlOJfFvcnAES5yixmVzAQJkoeKk2ZTu6bkYltCQYazEx2/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_BG5xegYVFRptXsVCiHK4DXYUwo885rIIzmPy5jhKZU1C4WpdgsyqIs1o30Qc_H4D8r8PzgLQ25pv5hus1-laCsbdKPLk-zzlOJfFvcnAES5yixmVzAQJkoeKk2ZTu6bkYltCQYazEx2/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkri25FnOPOTLZBRUX_y5EgYiqRagADAdm5smuao3Olguyg-MqkJLsD3QaOmV7Uabl7vtzHNb6wUI3ScKAXA_lHfzG_TOggdscEtWuYjkEDv6HgiD51KCVPoPdbCx_GDNaQtr7UM6iQ5f/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkri25FnOPOTLZBRUX_y5EgYiqRagADAdm5smuao3Olguyg-MqkJLsD3QaOmV7Uabl7vtzHNb6wUI3ScKAXA_lHfzG_TOggdscEtWuYjkEDv6HgiD51KCVPoPdbCx_GDNaQtr7UM6iQ5f/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Now you need some way to attach your new paint box to your tripod. I cut two "L" shapes out of 3/4" plywood (I'll call these the "hooks" from now on). Since each tripod is different I suggest you hold up your new paint box to your tripod to get an idea of how big the hooks should be and where on your paint box they should be mounted.<br />
<br />
Once the hooks are cut out you will need to drill a hole through them and into the side of the palette portion of the paint box. I used a 1/4" threaded bolt that is 3" long to attach my hooks. Therefore, I drilled a 1/4" hole through the hook and palette (see below).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV1KLlO5CxBYF5Tai33pouVDa2V5eV29RHQNqzxSA_4cvnITkyv8LKEP_vMctSSw37ak7cZO6Pghqbudf0zsMhHxSbf7153g-1fKy6LTPHrVwkImmLRi0g4VBEOdyH1OEQJDUBf5cpRy7/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV1KLlO5CxBYF5Tai33pouVDa2V5eV29RHQNqzxSA_4cvnITkyv8LKEP_vMctSSw37ak7cZO6Pghqbudf0zsMhHxSbf7153g-1fKy6LTPHrVwkImmLRi0g4VBEOdyH1OEQJDUBf5cpRy7/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioj8lakWsy7eM_KjL7ZmyGQnjM_fQfmjaClwwos9cpI7LKRlavZh4Slqp19OPuMj31JrnV9GdvIrrdRqGwpjF2NM2qCpKrR5DzRlA9W0m1BEUKrDS96xbbIah-3DEx1QX7qdQyqVKnK7DD/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioj8lakWsy7eM_KjL7ZmyGQnjM_fQfmjaClwwos9cpI7LKRlavZh4Slqp19OPuMj31JrnV9GdvIrrdRqGwpjF2NM2qCpKrR5DzRlA9W0m1BEUKrDS96xbbIah-3DEx1QX7qdQyqVKnK7DD/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now these 1/4"x3" bolts will need to screw into something. So, I decided to use a product called a "T-Nut" pictured below. Basically, these are female threaded parts that have four spikes that bite into the wood and provide a strong hold. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9lkBD7jC_xUwYm-uIQjYT6Ay4wJf4iKe5uJqL_LTvkRPfzM2-a6psNfyHRpENFgCLS39e0Gg7DCGW4WPbSYCMAkYqDvUkatDxJSVvywKQ6TH3WbOo1sHbzCnzY_aVsqUOLdAfsPU_Dyc/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9lkBD7jC_xUwYm-uIQjYT6Ay4wJf4iKe5uJqL_LTvkRPfzM2-a6psNfyHRpENFgCLS39e0Gg7DCGW4WPbSYCMAkYqDvUkatDxJSVvywKQ6TH3WbOo1sHbzCnzY_aVsqUOLdAfsPU_Dyc/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I inserted one T-Nut into each of the 1/4" holes just drilled. Insert them from the INSIDE of the palette and then use a C-Clamp to push the spikes on the T-Nut into the wood.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVp_3nLVXy-JvVcWltlUcmU7PYrgjIj8vLbk84jxnWnjUkRPC9Jl62Y8Q_JLIuF6N4l0c4hEEJLRf3E1vdByCvaxbVrL9Yl4mlELO66s6RRLIyWjpfSlHLvm-_jwW75uoKxSeibkMdcjt/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVp_3nLVXy-JvVcWltlUcmU7PYrgjIj8vLbk84jxnWnjUkRPC9Jl62Y8Q_JLIuF6N4l0c4hEEJLRf3E1vdByCvaxbVrL9Yl4mlELO66s6RRLIyWjpfSlHLvm-_jwW75uoKxSeibkMdcjt/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now go ahead and thread the bolts through the hooks and screw them into the holes with T-nuts on the palette.<br />
<br />
Now, take the palette box to a glass store and have them cut a piece of glass to fit inside the palette. Cutting glass is easy and if you have a cutter and feel comfortable doing it then just pick up a piece of glass from the hardware store and cut it yourself. You don't want the glass to fit too tightly or you risk breaking it. I left a 1/32" gap around the perimeter of the glass. <br />
<br />
I then took some grey oil paint straight from the tube and smeared it on the perimeter of the glass surface filling the gap between the glass and palette box and leaving a thin coating on about 1" of the glass. I took a straight edge razor blade to scrape off excess paint from the glass and leave this nice straight edge before the paint dried. This coat of paint serves two purposes - 1. filling the gap so paint and mineral spirits don't seep under the glass and 2. providing a surface for the puddles of paint to grip to so they don't slide across the slick glass. Let this paint dry thoroughly before you start using the palette.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E0AMouM9Dql9ToVe9BMofwwYEAsCKg2G3fio93wwVyRUX9dn1x_XNK3047lig5_W-AJD4TaGm9CrvyXQnACEar2Nc-X3dkU_IMLCkyhfjpDCpPKPGTFWyHAD4UDMHwpP9jf9pTmYT1Ei/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E0AMouM9Dql9ToVe9BMofwwYEAsCKg2G3fio93wwVyRUX9dn1x_XNK3047lig5_W-AJD4TaGm9CrvyXQnACEar2Nc-X3dkU_IMLCkyhfjpDCpPKPGTFWyHAD4UDMHwpP9jf9pTmYT1Ei/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here's how your paint box / palette should look when open! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCvxKGeQR5QUXq6B2K4ld1JlFZCNEiB_8Nj7P32jG8UGxvmO_7WgL5O7FDwrCnJUDDyUNvEU_lMCArlXtpuv1eTbkQO_0TYJZ0IFKVk0JrIeQFBnrCKy1z3jtLs7B_UY_SjXX3GqB6CaG/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCvxKGeQR5QUXq6B2K4ld1JlFZCNEiB_8Nj7P32jG8UGxvmO_7WgL5O7FDwrCnJUDDyUNvEU_lMCArlXtpuv1eTbkQO_0TYJZ0IFKVk0JrIeQFBnrCKy1z3jtLs7B_UY_SjXX3GqB6CaG/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One other note: I counter-sunk magnets into the ends of the side trays (pictured below). When you close the trays the magnets pull together and keep the box closed and when the trays are in the open position, the magnets are a great place to stick your palette knife to. I bought the magnets then drilled a shallow hole the same size for the magnet to sit in. I then used a two part epoxy to glue the magnets into the holes. These "earth magnets" are strong so you need epoxy to keep them from pulling out when they stick to one another. Magnets are a nice touch but are optional. You could use a clasp or some other type of simple latch to keep the box closed when transporting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MEt-ncPTjHuj4ibTq6sq3PxJAqeTxXm0U2FVIkvYf_ixUkDTbrFAK-xh1I5OvqWXThI_Mh8SLtQhbSV_ji-yQ5JR9Dv3gYrmZCNEcDD2RL5mxWf6Ix7OFMsb_4UC2UpQZAr2gEWZwTxM/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MEt-ncPTjHuj4ibTq6sq3PxJAqeTxXm0U2FVIkvYf_ixUkDTbrFAK-xh1I5OvqWXThI_Mh8SLtQhbSV_ji-yQ5JR9Dv3gYrmZCNEcDD2RL5mxWf6Ix7OFMsb_4UC2UpQZAr2gEWZwTxM/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That completes the palette / paint box. In my next post I will show you how to make the painting panel support.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_S0IYkR9y8ED5-0zRp0aNdhmtdQst1__aoPJuqzmYjg1RSaZ7T2kvZ5ZMah9QAU-93EON2nNT1xE5_Tjr6UiNfM2zHmXIaiEYzooXVrN3BCXeQGbqqOIrfOkZFIoxnomPVdTyP4aHebc/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_S0IYkR9y8ED5-0zRp0aNdhmtdQst1__aoPJuqzmYjg1RSaZ7T2kvZ5ZMah9QAU-93EON2nNT1xE5_Tjr6UiNfM2zHmXIaiEYzooXVrN3BCXeQGbqqOIrfOkZFIoxnomPVdTyP4aHebc/s320/IMG_0011.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closed palette box shown here hanging from my tripod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-52083731754972746722013-10-08T17:10:00.001-06:002013-10-15T21:31:20.616-06:00How To Make An Inexpensive Paint Box and Panel Holder for Plein Air Painting - Part IOk, so here's a way to make a very functional, nice looking paint box and panel holder for under $80 bucks. This is the type of setup I hook on to my tripod for painting plein air. <br />
<br />
This paint box and panel holder can be made inexpensively and relatively quickly. <u>However</u>, you will need to use a table saw, hand saw, drill and electric sander. Please be sure you follow all safety recommendations for these tools...it is much harder to paint if you cut off your hands.<br />
<br />
You can buy this type of setup already made from <a href="http://artboxandpanel.com/" target="_blank">James Coulter</a> and I highly recommend you do so because he makes great product and you won't have to labor over it to save a few bucks. I however, happen to enjoy woodworking and love to customize stuff to my needs so I made my own. Remember the adage: Do as I say, not as I do.<br />
<br />
Here is a photo of the finished palette box and panel holder:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqUcQyjHIm5I7QuEOYWSIjNY8w5TfSBcONpS6YIOBuWmrRcBH1d-j4VOUau1jg1AZJlslANsLssm8XRQe759elQjJFiCvJVq9HPoKZqjUsQstcuJsD3FE3VamZCo6wG5MEIUtacD9fQzd/s1600/Palette+Box+setup+open+with+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqUcQyjHIm5I7QuEOYWSIjNY8w5TfSBcONpS6YIOBuWmrRcBH1d-j4VOUau1jg1AZJlslANsLssm8XRQe759elQjJFiCvJVq9HPoKZqjUsQstcuJsD3FE3VamZCo6wG5MEIUtacD9fQzd/s400/Palette+Box+setup+open+with+painting.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To make this project as easy as possible I'm using two <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/items/13666-1114/" target="_blank">Blick brand cradled panels</a> for the palette box; one becomes the mixing palette and the other is cut in half to become the side trays / lid. <br />
<br />
In this case I used 11"x14" panels but 9"x12" would make a nice box too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The panels are shown below...the one on the right is in its wrapping still and you are seeing the front surface. The one on the left has been unwrapped and I'm showing the back side here. Note, when I took this photo I had already applied a grey paint to the inside of the back which I will discuss more below. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vFBwGmYsrCduKCAc7tE4nF2quspBaJmE1WhATqziUGbZDD-t4GP1tCZlTkRTVFq2LLfs_iw08emwc59Lao14cNE58p78stnD87Q5yCg6v3HRTs78AxC_mECYBRmEEg7Y6zNvYCp-STQd/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vFBwGmYsrCduKCAc7tE4nF2quspBaJmE1WhATqziUGbZDD-t4GP1tCZlTkRTVFq2LLfs_iw08emwc59Lao14cNE58p78stnD87Q5yCg6v3HRTs78AxC_mECYBRmEEg7Y6zNvYCp-STQd/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b><u>Cutting your panel</u></b><br />
Take <u>one</u> of the panels and measure out and mark a point exactly half way along the long edge. (14" long panel, so 7" is the midpoint - you're welcome.) Cut this one panel in half at the midpoint mark you made. You can use a handsaw but the table saw will give a precise cut.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7reLG2D94SUs1LoBsx6O0bM2phIUf1hSLbsjkPbXerMEpTluAzLzhaDNJOXCvjBdSvmxdnmWzR1EcyMeHO1yQzlLa2-_TvumCxkN-GCscQhuuzvB1Tq5NN07SAVt3HpxuxYDvpcLjNuhw/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7reLG2D94SUs1LoBsx6O0bM2phIUf1hSLbsjkPbXerMEpTluAzLzhaDNJOXCvjBdSvmxdnmWzR1EcyMeHO1yQzlLa2-_TvumCxkN-GCscQhuuzvB1Tq5NN07SAVt3HpxuxYDvpcLjNuhw/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one panel after being cut in half</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The photo below shows how the two halves will be oriented on either side of the second panel. The second panel is NOT cut in half since it becomes the center of your palette box. The backside of this panel becomes the palette where you will squirt out your colors and mix paint while painting. <br />
<br />
<i>One note: when you cut the first panel in half, if you used a table saw, the blade removed 1/8" of wood. So, when you put the two halves back together they now measure approximately 13 7/8". You will need to trim 1/8" of an inch off of the outside short edge of the remaining panel so it measures 11"x13 7/8". That will make this bottom palette the same size as the two halves put together since they will become the lid to the palette when closed. Sorry if that's confusing :-(</i><br />
<br />
I prefer my palette be a mid-tone grey to help me better judge color mixes. Therefore, I used some grey oil paint to tone this palette. Simply paint it on the inside back surface and rub it in a bit with a cloth to remove the excess paint and reveal a bit of the wood grain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wq1tDvGV7YIwA3r74EFQyB53S4oRYRYPq0S-XMHUgGBMKcZuNsZyg107ECGueY8XPSps7qU8FvpTVH73b3IzO0jP1zeXoobBoJVKY0yoWsifiUz6OIpfe6jY2wCs00OyViCmfBjwCpTV/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wq1tDvGV7YIwA3r74EFQyB53S4oRYRYPq0S-XMHUgGBMKcZuNsZyg107ECGueY8XPSps7qU8FvpTVH73b3IzO0jP1zeXoobBoJVKY0yoWsifiUz6OIpfe6jY2wCs00OyViCmfBjwCpTV/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The center palette with the two "wings" set out on either side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div>
<u><b>Sanding, staining and coating with polyurethane</b></u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The cradled panels come nicely sanded but you might need to smooth the edges from the cut you made. Just lightly sand the cut edges with 150 grit sandpaper so any splinters are removed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, blow or wipe away all dust from the surfaces to prepare the wood for stain. To customize the look, I chose to first stain the outside perimeter with a stain (red in this case). This is optional...skip it if you want and just use the polyurethane. After the stain had dried overnight I put a coat of polyurethane on all surfaces <u>EXCEPT</u> the grey palette surface that has oil paint on it. The polyurethane probably won't stick to the oil paint and I will be putting a piece of glass on it later anyway. You will have to apply the poly to one side of the panel at a time so that can dry before you flip them over to coat the other side. The first coat of polyurethane will take a day to dry since it is soaking into the wood. Subsequent coats will dry in six hours or less (depending on the temp and humidity). I put three coats of polyurethane on. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are the products I used:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGtQb5QG60Q8505Oj1qD4ZK2pUOJA5oCX78iM8rIfdKselgbRMkcR0YagnBqSC9oLaNHFfpGn3z6VAuAipIQFDICuUCuShGFxOKhWzdFOs701rqyjMYU1miV9bocdGxzuj5vd5TdafNa4/s1600/Polyurethane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGtQb5QG60Q8505Oj1qD4ZK2pUOJA5oCX78iM8rIfdKselgbRMkcR0YagnBqSC9oLaNHFfpGn3z6VAuAipIQFDICuUCuShGFxOKhWzdFOs701rqyjMYU1miV9bocdGxzuj5vd5TdafNa4/s320/Polyurethane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay tuned for part II where we will cut some more pieces and assemble the box!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-38897252603179885772013-09-30T09:23:00.000-06:002014-11-25T10:04:59.054-07:00Paint'n Cows<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht09re6Nx4boCWQUXpD1DlUA0cwdg1JcPlNHo5PADY9hjK0lXklEsgXCBN6VX3AQd9OnJoVdUXzoyc7565sDkhgmMBZR470FC0vAfERebxkR4PrLIFT6q-jJT9DqqXnpBasrudLGxDu8Pj/s1600/Lunchtime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht09re6Nx4boCWQUXpD1DlUA0cwdg1JcPlNHo5PADY9hjK0lXklEsgXCBN6VX3AQd9OnJoVdUXzoyc7565sDkhgmMBZR470FC0vAfERebxkR4PrLIFT6q-jJT9DqqXnpBasrudLGxDu8Pj/s640/Lunchtime.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunchtime | 6"x8" | Oil on mounted linen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There's something so therapeutic about painting cows grazing in a pasture. I painted this group as they meandered around a lush, tree-lined field. At times they would come up to the fence right next to me and check me out. Of course I would talk to them...like I talk to any animal that comes up to see what I'm doing. The time spent in nature observing these creatures makes me so thrilled to be an artist.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your Facebook "likes" too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-11227744684579348912013-09-22T21:32:00.001-06:002013-09-22T21:32:03.818-06:00Matterhorn Commission<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbinm5Yx_oiAVOPGn1jTjRTfWns81ctIMFax_Nq7rPqK1WPri3RWq9qyS9_OnNUM4UJSuUG_wBGFeKvSZv90cXSZGtEv9DZjv1XJ5EAzYHKeD6AGNryogFJfGPAOyy38soQg8CkK0XQo-e/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbinm5Yx_oiAVOPGn1jTjRTfWns81ctIMFax_Nq7rPqK1WPri3RWq9qyS9_OnNUM4UJSuUG_wBGFeKvSZv90cXSZGtEv9DZjv1XJ5EAzYHKeD6AGNryogFJfGPAOyy38soQg8CkK0XQo-e/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matterhorn<br />10"x8" Oil </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This piece was a commission done from a photo reference. I've never been to Switzerland so the photo was all I had to go on. Since the mountain is the focal point I put the foreground in shadow and suggested some rooftops so as to acknowledge the characteristic mountain chalet in the photo but not let it compete with the focal point.<br />
<br />
Fun to do and the clients loved it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-58582656730219194002013-09-17T21:31:00.000-06:002014-06-13T08:12:17.521-06:00A Light Amid the Forest<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntQKWPv_AIz-7jsVI8Mg39cYq9P1by8lSvSo1f10-BOwGYhyphenhyphenQTKt9ePsAbsXVUfhJ7MW7V7IKN5RPS28wzRSsxOziHUPhohlbqGda2suMC1LAlzENHkd8V_EfWA0nutAgFv8QpGJagJR5/s1600/A+Light+Amid+the+Forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Scott Ruthven" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntQKWPv_AIz-7jsVI8Mg39cYq9P1by8lSvSo1f10-BOwGYhyphenhyphenQTKt9ePsAbsXVUfhJ7MW7V7IKN5RPS28wzRSsxOziHUPhohlbqGda2suMC1LAlzENHkd8V_EfWA0nutAgFv8QpGJagJR5/s640/A+Light+Amid+the+Forest.jpg" height="640" title="A Light Amid the Forest" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Light Amid the Forest<br />
8"x6" Oil on linen panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1627405561"></span><span id="goog_1627405562"></span>Sometimes you just have to look up for inspiration. I was walking along a stream in the foothills West of Boulder Colorado looking for something to paint when I looked up to see this one branch of an Aspen tree glowing with light. Against the cool, dark forest interior, the leaves themselves seemed to be the source of the light. I set up my gear as fast as possible and went to work to capture the fleeting effect.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-59628968414618450012013-09-15T16:19:00.000-06:002014-11-25T10:05:45.426-07:00Winter Silhouette<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimztR8ByKVrntJjpDJs6nX-O3jdfgIaFp9rcIhEF4B8sCSvyfJVVnrBdRdjQ9GQSQurnpGPE40X6L-vrHCpuy6UjOhxa85vPhrh60EYcsbZ5mM0a0AVGOtPaMKZFKXwJnnfu61mftA4xBT/s1600/Winter+Silhouette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimztR8ByKVrntJjpDJs6nX-O3jdfgIaFp9rcIhEF4B8sCSvyfJVVnrBdRdjQ9GQSQurnpGPE40X6L-vrHCpuy6UjOhxa85vPhrh60EYcsbZ5mM0a0AVGOtPaMKZFKXwJnnfu61mftA4xBT/s640/Winter+Silhouette.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Silhouette<br />
9"x12" Oil on linen panel </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This painting is all about the flowing lines of the tree and it's shadow along with the contrast of warm and cool colors. <br />
<br />
Thanks for looking.<br />
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-50547933384835432013-09-11T06:00:00.000-06:002014-06-13T08:26:08.436-06:00San Pellegrinos & Lime<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORMImXBIGCvoQ3c_jXr-CWdP6vANawc9v5666lfQ_vvlD-Una2yi920gslw2eJZjfZhG5tGH-n19MC-K2DL9dIUgMgOrGZF12hGRALIfGpPyV6S6AukhMhMHufyqlnyIVO6ICJmqjn-ji/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Denver Museum Residences Rooftop Terrace Garden" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORMImXBIGCvoQ3c_jXr-CWdP6vANawc9v5666lfQ_vvlD-Una2yi920gslw2eJZjfZhG5tGH-n19MC-K2DL9dIUgMgOrGZF12hGRALIfGpPyV6S6AukhMhMHufyqlnyIVO6ICJmqjn-ji/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" height="400" title="San Pellegrinos & Lime" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Pellegrinos & Lime<br />
10"x8" | Oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was invited to paint atop an exclusive rooftop garden at the <a href="http://museumresidences.com/" target="_blank">Museum Residences</a> in downtown Denver. I, along with a few other artists, enjoyed a catered lunch up there and then painted at our leisure for the afternoon. I painted the above view of the radiant umbrellas and bold diagonals in the architecture and landscaping. This property is adjacent to the <a href="http://www.denverartmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Denver Art Museum</a> which is an architectural marvel who's style elements are echoed in the Museum Residences property. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6V3VL0vfAle0GBlB-DS4WFi8cl2j9xRM758lxXMjJKd3NTuzbcXrob-4Q-z6JsR3CPC5wupJOV_RBnX5A0XMFeqz0HyzPUwWz2JeUn6dkdTzk0ld-EZsud7xRuPF880HIyjFfYeyXluk/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6V3VL0vfAle0GBlB-DS4WFi8cl2j9xRM758lxXMjJKd3NTuzbcXrob-4Q-z6JsR3CPC5wupJOV_RBnX5A0XMFeqz0HyzPUwWz2JeUn6dkdTzk0ld-EZsud7xRuPF880HIyjFfYeyXluk/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.arch2o.com/denver-art-museum-daniel-libeskind/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://arch2o.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Arch2o-Denver-Art-Museum-Daniel-Libeskind-4.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arch2o.com/denver-art-museum-daniel-libeskind/" target="_blank">The Denver Art Museum Photo by Daniel Libeskind via Arch2o.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That evening, residents and some guests who are well connected in the Denver art world were invited up to watch us paint a quick-draw piece and enjoy great food and wine. Our completed quick-draw paintings were then auctioned off.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq1jMbssMK-Iy_OE6rmX1T94iG9xqn5oOcanvhIJQbxno4YDqNFZvt33ATcN8gccFEWbKVsG1Nf8x0GIwJ9mfpwc3J2ttuxFT8qO-tJG6uSWvGvuukehR4wXjVtfn9LOI-3AGFLU4GxF_/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq1jMbssMK-Iy_OE6rmX1T94iG9xqn5oOcanvhIJQbxno4YDqNFZvt33ATcN8gccFEWbKVsG1Nf8x0GIwJ9mfpwc3J2ttuxFT8qO-tJG6uSWvGvuukehR4wXjVtfn9LOI-3AGFLU4GxF_/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My quick-draw piece<br />
11th Avenue Hotel | 10"x8" | Oil<br />
Sold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq9ESDT_IjiMiuC_XMyPGW-ObbO41bdW1PU4aqg25IK_qvo9gFdgWS6lMJtPMmIxdlT6legV7WfpCsVHW_S6BqlPg90kDne_JOOslt4sLTeD85sOjqETerC7eDH-89FsQXp2N5i5Rf2FC/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq9ESDT_IjiMiuC_XMyPGW-ObbO41bdW1PU4aqg25IK_qvo9gFdgWS6lMJtPMmIxdlT6legV7WfpCsVHW_S6BqlPg90kDne_JOOslt4sLTeD85sOjqETerC7eDH-89FsQXp2N5i5Rf2FC/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VIfthtOzFXWz49MX4Rr6IvdcnqJT4fEiX8rV9lDFoGWccMzKX0zhUlHmw8jfBle0hxnOxAppXZuWoHabs7l1EgNDHYTIvu_rs41Jy4gb4xnXaalmykeAl8lpKlJfHS2W1Cng_Az53WKs/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VIfthtOzFXWz49MX4Rr6IvdcnqJT4fEiX8rV9lDFoGWccMzKX0zhUlHmw8jfBle0hxnOxAppXZuWoHabs7l1EgNDHYTIvu_rs41Jy4gb4xnXaalmykeAl8lpKlJfHS2W1Cng_Az53WKs/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I entered "San Pellegrinos & Lime" in the Colorado Plein Air Festival competition and it was awarded 2nd place in the professional artists category!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljQytp6-CnPPdeX3NqhOn4B_C7DrmlhdSzi436zZh-KNdkaVXQnOZVL5RKsM6qp9dC8k9nvbn9Pu4CQ916LzLVHSjTFxDNg7ToJc8XCdzU9bvldd7SuL5iOlhPmUCqjYW8M5_6L_1aT3u/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljQytp6-CnPPdeX3NqhOn4B_C7DrmlhdSzi436zZh-KNdkaVXQnOZVL5RKsM6qp9dC8k9nvbn9Pu4CQ916LzLVHSjTFxDNg7ToJc8XCdzU9bvldd7SuL5iOlhPmUCqjYW8M5_6L_1aT3u/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" height="320" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Pellegrinos & Lime<br />Colorado Plein Air Arts Fest 2nd place winner 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwX4BttXwMy8QaycipFE8V9AE8N8za6lT50Z1g-8L_KT0BZcAyvYKkQR1a0VAaFtgg6Q4IAOGwVoK4v07MGRoV9hcVVaaw6mfG8b7Si2E09uFdJxMwyKhXY7fVZHWXwDB7NJo-PNrfMSR/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwX4BttXwMy8QaycipFE8V9AE8N8za6lT50Z1g-8L_KT0BZcAyvYKkQR1a0VAaFtgg6Q4IAOGwVoK4v07MGRoV9hcVVaaw6mfG8b7Si2E09uFdJxMwyKhXY7fVZHWXwDB7NJo-PNrfMSR/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com2Denver Art Museum, 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204, USA39.737099500000006 -104.9890937999999839.346519500000007 -105.63454079999998 40.127679500000006 -104.34364679999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-67079275203683053862013-09-10T05:00:00.000-06:002014-11-25T10:06:21.745-07:00Mt. Audubon - Indian Peaks Wilderness Colorado<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0dYEDC9NTDFNG_gbfPJ97v6cEu6_PKb0IbuiICNCvGOnsxIoc86lV9rx7u_TcGH-gpaKIvfYh6NfwlfXB58eW2JhIQfofPMb6aWhJvjfGfyjPlavxabYDLzh2bgAkjvdSpJUEn4UK6ni/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0dYEDC9NTDFNG_gbfPJ97v6cEu6_PKb0IbuiICNCvGOnsxIoc86lV9rx7u_TcGH-gpaKIvfYh6NfwlfXB58eW2JhIQfofPMb6aWhJvjfGfyjPlavxabYDLzh2bgAkjvdSpJUEn4UK6ni/s400/IMG_0007.JPG" height="387" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Audubon<br />
12"x12" Oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This scene I painted looking at Mt. Audubon from Brainard Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness of Colorado. As usual this time of year, the day started with beautiful blue skies and brilliant light. By late afternoon the clouds had formed and the scene had totally changed. This is a wonderful area to hike.<br />
<br />
Thanks for looking!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0Mount Audubon, Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado 80481, USA40.0988749 -105.6163912000000114.576840399999998 -146.9249852 65.6209094 -64.30779720000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-75982640106269923782013-09-07T16:19:00.000-06:002013-10-01T18:21:58.505-06:00The Historic Ryssby Church in Longmont, Colorado<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsysHwBUqbqkc1Pf085RW_HhcdUNpvEdMjVh5y9Ajk-yl6oY0OtujlISqTCAPNJu7WYFMHFVm9Q5z7lu3XKy6VXG9-3aMA_2EGw1lr8hvu1uDzoxhiRL2T2lHXAW2ErXY0aR26CeTkFnt/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsysHwBUqbqkc1Pf085RW_HhcdUNpvEdMjVh5y9Ajk-yl6oY0OtujlISqTCAPNJu7WYFMHFVm9Q5z7lu3XKy6VXG9-3aMA_2EGw1lr8hvu1uDzoxhiRL2T2lHXAW2ErXY0aR26CeTkFnt/s400/IMG_0005.JPG" title="Ryssby Church" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryssby Church<br />
8"x10" Oil <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Sold</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found this wonderful old church outside of Longmont Colorado a couple of weeks ago. It happened to be late afternoon and the colors were wonderful so I pulled over, set up my painting gear and painted like mad until dark. The beautiful roses and other flowers planted in the bed along the back wall drew me in; they were so vibrant against the aged stone wall. I also like the sunset light reflecting on the side windows and the purple mountains. What a beautiful and serene place.<br />
<br />
This church was part of the first Swedish settlement in Colorado back in 1882 and was modeled after the settler's church in Ryssby, Sweden.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to the church's web page: <a href="http://www.ryssbychurch.org/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.ryssbychurch.org/index.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com1Boulder, CO, USA40.121140521598221 -105.2052497863769540.108998521598224 -105.22541978637695 40.133282521598218 -105.18507978637696tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-21347774829624535562013-08-20T08:31:00.000-06:002013-08-20T08:31:23.025-06:00An Update From Plein Air Rockies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
I'm very fortunate to be one of the 34 artists from the USA and Russia competing in this year's <a href="http://www.estesarts.com/pleinair/Artists.asp" target="_blank">"Plein Air Rockies" event in Estes Park, Colorado.</a> We paint from August 10th through the 22nd and all our paintings go on display and for sale on August 25th.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
I've been painting in Rocky Mountain National Park and in the town of Estes Park and have thoroughly enjoyed it!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Here's I'm just setting up to paint a boat scene. I had to really focus to complete this big painting before the afternoon storms rolled in so no in-progress shots. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6k5c64bbQZgN4o-fhfKS7CKee823ob4ABxsZO3KaMHPOPKLjaV86U5osY4PckrXKR-1JcmjdIfCfsddCR_kSXxrJsnTL9kppGVbA42D1ujjHCUpqp4gNu0EB7TEyO1OR3NkGQYDEwYVb/s1600/IMG_2184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6k5c64bbQZgN4o-fhfKS7CKee823ob4ABxsZO3KaMHPOPKLjaV86U5osY4PckrXKR-1JcmjdIfCfsddCR_kSXxrJsnTL9kppGVbA42D1ujjHCUpqp4gNu0EB7TEyO1OR3NkGQYDEwYVb/s320/IMG_2184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This is my finished painting at Milner's pass...10,000'+ elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w2GE7YEAi5_2VmxwmbFRMTLtPC3reLZoi2-Hld1skGNbPAsw69-SxmcO9FLcw_fzW9yW1U3epR3UD_wdFnlKGcTO0qsHpXc0ZNwy_pmtoI5n2VKwq5Tg7GafvBRD6SrqHcmupxS_WNKD/s1600/IMG_2209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w2GE7YEAi5_2VmxwmbFRMTLtPC3reLZoi2-Hld1skGNbPAsw69-SxmcO9FLcw_fzW9yW1U3epR3UD_wdFnlKGcTO0qsHpXc0ZNwy_pmtoI5n2VKwq5Tg7GafvBRD6SrqHcmupxS_WNKD/s400/IMG_2209.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In progress shot of the Estes Park Aerial Tramway:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikibiSjsF3740YyDMjeMVU-SW2VyPM778NaKzP5yx19c_BmGfSxCCsPdBRSWII8fSmt4FjGuGcmGLhfnV0276gwaH3GV00uPj-J0EID60xfSgVl4XjcBsG8vJgBFIhlB-azQdk5IBhMDqG/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikibiSjsF3740YyDMjeMVU-SW2VyPM778NaKzP5yx19c_BmGfSxCCsPdBRSWII8fSmt4FjGuGcmGLhfnV0276gwaH3GV00uPj-J0EID60xfSgVl4XjcBsG8vJgBFIhlB-azQdk5IBhMDqG/s320/IMG_2282.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
An Estes Park native!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtT_djJFerNJzEYtE_MZFWFkLi5qGZQdTrjchOLzuAm9E4TT7umSDI5ACWQ_1OTaiRQXG8cMRGeH3OHQw1MqXIDhFuqlJdhS4DvYJOWldCDoLXf_db9gb7lSlmf61kcgk4Gm2Hqzm1pIH/s1600/IMG_2298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtT_djJFerNJzEYtE_MZFWFkLi5qGZQdTrjchOLzuAm9E4TT7umSDI5ACWQ_1OTaiRQXG8cMRGeH3OHQw1MqXIDhFuqlJdhS4DvYJOWldCDoLXf_db9gb7lSlmf61kcgk4Gm2Hqzm1pIH/s320/IMG_2298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll post more as the event wraps up. Wish me luck on the competition and sale!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0Estes Park, CO, USA40.3772059 -105.521665140.2804199 -105.6830266 40.4739919 -105.36030360000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-13460838902259700632013-08-05T19:03:00.002-06:002013-08-05T19:03:26.171-06:00Juried Shows and Positive Affirmations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpd09HbPONB3Ce-7LnViFYoOopw50GhbI747lGGgcx-66bDrMkhh6BtDFXRyGXjLi4fbmQOA4EnzJjGzd-5rcCP7lS4XPqJaUCO6ZXnEnnAIL5D0QPwOhp1U66_ZJA7BMz9GqIh9iCOB8I/s1600/image003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpd09HbPONB3Ce-7LnViFYoOopw50GhbI747lGGgcx-66bDrMkhh6BtDFXRyGXjLi4fbmQOA4EnzJjGzd-5rcCP7lS4XPqJaUCO6ZXnEnnAIL5D0QPwOhp1U66_ZJA7BMz9GqIh9iCOB8I/s640/image003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a busy time of year and I'm so blessed with the opportunities that have come my way in the past year. I dropped off three paintings for the PAAC show opening in Denver this coming Friday night. As I looked at the other art being dropped off I realized how incredible it was and just how lucky I am to have three paintings juried into this peer group.<br />
<br />
In addition, I've been accepted to paint in the Plein Air Rockies 2013 in Estes Park Colorado. This event starts next week but participating artists were allowed two paintings to display / sell in a "Prelude show". This gives patrons an opportunity to see some of our finished work while we are out painting for the plein air show. I took two additional paintings with me on the day of the drop off and mentioned to the show chair I had extra paintings if they needed to fill more wall space, to which she replied "well, bring them in with the others and we'll take a look". After having unwrapped only two of the four she said "oh ya, we'll take all four!" This kind of positive affirmation about my work feels so wonderful. Let's face it, our family and friends will always offer kind words of encouragement but acceptance into juried shows, positive comments from strangers and of course, sales really provide me the unbiased feedback that says I must be doing something right.<br />
<br />
I'll post more on these events as they come and go.<br />
<br />
Thanks for visiting!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301737421253604765.post-4177893227526591602013-08-03T11:24:00.000-06:002013-08-03T11:24:20.974-06:00Three Tips For Painting Better NocturnesAs I paint more nocturnes I'm learning more about what works. Here are some key learnings I want to share with you.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Have a good light - I use a book light with two LED's and two stages of brightness. The clip end houses the 2 AAA batteries. Get a light with a balanced light color...not too blue or yellow. New, high output bulbs produce a nice white light. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Pre-tone your canvas a dark color. I'm still experimenting with this but find that if I tone my canvas black or some dark mix of an earth tone and ultramarine blue and let that dry it is much easier to start the painting. If you start with a white surface you have to lay down a lot of darks...which will muddy up your lights when you go to put them in. Much of this struggle is eliminated if you begin with a dark, dry surface.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Slow down and enjoy the painting. Take time to let your eyes acclimate to the darkness. There is so much subtle variation and there is no hurry since the light sources are fixed (signs, street lights) and you don't have any moving shadows. Basically, depending on the scene, you might have all night so take your time to really see the color and value relationships and work to get those right on your canvas the first time. Having said this, I have been happily painting a scene when all of a sudden the main lit sign in my painting shut off for the night. Oh well, that happens....just pack it up and try again another night.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I painted this scene of a railroad crossing out in the country. It took me about 3 hours and I wrapped it up at about 1:30AM. I parked off the side of the dirt road and painted from inside of the bed of my pickup. One car passed me in three hours...otherwise there was no other light source and no people anywhere around. It was so peaceful and relaxed. I learned a lot by taking my time on this one.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_A8KzyAtUP4ofyFKZ3g4sxWoAwBeqAZiw0Hq63WLfW5rxKMuLisa52gqYSif6_02El1R7XJkx1x01WtE846VuOutAelmb1AEvJ7rOsdy2yYOHh0rzGZwgcYvdyeRqfTr-aPQeQFMlgo0k/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_A8KzyAtUP4ofyFKZ3g4sxWoAwBeqAZiw0Hq63WLfW5rxKMuLisa52gqYSif6_02El1R7XJkx1x01WtE846VuOutAelmb1AEvJ7rOsdy2yYOHh0rzGZwgcYvdyeRqfTr-aPQeQFMlgo0k/s640/IMG_0010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"1AM at the Crossing" © Scott Ruthven</div>
<div>
8"x10" | Oil on linen panel</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Scott Ruthvenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18247103895427029251noreply@blogger.com4