Uncovering the Past!!

Yesterday, we visited with my mother-in-law celebrating Mother's Day, and to my surprise she had uncovered a painting of her father that I had done in 1977. She had kept it stored in a plastic bag hidden in her closet for the past 32 years. About a month ago, I had asked her if she still had the painting, and that I would love to see it again, and show my kids some of my artwork from the good old days.

In 1977, I had enrolled in an evening painting class at our local high-school. We learnt in class how to "paint" using a palette knife (or more properly a painting knife) with oil paints. A painting knife is different than a palette knife, due to the curved blade, where your fingers hold the knife. A palette knife has a flat straight blade.

This is the original photo. On my own at home, I found this tiny 1" x 1.25" passport photo of hubby's grandpa, Peter Funk. and painted it on a large 16" x 20" masonite panel. Mind you, I did not have the luxury of enlarging it on a photocopy machine or using my Kopy Kate light projector. No such thing.
We've been talking on the Educational Forum, about a limited palette, and I remember many paintings that I did back then with only a handful of oil paints. The following rendition of my hubby's Opa is a monotone painting using Burnt Umber & White to lighten & some Black to darken his suit.

Looking at the painting now, some 32 years later, I can definitely see some flaws, (I've also made him skinnier), but I was just a beginner painter, and for that I think I did ok. Remembering that this large painting was first sketched free-hand from a tiny, tiny photo, then completely painted with a painting knife, no brushes involved, makes me rather proud of it. I didn't even own any oil brushes, just two special knives that I still use today... but not for painting, just for mixing colors. I haven't painted with a knife since 1977, don't even know if I still know how, haha.

Thought I would share a relic from the past. I think it's about time that I frame this painting, and proudly display it in my home. Hubby suggested painting it with Tradition's paints, but it's kinda sentimental... not sure if I want to paint it again. I like the memory of it... one of a kind.
till later Frieda

Planting while others are Painting!!

While a bunch of you were painting at the Jansen's...lucky you... I was at the Shanty property clearing dead bush and planting new white pine seedlings. But, it was great fun sharing this time with our family, and the weather was fantastic... sunny and just right for working.
Rita and Alex taking out some of the dead balsam fir trees to make room for the new pines.

Digging a basketball size hole is no easy feat... lots of rocks in the way. Used a pick axe to remove them and make it large enough for the tree roots.


While Rita & I dug the holes and John hauled dirt and helped us plant, Rob & Alex hauled water from the Bay. Could have used a mule, but the guys did a great job.

Doesn't look like much yet, but hopefully if the deer, porcupine and rabbits don't find our baby trees first, we should have 30 tall white pines filling in the backyard of the Shanty, and hiding the outhouse and woodshed.


Saturday was work day, and Sunday we were all in agreement... we needed a day of rest... so we slept and read novels and relaxed.
It wasn't a painting weekend... but I did read a whole novel, which was a great read!!

Felt great to be outdoors enjoying the fresh air, then relaxing by the shore watching the sunsets. till later Frieda