Making Cradled Panels

 

PAINTING TIPS, SUPPLIES, TOOLS, GEAR, FRAMES

Cradled Panels

POSTED ON JULY 17, 2022 BY CHARLENE MARSH

Cradled Panels

This week I have been making cradled panels.  Usually I just use cut panels and then pop them in a frame when the painting is done.  But I am wanting to work in some larger, non-standard sizes.  Using a cradle will allow me to either leave the finished painting unframed or add a simple, strip frame to it.  Also, the cradle provides bracing to keep larger panels from bending.

Panel Prep

The panels were prepared in advance.  I had these pieces cut at Lowe’s where they did it for free on their large, vertical cutter.  Lowe’s has an employee/owner relationship with their staff so the service is really great there.  The staff is invested in the success of the company.   A young man walked with me around the store to get everything on my list.  Try to get that kind of service at the other Big Box stores!

Sealing the panels

I seal the front with GAC 100 which makes sure that anything from the hardboard panel will not bleed through and discolor the oil painting over time.  Next, I gesso the front and back with two coats of white gesso.  Lastly, I tint the front with two coats of acrylic red paint.

Panels vs. Canvas

I prefer painting on panels as they hold up better to the palette knives.  Stretched canvas has too much flexibility and bounce to it.  Archivally, panels are better, too, because the flexing canvas can cause the paint to flake off over time.

“Woodshop” and large cradled panel with weights while the glue dries.

Woodshop on the Deck

My “woodshop” is the deck so decent weather is crucial.  Luckily, I had a stretch of glorious weather to get the job done.  A hand held circular saw is woefully inadequate but it was manageable when I was cutting bigger pieces.  Trying to trim 1/4″ off the 1″ x 2″ pieces was impossible.  A miter saw is on the Vision Board!  Anyway, I went over to a friend’s woodshop to cut those pieces.  They had a really cool miter saw with a laser light to mark the cutting line.  With the right tools, working with wood isn’t too bad.  Although I still prefer working with malleable paint.

Gorilla Glue

Using 1″ x 2″ pine strips, I cut them to the needed length and width to fit around the edges of the panels.  Then I added a bead line of Gorilla Wood Glue to the edge of the strip and added it to the edge of the already gessoed and tinted panel.

Art books weighing down the pine strips on the cradled panels.

Art Books for Weights for Cradled Panels

I put my collection of art books to good use weighing done the strips until the Gorilla Glue set.  This panel is 48″ x 48″ so I added a center bracing strip.  Two smaller pieces were used to keep the center brace from touching the panel so that it would not cause an indentation on the front of the panel.

Assorted tools and supplies in the “woodshop” with my faithful watchdog.

This is a 30″ x 24″ cradled panel I made first.

First finished cradled panel.

After the glue set for 24 hours, I drilled and screwed the pine strips at the corners.

Two 48″ x 24″ cradled panels.

Then used wood filler to patch the screw heads and seams.

Back of a 48″ x 48″ cradled panel.

This is the back of the 48″ x 48″ panel with the bracing center piece.  Screws were added to each end.

 

48″ x 24″ cradled panel with four season “sketch” on the easel.

I made four cradled panels, each measuring 48″ high x 24″ wide.  This will be a four season grouping.  You can see a sample on the easel in the background for what I have in mind.

Edges and corners of the cradled panels.

After the wood filler dried from a pink color to natural pine, I sanded the edges and corners.

Close up of the edges and corners of the cradled panels.

Then I touched up the red tint where any sanding may have taken the paint down to the gesso layer.  I like to completely seal the front, back, and edges so that no moisture can get into the hardboard and risk warping it.

So, now I am ready to start painting.

Thanks for tuning in!   I love you!

Happy Trails,

Charlene

P.S.  Visit the shop to purchase Original Oil Paintings or Prints on Canvas.

Update: Airbnb Plein Air Oil Painting Experiences

POSTED ON JULY 9, 2022 BY CHARLENE MARSH

Airbnb Plein Air Oil Painting Experiences

A few weeks ago I announced the new “Plein Air Oil Painting Experience On Airbnb” that I was offering and wanted to give you an update.  I’ve had a couple different groups  book the experience and come out and paint at Yellowwood Lake located in Yellowwood State Forest here in Brown County, Nashville, Indiana.

Guests just need to show up and then I provide everything!  Paints, supports, brushes, easels, palette knives, palettes, even paper towels.  This is a great way for both experienced painters and newbies to try their hand at plein air oil painting.  I offer as much or as little instruction as participants want.

       

From the Windy City

The first group was a couple of ladies from Chicago.  Because Danielle was celebrating her big, 30th birthday, Megan wanted to surprise her with the painting experience.  Danielle had never done any painting at all while Megan had done some painting but never plein air.  Danielle is a techie so doing something creative was, as she put it, “Way out of my comfort zone.”   Nevertheless, both ladies produced exciting paintings and had a grand time.

Going Way Back

The next gig was with a lady who I met in Denver at the Cherry Creek Art Festival way back in 2007 when she bought one of my paintings.   Subsequently she has purchased more work either in my studio, online, or at an art show.  I can’t remember which.  Maybe all three.  After Denver, she lived in Pensacola.  She now lives in Ellettsville, just west of Bloomington, which is not too far from Brown County.  Small world!  Lois has had some experience with plein air work but using pastels and watercolors, never oils. So this was a great opportunity for her to try oils “en plein air”.  She created a fantastic little painting.

Portable Easels

Right now, I only have enough portable easels to accommodate two guests plus myself but, in the future, plan to add more French easels to be able to host as many as 4-6 guests.

Here are the paintings I got done during the painting sessions:

“Daylilies in the Forest, June 21, 2022″, the creek below the dam at Yellowwood Lake, Brown County, Indiana, Yellowwood State Forest, plein air oil painting, 12″ x 9”, ©Charlene Marsh.

And the next gig:

“Daylilies in the Forest, June 22, 2022″, the creek below the dam at Yellowwood Lake, Brown County, Indiana, Yellowwood State Forest, plein air oil painting, 12″ x 9”, ©Charlene Marsh.

Book Now!

If you are ready to book an experience or learn more, visit Airbnb now.

Please let me know if you have any questions.  I am flexible with scheduling and may be able to book a time or date that may not be listed on the Airbnb calendar.  Just let me know!

Planning a mini-vacation to Brown County, the “Art Colony of the Midwest”, centered around art, would be a lot of fun.  Not only could you book a painting experience, you can visit the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, local galleries, unique shops, Brown County State Park, the Brown County Music Center, and many other recreational and cultural activities.  And, of course, you are always welcome to visit my studio/gallery that borders Yellowwood State Forest.  Just call or email in advance to make sure I am available.

Charlene Marsh Studio and Gallery, Brown County, Nashville, Indiana.

Thanks so much for following along!   I love you and appreciate your support!

Happy trails,

Charlene

CHARLENE MARSH

 

New, Small, Wedding Oil Paintings

Wedding season is in full swing so I want to share these three, new, little, wedding oil paintings, only 6" x 6".  But these gems pack a lot of punch!

 

"First Dance Wedding Painting",  6" x 6", oil,  ©Charlene Marsh.  Code #053122 S 6x6.

They are all framed in a narrow, floater frame.  I've never used floater frames before so that was an interesting challenge.   The challenge is keeping the painting centered in the middle of the floater while attaching it from the back.

"First Dance Wedding Painting",  6" x 6", oil,  ©Charlene Marsh.  Code #053122 S 6x6.

This next painting, another 6" x 6", captures all the joy and passion of a newlywed couple.

 

"First Kiss Wedding Painting",  6" x 6", oil,  ©Charlene Marsh.  Code #060222 S 6x6.

And, it is also framed in a floater frame.  Please note that while the painting is centered in the frame, the photo is not perfectly square and I filled in the edges with the frame color using Photoshop.  I'm a better painter than photographer!  LOL.

 

"First Kiss Wedding Painting",  6" x 6", oil,  ©Charlene Marsh.  Code #060222 S 6x6.

Here's another "first dance" wedding painting.

 

"First Dance Wedding Painting",  6" x 6", oil,  ©Charlene Marsh.  Code #060322 S 6x6.

And in the floater frame:

 

"First Dance Wedding Painting",  6" x 6", oil,  ©Charlene Marsh.  Code #060322 S 6x6.

Here's a shot of my palette when I finished the last painting.

 

Palette for "First Dance Wedding Painting",  6" x 6", oil,  ©Charlene Marsh.  Code #060322 S 6x6.

I used a complementary color scheme featuring golds and violets.  And some oranges and blues, also complementary colors.

Family Heirloom

These little paintings make great gifts to capture the magic of the wedding and new life being embarked upon.  Couples tell me that a wedding painting is their very favorite gift.  A unique oil painting makes a great family heirloom for future generations.

Using your photos, I can paint the bridal couple and the venue background with some hints of guests in the 6" x 6" size.  A variety of sizes are available with larger sizes able to accommodate more details.

Visit the Wedding Painting Page to learn more.

Visit the Wedding Paintings Product Page to place an order.

And, of course, I love hearing from you so please contact me with any questions.

Studio/Gallery Visits Welcome!

You are also welcome to visit the studio/gallery here in beautiful Brown County, Nashville, Indiana as I will be around the rest of the summer getting ready for my fall show schedule.  Please contact me in advance to let me know when you would like to come to make sure I am available.

Call the studio/gallery at 812-988-4497 (best to talk to me or leave a message for a call back;  this is a landline so please don't try to text).

Or text 812-371-6750 (text only - I do not get very good cell service at my studio).

Or email Char@CharleneMarsh.com.

Thanks!

Happy trails,

Charlene

 

 

Leeper Park Art Fair

POSTED ON JUNE 15, 2022 BY CHARLENE MARSH

Leeper Park Art Fair

Hello friend!

For the first time ever, I will be exhibiting my oil paintings at the Leeper Park Art Fair in South Bend, Indiana this coming weekend, June 18-19, 2022.   The hours of the show are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.  81 artists and craftsmen will be showing and selling their creations.  I particularly like small, fine art shows so am really looking forward to this event.

June 18-19, 2022:  Leeper Park Art Fair, South Bend, Indiana.

The historic Studebaker Electric Fountain, rebuilt and restored to its original glory in 2019, occupies a place of prominence in the central section of the park.  South Bend has been doing millions of dollars worth of renovation to Leeper Park so I am excited to visit and participate in the art fair.

Studebaker Fountain Workers, 1908

After a crazy, hectic weekend at the Old Town Art Fair in Chicago, I have been busy catching up with painting and gardening and mowing and other chores here on my farm in Brown County before heading out again to South Bend.

So, that’s it for today!  Gotta keep plugging away on that long list of things to do!  And, yes, even in the heat, life goes on.

Happy trails,

Charlene

P.S.  Visit the EVENTS page to see upcoming shows.

 

Old Town Art Fair in Chicago

POSTED ON JUNE 7, 2022 BY CHARLENE MARSH

Hello, friend!

This coming weekend I will be exhibiting my paintings at the top ranked art show, Old Town Art Fair in Chicago.  I will be in Booth 216 on Wisconsin Street.  The hours of the show are 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

June 11-12, 2022:  Old Town Art Fair, Chicago, Illinois.

 

To tell the truth, I gave up this show several years ago due to the early Saturday morning load in and set up which was always problematic.   I could be out there as early as 4:00 a.m. and still not be able to start to set up my booth until after 8:00 a.m.!  I am sure some patrons thought I slept in when they saw me still setting up at the 10:00 a.m. opening bell.  But, now they allow set up on Friday which will be much less stressful.

So, I am thrilled to be returning to Old Town.  The Old Town Art Fair focuses primarily on fine art that exists for it’s own aesthetic value.  The show does not allow any crafts that are primarily functional.  The quality of fine art at Old Town is some of the best in the country.  I am honored to be invited!

Well, I’m going to keep this short and sweet.  Still have lots to do to get ready for the show.  Varnishing and framing new paintings, loading the van, laundry, food prep, and more!

Hope to see you at the show.

Happy trails,

Charlene

P.S.  Go here to see more upcoming EVENTS.

 

Plein Air Painting Experience Now On Airbnb!

POSTED ON MAY 24, 2022 BY CHARLENE MARSH

Plein Air Painting Experience Now Live On Airbnb!

Super excited to announce that my “Plein air oil painting in Brown County, Nashville, Indiana” cultural experience has been accepted and approved by airbnb.  The experience is now live!  Airbnb has strict standards for meeting the “3 Pillars of a quality experience” including Expertise, Insider Access, and Connection to be able to list an experience on their site.

Over the years, I have often been asked if I would be offering a painting workshop or class.  While I have thought this is a good idea, I am always stuck on how to offer a plein air workshop that would meet the needs of the attendees.  Location, weather, size, advertising, schedules, price, payments, accommodations, classroom size, experience, and more are all considerations.

So when I discovered airbnbs “art and cultural experiences” I was thrilled!  You can plan a plein air painting experience based on your schedule.  You can either plan a trip to Brown County just for a painting experience or schedule a painting session if you happen to be in the area.  Whatever works best for you!  You can check the weather to see if you want to go out and paint that day or schedule a different day with better weather.  Although, sometimes the best paintings are in the worst weather!  But it can be  challenge if you are just trying it out for the first time.

I love the flexibility of this program.

Here are the details of the “Plein air oil painting in Brown County, Nashville, Indiana” experience from airbnb’s website:

What you’ll do

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from an artist who has mastered the art of painting the majestic Yellowwood State Forest in all four seasons.

We will meet at Yellowwood Lake. Turn at the Horsemen’s Camp and Boat Launch sign on the south end of the lake. We will meet at the Boat Launch parking lot.

From here, we can paint views overlooking the lake, the cascading waterfalls of the spillway, or along the creek on gravel beaches in the forest.

All levels are welcome. You will get as much or as little individual attention and guidance as you want while I paint along and guide you to create a plein air, oil painting. You will leave with your own, completed plein air, oil painting.

All supplies will be provided including plein air easels, oil paints, palette knives and brushes, mediums, painting supports, and paper towels.

Experience the joy and peace of painting in nature and capturing a bit of that energy in a painting to take home and enjoy for years to come. Create a special memory in a magical place in Brown County, Indiana, the Art Colony of the Midwest. Discover what the early plein air painters found when they first came to Brown County in the early 1900’s and what kept them coming back.

I can be somewhat flexible with scheduled times. Please contact me to adjust the time.

Charlene Marsh Plein Air Painting

What’s included

Equipment

Creative supplies

Plein air easel
Oil paint
Paint support
Medium
Brushes and palette knives
Paper towels

Meet your Host, Charlene

I have specialized in painting, “en plein air”, Yellowwood State Forest in Brown County, Indiana for over twenty years. I backpack out into the forest with my oil painting supplies in all four seasons to paint on location.

My paintings are in thousands of public, private, and museum collections throughout the world. The paintings have won numerous awards including Best of Show in plein air exhibits.

I have taught and demonstrated oil painting to all ages in a wide variety of venues including schools, art centers, museums, and local, state, and national parks.

Capturing the beauty of the forest in all four seasons and bringing the peace and joy of the forest into our living spaces is a passion.

Charlene Marsh Plein Air Oil Painting

Introductory Pricing

The “Plein Air Painting Experience” is normally priced at $150 per person but, until June 22, there is an introductory price of $120, a 20% special savings.  Right now, I can accept two painters per session.  When you go to the experience on the airbnb site, you can see the dates available and book your session.  I hope to expand the group size to 6-10 in the future and offer group discount rates.

Upcoming Shows

Getting back out to the shows is such a joy!   Connecting with patrons, collectors, and fellow creatives is so inspiring and invigorating!   Shows are downright addictive.  I always feel recharged when I return home — well, after a “zombie Monday” of recovery.  But upcoming shows give me a goal post to aim for to get new work ready.  Luckily, I enjoy driving long distances and listening to music along the way, flipping through radio stations to tune into the local music.

So, here’s what’s coming up in the next few weeks:

June 11-12, 2022:  Old Town Art Fair, Chicago, Illinois.

 

June 18-19, 2022:  Leeper Park Art Fair, South Bend, Indiana

Gratitude!

Thanks for following along!  I value and appreciate YOU so much!  I could not be an artist without my fans, collectors, friends, and family.  Your support is invaluable!

Happy trails,

Charlene

P.S.  Check out my revamped Shop Original Oil Paintings page.  You can also get a gallery wrapped canvas print HERE.  THANKS!

 

Broad Ripple Art Fair-This Weekend

POSTED ON MAY 10, 2022 BY CHARLENE MARSH

Hello Friend,

I will be exhibiting my paintings at the Broad Ripple Art Fair this weekend!

May 14-15, 2022, 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.:  Broad Ripple Art Fair, Indianapolis, Indiana.

I am in booth #248 in the Artists Lot.

Here are a couple shots from my trip to Memphis, Tennessee.  Bridge over the Mississippi River.

Memphis, Tennessee.

And the Bass Pro Shop in Memphis.  This pyramid was originally built for hosting sports events but it wasn’t very practical.  No nose bleed seats in the rafters!  So they sold the building to Bass Pro.

Memphis, Tennessee, Bass Pro Shop.

Here’s a new, 8″ x 6″ oil painting I will have at the show:

“Sciscoe Creek”, 8″ x 6″, oil painting, ©Charlene Marsh, Code #050722 S 8×6.

Thanks for following along!

Happy trails,

Charlene