tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74893682972587743572024-03-18T14:34:23.242-06:00A Plein Air Painter's Blog - Michael Chesley JohnsonPainting Tips and Techniques in Oil & Pastel by Michael Chesley Johnson AIS PSA MPACMichael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comBlogger1892125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-48176233489184373482024-03-18T14:33:00.002-06:002024-03-18T14:33:50.454-06:00Interview with Me, Part 1<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
<p>
**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20J1LreSE1CwyrNaky7uC6thAkbXD-5Es3aFsOsJMsxaJCTl_j3Ik44A4sbFlbwKwOPJr_nhrnwHlcjHX5dSutnCYXPALajSbHLbabUJImo1ou6vBE7NCxkctkMaY3CmkSH9PeOAgcKniZWX5EcJPkO9G8PhWFOnx7l4qSXZtyx8hyphenhyphenKKos_g_NDeQlF2C/s1422/httpsmchesleyjohnson.substack.co.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20J1LreSE1CwyrNaky7uC6thAkbXD-5Es3aFsOsJMsxaJCTl_j3Ik44A4sbFlbwKwOPJr_nhrnwHlcjHX5dSutnCYXPALajSbHLbabUJImo1ou6vBE7NCxkctkMaY3CmkSH9PeOAgcKniZWX5EcJPkO9G8PhWFOnx7l4qSXZtyx8hyphenhyphenKKos_g_NDeQlF2C/w225-h400/httpsmchesleyjohnson.substack.co.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">On Substack! <a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/p/interview-with-me-part-1">https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/p/interview-with-me-part-1</a></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-60474050155260498992024-03-17T06:27:00.002-06:002024-03-17T06:27:45.411-06:00How to Prepare for a Plein Air Painting Workshop, Part 1<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14Sic-wJQPx-SoXMESQGxPcoKDZr2EUa9vFW5JTPbBDUxnSH-ri_4CJ0cdPFQuSNixhFvhl351hpGhahCAAzoxrqx91_0V4mKhzIQX0HJCJYbC3kfvnqySok7_w3rcgbd01fQOT-iGncLoJUYKXSrAHlUQ6Yavw2T5XbGm0UUoPLTcwSHFZDZ_gHZu-VX/s1422/httpsmchesleyjohnson.substack.co.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14Sic-wJQPx-SoXMESQGxPcoKDZr2EUa9vFW5JTPbBDUxnSH-ri_4CJ0cdPFQuSNixhFvhl351hpGhahCAAzoxrqx91_0V4mKhzIQX0HJCJYbC3kfvnqySok7_w3rcgbd01fQOT-iGncLoJUYKXSrAHlUQ6Yavw2T5XbGm0UUoPLTcwSHFZDZ_gHZu-VX/w225-h400/httpsmchesleyjohnson.substack.co.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Even though we had SNOW again yesterday, I'm getting ready! </span><a class="x1fey0fg xmper1u x1edh9d7" href="https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/p/how-to-prepare-for-a-plein-air-workshop"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/p/how-to-prepare-for-a-plein-air-workshop</span></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-45820692481563117702024-03-10T07:36:00.001-06:002024-03-10T07:36:15.221-06:00Some Gouache Sketches from the Winter<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bJCNWYgSqPw7jL8vqSWwTjbzYD6sniSQVP5kVmJ8oe_47S-lVrDJ55JMVse6LHUCVQs1xWL7WqdgiwpCcPCEi22O_1j7XANIN8GRqj-Ivhyphenhyphen10ay19N8U7T5ClGqOi-StFowpwBqlJnStHTbc45csgIeIHRAuP1hltiws-3ofs4EARqZ2w4BU-2mwo_LM/s1422/142298553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bJCNWYgSqPw7jL8vqSWwTjbzYD6sniSQVP5kVmJ8oe_47S-lVrDJ55JMVse6LHUCVQs1xWL7WqdgiwpCcPCEi22O_1j7XANIN8GRqj-Ivhyphenhyphen10ay19N8U7T5ClGqOi-StFowpwBqlJnStHTbc45csgIeIHRAuP1hltiws-3ofs4EARqZ2w4BU-2mwo_LM/w225-h400/142298553.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p>Winter's over...or is it? Details on my Substack blog here! <a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/p/some-gouache-sketches-from-the-winter">https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/p/some-gouache-sketches-from-the-winter</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-25479587761648100322024-03-06T06:05:00.004-07:002024-03-06T06:05:42.817-07:00Demo: Stromness Waterfront, 12x16 Pastel<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
<p>
**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVKCfN-OAFB8tpFbIJQ8TE0WnYDTP3W-4BWDDwfzinzv3X19KeevZv7hbrKa5tziPehhAAM7KvvXlCwv9Lw1FeMoNR3zWctpe0lQCpW7U6YQxIzpjY7532kKyzIJGGOl6peS5nvg8258Y_xwJ3tPbjmJ34_L3bKisr4WpszN7eAprTsBv_V7hzqWdGAwE/s1422/142149640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVKCfN-OAFB8tpFbIJQ8TE0WnYDTP3W-4BWDDwfzinzv3X19KeevZv7hbrKa5tziPehhAAM7KvvXlCwv9Lw1FeMoNR3zWctpe0lQCpW7U6YQxIzpjY7532kKyzIJGGOl6peS5nvg8258Y_xwJ3tPbjmJ34_L3bKisr4WpszN7eAprTsBv_V7hzqWdGAwE/w225-h400/142149640.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>You can read this post over on my new Substack blog, <a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/p/demo-stromness-waterfront-12x16-pastel" target="_blank">here: https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/p/demo-stromness-waterfront-12x16-pastel</a> <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-28887351438332415712024-03-03T06:00:00.006-07:002024-03-03T06:01:48.799-07:00Motivation and the Artist<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpam0G8f3VFsfsYvoUgETpmThe2q6mg4uKt2uxPPEm7eTpPOvK6lweizetQKpvJYEvwX4dTjqESP0Bz01FGxXg2VrwDHnnwZqsyj6txzRvfi_o2J8gBQfID__7GJ2zyjJVQbxWeAIE0w4eA_NozqVFTFGF-UKzBbSZ-CgxoDnbL4lapGTfxIDXhurX6Qt8/s1422/141573857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpam0G8f3VFsfsYvoUgETpmThe2q6mg4uKt2uxPPEm7eTpPOvK6lweizetQKpvJYEvwX4dTjqESP0Bz01FGxXg2VrwDHnnwZqsyj6txzRvfi_o2J8gBQfID__7GJ2zyjJVQbxWeAIE0w4eA_NozqVFTFGF-UKzBbSZ-CgxoDnbL4lapGTfxIDXhurX6Qt8/w225-h400/141573857.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/p/motivation-and-the-artist">Click Here to read this post on my Substack blog.</a></div><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-48871457093912402512024-02-29T08:00:00.002-07:002024-02-29T08:00:00.157-07:00Reminder: Meet the Mentor<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqf88FDCNBfl4pLiDTFotzzi2ZqJlZDpeKx8KYXpuiOgkvVYphdwoScJbCh9nqGQO5SgLF2lC1Ew-wpR2fWCHaklOh4nMYL5GW0F5L-8HukK75y7pbfQFVAlwDVyLQrhJLh2OIO_vAaaGFygFJv_abb4124lvm9qlTairUS-bEdmliZUtSIOHigjmXDLt/s1187/meet_the_mentor_logo.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1187" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqf88FDCNBfl4pLiDTFotzzi2ZqJlZDpeKx8KYXpuiOgkvVYphdwoScJbCh9nqGQO5SgLF2lC1Ew-wpR2fWCHaklOh4nMYL5GW0F5L-8HukK75y7pbfQFVAlwDVyLQrhJLh2OIO_vAaaGFygFJv_abb4124lvm9qlTairUS-bEdmliZUtSIOHigjmXDLt/w400-h204/meet_the_mentor_logo.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">I just want to remind all my followers that you can join me for FREE in the Mastrius “Meet the Mentor” hour today, Thursday, February 29th, at 5 PM MT. (4 PM PT / 5 PM MT / 6 PM CT / 7 PM ET.) <a href="https://mastrius.zoom.us/j/87431353402?pwd=eFdQK3VMLzZ0NUgrWFg1YkQ2cWVudz09" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Join me at this link via Zoom</a>. </p><p>During the program, I’ll be interviewed briefly, and then I’ll launch into my presentation on “Making Your Best Guess” in pastel. I hope you’ll join me!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-24808498515037764772024-02-21T16:25:00.002-07:002024-02-21T16:25:58.395-07:00Join Me for my "Meet the Mentor" Session!<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQS3gWfTf9zcZxL6HeeZS2So933GGyFtS_U0-Q3kpDtidja0BsSVB_e9JbFFOS4unYSUf7oAiiDUtlNU6TXB-xr3Q1zPd5RvYFHKETJD4PhvYM_nQZBIG0i9yMae4OHm8OiH0FSqCznBkTcpd5zOKEdDKpP_NP3ZPXojXt4dUqWDqSkyuRc9ol6VlsxUd9/s604/Master%20Badge%202024.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="604" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQS3gWfTf9zcZxL6HeeZS2So933GGyFtS_U0-Q3kpDtidja0BsSVB_e9JbFFOS4unYSUf7oAiiDUtlNU6TXB-xr3Q1zPd5RvYFHKETJD4PhvYM_nQZBIG0i9yMae4OHm8OiH0FSqCznBkTcpd5zOKEdDKpP_NP3ZPXojXt4dUqWDqSkyuRc9ol6VlsxUd9/s320/Master%20Badge%202024.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Mark your calendars! On February 29th, Thursday, at 5 pm Mountain Time, I’ll be <em>live</em> on Zoom and interviewed by Mastrius</strong>, the group that I am now mentoring for. You can join me for <strong>FREE</strong> at this link at that time:</p><p><a href="https://mastrius.zoom.us/j/87431353402?pwd=eFdQK3VMLzZ0NUgrWFg1YkQ2cWVudz09" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://mastrius.zoom.us/j/87431353402?pwd=eFdQK3VMLzZ0NUgrWFg1YkQ2cWVudz09</a></p><p>(4 PT / 5 MT / 6 CT / 7 ET)</p><p>The program will last an hour, and I’ll be talking about what I do, why I do it and how I do it. Then, I’ll give a short demonstration of a painting technique that I call “making your best guess.” Are you a painter and frustrated with that first step in making color choices? In this technique, I show you how making an <em>exact</em> choice doesn’t matter! Just make your best guess, and take comfort in the knowledge that you can adjust that choice in the next phase. The demonstration will be in pastel.</p><p>Also, the program is an introduction to me as a Master Artist and mentor for Mastrius. Starting March 10th, I’ll begin mentoring up to 10 aspiring artists. If you’re looking for guidance, consider this online group mentoring program. You can find out more details about my program <a href="https://www.mastrius.com/michael-chesley-johnson-mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>I hope to see you “live” via Zoom on the 29th!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-4304752943773224952024-02-18T16:21:00.006-07:002024-02-19T06:11:08.237-07:00I'm Now Over on Substack!<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKox5zT2Km1_qVyOcoNtCoLTlUb02uDymc0yU8IjvAtZVfrnzHzIvQqKWTSwgpFOrpsSEdN1obnjL-Xl8T9UJxLxWclwTZjtq1ywxG8_d1dP01qAWf_ooXwpVFJ8iNsWIQMeofXpYDXjX2DT28QQbRqKTPvwuhp7yk1lfxU9LMvvUxRiVstiWhBN38G7C/s2303/substack_wordmark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="2303" height="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKox5zT2Km1_qVyOcoNtCoLTlUb02uDymc0yU8IjvAtZVfrnzHzIvQqKWTSwgpFOrpsSEdN1obnjL-Xl8T9UJxLxWclwTZjtq1ywxG8_d1dP01qAWf_ooXwpVFJ8iNsWIQMeofXpYDXjX2DT28QQbRqKTPvwuhp7yk1lfxU9LMvvUxRiVstiWhBN38G7C/w400-h69/substack_wordmark.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Did I fail to mention that I'm now over on Substack? If you're an email subscriber to this blog, I've already moved you over to it to make sure you get every post, uninterrupted. If you're viewing this blog through its RSS feed, you'll want to change your feed reader to go instead to:</p><p><a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/feed" style="box-sizing: border-box;" target="_self">https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/feed</a></p><p>Best, though, is if you simply subscribe either at <a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com">https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com</a> or here:</p>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="320" scrolling="no" src="https://mchesleyjohnson.substack.com/embed" style="background: white; border: 1px solid #EEE;" width="480"></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div>I offer both FREE and PAID subscriptions. Paid subscribers get monthly podcasts and paid-only posts. Although I may not add new posts to my Blogger blog, I'll keep it up for awhile longer. Thanks!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-80208268143862076092024-02-11T02:00:00.002-07:002024-02-11T02:00:00.142-07:00What is Casein?<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ0lwud1tPDTUSvry3rjKmCdpUK7xxfHrmQX_C4TxwCyAny07YX_YzCEr1xzXOfdTatLgbL4Hb-S5mbr1oj4YnIvWsBGpAwBe6F8oaOfEKufjTZAgTgkaMAroUGQrslU5z8-2xJ5bjUboPATAj_tXp-bzsOD7b6FhcngCjh8D_sMQe-zNqGsHOrXcuiPT/s1200/PXL_20240201_170628862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1200" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ0lwud1tPDTUSvry3rjKmCdpUK7xxfHrmQX_C4TxwCyAny07YX_YzCEr1xzXOfdTatLgbL4Hb-S5mbr1oj4YnIvWsBGpAwBe6F8oaOfEKufjTZAgTgkaMAroUGQrslU5z8-2xJ5bjUboPATAj_tXp-bzsOD7b6FhcngCjh8D_sMQe-zNqGsHOrXcuiPT/w400-h271/PXL_20240201_170628862.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my set of casein colors. Also, I highly<br />recommend using a Sta-Wet palette to keep the paints moist.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>At this point, most of you should be familiar with gouache. It seems like every painter out there on social media is playing with this opaque, water-based medium. But do you know about casein? If you've heard of "<a href="https://blog.lostartpress.com/2016/02/17/milk-paint-a-short-history/" target="_blank">milk paint</a>"—once used to paint houses in the 1800s—it's basically the same thing, but with pigment. This old medium is edging back into the spotlight, and deservedly so.</p><p>Casein is similar to gouache in most of its properties except one. Made with a binder derived from milk, it can't be re-wet once dry, a property which, besides casein's cheapness, made it useful for house painting. (A dilute solution of ammonia will help clean up any dried-on paint.) The fact that the surface is durable and can be varnished makes it perhaps a superior medium to gouache. It should still be framed under glass, though, if the painting is done on paper. </p><p>By the way, casein tends to have a slight odor, which some artists find unpleasant. I consider its smell, and in fact that of any art material, to be simply part of the magic that goes into making our art.</p><p>I first found out about casein from Stephen Quiller, whom I consider the master of water media. Having painted in it for many years, he finally wrote a book about it, <i><a href="https://shop.quillergallery.com/Books/casein-painting-with-stephen-quiller.html" target="_blank">Casein Painting with Stephen Quiller</a></i>. He also helped Jack Richeson develop a new line of Shiva casein colors. (The line is named for artist Ramon Shiva, who created the first casein paints for artists in the 1930s.) With Stephen's encouragement, I picked up a set of colors and got to work. You might give it a try.</p><p>If you'd like to learn more about casein, the Richeson Art web site has some <a href="https://www.richesonart.com/products/paints/richesoncasein/richcaseinfaq.html " target="_blank">excellent information here</a>.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-70912051720401861822024-02-08T05:33:00.002-07:002024-02-08T05:33:36.317-07:00Announcing a New Mentoring Program<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxhH2hPQYlPozrmYy81FZCwKME9NrgaCmmTMXn6-ktr5zCKw0P68sNzZB4JL_mhMwCbkL8zrT50zlLKvUkLtSVPlRoBlSPTaQtld1uhGZBdgPIVA4w9TPmKGLcZ0RIz6wQZCPHey4WknkMtM4vMAvAWCCEqYG_wWhTwyAjeB0buN1sK6ZqWC0VCXMNbAo/s1080/Michael%20Chesley%20Johnson%20-%20Template%204%20%E2%80%93%2024.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxhH2hPQYlPozrmYy81FZCwKME9NrgaCmmTMXn6-ktr5zCKw0P68sNzZB4JL_mhMwCbkL8zrT50zlLKvUkLtSVPlRoBlSPTaQtld1uhGZBdgPIVA4w9TPmKGLcZ0RIz6wQZCPHey4WknkMtM4vMAvAWCCEqYG_wWhTwyAjeB0buN1sK6ZqWC0VCXMNbAo/s320/Michael%20Chesley%20Johnson%20-%20Template%204%20%E2%80%93%2024.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I’m very excited to share with you some good news. <a href="https://www.mastrius.com/michael-chesley-johnson-mentorship">Mastrius</a> has selected me to be a Master Artist for its excellent mentoring program. If you haven’t heard of Mastrius, it’s a learning platform for artists with the mission of taking them to the next level in both craft and career. What’s more, it specializes in mentoring, working with both aspiring and emerging artists as well as more accomplished ones. When I researched the company and interviewed, I was very impressed with the program and the good reviews given by participants—and mentors, too.<br /><br />In my online program, I’ll be conducting group sessions each month, with no more than ten participants, in a non-competitive, mutually-supportive atmosphere. Here’s what I offer:<br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>Our group will focus on helping artists get to where they need to go–which is not necessarily where they think they need to go! We’ll look at recent samples of everyone’s work, listen to concerns and goals of participants, and then determine a mutually-agreed-upon path forward for each individual. As each month goes by, I’ll critique assignments and give further guidance. Because I will be working with aspiring artists, we’ll pay particular attention to some of the basics—design, color and finish—and also to process and technique. We’ll even get into the business and marketing side of things as needed.</i></blockquote><br /><a href="https://www.mastrius.com/michael-chesley-johnson-mentorship">I invite you to learn more about my program at this link.</a> Besides our monthly sessions, you’ll have a monthly Q&A session with me, access to ongoing chats, and lots more. <br /><br />I hope you’ll join us! But don’t wait to long, as my mentoring program starts March 10.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKw-JbbmU2C35iqY4I8_8regoYtVe4bWrNNckG8etPRq8_KoC01MdQQNXjtiDAkENfSWGjVinsP86elwlzomC8X8_4VWCdrsdgw0Xwi9HG-tcjYavnpqJM8i_PrblFJ3rbot_r5kvic46NR2t-KKhr2LYrKvE6gHntfAB0_s16yUgZKb8mOWxCoaG4Qpd/s604/Master%20Badge%202024.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="604" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKw-JbbmU2C35iqY4I8_8regoYtVe4bWrNNckG8etPRq8_KoC01MdQQNXjtiDAkENfSWGjVinsP86elwlzomC8X8_4VWCdrsdgw0Xwi9HG-tcjYavnpqJM8i_PrblFJ3rbot_r5kvic46NR2t-KKhr2LYrKvE6gHntfAB0_s16yUgZKb8mOWxCoaG4Qpd/s320/Master%20Badge%202024.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: #eaf1e8; color: #404040; font-family: Spectral, serif, -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-50743115318696021072024-02-04T02:00:00.024-07:002024-02-04T02:00:00.261-07:00Useful Practice: Copying the Masters<p>
**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbLkDLrqZUJK_XjR311fKICGihUijLv_gWLSC6wrkF0OrxvWU7YXIqfciwes6lcol5CHKIc0TI-KWAtyGQwYV0PWkQPQ4TUH6g9naZ6H9CPL-14S6WC60gn7rr4WCCC3q6zP-QO6Cxyfl60_z7S9IUIFD9qNkaRRHBDNlNv7Hh69GiECG25Qfa55O5GTo/s1600/sargent2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbLkDLrqZUJK_XjR311fKICGihUijLv_gWLSC6wrkF0OrxvWU7YXIqfciwes6lcol5CHKIc0TI-KWAtyGQwYV0PWkQPQ4TUH6g9naZ6H9CPL-14S6WC60gn7rr4WCCC3q6zP-QO6Cxyfl60_z7S9IUIFD9qNkaRRHBDNlNv7Hh69GiECG25Qfa55O5GTo/w400-h394/sargent2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's the artist?<br />(Pssst...me, but I'm copying John Singer Sargent)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Copying masterworks is nothing new. Art students have done it for as long as there have been art students. It's a useful practice, because it helps you understand the master's process, and it can teach you about composition, color use and more.</p><p>Recently, I started taking an online Schoolism course from <a href="http://www.nathanfowkesart.com/" target="_blank">Nathan Fowkes</a>, one called "<a href="https://schoolism.com/courses/concept-art/environment-design-nathan-fowkes" target="_blank">Environment Design</a>." (Perhaps more about that in a future post.) As one of the first exercises, he asks the student to copy ten paintings that the student admires, paying special attention to simplifying the painting and to exaggerating what each painting's about.</p><p>As much as I'd love to go to a museum and plop down my easel in front of a beautiful painting, I don't live anywhere near one. Intead, I went to my collection of art books—these are big coffee table books that a weightlifter might use to train with—and laid them out on the workbench in my studio. Paging through them, I put yellow sticky notes on paintings that I've admired over the years. I went through a lot of yellow sticky notes.</p><p>Next, I pulled out my casein paints. (Not sure what casein is? I'll write about that next.) As I worked on each copy, I propped up the book—not an easy task when it seems to weigh 20 pounds—and got to work. Each copy was small, less than 9x12, and quick, no more than an hour, to avoid having time to add detail. </p><p>With each copy, I posted an image of it on social media and asked followers to guess who I'd copied. Most folks got them right, but one puzzled all but a friend of mine, a collector who knows his art. I thought I'd share my copies here, along with the names of the artists. There were so many more I could copy, but I want to move on to the next section of Fowkes' course.</p><p>What did I learn from this exercise? I'm not going to tell you. Try making some copies yourself, and see what you learn. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz1wrvFxwKRgilrsaXZwm5JYWmvJWvusTgm2mVoo8HdPEY9AySPrYGOxUGetZag1CHHxRnyvDFZ54J0FN7yDnu668Uc_B-Xfxc9gdY7BZu48sG2LTNjfgq-S-84m8HlumOzaXyDyrmjaWHPqnU7dVmWcx7RqPEHv4JlGN0lyAj0NkQDo84Lyt6OYwOMNx/s1252/sargent1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz1wrvFxwKRgilrsaXZwm5JYWmvJWvusTgm2mVoo8HdPEY9AySPrYGOxUGetZag1CHHxRnyvDFZ54J0FN7yDnu668Uc_B-Xfxc9gdY7BZu48sG2LTNjfgq-S-84m8HlumOzaXyDyrmjaWHPqnU7dVmWcx7RqPEHv4JlGN0lyAj0NkQDo84Lyt6OYwOMNx/s320/sargent1.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, another Sargent.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhz2KO-wjZ2hfznV3AjnDWXlPjcJIojXXHcD35Nu0EcSuhYoqDbztM3-b8OZ3lESNAUtz54zaEuAYwNnnPP_RiUi-WjKNnu6z34_j_PXsvtZx8H8EzcMJX8fUsVgbAw1HChyNUbBqU3wRUEjqfORSs_G5s3vxY_6e9wisM4Cc3FeQIRla4q8YfE2AoA-O/s1200/sorolla.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1200" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhz2KO-wjZ2hfznV3AjnDWXlPjcJIojXXHcD35Nu0EcSuhYoqDbztM3-b8OZ3lESNAUtz54zaEuAYwNnnPP_RiUi-WjKNnu6z34_j_PXsvtZx8H8EzcMJX8fUsVgbAw1HChyNUbBqU3wRUEjqfORSs_G5s3vxY_6e9wisM4Cc3FeQIRla4q8YfE2AoA-O/s320/sorolla.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joaquin Sorolla</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGQjjCpgox0mVzqDiQVlzCyIfRpGUNnfrvCLXEMODxRL2k2q72sRXZCGo0cV2tbD88ydEtMnervCvB8yj3HS1r5b6uP64lNZKZlcq9cceMWP9V1vO3XIfDeM2AUeotzwboQXEu-AjVyyiwrzowQRsBbeOhjbcmQb0zwa4A9UvIoW1UH578uhNQq6Dupvc/s1600/redmond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGQjjCpgox0mVzqDiQVlzCyIfRpGUNnfrvCLXEMODxRL2k2q72sRXZCGo0cV2tbD88ydEtMnervCvB8yj3HS1r5b6uP64lNZKZlcq9cceMWP9V1vO3XIfDeM2AUeotzwboQXEu-AjVyyiwrzowQRsBbeOhjbcmQb0zwa4A9UvIoW1UH578uhNQq6Dupvc/s320/redmond.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granville Redmond<br /> (A California impressionist, but not a household name.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO5Hzb_oRJaKBNJsTuw68CBjEbLKfJfO3PPsbragjYWsyIWUG2rHa9i11VKpN8QFyNO5_g4zlsoOaYebcwcPzW5CWLNsau2-AEgNzJNT9NBOUsmlawrEev59Hu47QhfKd_qiH75ctgW-VcOP1U_2j56uydOABU9XHA0HaOpDedcf1tW1E5BMcsRyF7QPs/s1600/manet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO5Hzb_oRJaKBNJsTuw68CBjEbLKfJfO3PPsbragjYWsyIWUG2rHa9i11VKpN8QFyNO5_g4zlsoOaYebcwcPzW5CWLNsau2-AEgNzJNT9NBOUsmlawrEev59Hu47QhfKd_qiH75ctgW-VcOP1U_2j56uydOABU9XHA0HaOpDedcf1tW1E5BMcsRyF7QPs/s320/manet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eduoard Manet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-16806061809739532872024-01-28T02:00:00.000-07:002024-01-28T02:00:00.185-07:00New Plein Air Painting Workshop: Amarillo, Texas<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLHAi-WOTv4ITuO9LQqRUlhTS05vSKE1Y4p38FEPrWJHSaXYe3fQ3ve1DkmoGIZJ86PnuK1-IAv3g5WNPbJ_L8zzq6UtU6b9MS8z3m2kH68_G27fRcIfirAGGstpQjPglSXJo389LhLYges_1x2GjBqoLSKce_Bsltzq2PnBbHIOukDUuUDwwxkkShhBJ/s821/O'Keeffe_and_friends_at_Palo_Duro_Canyon.tif.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="821" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLHAi-WOTv4ITuO9LQqRUlhTS05vSKE1Y4p38FEPrWJHSaXYe3fQ3ve1DkmoGIZJ86PnuK1-IAv3g5WNPbJ_L8zzq6UtU6b9MS8z3m2kH68_G27fRcIfirAGGstpQjPglSXJo389LhLYges_1x2GjBqoLSKce_Bsltzq2PnBbHIOukDUuUDwwxkkShhBJ/w400-h236/O'Keeffe_and_friends_at_Palo_Duro_Canyon.tif.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Georgia O'Keeffe and friends at the Palo Duro Club, at the head of Palo Duro Canyon, <br />perhaps between 1912 and 1913, when she first went to Texas, or between 1916 and 1918.</span><br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Courtesy Georgia O'Keeffe Museum)</span></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Did you know that Georgia O'Keeffe once taught school in Canyon, Texas, and painted in nearby Palo Duro Canyon? I invite you to follow in her footsteps in a three-day plein air painting workshop with me this October. Sponsored by the Amarillo Art Institute in conjunction with its plein air festival, the workshop will be based at the canyon, where we'll explore all of its geological wonders in paint.</p><p>Palo Duro Canyon, which has been likened to Grand Canyon, is known for its vibrant red rock formations and rugged cliffs. As the second-largest canyon in the United States, it offers stunning panoramic views, diverse terrain and a rich palette of earthy colors. Home to much wildlife and native flora, the canyon provides a serene atmosphere for visitors. Accessible trails wind through the canyon, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration. The ever-changing landscape, from spring blooms to winter tranquility, make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers and artists seeking inspiration in its natural beauty. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVBzXg-hLYReQYo8dBKvDn7PA_at9PMPOoLjbnJ0-R-qs86qm3tKW0vJ7YE27-9tM6PoTfnltazdrqFHBsh8QpMufDZlfjWG3fpGLYnjE63cuzbkw4VZLSE21_RB5iUOqs4gHbLFxUkHFSWro4DaDmhWKtfpfgLXd8TIlzDh6lvkDoZrgNS5pc8siyHDp/s1024/1024px-Capitol_Peak_Palo_Duro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVBzXg-hLYReQYo8dBKvDn7PA_at9PMPOoLjbnJ0-R-qs86qm3tKW0vJ7YE27-9tM6PoTfnltazdrqFHBsh8QpMufDZlfjWG3fpGLYnjE63cuzbkw4VZLSE21_RB5iUOqs4gHbLFxUkHFSWro4DaDmhWKtfpfgLXd8TIlzDh6lvkDoZrgNS5pc8siyHDp/s320/1024px-Capitol_Peak_Palo_Duro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The workshop, which takes place October 17-19, 2024, from 9-4 each day, will be held at <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon" target="_blank">Palo Duro Canyon State Park</a>. Although we will have a studio available to us in Amarillo at the Art Institute, we will be in the field as much as possible. I welcome every level of painter, from beginner to advanced, and all media. Each day I'll start by introducing you to the fundamentals of plein air painting, followed by a full demonstration, after which you will have plenty of time to paint. As you paint, I'll go from easel to easel, offering help. Then, if time permits, I'll give a second demonstration in the afternoon.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-viUGXNqS56GpZCEiNezwDILs3PfBJ7L1P17DgMo0M_EXZ3aDo5zQ7WzJUYVjqGU3YBPbx8R9o-GIG-8sxOZpSc784VqdG3pryvW59FcH59_fccwvVeXFEC5UlmzvpDBPb2kelrCUkQPKpzcyWx93EfAHoYV1BqiTrUmiHwM2pMN4WeaAyI7PvbQ5U7b/s1024/Palo_Duro_Canyon_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-viUGXNqS56GpZCEiNezwDILs3PfBJ7L1P17DgMo0M_EXZ3aDo5zQ7WzJUYVjqGU3YBPbx8R9o-GIG-8sxOZpSc784VqdG3pryvW59FcH59_fccwvVeXFEC5UlmzvpDBPb2kelrCUkQPKpzcyWx93EfAHoYV1BqiTrUmiHwM2pMN4WeaAyI7PvbQ5U7b/s320/Palo_Duro_Canyon_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I hope you'll join me for three days of artistic inspiration amid the vibrant hues and majestic landscapes of Palo Duro Canyon, as we paint together, capturing the beauty of nature on canvas. <a href="https://www.artsinthesunset.org/service-page/plein-air-painting-workshop-1?referral=service_list_widget" target="_blank">To sign up, please visit the Amarillo Art Institute web site at this link</a>. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBx4msQHQ3tnDpgQLHEph67wMpuQPWT2sF-ZUDPhyphenhyphenz5bCR0vSkytpAdR_zhN9LoG3hT-vhgX0t0y9n0FqDSQpM1AYJnJk_2-JoCEpqtBhRDwNLKKNiCRhEanUCSNA284caloJhTeUXmAGXsyOREW1PO4bum17s_9MNEy2wuR8ezMkgSGcNedWex6fVaen/s1024/Palo_Duro_Canyon_Texas_(33278904900).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBx4msQHQ3tnDpgQLHEph67wMpuQPWT2sF-ZUDPhyphenhyphenz5bCR0vSkytpAdR_zhN9LoG3hT-vhgX0t0y9n0FqDSQpM1AYJnJk_2-JoCEpqtBhRDwNLKKNiCRhEanUCSNA284caloJhTeUXmAGXsyOREW1PO4bum17s_9MNEy2wuR8ezMkgSGcNedWex6fVaen/s320/Palo_Duro_Canyon_Texas_(33278904900).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-23093186111839507052024-01-21T02:00:00.044-07:002024-01-21T02:00:00.208-07:00A More Portable Gouache Easel for Plein Air<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
<p>
**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0NCv2e5xnbRxAUzcdVNnPLHdkkjeaqWCd8_TQCAOJT8YpZWYW6-uzEtoySMq56lL_R9beyMsRgMSy6lwr9acOVT2Wla3LNdOd9mO8bsVCoEcuiPgO6Gp2XcTcHfOBclxtfhWproqMK9C82JWbVTVmxxcg5M-87SRZBsvoNAZ4YXhRqoSVsEhpUZ0i8Xm/s1000/PXL_20240118_225021558.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1000" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0NCv2e5xnbRxAUzcdVNnPLHdkkjeaqWCd8_TQCAOJT8YpZWYW6-uzEtoySMq56lL_R9beyMsRgMSy6lwr9acOVT2Wla3LNdOd9mO8bsVCoEcuiPgO6Gp2XcTcHfOBclxtfhWproqMK9C82JWbVTVmxxcg5M-87SRZBsvoNAZ4YXhRqoSVsEhpUZ0i8Xm/w400-h276/PXL_20240118_225021558.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fixed-horizontal setup worked well for me.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">As you know, I like to
sketch in gouache on my lap, and I also like to sketch when we have
snow. Recently, we received about 14", and eager to paint, I
dug out the ski poles, strapped on my snowshoes, and stuffed my kit
into a small backpack. But I knew I wouldn't be able to sit to
sketch—any suitable rocks and fallen trees were deep in snow. So,
I decided to stand.</p>
<p lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">But wanting to keep things
light, I chose not to take a tripod. Instead, I took a small pochade
box cleverly designed to be used without a tripod; it hangs from your
neck by a strap and requires balancing the box on your belly. I'd
used it a couple of times for oil painting but found it awkward. You
might then wonder why I chose this box. I thought: With the right
clamps, shouldn't I be able to juggle the important pieces securely,
the watercolor journal, the tray of pan gouache, a water jar? Truth
be told, though, I really didn't want to lug out a tripod along with
the snowshoes, poles and backpack.</p>
<p lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The words "secure"
and "juggle" turned out to be contradictory. Most of the
time, my goal was to keep the tray of gouache from flipping off into
the deep snow and managing the water jar so it didn't wash over my
journal.</p>
<p lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After getting over the
emotional disappointment, I decided that painting in deep snow really
requires a tripod. But I wanted a set-up lighter than the tripods I
usually mount a pochade box to.</p>
<p lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Poking through my Closet of
Many Boxes, I found enough parts to put together a very light and
portable set-up. I stole parts from an old pochade box, a French
easel, a plein air umbrella and a Stanrite 100 easel. I've put some
pictures below so you can see how it's assembled. The project took
just a couple of hours—most of the time was taking things apart to
see if they had what I needed—and only a screwdriver and drill.</p><p lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW2FKNGtjvrRpD60QXgVIFFkOgRsbrGnjTMCUml7XntXCBhJFDOFEQ-GTHK72ZLmIlMYHxzUMyZocNOj7YmpBpRpShlDU10nOYi9HbDupKlPytnWMx48XREpJQO5MEWWs75s9QXIs-8N9gWWoZYIccHB-o5SOslDWsSzR5DEMAXZkl4lzLCgaxhfTUVIi/s1000/PXL_20240118_165851306.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW2FKNGtjvrRpD60QXgVIFFkOgRsbrGnjTMCUml7XntXCBhJFDOFEQ-GTHK72ZLmIlMYHxzUMyZocNOj7YmpBpRpShlDU10nOYi9HbDupKlPytnWMx48XREpJQO5MEWWs75s9QXIs-8N9gWWoZYIccHB-o5SOslDWsSzR5DEMAXZkl4lzLCgaxhfTUVIi/s320/PXL_20240118_165851306.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the handle of my plein air umbrella,<br />attached to the hexagonal mast of myStanrite 100 <br />easel. I had to drill a hole in the handle <br />for the screw and knob assembly. <br />Let's call this thing the "mount."</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXS1QUwAQa4UmXc_toIil90KrwJbbl3Br13AufN13DJkQMfhTGZZgmTAHFRDd88Wa5R6CD99YGhuwPo5eROKXxB0FXK9NR5MYf4-3nj9Z5vQNLpIxZmWIUwwfoS7kFyrVQ1Iqy78ZXCynqlAjpwZy_xuPZcsyl7GWvZfm3XbKv5JPyZpguWLZ97II1dPUe/s1000/PXL_20240118_165933636.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXS1QUwAQa4UmXc_toIil90KrwJbbl3Br13AufN13DJkQMfhTGZZgmTAHFRDd88Wa5R6CD99YGhuwPo5eROKXxB0FXK9NR5MYf4-3nj9Z5vQNLpIxZmWIUwwfoS7kFyrVQ1Iqy78ZXCynqlAjpwZy_xuPZcsyl7GWvZfm3XbKv5JPyZpguWLZ97II1dPUe/s320/PXL_20240118_165933636.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the palette from my French easel. I've<br />attached an adapter plate, which I <br />requisitioned from an older pochade box, <br />for the mount (pictured above.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW0XJpVrgi6hEfPYv5HnpqAwxA_6ewPoR87jqxkk8G-3LfVrL920xS1FC-95lHb3K_WYpb4x6uwIq1rapX9kOXSN9ChUnBJ06F-jkOHYIrALTYGajvar-WsxmJIy8WMRiN_9QqJOy2D5Qr5VHeeNdHiEcZ1ei1uXWCEwxVNUvBhqVUZI4MO9RZIvjLopt/s1000/PXL_20240118_165950293.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW0XJpVrgi6hEfPYv5HnpqAwxA_6ewPoR87jqxkk8G-3LfVrL920xS1FC-95lHb3K_WYpb4x6uwIq1rapX9kOXSN9ChUnBJ06F-jkOHYIrALTYGajvar-WsxmJIy8WMRiN_9QqJOy2D5Qr5VHeeNdHiEcZ1ei1uXWCEwxVNUvBhqVUZI4MO9RZIvjLopt/s320/PXL_20240118_165950293.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I've flipped over the palette so you can see the<br />plate with the screw hole for the mount.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6087_oeo7GGPGzZjtxgNriJL5GAg5rZYOVgeOIWf2FtGzHlfJ59ZYRjD7Ffulufg3f6I7MYuTzZZuDkW-GFX-vOtuKF9zXLQg76KU4KnyX6DuWSa-QD0F6iGDu-TEerAeWar6LHA-4uSah-olmXkoCK72yzZIZ-IO6_dHzSdwItAzBR08vkjdPxyL7JHY/s1000/PXL_20240118_170059163.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6087_oeo7GGPGzZjtxgNriJL5GAg5rZYOVgeOIWf2FtGzHlfJ59ZYRjD7Ffulufg3f6I7MYuTzZZuDkW-GFX-vOtuKF9zXLQg76KU4KnyX6DuWSa-QD0F6iGDu-TEerAeWar6LHA-4uSah-olmXkoCK72yzZIZ-IO6_dHzSdwItAzBR08vkjdPxyL7JHY/s320/PXL_20240118_170059163.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mounting plate on palette <br />with mount attached.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBlmjLRtxngu-nEJYWuq2h7OXQljBXn88KwginlxXAJk5_lwW_4xU5YKgWzvNRHB86w6EL3nKomTX8mIObrXgwhKTiT1vngH0mGClKE2MoCvDXRImlszsX9fzymbH0EGjCiB9VgFLvkSUaHu5z1Uc6XGahColnH3ePql1RWiN3vZl9tTigH0m7y6gePfR/s1000/PXL_20240118_170418518.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBlmjLRtxngu-nEJYWuq2h7OXQljBXn88KwginlxXAJk5_lwW_4xU5YKgWzvNRHB86w6EL3nKomTX8mIObrXgwhKTiT1vngH0mGClKE2MoCvDXRImlszsX9fzymbH0EGjCiB9VgFLvkSUaHu5z1Uc6XGahColnH3ePql1RWiN3vZl9tTigH0m7y6gePfR/s320/PXL_20240118_170418518.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hexagonal mast of the mount <br />inserted into the Stanrite easel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQpMp_cDUvi_q8zW0P8SlIVH1y7DsJn7H6e6kxXGh1NicKR8RNM3ZgMyVqbivq6m6ZngK1Edxv3ZIhFlk2QNQypxwp9L0UT7Zo0rvS3a96qNCha1WPz81kw_VPHoy8zkaog4eplF5oB-h8681DSgNBvTg4fN_zF5JRk4r-XfT4z5xxRM2SzrwRlQt9H79/s1000/PXL_20240118_170841796.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1000" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQpMp_cDUvi_q8zW0P8SlIVH1y7DsJn7H6e6kxXGh1NicKR8RNM3ZgMyVqbivq6m6ZngK1Edxv3ZIhFlk2QNQypxwp9L0UT7Zo0rvS3a96qNCha1WPz81kw_VPHoy8zkaog4eplF5oB-h8681DSgNBvTg4fN_zF5JRk4r-XfT4z5xxRM2SzrwRlQt9H79/s320/PXL_20240118_170841796.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final setup with gear attached.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTyuH9DG8Gir-MfJ45OlRzB4mt_A6_KIdar0qXmdUDgw3E5RduZmLObq_VCQ0dGBEy2Yk8MeJQzfvA0tJQK2O2y2VjafIIT-v0_d0s91O6KsYA49kCEs0zqsNp1HniZ7WELa7tanolzr-eCQjCRw_XsNQxGA65VyXwPLRNdg6AyMCNpKLbwLcArUFQ10c/s1000/PXL_20240118_224911530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTyuH9DG8Gir-MfJ45OlRzB4mt_A6_KIdar0qXmdUDgw3E5RduZmLObq_VCQ0dGBEy2Yk8MeJQzfvA0tJQK2O2y2VjafIIT-v0_d0s91O6KsYA49kCEs0zqsNp1HniZ7WELa7tanolzr-eCQjCRw_XsNQxGA65VyXwPLRNdg6AyMCNpKLbwLcArUFQ10c/s320/PXL_20240118_224911530.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIoEdVH_stMRphQGLNvaFxAa5mVcCvplEcQj2NmcZaV3WEX_MZHeabKbQUgtijbvYYLbkCo7YraBJMnzutnK0iRxer_6xH3kL1X7TuopVXTyY-TrjYL7dSoS77LPYYflKFv3oEnhLvBP1UGOHoEzlTO0pbVsUH7VPvQqZiXW_Q5k4o45rPgErBXYtiliK/s1200/IMG_20240119_0001small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIoEdVH_stMRphQGLNvaFxAa5mVcCvplEcQj2NmcZaV3WEX_MZHeabKbQUgtijbvYYLbkCo7YraBJMnzutnK0iRxer_6xH3kL1X7TuopVXTyY-TrjYL7dSoS77LPYYflKFv3oEnhLvBP1UGOHoEzlTO0pbVsUH7VPvQqZiXW_Q5k4o45rPgErBXYtiliK/s320/IMG_20240119_0001small.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first 5x8 gouache I did with this setup.<br />Worked perfectly!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-71292826736030216892024-01-14T02:00:00.002-07:002024-01-14T02:00:00.131-07:00Plane Tickets: Check!<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
<p>
**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrz0qBimFuiAwi_n1nVBiz378T9XBbg-3YTpd9Qorg7d1HzragpnQevsoq-iXykFB5tmTmlXpBOJkl8Tf_OaB_Ia1sHLvXUOn_ko5__3rxKs8WKmdZTmVav5hpU82iIHK_Z2jNDsuZn-A7f-undHs6QVHyVwwiWVoi5xj3d3MRO0gAhvze0YERhaAEW_IC/s1000/skye_sheep_2022003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrz0qBimFuiAwi_n1nVBiz378T9XBbg-3YTpd9Qorg7d1HzragpnQevsoq-iXykFB5tmTmlXpBOJkl8Tf_OaB_Ia1sHLvXUOn_ko5__3rxKs8WKmdZTmVav5hpU82iIHK_Z2jNDsuZn-A7f-undHs6QVHyVwwiWVoi5xj3d3MRO0gAhvze0YERhaAEW_IC/w400-h296/skye_sheep_2022003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skye Sheep / 6x8 Oil<br />One of my "gift" paintings for supporters.<br />We met this little Blackface sheep on the Isle of Skye</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Our trip to Scotland is getting closer to reality--we recently bought our plane tickets! As I write, we are poring over a map and studying ScotRail routes to determine exactly where we might spend our four weeks. (By the way, I'm finding Google Maps to be very helpful; give it a destination, and it will give me the different ScotRail routes and times to get there.) Our next step it to start making lodging reservations. Excited? Yes!</p><p>As I've mentioned before, I'd love your support. My goal for this trip is to gather scads of reference material--color studies in gouache, pencil sketches and photos--for a series of studio paintings plus a book. How can you support me? There are two ways:</p><p>1. You can pre-buy a 6x8 oil painting of Scotland. I've offered this for past trips, and the feedback has been wonderful. After I return from my trip, I'll embark on creating a series of these small paintings, and for $300, you can have your pick of them. They will be nicely framed, and I will ship them for free to the continental US. (For elsewhere, I'll charge you actual shipping.)</p><p>2. You can pre-buy my new book (signed!) AND get a 6x8 painting of Scotland. Same deal as above with the paintings, but the book will be shipped separately and a bit later, as I need to not just make paintings for it but also write it and get it printed. The book will be similar to my past <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michael-Chesley-Johnson/author/B003PVV72G" target="_blank">Through a Painter's Brush</a></i> books, filled with beautiful images of Scotland and essays on my travels. You can have both of these, the painting and the book, for only $335. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCd1WWcapMgsFTCwuWusgM4wKjgl2uAMABmB0lpqLSx_kj2P0r1nb0lBm40WHBIELBchJP55eBPl-aaXt8gf3tXqCwhUShIdI8qKQPkthOjs5VOsuqPWHZJy-rPvaBwIAjlkocTsV-tA-s0yBoqq30Qi5phWayXD97LSJXELgmCzfrCNXEuhTGqgLFrKkC/s1000/scotland_pb_front_cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="755" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCd1WWcapMgsFTCwuWusgM4wKjgl2uAMABmB0lpqLSx_kj2P0r1nb0lBm40WHBIELBchJP55eBPl-aaXt8gf3tXqCwhUShIdI8qKQPkthOjs5VOsuqPWHZJy-rPvaBwIAjlkocTsV-tA-s0yBoqq30Qi5phWayXD97LSJXELgmCzfrCNXEuhTGqgLFrKkC/s320/scotland_pb_front_cover.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a draft cover of the new book</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Although I've set up a Patreon page where you can make monthly
payments (price is as bit higher because Patreon charges me 5%), you are also welcome to pay the full amount up-front (without the Patreon fee!) For
Patreon, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mchesleyjohnson" target="_blank">go here</a>, and to send me a full payment via Zelle, Paypal or
personal check, <a href="mailto:mchesleyjohnson@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> and I will tell you how to do it.</p><p>
</p><p lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Below I've included images of some of the past 6x8 paintings of Scotland I've made. I'm looking forward to this project, and I hope you'll join me in the journey.</p><p lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttqDp7LjYtvS-v7CisEL1YLHDJ1NjD97ccDkugkX6Ay8FgsefplycHB-ZQyXjooERuxMwU4nc1IoZ4r9mlCsLkS-fzRRorLVKqZ7iE64mSY499vHf9kl5f3J3apJo9nuAEQiru61YiN0LsT7EIOud-seRH8pv6USTpoz2VZpmw67iqB-Lh58jfUiDXUdd/s988/gid2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="988" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttqDp7LjYtvS-v7CisEL1YLHDJ1NjD97ccDkugkX6Ay8FgsefplycHB-ZQyXjooERuxMwU4nc1IoZ4r9mlCsLkS-fzRRorLVKqZ7iE64mSY499vHf9kl5f3J3apJo9nuAEQiru61YiN0LsT7EIOud-seRH8pv6USTpoz2VZpmw67iqB-Lh58jfUiDXUdd/s320/gid2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6JaLZJZlf1zgX-IGus87-7weMXNDd-gYvhBGOtnz6l4APOT_SWN7j3TQaYfzypE6WJb6diOtd8NlbWDKWyiTDY-tGJ5qybVg2PlfPeWViMu3zZhgIXip_mKOREQFG_v7hirfjQRuPYdiDFw7d7D-uE7APV4CU2eRRtO6hd3QHvqh86fH2VATlI1mauky/s998/grid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="998" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6JaLZJZlf1zgX-IGus87-7weMXNDd-gYvhBGOtnz6l4APOT_SWN7j3TQaYfzypE6WJb6diOtd8NlbWDKWyiTDY-tGJ5qybVg2PlfPeWViMu3zZhgIXip_mKOREQFG_v7hirfjQRuPYdiDFw7d7D-uE7APV4CU2eRRtO6hd3QHvqh86fH2VATlI1mauky/s320/grid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4m5phzXcyDWgooTNeiU1cZ98fqxSmMM-PctkewXXbCinWGlADQFXRKyiWJNY-hlogEoyJX30fZukNfxrLEQzKt_JQgBEIt_IkeoWI76oJbBOxlA7A12p6iWFL5iCcXzh7pEgbXAyEjbWYWQdg-eMYkw_60ShKgh4oVIEGAfTp1qSFm6sW0fi8RSHZhUW/s965/grid3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="965" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4m5phzXcyDWgooTNeiU1cZ98fqxSmMM-PctkewXXbCinWGlADQFXRKyiWJNY-hlogEoyJX30fZukNfxrLEQzKt_JQgBEIt_IkeoWI76oJbBOxlA7A12p6iWFL5iCcXzh7pEgbXAyEjbWYWQdg-eMYkw_60ShKgh4oVIEGAfTp1qSFm6sW0fi8RSHZhUW/s320/grid3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-51764118865558574852024-01-07T02:00:00.013-07:002024-01-07T02:00:00.135-07:00Scotland: Kilt Rock, 36x12 Oil<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslEwBLnJibZ8QuNOeoGfpqFqDXV3HpIdTgRiJ_b0bIOU38vISZPoFEqnV9o_byt3B7ZYOghdPDisDANgZboBWtn3wBXmbwVk2r9KNLYJjgi5iK8x5lBVeldrOM5M-DZRlsnnrZdybBqdiUzvu3gFO4tfQK9Z39H6LZhgSb2dLQC2uHb-Z9_xcdt0YMdNY/s1800/kilt_rock_2023061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslEwBLnJibZ8QuNOeoGfpqFqDXV3HpIdTgRiJ_b0bIOU38vISZPoFEqnV9o_byt3B7ZYOghdPDisDANgZboBWtn3wBXmbwVk2r9KNLYJjgi5iK8x5lBVeldrOM5M-DZRlsnnrZdybBqdiUzvu3gFO4tfQK9Z39H6LZhgSb2dLQC2uHb-Z9_xcdt0YMdNY/w336-h400/kilt_rock_2023061.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kilt Rock, 36x12 Oil<br />Read on for details! <a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/product/kilt-rock-36x12-oil/" target="_blank">Also, it's available.</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>This winter, I'm working on some large paintings of Scotland. (These are for my upcoming book, which will be part of my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michael-Chesley-Johnson/author/B003PVV72G" target="_blank"><i>Through a Painter's Brush </i>series.</a>) "Kilt Rock" was a fun one to paint, as I wanted to turn a broad, 1:3 format on its head to enhance the somewhat unsettling feeling of the sheer, 180-foot plummet of Mealt Falls, a sea cliff waterfall on the Isle of Skye. Kilt Rock is the name of the cliff behind the falls.</p><p>Here are some progress shots with some explanatory text. Click on images for bigger versions.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioR5q4DbwXyxbUsHQBcdji8jhAhuHJzAUv7WFNE99tkuZgFLTtgvgoWpEPm3V0cFQTrJS6NGuE1pYYrzc8WRFWpbFrMhJ5K4QWtgJYPbnFyhq2qFeFsb5JLAIlfhY45gIFKvDqJH6ElMk7AV4jhXNWmG2aqsuNZbQpm4OBhSRh_eCeXlq7GLXxZ44GDKMp/s1000/PXL_20231201_220744733.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioR5q4DbwXyxbUsHQBcdji8jhAhuHJzAUv7WFNE99tkuZgFLTtgvgoWpEPm3V0cFQTrJS6NGuE1pYYrzc8WRFWpbFrMhJ5K4QWtgJYPbnFyhq2qFeFsb5JLAIlfhY45gIFKvDqJH6ElMk7AV4jhXNWmG2aqsuNZbQpm4OBhSRh_eCeXlq7GLXxZ44GDKMp/w400-h225/PXL_20231201_220744733.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">I first made a 1/2-scale design sketch in vine charcoal on newsprint. You'll note this image is sideways—but that's how I sketched it! Working with this 90-degree shift helped me see the simple shapes in the abstraction, rather than thinking of shapes as "cliff," "waterfall," and so on.<br /></span><br style="text-align: start;" /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCiQx7XPdvdLfDiT9mqpo7YwxmR8uomgmpDKAQv2ULfCZfUcI7IE422a78AqATUt26ml6jCPeGtMzUzj_KBji3QPag48qOmBgoWeuJhfVilq0gl32KoH3izJgeJq6Q_sv8F601nR323JIfzvAL9pmV0bXEPcWd_fQEhuy2fk7GM-BTbUUCpcF3VqyjCjX/s993/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="993" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCiQx7XPdvdLfDiT9mqpo7YwxmR8uomgmpDKAQv2ULfCZfUcI7IE422a78AqATUt26ml6jCPeGtMzUzj_KBji3QPag48qOmBgoWeuJhfVilq0gl32KoH3izJgeJq6Q_sv8F601nR323JIfzvAL9pmV0bXEPcWd_fQEhuy2fk7GM-BTbUUCpcF3VqyjCjX/w400-h370/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">When I took my reference photos, the day was overcast with a cool light. I wanted to keep that cool-light effect, so I started off by toning my 36x12 cradled panel with quinacridone magenta. I also outlined my shapes and blocked in the rocky cliffs with the same.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8di3YL4yv3Kw1YpLlcYEPs8SBVxvQk229TZV2Lm29B5x8FrcBrNlNaimcuMgq-jFQU56ihAEj0T18gnpu-oLSs5zhy5eh55vwgZpy3YKxWaMsz3joIlC8Acoklj0qjnsSU80WKGkcQ4qQN6fxOmx5f64z8F3MIQzw2VgBwFz90M93OxZ3cRzxSYU3pAFY/s956/2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="956" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8di3YL4yv3Kw1YpLlcYEPs8SBVxvQk229TZV2Lm29B5x8FrcBrNlNaimcuMgq-jFQU56ihAEj0T18gnpu-oLSs5zhy5eh55vwgZpy3YKxWaMsz3joIlC8Acoklj0qjnsSU80WKGkcQ4qQN6fxOmx5f64z8F3MIQzw2VgBwFz90M93OxZ3cRzxSYU3pAFY/w400-h379/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Moving to viridian and phthalo emerald, I blocked in the grassy areas. At this point, the magenta was looking rather lurid, so I toned it down by scumbling on some viridian. Taking a clean brush dampened with Gamsol, I removed paint where I wanted to reshape the waterfall. I also lightened some of the values elsewhere by scrubbing down these areas with a paper towel. (No, I don't use Viva—just whatever's cheap and comes in a "select-a-size" version.)</span><br style="text-align: start;" /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFrexmXWXnDPgwkf3VgGCasf1r_TJ8SWaHkc_obHPkf6mYgRn1n5aQdotkLenLn_S8HmiExUCnjTlA9QbsYyA0GIVrZhmLXmrHiFrJMyee_qpwXF000SbtUE47pE3ZBoHVNvNYw6l7Bl3ggv1OyrTo0mrLQQ5vbyxNCO45nxqdkaY9fnvvJz1xtZ6KBHV/s987/3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="987" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFrexmXWXnDPgwkf3VgGCasf1r_TJ8SWaHkc_obHPkf6mYgRn1n5aQdotkLenLn_S8HmiExUCnjTlA9QbsYyA0GIVrZhmLXmrHiFrJMyee_qpwXF000SbtUE47pE3ZBoHVNvNYw6l7Bl3ggv1OyrTo0mrLQQ5vbyxNCO45nxqdkaY9fnvvJz1xtZ6KBHV/w400-h378/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Now I was ready to tone down the color, so I pulled out my set of Portland Greys. Every mixture from this point on had some grey added to it. Again, I kept "cool light" in mind as I mixed and painted. By the way, you'll note that, on the horizon, a wedge of land has sneaked in. This wasn't in my original design. It has become an unfortunate habit, no doubt picked up while painting countless seascapes with boring, empty horizon lines, that I seem to want something there. In the final version, I removed it, and I think the painting is the better for it. See the image at the top of the post for the finished version.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Here are the colors I used in this painting: titanitum-zinc white, cadmium yellow light, naphthol scarlet, alizarin crimson, quinacridone magenta, cerulean blue hue, viridian, phthalo emerald, Portland grey (all three values.) All colors and mediums are by Gamblin; I used Galkyd Gel at every step so each layer would be dry by the next day. Brushes used are Rosemary sable flats, except for the initial block-in, when I used cheap synthetic flats to scrub in the color.</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-43352472080370331272023-12-31T02:00:00.006-07:002023-12-31T02:00:00.158-07:00Another New Year with Workshops, Travels, Books and More!<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCACx1Pak82gC7dChTr5uzAzWHo14pMMigyrEE_2-9TpZcQgfhbCQAP4FrltzVNK9-WWgmIO6nRSARO2o1mU2Z4thAXGVi04ujrqC9P7W5jPk6FDv7go3D8N2_YDACbXwAIUQ1-7RhjyskO3K_9c-PTHg5QJCyNLWRVJPFpXMydCNrGhb0lPckpZ4-2kBy/s1024/_b369f6ec-f312-41eb-baaf-79343308482f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCACx1Pak82gC7dChTr5uzAzWHo14pMMigyrEE_2-9TpZcQgfhbCQAP4FrltzVNK9-WWgmIO6nRSARO2o1mU2Z4thAXGVi04ujrqC9P7W5jPk6FDv7go3D8N2_YDACbXwAIUQ1-7RhjyskO3K_9c-PTHg5QJCyNLWRVJPFpXMydCNrGhb0lPckpZ4-2kBy/s320/_b369f6ec-f312-41eb-baaf-79343308482f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Reflecting on the passing of another year has become somewhat of a cliché, but I'll indulge in it nonetheless: It's remarkable how swiftly time flies. But rather than dwelling on the past, I find solace in embracing the belief that life is best lived looking forward, with only the occasional glance in the rearview mirror.</p><p>As we stand at the threshold of 2024, the future holds both anticipation and excitement. Here's a glimpse into what the upcoming year will offer:</p><p><u>Winter: Paintings of Scotland, and Hoping to Get Broadband!</u></p><p>My winter endeavor is dedicated to crafting a series of large paintings capturing the essence of Scotland, destined for an upcoming book. (See below.) Drawing inspiration from color sketches and photographs from previous trips, this series aims to explore inventive expressions of color and abstraction. And as for broadband, the prospect of it reaching our rural community soon will open doors to longer YouTube videos and the possibility of hosting Zoom workshops.</p><p><u>April: Sedona Plein Air Painting Retreat?</u></p><p>In the spirit of continuous exploration, I'm considering a "Hiking to Sketch and Photograph" retreat in Sedona, Arizona. Set against the backdrop of enchanting Uptown Sedona, this retreat will center around daily hikes on uptown trails, catering to experienced outdoor painters with a penchant for adventure. April is the tentative timeframe, and if this resonates with you, let me know. <a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/workshop-retreats/" target="_blank">General details on my retreats can be found here</a>.</p><p><u>July/August: Maine Plein Air Painting Workshop & Plein Air Painting Retreat</u></p><p>Lubec, Maine, and Campobello Island, New Brunswick, remain my preferred summer painting havens. An all-level plein air painting workshop is slated for July 29-August 1, with openings still available. Following that, a plein air painting retreat from August 5-9 awaits, currently at full capacity but open for waiting list sign-ups. <a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/workshops-maine/" target="_blank">Click here for details on the workshop</a>. <a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/workshop-retreats/" target="_blank">Click here for details on the retreat</a>.</p><p><u>September: Scotland Trip</u></p><p>Embarking on a four-week immersive journey through different regions of Scotland in September, my focus will be on hiking, painting and photography. While fellow painters expressed interest in joining, we're reserving this adventure just for Trina and me at this time.</p><p><u>October: Plein Air Painting Workshop at Palo Duro Canyon, Texas</u></p><p>Trace the footsteps of Georgia O'Keeffe at Palo Duro Canyon in a three-day plein air painting workshop sponsored by the Amarillo Art Institute. Details are forthcoming, but mark your calendars for October 17-19 for a painting experience in this mini-Grand Canyon. (I'll send out more details as they are finalized.)</p><p><u>November: Sedona Plein Air Painting Retreat?</u></p><p>A second "Hiking to Sketch and Photograph" retreat is in the works for mid-November, echoing the April proposal. The allure of Sedona in November promises stunning colors in the cottonwoods and sycamores. Again, if you're interested, please let me know.</p><p><u>Winter 2024/2024: The Scotland Book and Wee Paintings of Scotland</u></p><p>Post-Scotland trip, my focus turns to crafting <i>Through a Painter's Brush: Scotland</i>, a book akin to its predecessors, filled with essays, diary entries, and captivating images. To support this venture, my revamped Patreon page offers two support levels, each with its unique perks. (And yes, if you'd prefer not to deal with Patreon, you can pay in full, up-front.) As the snow shovel beckons in anticipation of a wet winter, I invite you to consider joining me on this artistic odyssey. Your support, whether through Patreon or direct engagement, is immensely appreciated. If you've already enlisted, my heartfelt thanks! <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mchesleyjohnson" target="_blank">Click here for details</a>.</p><p>That concludes the current update—now, off to find that snow shovel! Winter's forecast promises precipitation, and I'm ready to embrace the artistic challenges it brings.</p><p>Wishing you all a productive and peaceful New Year!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-12274771743423046612023-12-24T02:00:00.004-07:002023-12-24T02:00:00.194-07:00Thoughts on Seeing<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4ZvcFNh2siZY3P2JhRz4njNWJVNrGMTxZABG8RAcrjMa_CPAbd3W_zBWvO8EcUN5E0z5HP_0ESWj6MHnJAJxarNQsR3HSgR2d6WjgkoQidgswi5_dMN_GQs02CR8sUv-MYv9h9PksrFrZeb4QtuzfMUJhVGKKXrZQkIxd58xyUJLajsUDcGKdj1856FB/s1024/eye_over_landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4ZvcFNh2siZY3P2JhRz4njNWJVNrGMTxZABG8RAcrjMa_CPAbd3W_zBWvO8EcUN5E0z5HP_0ESWj6MHnJAJxarNQsR3HSgR2d6WjgkoQidgswi5_dMN_GQs02CR8sUv-MYv9h9PksrFrZeb4QtuzfMUJhVGKKXrZQkIxd58xyUJLajsUDcGKdj1856FB/s320/eye_over_landscape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>As plein air painters, we are told one of our best tools is the squinted eye. Sure, that's great for seeing a simplified version of the scene—detail and color are reduced, shapes and values massed—but it doesn't help with seeing more than that. And to paint well, we ultimately need to see everything. This means you have to open your eyes.</p><p>But what are we looking for, exactly? For me, it comes down to comparing line, shape, value and color:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How does the angle and length of this line compare to that one? Is it more or less acute, longer or shorter? </li><li>How does this shape compare to that one? Is it rounder or less round, bigger or smaller?</li><li>How does the temperature and saturation of this area compare to that one? Is it warmer or cooler, richer or duller, in a different hue family?</li></ul><p></p><p>As an experienced outdoor painter, I often rely on my naked eye for these comparisons. But sometimes I need help. The handle of a brush or a pencil helps me measure angle and length. A "color isolator," such as the hole in the center of my ViewCatcher, lets me isolate a tiny patch of the scene so I can judge the different aspects of its color. The tool is a mid-value, neutral grey, so the questions I ask it include: Is the color lighter or darker than the grey? How much more saturated does it feel than the grey? Hue is easier to see against the grey, too. Additionally, I can compare different patches with the tool.</p><p>But what about depth? I'm sure you already know how the atmosphere creates a sense of distance through reducing value, contrast and saturation, and by softening edges. Yet there's more to it than that. There is the "roundness" of form, the contours of the land or a tree, something you can only see with both eyes, binocular vision. If you have experience drawing the human figure from life, you know what I mean. There's all the difference in the world between a drawing done by someone who works exclusively from photographs and that done by someone who works from life.</p><p>By the way, you don't have to be painting or even drawing to learn to see. Just go outside, find yourself a comfortable spot, and just look. Observe the scene as if you were painting it. You'll be surprised how much just this simple exercise can improve your painting.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-86509808037930565162023-12-17T02:00:00.006-07:002023-12-17T05:09:25.856-07:00What Do Plein Air Painters Do in the Winter?<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
<p>
**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQMMcAn6Nx_EgCUZi_6aTtm0picr_vQaMWUiqycvfnRJryYXle5OQKxo1j2iW4wmui3dkfuZf3-mvVbrywVuDJnhmXv0z0abrCxdh2QPpOrwO7k7YumFpAZx0Gd4JAjbmUHq51Fy2A6kolhnlvwMx9NlwQCGqXPkwa3ZfgMRB4tYr80fd-v_1m4sl-Kmf/s1200/violet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="755" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQMMcAn6Nx_EgCUZi_6aTtm0picr_vQaMWUiqycvfnRJryYXle5OQKxo1j2iW4wmui3dkfuZf3-mvVbrywVuDJnhmXv0z0abrCxdh2QPpOrwO7k7YumFpAZx0Gd4JAjbmUHq51Fy2A6kolhnlvwMx9NlwQCGqXPkwa3ZfgMRB4tYr80fd-v_1m4sl-Kmf/s320/violet.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Ready, set -- go!</i></b><br />A 36x12 toned for a painting of Scotland.<br />Why violet? It'll go well with all that green.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>What do plein air painters do in the winter? Well, if it's not too cold and not too snowy, I go out. You've probably seen some of my snow sketches and paintings over the years. But what if the weather is worse? Then I retreat to the studio.</p><p>These past couple of weeks, we've had cold mornings (18°F or lower) and snow. (Should I mention that the snow turns to mud here?) Sure, I've painted in worse. But honestly, the only thing I get out of bad-weather painting is bragging rights. I've realized it does nothing to advance my skills as as painter. These days, I'd rather take a photograph.</p><p>For me, winter weather is the time for a studio project. As you may have read, I'm planning a month-long trip to Scotland next fall. One of my goals for that trip is to gather enough reference material for a book on Scotland as part of my <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michael-Chesley-Johnson/author/B003PVV72G " target="_blank">Through a Painter's Brush series</a></i>. </p><p>As of this moment, I have enough material from <a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/search/label/Scotland" target="_blank">previous trips</a> to forge ahead on a few large studio paintings for the book. (By the way, if you'd like to support my trip and get a small painting and/or the book, you can <a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2023/08/help-me-get-back-to-bonnie-scotland.html" target="_blank">get details here</a>.) </p><p>Going through my photographs, video clips and plein air sketches helps me relive the moment and re-creates the excitement I felt while traveling. (I'll share some photos of my past Scottish travels below.) I've already got the first canvas toned and on the easel, so I'm ready to go. I'll be posting all the work on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mchesleyjohnson/ " target="_blank">my Instagram account</a>, so stay tuned! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTRNb0A_6d5XQYgQlsdo1ZX4pnmCD_6kF1IFeNdMYuhLjz3xL6jAyFvqHWA1zrCqWdvqyL3_5jtESmAUgENKBExBn9Gpm6qOHHclcUClKN2ZEZUtEc3nz24_-YiDpcu6St0RB7gIrV5SQkQ4Ymhyphenhyphenpac_1fLZM9oZSgJopCVn1X4ueWQ-IEHuplYr-cPYo/s1600/IMG_9730.jpg" 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/AVvXsEiNTRNb0A_6d5XQYgQlsdo1ZX4pnmCD_6kF1IFeNdMYuhLjz3xL6jAyFvqHWA1zrCqWdvqyL3_5jtESmAUgENKBExBn9Gpm6qOHHclcUClKN2ZEZUtEc3nz24_-YiDpcu6St0RB7gIrV5SQkQ4Ymhyphenhyphenpac_1fLZM9oZSgJopCVn1X4ueWQ-IEHuplYr-cPYo/s320/IMG_9730.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Scotland, I've painted through<br />sun, showers and...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0s0YNmR-tBGmGoNFrQ5WljHi52ivtj0pzEYpiJoVYDeEaD_R8g2U8QLbfvDlrHtKtL7lcPBPIRiU34k9TcXFg6rcrDCRlmG0DULz-S-LvL3Hoh2meIu-dznEPVvgg_1wjJhVXQVebQ5zUl67PVxHJsR0vsLPiVG1eFeNtRXky5UjcYXLJdh6R81AtDCcM/s1600/IMG_6463.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0s0YNmR-tBGmGoNFrQ5WljHi52ivtj0pzEYpiJoVYDeEaD_R8g2U8QLbfvDlrHtKtL7lcPBPIRiU34k9TcXFg6rcrDCRlmG0DULz-S-LvL3Hoh2meIu-dznEPVvgg_1wjJhVXQVebQ5zUl67PVxHJsR0vsLPiVG1eFeNtRXky5UjcYXLJdh6R81AtDCcM/s320/IMG_6463.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...even sheep.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLF6TAPbX-A2YgWqiPHI4Vkwwa_m6SKLn0dtM7dNn5SLUB4pZMGm2fohRB8_9dbsehoL4Dl-2NafIEQ2_NP7QfzXkQYPykrSjJd1mIiwUh-1F72UUQ1Zq1Wt_uYbO845j-7FA6CEdRKIvaUtD_dVAGF2qKnPQ2DiH-f74w0m9jIHr0S9VBR_BIHWP2BNK/s1325/IMG_20180606_121738_optimized.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1325" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLF6TAPbX-A2YgWqiPHI4Vkwwa_m6SKLn0dtM7dNn5SLUB4pZMGm2fohRB8_9dbsehoL4Dl-2NafIEQ2_NP7QfzXkQYPykrSjJd1mIiwUh-1F72UUQ1Zq1Wt_uYbO845j-7FA6CEdRKIvaUtD_dVAGF2qKnPQ2DiH-f74w0m9jIHr0S9VBR_BIHWP2BNK/s320/IMG_20180606_121738_optimized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpfAbsI-pS2Q-wK99pdkctDFpw2zAH7sAswMd2jFZ3Vai7h4SMZwHQzuExEgwNFgl6tBZcBO9cZTTGPj-nDMav-CAYYNXQIDBQKq7XXx-enpmKimL1zD_Z99UBXB8m5ZAjYCUymfGktiCcUTfcuNkGbZhpn74vkG5sxTf8R7Z_UMMJXRz5UoDcLlZUxs_/s1525/IMG_4436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1525" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpfAbsI-pS2Q-wK99pdkctDFpw2zAH7sAswMd2jFZ3Vai7h4SMZwHQzuExEgwNFgl6tBZcBO9cZTTGPj-nDMav-CAYYNXQIDBQKq7XXx-enpmKimL1zD_Z99UBXB8m5ZAjYCUymfGktiCcUTfcuNkGbZhpn74vkG5sxTf8R7Z_UMMJXRz5UoDcLlZUxs_/s320/IMG_4436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkOdZ_6uj7j8asrj2e4zfsaGsaCIVmo4XTJjuvvV7HVpBax2GOfnDy65pCnhkdzTXpUoi2wNeVX9pky8wfMx6KgK1XP9366G6qqYtHM4zEzB4FW8_sk8h2x_HE7n5MoyY11UdA8lULDVRN9kCuvj336fC4GlJxdw1UOsBnwvJF-FceSWEZ21xD74y7QQ5/s1600/IMG_5381.jpg" 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/AVvXsEjmkOdZ_6uj7j8asrj2e4zfsaGsaCIVmo4XTJjuvvV7HVpBax2GOfnDy65pCnhkdzTXpUoi2wNeVX9pky8wfMx6KgK1XP9366G6qqYtHM4zEzB4FW8_sk8h2x_HE7n5MoyY11UdA8lULDVRN9kCuvj336fC4GlJxdw1UOsBnwvJF-FceSWEZ21xD74y7QQ5/s320/IMG_5381.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajCUkIj6zQ1wPxjdnXU0joBb05Eh5LmlbDtAdrbXI9HNSk5NbZZTmx6fQ_u55W5Lp1tpKiwHqlQDB1bxdWnavGKBVtgDzU4d1auUBReeD3bbG4fhBMrLa_uRxUvOLW2ZoydFCOmO7P0Tr-ULwD6nmtBs61t-AidYwqrXT8oHb2oVsRTZUiw3BLFBtx6gH/s1525/IMG_3968.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1525" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajCUkIj6zQ1wPxjdnXU0joBb05Eh5LmlbDtAdrbXI9HNSk5NbZZTmx6fQ_u55W5Lp1tpKiwHqlQDB1bxdWnavGKBVtgDzU4d1auUBReeD3bbG4fhBMrLa_uRxUvOLW2ZoydFCOmO7P0Tr-ULwD6nmtBs61t-AidYwqrXT8oHb2oVsRTZUiw3BLFBtx6gH/s320/IMG_3968.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yldSUtFaCVHshuGyyaR3SLdVeN1mKypDx_S9Bc3gPUNKjxqOCKd5F_eKXKIyn1ofhLiXRbGr1t6buV064DwHT6_qxoLsM_QCbmD4LMsT2NHeU2yEX6jbQHR_bg2E1VpA2JXuI91vIJiVQqLzQXn1ENobNCnyZix0QmDuAgoH7u2xIapV84nPzx2zBS_C/s1491/IMG_4983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1491" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yldSUtFaCVHshuGyyaR3SLdVeN1mKypDx_S9Bc3gPUNKjxqOCKd5F_eKXKIyn1ofhLiXRbGr1t6buV064DwHT6_qxoLsM_QCbmD4LMsT2NHeU2yEX6jbQHR_bg2E1VpA2JXuI91vIJiVQqLzQXn1ENobNCnyZix0QmDuAgoH7u2xIapV84nPzx2zBS_C/s320/IMG_4983.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-7697453828179442582023-12-10T02:00:00.134-07:002023-12-10T02:00:00.134-07:00For the Painter<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
<p>
**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7snBNiirQRE_tDciVB2_2YDPp_SyK8MntpNyBTXwfXy7s52TmfiKE4VjFOoFoxem_82s18k3lkCrGTPoBkvZr2Nd0COPalsVBIzmSv780Zk8q2qlWYjLN6z5hrDwDR_TdqiUOgL5y6g2jqL9NQSV_afshp3EeCvcVMvkoWBmRYxvpE5efUnLE4YjSLxU/s991/pleinairman_1930_linocut_illustr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="943" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7snBNiirQRE_tDciVB2_2YDPp_SyK8MntpNyBTXwfXy7s52TmfiKE4VjFOoFoxem_82s18k3lkCrGTPoBkvZr2Nd0COPalsVBIzmSv780Zk8q2qlWYjLN6z5hrDwDR_TdqiUOgL5y6g2jqL9NQSV_afshp3EeCvcVMvkoWBmRYxvpE5efUnLE4YjSLxU/w381-h400/pleinairman_1930_linocut_illustr.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><br /><p>Since giving seems to be on everyone's mind right now, I thought I'd jump in with my own "Top Ten" list of suggestions. These are things I've found useful in my own painting practice in the past year, so maybe you'll find them useful, too. In no particular order:</p><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DmqqWTCl1sW48G2p8Engv5kHbMGkB_VIeecCMKoDGNlw_4T7eRpZ4g-gkDcBl-6ishqylJJcDuU3vDxoLFk9FCOHTGZumj-hu9WwRbaf05cl41LZUz7FP4Lb7YgNCBck94uC0TfE0a0Y75mftnDO-k2TUMeN41Q3ilcquk7XnNW3RPsS0TjF9DQ236-C/s1000/cuttingboard.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1000" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DmqqWTCl1sW48G2p8Engv5kHbMGkB_VIeecCMKoDGNlw_4T7eRpZ4g-gkDcBl-6ishqylJJcDuU3vDxoLFk9FCOHTGZumj-hu9WwRbaf05cl41LZUz7FP4Lb7YgNCBck94uC0TfE0a0Y75mftnDO-k2TUMeN41Q3ilcquk7XnNW3RPsS0TjF9DQ236-C/s320/cuttingboard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09ZTV5DTB" target="_blank">Tempered Glass Cutting Board</a>. Sure, you could chop onions on this, but I find it better to use as a painting palette. They come in different sizes, and they are easy to clean, either with a quick scrape of a blade or a wipe of a paper towel. The one I have has little plastic feet so it doesn't slip. Although I use a large, homemade glass palette at my easel, I've found that having one or two of the smaller cutting boards is handy for any small project that doesn't require a big mixing area. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRGWN44ybtrYyR1e3m857ppsADJeSA5_t2Sslw-0MPwXyPiDN0x5ldZ-qoUaJfAhKFjQlmGYq_dE2dZEdEI7MtG_FQ2-HGdZ_FHEqCULtE7bB88h-PwWa0FowO0pvXuUUicp_03r8GFQ03S9Ul_OmHdZH0871nlmClGBHs1p_qCYYtN1MXBNLWouW4gEI/s600/musicozy.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRGWN44ybtrYyR1e3m857ppsADJeSA5_t2Sslw-0MPwXyPiDN0x5ldZ-qoUaJfAhKFjQlmGYq_dE2dZEdEI7MtG_FQ2-HGdZ_FHEqCULtE7bB88h-PwWa0FowO0pvXuUUicp_03r8GFQ03S9Ul_OmHdZH0871nlmClGBHs1p_qCYYtN1MXBNLWouW4gEI/s320/musicozy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Headphones-Bluetooth-Headband-Waterproof-Meditation/dp/B082NZCHD3" target="_blank">Bluetooth Headband</a>. I listen to music when I'm in the studio, whether at the easel, bench or desk. Because I tend to wander a bit, and also to flail my hands about when painting, I find cables a hazard, so wired headphones aren't an option. What's more, my music often doesn't suit the other inhabitants of the house, so speakers don't work for me, either. Sure, I could wear wireless headphones, but I find them a bit clunky. My solution: a Bluetooth headband. The tiny speakers are fine—I can almost feel the bass—and the band itself is made of a material that keeps my head warm. There are many brands out there, but mine is a MusiCozy.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhepa_MDj-8L9qxnuZcx23paH7Wq0c9xQ3dDEUR89WtVYwFWTvx_n6i7Os-bOFTMfhHW2R88DmBcpoT0O4jFrIGdGFahN3GzsDp0eR0oyFSrXTB2xj7fm5qySgoSF0t4OtP6rrauf3rM4Hx1s23zzKmA0prQsj_nFH7qDH2DZi5Al-NUtAFPNezm_wVIq/s1000/wacom.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1000" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhepa_MDj-8L9qxnuZcx23paH7Wq0c9xQ3dDEUR89WtVYwFWTvx_n6i7Os-bOFTMfhHW2R88DmBcpoT0O4jFrIGdGFahN3GzsDp0eR0oyFSrXTB2xj7fm5qySgoSF0t4OtP6rrauf3rM4Hx1s23zzKmA0prQsj_nFH7qDH2DZi5Al-NUtAFPNezm_wVIq/s320/wacom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wacom.com/en-us/products/pen-tablets/wacom-intuos" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Wacom Intuos Tablet</a><span style="text-align: start;">. I'm not a digital artist, but I've found that digital art can be handy in improving my paintings made with traditional media. To do this, I take a photo of my work-in-progress, pull it into my favorite image editing software, and then experiment with the image using my graphics tablet. I can simulate many of the tools I use in traditional painting – brush and knife, in many sizes and shapes – and play with different ideas in color and value. Once I've come up with something that looks good, I return to my easel and make it real.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigThqSm8GaaLi-1SgS0wnVssoc2WB4hFkN2onR8GpjGCD9K9Fw8ZQJgIsu8NO2cFlgDXVnu_Tivvn2YAxKHh_giJSpaFuxCYFKp-Eh3hs-7OpOL_j90vluTlhvAO8TiAHsGRS8qjqKexOanD4_mH7UuczdMTfcCmd8sD8ncXxIfLz-ZbmN3yhyphenhyphenpCUJZFHe/s920/rosemary.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigThqSm8GaaLi-1SgS0wnVssoc2WB4hFkN2onR8GpjGCD9K9Fw8ZQJgIsu8NO2cFlgDXVnu_Tivvn2YAxKHh_giJSpaFuxCYFKp-Eh3hs-7OpOL_j90vluTlhvAO8TiAHsGRS8qjqKexOanD4_mH7UuczdMTfcCmd8sD8ncXxIfLz-ZbmN3yhyphenhyphenpCUJZFHe/s320/rosemary.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosemaryandco.com/michael-richardson-master" target="_blank">Rosemary Brushes.</a> I'm hard on my brushes, and it's disappointing to have an expensive brush wear down in no time. I'd heard a lot about Rosemary Brushes, so hoping for a more durable product, I ordered the Michael Richardson Plein Air Master Brush Set. (Most of the brushes it has are the sizes and shapes I typically use.) Despite my scrubbing, grinding and general mistreatment, these brushes are still in great shape.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oQzWFUlKGfVKnJ36XWN_ZsAyMXuX_KsH-QyVnJdOlXxkUlHZ4Z1W_5Szsu5Rk8w_FKMqrPRCTCbMqZLqx4htL6b01z0SO_bCCkDCl38QviE_Ao0ncEhgS8-vN262UuMMhoqPSVwPf1L3uztJExmzw684umqocr-ejXhD9K-dWitBnUr9z3LenDGyU4o5/s1088/blade.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1088" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oQzWFUlKGfVKnJ36XWN_ZsAyMXuX_KsH-QyVnJdOlXxkUlHZ4Z1W_5Szsu5Rk8w_FKMqrPRCTCbMqZLqx4htL6b01z0SO_bCCkDCl38QviE_Ao0ncEhgS8-vN262UuMMhoqPSVwPf1L3uztJExmzw684umqocr-ejXhD9K-dWitBnUr9z3LenDGyU4o5/s320/blade.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamblinstore.com/ground-and-gesso-blade/" target="_blank">Gamblin's Gesso and Ground Blades</a>. These plastic scrapers I've found perfect not just for spreading gesso or oil ground on panels but also for painting with. They're flexible and easy to clean. Scraping down, spreading paint, making fine lines—all great uses for these. I find them a great supplement to Gamblin's painting knives.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aI4oAzCiNTzalwI5hJUGQ_Q_Z_leDFIHiNgFtoFiRUm2N3BCYwbO0h53ML6Wwz3_ZZdJXVeOiMYkfATcoJY2O8LefswBmmXEt5syNKHFmHbo9OV5axGE1R6ROmZEt9oOJVOGD0w3epgpOhkiOvS1TtAwcjLsM1C6ahZwKE7gr3ketDPDm3gg-ENBsjEj/s1131/knives.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1131" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aI4oAzCiNTzalwI5hJUGQ_Q_Z_leDFIHiNgFtoFiRUm2N3BCYwbO0h53ML6Wwz3_ZZdJXVeOiMYkfATcoJY2O8LefswBmmXEt5syNKHFmHbo9OV5axGE1R6ROmZEt9oOJVOGD0w3epgpOhkiOvS1TtAwcjLsM1C6ahZwKE7gr3ketDPDm3gg-ENBsjEj/s320/knives.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamblinstore.com/painting/tools/studio-knives/" target="_blank">Gamblin's Painting Knives.</a> These came out last year, but I've been using them this year on projects. The big handles make them easy on the grip, the one-piece stamped metal has no weld to break, and they clean with just a wipe. They're a bit big to take plein air painting, but they are great in the studio.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42NCFGaecujSizYXCFzjWGUBpiz_4U_dorNXxmGqbKKXhdHz3axApdnD0WDgsX6S_aG5Af0zPAghLJwdIbG2zdHhqQm44OOMHuyXmkjmD7carJibaQYuIleCsw__WLCDSQ-Aem6l6Qf_eHQ4XxFEDSqpMpm2jbWMnDC4L2HNk3IF1ylVmeveIDwoEyh75/s1200/mako.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1200" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42NCFGaecujSizYXCFzjWGUBpiz_4U_dorNXxmGqbKKXhdHz3axApdnD0WDgsX6S_aG5Af0zPAghLJwdIbG2zdHhqQm44OOMHuyXmkjmD7carJibaQYuIleCsw__WLCDSQ-Aem6l6Qf_eHQ4XxFEDSqpMpm2jbWMnDC4L2HNk3IF1ylVmeveIDwoEyh75/s320/mako.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mako.supply/" target="_blank">Mako Panels</a>. I started painting with these for a recent project, and I love them. Well-crafted with good edges, plus a superior surface to paint on. They come on ACM (aluminum composite material) panels or Gatorboard. You can get them unprimed or primed with acrylic gesso or oil ground, or mounted with Claessen's linen. By the way, if you're a first-time buyer, you can get 10% off the order with the code <span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">FIRSTMAKO10.</span></div><br /><b>And now it's time for some self-promotion! Here are some other things you might enjoy:</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRV__IjB-LXH7vDnO92UDUzYZU92udVlFDq6-Hr02U0J6A8pdYAcLWDsn-D44-H4Q6JVs3YT7Zd_dLHdZk1m1GrbLzosUcsKNCYWe-sRen2a2ECdMpQwRSicnmn4tZ5qN8FFU6y6gRnPTXZmCM1fbKLqz5d6n3TA5igBDJw5N5R-pyuL2aD3tvqHOt9Sh/s1200/cal.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1200" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRV__IjB-LXH7vDnO92UDUzYZU92udVlFDq6-Hr02U0J6A8pdYAcLWDsn-D44-H4Q6JVs3YT7Zd_dLHdZk1m1GrbLzosUcsKNCYWe-sRen2a2ECdMpQwRSicnmn4tZ5qN8FFU6y6gRnPTXZmCM1fbKLqz5d6n3TA5igBDJw5N5R-pyuL2aD3tvqHOt9Sh/s320/cal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3SRS31X" target="_blank">My Calendar.</a> Twelves images of some of my favorite paintings from this past year. Images are seasonally appropriate and feature Southwest landscapes and the Maine coast and Canadian Maritimes.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR10-cxrmjviuxgrDJ6J_niY3mbRj-KAsYTQEM2164EYn2BB51YNgHBxz7UpfxHdIi-sUJQm64KfZcubxA8HIdir0T0mxHJiCNQi5gCMd2T5gEu1k_JDIHBlkx4T3gmF1uZ04mD-HGRTonwipYJc9qLfPd7w05RphnmGAzO2N4e-8OcXXNu_wTIsnxpUyD/s1287/paintings.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1287" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR10-cxrmjviuxgrDJ6J_niY3mbRj-KAsYTQEM2164EYn2BB51YNgHBxz7UpfxHdIi-sUJQm64KfZcubxA8HIdir0T0mxHJiCNQi5gCMd2T5gEu1k_JDIHBlkx4T3gmF1uZ04mD-HGRTonwipYJc9qLfPd7w05RphnmGAzO2N4e-8OcXXNu_wTIsnxpUyD/s320/paintings.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/2023/11/14/fall-studio-sale/" style="text-align: start;">My Paintings</a><span style="text-align: start;">. In case you missed it, the studio clearance still goes on! Get 50% off any Southwest painting over $300 with FREE shipping to the continental US.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgU5Nrb4QFhyhiMVIjmpQnJ2kwIhSeS4wcus9AugJ7syUpr2qgpMVr8WeqUGBrbcq8zDYS1rXST2Mgd8gsCM7p07JwQDMawhf4kQVCzOtrIE3ZVcHrsFb62FYL8H46rO4KmqN1dC-9PVIznIzB8bDIR2UzjqjFpiuh3k7MwLQiuiElL13e2qXVCVgshqK/s782/books.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgU5Nrb4QFhyhiMVIjmpQnJ2kwIhSeS4wcus9AugJ7syUpr2qgpMVr8WeqUGBrbcq8zDYS1rXST2Mgd8gsCM7p07JwQDMawhf4kQVCzOtrIE3ZVcHrsFb62FYL8H46rO4KmqN1dC-9PVIznIzB8bDIR2UzjqjFpiuh3k7MwLQiuiElL13e2qXVCVgshqK/s320/books.png" width="220" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michael-Chesley-Johnson/author/B003PVV72G" target="_blank">My Books</a>. Each of these books contains useful demonstrations, tips and more for both the beginning plein air painter and the seasoned pro. The most recent one is Beautiful Landscape Painting Outdoors: Mastering Plein Air, which features a dozen master artists offering demonstrations and instruction.<br /><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-42126668494314085272023-12-03T02:00:00.003-07:002023-12-04T11:03:32.480-07:00Some New Panels for Oil Painting<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmStK0epcpi12dsLwEO1bZTTmmCJp_1axNzy6S6lvAuc6OqErHwyIu7eQS2cmjACgSfkdtmGByAX7cF3zdxe05mgLsymX42QrmzgvuXargRHsQE0nOVrKZxXOOkb8LHpL4tNDDEi983JMWlILAXoFJZH1GIc4dGe67T48W8Dkabl_-asRsTgJUFCl8lIZy/s1600/circle%20of%20light_2023059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmStK0epcpi12dsLwEO1bZTTmmCJp_1axNzy6S6lvAuc6OqErHwyIu7eQS2cmjACgSfkdtmGByAX7cF3zdxe05mgLsymX42QrmzgvuXargRHsQE0nOVrKZxXOOkb8LHpL4tNDDEi983JMWlILAXoFJZH1GIc4dGe67T48W8Dkabl_-asRsTgJUFCl8lIZy/w400-h310/circle%20of%20light_2023059.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"Circle of Light" 11x14 Oil - <a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/product/circle-of-light-11x14-oil/" target="_blank">Available</a></b><br />I painted this on the 3mm ACM panel that had been prepped<br />with an oil ground. I really liked the slight texture of the panel.<br />Using a knife and a <a href="https://gamblinstore.com/ground-and-gesso-blade/" target="_blank">Gamblin Gesso and Ground blade</a>, I was<br />able to make the most of the texture. (See farther down<br />for a close-up of the texture.)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>While researching materials for a recent painting project, I came across a company that was new to me, <a href="https://mako.supply/" target="_blank">Mako Art Supply</a>. I was looking specifically for ACM panels prepped with a ground for oil painting. (ACM stands for aluminum composite material, and one brand is Dibond.) Mako, a company founded in 2022, makes exactly what I was looking for, so I contacted them about my project.</p><p>I was surprised when a box landed on my doorstep with a generous assortment of samples. Inside was a set of 11x14 panels: a 3mm ACM panel prepped with an oil ground, another with acrylic gesso, a third unprimed, plus a Gatorfoam panel mounted with Claessen's 09 linen. Each panel is beautifully crafted and finished with nice edges.</p><p>I've tried one of the panels so far – the oil ground one – and it has been a delight to work on. It has a slightly textured surface that holds the paint well, and being an oil ground, it's not as absorbent as acrylic gesso, so I can easily wipe down areas to the "white" if I want to. I'm looking forward to trying the others. As for the unprimed panel, I'll be prepping it with Gamblin's Oil Ground. Stay tuned!</p><p>Here are a few images of the panels. By the way, if you're a first-time buyer, you can get 10% off the order with the code <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">FIRSTMAKO10.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUY_0SKqzbvNPCKe252fwpO2yuePy_1Ox9oSPju08nivDAWNPkFajSPtZdm5Zu92hVOp_CWXefvfeIzWV-CKTd_6p5IDkvAjlv7mK8R7MmVRorNobFpCHTFdH8KaBAU4C1CqlI1ErUClEILtJMBVSMw000usYD0zYGNmd1XMvDCfBbT4j5GHGmcCx10gY/s1600/PXL_20231130_210353131.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1600" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUY_0SKqzbvNPCKe252fwpO2yuePy_1Ox9oSPju08nivDAWNPkFajSPtZdm5Zu92hVOp_CWXefvfeIzWV-CKTd_6p5IDkvAjlv7mK8R7MmVRorNobFpCHTFdH8KaBAU4C1CqlI1ErUClEILtJMBVSMw000usYD0zYGNmd1XMvDCfBbT4j5GHGmcCx10gY/s320/PXL_20231130_210353131.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backs of the four panels</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFZ8dFUX6UUkya-ODoeBcq5OFXkUKYNdR1nnCyfEJJl3C7v9q2Az8M08viuHXgXa0J5p_TJzCb08uylc7L3BOlKVjusz5ko-eBLBe51buT7LFsNxmNxs8wMZvjIIDmpQk8e2XO_ExtlZSeioRbOnXCMR_ZZCFeFy-tPHOLf7_qRffeP7Uep4w52r9ztqu/s1600/PXL_20231130_210531175.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFZ8dFUX6UUkya-ODoeBcq5OFXkUKYNdR1nnCyfEJJl3C7v9q2Az8M08viuHXgXa0J5p_TJzCb08uylc7L3BOlKVjusz5ko-eBLBe51buT7LFsNxmNxs8wMZvjIIDmpQk8e2XO_ExtlZSeioRbOnXCMR_ZZCFeFy-tPHOLf7_qRffeP7Uep4w52r9ztqu/s320/PXL_20231130_210531175.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of three of the panels. Sorry I didn't<br />get a photo of the oil ground one, but I had<br />already painted on it by the time I decided to<br />write this post!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIz0wSWZ1rjGQ9ElOSsczs84j7fm7KqbdsHVmpwNssW4KGKaauhLqtkU_IFMCoJfW5Sh72oe1DgGlTLCK9_uVPllLoMERsdjeY1Z6QNFQDrkeXvdfXcigI32yiEg5vHOtntWgxwYH4F1FFf5_Onz_UpmSnHHcl4t-16tRh_-RCU_5ZlhoNOlZ_O7bv31c/s1600/PXL_20231130_210655932.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIz0wSWZ1rjGQ9ElOSsczs84j7fm7KqbdsHVmpwNssW4KGKaauhLqtkU_IFMCoJfW5Sh72oe1DgGlTLCK9_uVPllLoMERsdjeY1Z6QNFQDrkeXvdfXcigI32yiEg5vHOtntWgxwYH4F1FFf5_Onz_UpmSnHHcl4t-16tRh_-RCU_5ZlhoNOlZ_O7bv31c/s320/PXL_20231130_210655932.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the "Circle of Light" painting.<br />You can see the slight texture of the panel coming through.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>By the way, the 50% Studio Sale continues! You can get 50% off any painting over $300 with free shipping to the continental US. <a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/2023/11/14/fall-studio-sale/" target="_blank">For details, click here</a>.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-34397553245638431092023-11-26T02:00:00.051-07:002023-11-26T02:00:00.141-07:00Canyon Abstraction: Crevice<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXecbYmsXHZ2I8v00DRgbSniS2-JEfS1oWof-dBSNO9P9USNLqFymLuSe-Xhn6z6eJSKr1S4L861btRdmOWFnNdQRkUx6I6XfvwunCPeAg9-qd9qn8cWf_xQ4XA_QkhEpLLBuEECmztpNCq-JbGmH7tnQpmS9khjwdRFgCarq_ZVoqC4Yd9ToEIgEc1HHf/s1600/crevice_2023058_REV.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXecbYmsXHZ2I8v00DRgbSniS2-JEfS1oWof-dBSNO9P9USNLqFymLuSe-Xhn6z6eJSKr1S4L861btRdmOWFnNdQRkUx6I6XfvwunCPeAg9-qd9qn8cWf_xQ4XA_QkhEpLLBuEECmztpNCq-JbGmH7tnQpmS9khjwdRFgCarq_ZVoqC4Yd9ToEIgEc1HHf/s400/crevice_2023058_REV.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Crevice" 16x20 Oil<br /><a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/product/crevice-16x20-oil-panel/" target="_blank">Available</a></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p></p><p>Not long ago, I sold a large painting from my <i>Canyon Abstraction</i> series. It was one of a trio that I had hung in the bedroom, and I have been missing it like an old friend. This past month, I had some free time and decided to paint it again.</p><p>I pulled out my pandemic gouache journals, which had most of the color studies I needed. I also printed out a copy of the painting I sold, plus a few photos of this particular part of the canyon. Interestingly, the only reference I ended up using was the photo of the original, and I used that just for the composition, not for color or form – all this other information was conveniently held in memory, thanks to having spent much time sketching in the canyon over the last few years.</p><p>I started off by toning my 16x20 panel with <a href="https://gamblincolors.com/oil-painting/color/artist-grade-oil-colors/" target="_blank">Gamblin's Transparent Earth Yellow</a>. This is a beautiful, luminous yellow that served well as a base color for the canyon wall. After that, I used Burnt Sienna and Viridian to create a warm dark for the shadows and cracks, and Cerulean Blue Hue for reflected skylight. Finally, I used touches of Naphthol Scarlet and Cadmium Orange to indicate hot spots of reflected canyon light in the shadows.</p><p>After my first pass at color, I shot a photo of the panel and used my photoediting app (<a href="https://krita.org/" target="_blank">Krita</a>) and a <a href="https://www.wacom.com/en-us/products/pen-tablets/wacom-intuos" target="_blank">Wacom Intuous</a> tablet to do a little digital painting. I wanted to experiment with color and get a sense of where I might go in the next stage. I liked the result, and I used some of it in the finished painting, such as the cool pinks in the edges of the wall and the cool, blue-green stains on the rock. But as much as I enjoyed my digital painting session, my preference is for using a real brush to push around thick oil paint. Even so, I found the detour useful, and I'll probably do it again.</p><p>Another tool I used was the new "gesso and ground blade" from Gamblin. Neat tool, which I also used in this painting for spreading paint over large areas and also scraping back areas.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglVEcnqHuteGmpnueg5EjG5DZw9_fhTK1JYKbmuOpkDgyYkMWugJevPd5RXDqZ4MhrkAqvt-tn7vPWaMuGVSBWm7y8yq7SyVTee7Tq26JxIIcn9xhyEkPDlw5tex5ORm1Y9AN4dlbldk95ZNFYzYZDkrsPkUPg3Ppc968MkPtXet8RCMsHkEbDz1utuie/s1200/IMG_20231106_092349_513.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglVEcnqHuteGmpnueg5EjG5DZw9_fhTK1JYKbmuOpkDgyYkMWugJevPd5RXDqZ4MhrkAqvt-tn7vPWaMuGVSBWm7y8yq7SyVTee7Tq26JxIIcn9xhyEkPDlw5tex5ORm1Y9AN4dlbldk95ZNFYzYZDkrsPkUPg3Ppc968MkPtXet8RCMsHkEbDz1utuie/s320/IMG_20231106_092349_513.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gamblin's Transparent Earth Yellow</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsejNEvXhVhLLYR82AbcD3BPsHpPd98UMj4XFJL_hcusN_pjUEq2XZtuFtmjf7xUHWt4VCsLXBHLfHWPH2aEPso_tA6Oxxas429ISUK-SoREsXLSGUC8H9lRanaBHaiHk5KOKK5IHpEH_GIDQ_VxPD89AOLEDlJ7BIqMbbTjiu5ntwVjVzWkoPEgAo2tdo/s1600/PXL_20231110_203130849.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsejNEvXhVhLLYR82AbcD3BPsHpPd98UMj4XFJL_hcusN_pjUEq2XZtuFtmjf7xUHWt4VCsLXBHLfHWPH2aEPso_tA6Oxxas429ISUK-SoREsXLSGUC8H9lRanaBHaiHk5KOKK5IHpEH_GIDQ_VxPD89AOLEDlJ7BIqMbbTjiu5ntwVjVzWkoPEgAo2tdo/s320/PXL_20231110_203130849.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial Drawing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA-TnJW4dpjwXqoLwTXcgmzTlsvkcDXlVejqQfUmbPC-t6eXG3zyyVeO07WsQ1hLdRa2Qvvx_qwIWMHalEkFgogvFXSQn5UXAKza0HwwxotDLSppAe2Z3-CSdg3Lts20XSYWktGrtOlUCgCVzR2U5tBGT3hJq8ITYaC0uDCztiEP0StnyivNNkER_P4sM/s1600/PXL_20231110_204516717.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA-TnJW4dpjwXqoLwTXcgmzTlsvkcDXlVejqQfUmbPC-t6eXG3zyyVeO07WsQ1hLdRa2Qvvx_qwIWMHalEkFgogvFXSQn5UXAKza0HwwxotDLSppAe2Z3-CSdg3Lts20XSYWktGrtOlUCgCVzR2U5tBGT3hJq8ITYaC0uDCztiEP0StnyivNNkER_P4sM/s320/PXL_20231110_204516717.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blocking in Darks plus a Few Lines</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpiDsBYxcWiJfmIJ2RIUwk-rPAFO_U6hrO7thgkFdWpCsUaA0koFF_h_kh-xNJHbydfcX0snM97UMbDCz15kTskufSr5ybJGLF0yq1eShyphenhyphenc25SqoatYMzFJxdFPcUlY2ray-q-d661JGXb2EOt1lVjG2BMumGtK1qk1pw3ptqcPvRRi1U4IBsKZII5AnJ/s1600/PXL_20231110_211919222.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpiDsBYxcWiJfmIJ2RIUwk-rPAFO_U6hrO7thgkFdWpCsUaA0koFF_h_kh-xNJHbydfcX0snM97UMbDCz15kTskufSr5ybJGLF0yq1eShyphenhyphenc25SqoatYMzFJxdFPcUlY2ray-q-d661JGXb2EOt1lVjG2BMumGtK1qk1pw3ptqcPvRRi1U4IBsKZII5AnJ/s320/PXL_20231110_211919222.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding Some Color</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplmGUe0-Yj1KwWUND587zRuAF37kYZVLc4_627Qh0HqJNmWlQHsvkUHmJhq_bpkcfLLpuyjxbI5eQbmilGfUs6XsgsrTeIVLjagvnUZZLLoh6r_ZLSeFVB1Jxw9VNIEwbS-WG5g3Bx-CEPvKlOmfn096EdRtoXj0WoKeyNcQNBnJZ1ggvrGS5xw3U4noU/s1206/PXL_20231111_174205365.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1206" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplmGUe0-Yj1KwWUND587zRuAF37kYZVLc4_627Qh0HqJNmWlQHsvkUHmJhq_bpkcfLLpuyjxbI5eQbmilGfUs6XsgsrTeIVLjagvnUZZLLoh6r_ZLSeFVB1Jxw9VNIEwbS-WG5g3Bx-CEPvKlOmfn096EdRtoXj0WoKeyNcQNBnJZ1ggvrGS5xw3U4noU/s320/PXL_20231111_174205365.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wacom Tablet and Digital Painting</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5QWYx_s3G4_ZPsLrX_RWK5gppDbi4Dcvv47QwbJUNH1QowCtHT2EsWf26BXqvW9Q-_VSwXQEkW9qp4ImVUUtb33qYxjaXuoD6XthxxYhDRKHtAXLmfuPqPg07YF08aSm8zs6ERPBSaowhBf48__V1qKTjLaE_JZlFKY7RsZnGKVOCmRo4J1Nn70FRGvi/s1600/crevice_canyon_abstract_DIGITAL.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5QWYx_s3G4_ZPsLrX_RWK5gppDbi4Dcvv47QwbJUNH1QowCtHT2EsWf26BXqvW9Q-_VSwXQEkW9qp4ImVUUtb33qYxjaXuoD6XthxxYhDRKHtAXLmfuPqPg07YF08aSm8zs6ERPBSaowhBf48__V1qKTjLaE_JZlFKY7RsZnGKVOCmRo4J1Nn70FRGvi/s320/crevice_canyon_abstract_DIGITAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Digital Version" of the Painting<br />(Note that in the final version of the oil, I<br />departed slightly from this.)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTI-JEsCqWcXHYCowRIQC3wTs8G0J1yuapLDP9SPxT83qBr21pzoCzHT3iYAh8UpzUs19e217rjL_5-635tM1m6tVAplU3jCCxXAr5tY85wpPcvi6t2P29AC9EYtV1lMvOYtqCC-of6Yg2LHmbOxofgf9nF9Dk2lYe4J3M2jCTdJVHCvJAfGo0we0lboIb/s1600/IMG_20231111_081609751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTI-JEsCqWcXHYCowRIQC3wTs8G0J1yuapLDP9SPxT83qBr21pzoCzHT3iYAh8UpzUs19e217rjL_5-635tM1m6tVAplU3jCCxXAr5tY85wpPcvi6t2P29AC9EYtV1lMvOYtqCC-of6Yg2LHmbOxofgf9nF9Dk2lYe4J3M2jCTdJVHCvJAfGo0we0lboIb/s320/IMG_20231111_081609751.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scraping with the Gamblin Tool</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggULosebiUUPc3Qtiv-0xOGC7YlFdLl8zQ79YjB3TO1qBEhfkYRDzHnYg-JwBshGh5hJDCha0xzgDkSE-gARG5Z2e3AHCvdID7R1OwO8NVjT6N5e4iNQF2uucBdUgk4QHiBcIwo2mdNQ9wjXtaDSBcKl7ypmyRUrBLMu-1OPM_rU72lg5QuXYSkvSLpxdV/s1600/PXL_20231111_153020105.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggULosebiUUPc3Qtiv-0xOGC7YlFdLl8zQ79YjB3TO1qBEhfkYRDzHnYg-JwBshGh5hJDCha0xzgDkSE-gARG5Z2e3AHCvdID7R1OwO8NVjT6N5e4iNQF2uucBdUgk4QHiBcIwo2mdNQ9wjXtaDSBcKl7ypmyRUrBLMu-1OPM_rU72lg5QuXYSkvSLpxdV/s320/PXL_20231111_153020105.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gamblin "Gesso and Ground Blade"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-30878193841858961742023-11-21T10:19:00.004-07:002023-11-21T10:19:59.465-07:002024 Calendar is Ready!<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
<p>
**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ueXq9Ifd8BU" width="320" youtube-src-id="ueXq9Ifd8BU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>New Calendar is Out!</i></b></div><p>Each fall, I put together a calendar with paintings I love from the past year. This time, the calendar showcases snowy scenes from New Mexico and summer vibes from the Maine Coast and Canadian Maritimes. You can see a preview of the calendar in the video above. To order, you can either scan the QR code at the end of the video (or here) or go to this link: <a href="https://bit.ly/3SRS31X">https://bit.ly/3SRS31X</a> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVCWjVOeV5pDwpbf4-eEM5Aym0PyGvRXMLEUYn4lz0gAB3gd50PxxqjDR_T01_DrtfuA_4-bjYUzmKeVZ6JiUIZ8pA385paX_S6w8xgA5cmm0PSlhnwVDxdGcGKPy6wPJvonhya-yTIQnof7Wjc2XrKLCtaFk-VH4ShUjraBU2e0SnvjMtXc0mecE_FrM/s656/bit.ly_3SRS31X.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="656" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVCWjVOeV5pDwpbf4-eEM5Aym0PyGvRXMLEUYn4lz0gAB3gd50PxxqjDR_T01_DrtfuA_4-bjYUzmKeVZ6JiUIZ8pA385paX_S6w8xgA5cmm0PSlhnwVDxdGcGKPy6wPJvonhya-yTIQnof7Wjc2XrKLCtaFk-VH4ShUjraBU2e0SnvjMtXc0mecE_FrM/s320/bit.ly_3SRS31X.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>By the way, my Fall Studio Sale continues! You can get 50% off on any Southwest painting over $300, which includes free shipping to the continental US. For details, click here. <a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/2023/11/14/fall-studio-sale/">https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/2023/11/14/fall-studio-sale/</a> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-59571134199921467372023-11-19T02:00:00.003-07:002023-11-19T02:00:00.156-07:00Fall Studio Sale<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ9cr2MJwHOyETBTgzU0kQgULoKLgWB2LMEZQNmk9nBqVCCOPtE0ZN_aPNhVoebgzsqwY9Ol5g0RVLD_6GvjKNoBnnyxYmdSlr426ZgR3Tv66bLvErB84ySwthFaopKLp4HGPx73Zf9UVnAyjwi90b1ysTuI-LKMLDha9gQPFcYjEP5W1MHc8czu_XkRF/s1024/fall_coupon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ9cr2MJwHOyETBTgzU0kQgULoKLgWB2LMEZQNmk9nBqVCCOPtE0ZN_aPNhVoebgzsqwY9Ol5g0RVLD_6GvjKNoBnnyxYmdSlr426ZgR3Tv66bLvErB84ySwthFaopKLp4HGPx73Zf9UVnAyjwi90b1ysTuI-LKMLDha9gQPFcYjEP5W1MHc8czu_XkRF/s320/fall_coupon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>It's that time of year again. Twice a year, I offer a 50% sale on paintings. Now it's time for 50% off on any Southwest painting over $300! I've got a huge inventory of work, some studio paintings but many plein air pieces from New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah. <a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/southwest-paintings/" target="_blank">Go here to see the Southwest paintings</a>. </p><p>Details:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Paintings are shipped unframed</li><li>Shipped free to the continental US (I'll contact you for extra shipping if you're out of this area)</li><li>You can pay by personal check, but I will also take Zelle and Paypal (contact me for payment details)</li><li>Coupon code (important!) is "fallishere" (all lower case, no spaces)</li><li>Coupon good until December 31, 2023</li></ul><p></p><p>I'm sorry to see any of these paintings go, as they represent so many beautiful places I've painted in and so many wonderful times I've had. But the walls and racks are a bit crowded, and I am still painting, and I need somewhere to put all the new ones!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-47933921429487527552023-11-12T02:00:00.036-07:002023-11-12T02:00:00.148-07:00Time to Sketch<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
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**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMfXb-wqaaUABE2O1ZmOy7spABcjpHTfTTfQiKfZVaUmZGrzOCDGt-PyTHv_qpn-eYW9S9zrShCKAsp1MIr-4vOgBnpF1fswWJKXtX513lPdu0jGysiVg6c8l6DpqvVp_53r3FJjpoUxijk-fvadUykabH4L4H-YWMhqhbwIQzg27KJM5UGkMQEMyONLy/s320/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love sketching trees, the deader, the better.<br />(Well, I do like live trees, too!)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This past week, I made my presentation to the committee that will determine which of the five finalists will be awarded the project to create public art for the McKinley County Courthouse Rotunda. It's been fun – it's always fun to be in the running for a $100,000 award – and I learned a great deal about the county's cultural diversity and history while putting it all together. Plus, I had the pleasure of figuring out my new Wacom tablet and tuning up my Powerpoint skills. (In a future post, I'll write more about this project.)</p><p>But that's all done now. While I wait for a decision, it's time to get back to tuning up some other skill – drawing. Here in New Mexico, we have entered the monochrome season, a time best interpreted in pencil. The glorious color of fall has passed. Instead, the landscape is filled with ochres and umbers, dull yellows and browns. Even the greens of the junipers and pines don't offer any relief, as they are a very dull, greyed-down green. It's as if the world has been pulled into Photoshop with the color saturation dialed down to 5%.</p><p>While I wait for the snows of winter, which act as a sort of prism, breaking up the light and decorating the landscape with a rainbow of hues, I have pulled out my sketchbook and pencil. It's a nothing-fancy kit. The sketchbook is just something cheap I had lying around, and the pencil is so non-descript it doesn't even have a hardness rating stamped on it. But I can make a dark mark, so it's probably something softer than a #2.</p><p>It's a very portable kit, and I am now taking hikes down into the canyon with it. I find a rock outcrop with interesting shadows and cracks, or a tree (nearly dead or completely dead, the best kind of subject) and sit down. Or, if I can't find a level-enough rock to sit on, I stand; a sketch only takes a few minutes, so I can tolerate standing. It's a meditative process, and it's so much more satisfying than sitting at the computer, playing with the Wacom tablet and tweaking Powerpoint slides. </p><p>But as enjoyable as sketching is, I am patiently waiting for this monochrome season to end. My tubes of paint are at the ready.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MMPQe55u0PmHgYWdsBK0K2pnO77xVCKuG9WWk1K5QazE7z0bf1ioRVfj8WOADYsouRFlfSUZ2o5zj78ajsHvbiUedS_xiNfo5BbIh9HxQ_FDVmfbippqHeYVUGXs1XlsvthfpFGigWdkvODg6JPtZoPBDRgr_J7vS9d764EcP5Pnv9O578GUN0-1Idjh/s2132/all.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1780" data-original-width="2132" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MMPQe55u0PmHgYWdsBK0K2pnO77xVCKuG9WWk1K5QazE7z0bf1ioRVfj8WOADYsouRFlfSUZ2o5zj78ajsHvbiUedS_xiNfo5BbIh9HxQ_FDVmfbippqHeYVUGXs1XlsvthfpFGigWdkvODg6JPtZoPBDRgr_J7vS9d764EcP5Pnv9O578GUN0-1Idjh/s320/all.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489368297258774357.post-42838333043415511822023-11-05T01:00:00.000-07:002023-11-05T01:00:00.210-07:00Report: Lake Paintout with Plein Air Painters of New Mexico<a href="https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com">View in browser</a>
<p>
**Authentically Human! Not Written by AI**
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9FE5-hifc0BIbjsOQh8nGibi37o7QDFHv70ksPS66z2i7WfKT_-ZKDhrg2lh_LeEJfOrcj5lMT0F5YQwQGVoNLCliAyr5IxOiIZpvZHP9WNzTAjcN-45LXp8iN-gASxzB4qdIvmHScVCNAD0t1e_B70Yvfhr8-1ygWIT95jAaM5CPHSFYV-YtqZUr6lh/s1200/delicateness_of_autumn_2023056.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1200" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9FE5-hifc0BIbjsOQh8nGibi37o7QDFHv70ksPS66z2i7WfKT_-ZKDhrg2lh_LeEJfOrcj5lMT0F5YQwQGVoNLCliAyr5IxOiIZpvZHP9WNzTAjcN-45LXp8iN-gASxzB4qdIvmHScVCNAD0t1e_B70Yvfhr8-1ygWIT95jAaM5CPHSFYV-YtqZUr6lh/w400-h323/delicateness_of_autumn_2023056.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my painting from the paintout:<br /><i>The Delicateness of Autumn,</i> 8x10 Oil - <a href="https://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/product/the-delicateness-of-autumn-8x10-oil/" target="_blank">Available</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>As the Western Coordinator for <a href="https://www.papnm.org/" target="_blank">Plein Air Painters of New Mexico</a>, I have the pleasure of hosting a couple of paintouts in my part of the state each year. In the fall, I host one at the lake in my neighborhood. This year, six members attended—a good number, actually, considering how far the lake is from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, where the bulk of the members seem to live. Rather than do the drive all in one day, about half of them camped overnight nearby at a local campground.</p><p>This year, we hit the fall color at peak, and I think everyone enjoyed the day. And, since my studio is close by, I invited members to visit at the end.</p><p>By the way, as you read this, I am in Sedona, Arizona, catching the end of the <a href="https://sedonapleinairfestival.org/" target="_blank">Sedona Plein Air Festival</a> after teaching my workshop for Art Fest in Mesa. I participated as an Invited Artist at SPAF many times, and it is good to see my colleagues having a fun and productive time!</p><p>Here are some photos to show you the glorious color at the lake:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIJ5V5eE3BCEdnlPUuRc9U0Yi9J26hGuCzEeFB8VdRLCHD5m1TRfXfV9UI5WYF-frAG8qHYQbXD9_fA7dkSeVPN9I_uqOszMeD2UZprN6nLPY57IK_B56ep0LG4yMuhEa_pvD6SB-uP88e67Q8XbLKvnE8pJo08YJhLhaNKsN1o8j-JJARj-gdx4v6TET/s1200/PXL_20231021_173047682.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIJ5V5eE3BCEdnlPUuRc9U0Yi9J26hGuCzEeFB8VdRLCHD5m1TRfXfV9UI5WYF-frAG8qHYQbXD9_fA7dkSeVPN9I_uqOszMeD2UZprN6nLPY57IK_B56ep0LG4yMuhEa_pvD6SB-uP88e67Q8XbLKvnE8pJo08YJhLhaNKsN1o8j-JJARj-gdx4v6TET/s320/PXL_20231021_173047682.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVBQR1t6W-djyMUScPCRLQ6uZmUAr2MpERbpQYgO0ymJQ9WjFP8reRkXOAk3oBf0BlRpcQYIbTwg9DzdLc5qaS5GATtEcT5YwxdVRJerSgzsqEwi97tBXIlXUlgLdG2qgqKUn-KOjJj91CuIY_0GXZVEuAdO6TYSZfIiHbdEdih1UJ2-1ndS7HNBcNm7j/s1200/PXL_20231021_175100525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVBQR1t6W-djyMUScPCRLQ6uZmUAr2MpERbpQYgO0ymJQ9WjFP8reRkXOAk3oBf0BlRpcQYIbTwg9DzdLc5qaS5GATtEcT5YwxdVRJerSgzsqEwi97tBXIlXUlgLdG2qgqKUn-KOjJj91CuIY_0GXZVEuAdO6TYSZfIiHbdEdih1UJ2-1ndS7HNBcNm7j/s320/PXL_20231021_175100525.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLynzJe8LR2aws_X_FutdDRT0xJPO-Ky_qUhIrhUsowPa1I_3_xr1EpmamOxCFaOAKnBTSO848KP1jS-ADmg_knnZz5ErGbbPAdzGnfCKsTU8-vIs5OdmujKI6DdhG6Ttq066C6Ze0Z39CCdJAoE53JYFT6AEt1eNppZ_FAFe9YY1zNjlNEax0SXAyFKG-/s1200/PXL_20231022_150827846.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLynzJe8LR2aws_X_FutdDRT0xJPO-Ky_qUhIrhUsowPa1I_3_xr1EpmamOxCFaOAKnBTSO848KP1jS-ADmg_knnZz5ErGbbPAdzGnfCKsTU8-vIs5OdmujKI6DdhG6Ttq066C6Ze0Z39CCdJAoE53JYFT6AEt1eNppZ_FAFe9YY1zNjlNEax0SXAyFKG-/s320/PXL_20231022_150827846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_gfAUTBSabC8XvpvtWLWHcWo1OT5UGgx8HnCjQSrRUFzSOeg_Mxm82PtAqhJftxf2zjJdfmzBd7M-0nj63m4CClOeXgYHRwAC-4_u8X-PkRGTpF7ZZ_k6X3Ny153o5lcm7Fa9EIL8m336XWgQMX-YLbmt0tb5WLjmNyrNaWXePwkhFptKGa5thfm8fNM/s1200/PXL_20231022_153827059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_gfAUTBSabC8XvpvtWLWHcWo1OT5UGgx8HnCjQSrRUFzSOeg_Mxm82PtAqhJftxf2zjJdfmzBd7M-0nj63m4CClOeXgYHRwAC-4_u8X-PkRGTpF7ZZ_k6X3Ny153o5lcm7Fa9EIL8m336XWgQMX-YLbmt0tb5WLjmNyrNaWXePwkhFptKGa5thfm8fNM/s320/PXL_20231022_153827059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><center><a href="http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com">www.MChesleyJohnson.com</a></center></div>Michael Chesley Johnson, Artist / Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17003530955203751138noreply@blogger.com