"Silver Pitcher" still life oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Silver Pitcher" 8x8 oil on panel by Robin Weiss  $330

One of the other great things I did this year was join the Plein Air Washington Painters.  They have an ambitious schedule of paint-outs and shows coming up in 2013 that I am looking forward to participating in. I feel grateful and honored to be a part of this fun and talented group!  This still life painting was done during the Christmas get together and of course it featured painting!

"Emiliya Lane painting a Portrait" 8x8 oil on panel

I got there late and so many had already set up for the portrait painting, I couldn't get close enough to see the model! Instead I decided to paint the painters. This is Emiliya Lane painting the model with Silvia Carlton and Paula Ensign in the distant right.

"Coffee Pot with Persimmons" still life oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Coffee Pot with Persimmons"  8x8 oil on panel by Robin Weiss  $330

The weather doesn't always cooperate for plein air here in the Pacific Northwest. We have had a LOT of rain so far this year!  I decided to keep Alison indoors for our second lesson and set up a still life. We talked a bit more about color mixing and then I did this demo using my favorite prop..(the old camp coffee pot) and some persimmons I picked up at Central Market. After that Alison gave it a go and you will be amazed at her rendition! Check it out on her blog post HERE.

Here Alison is working on the composition and under-painting. The red tone she is using will show through in some areas and compliment the greens as she finishes the final painting.

Mikes Coffee Pot

This is a value study done by another student, Mike Pickard using the coffee pot. The dramatic value changes in the reflections of the shiny metal and the familiar form make this subject perfect for demonstrating painting techniques.

"Earth and Sky" plein air landscape demo painting by Robin Weiss

"Earth and Sky, low horizon" 8x8 oil on panel by Robin Weiss  SOLD

Yikes!  The end of the year is getting close and I have a lot of paintings to post before I publish my "end of the year blog book"!...
 Occasionally I take on students and prefer to teach one on one. This year I have had several. Usually they contact me or the Knowles Studio to find out if I am available to teach and then we set up an appointment. Allison Barry contacted me by email and we made arrangements for three sessions. Alison wanted to learn more about plein air painting. The first day after some initial color theory, we went out in Washington drizzle and painted the fields near the studio. I did two quick demos,  a low horizon  line and a high one.

"Earth and Sky high horizon" 6x8 oil on panel

Alison has been painting for awhile and can skillfully use brush and color to compose fine paintings.See her blog HERE.  My goal was to give her a bit more confidence to loosen up and render "first impression" studies outside, from life.

Alison Barry set up to paint "plein air"

"Waiting for Warmth" Bread of life Mission, Seattle cityscape by Robin Weiss

"Waiting for Warmth"  8x6 oil on panel SOLD

This time of year can be hard on the homeless in Seattle. There are still some places they can go to get a hot meal and a safe place to stay. Bread of Life Mission is one of them. They also offer programs to help folks beat addictions and transition back into a working and contributing lifestyle. If you are interested in helping out you can contact them here.

"Smith Tower Magic" Seattle city oil painting by Robin Weiss

Smith Tower Magic" 24x16 oil on canvas Sold

I put a lot of hours into this painting trying to keep it loose and painterly, shooting for a more abstract feel .  In the end....Well , I'm my own worst critic!!  I'll leave the critique to you, the viewer!

I really love the under-painting!

Smith Tower under-painting

"Meet Me at the Market" Pike Place Market, Seattle city oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Meet Me at the Market"  16x20 oil on canvas sold

This is iconic Seattle!  The Pike Place Market in the rain!  Sometimes I love rainy days more than sunny ones...Guess that makes me a true Washingtonian!

"Seattle Wheel" Seattle City oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Seattle Wheel" 24x16 oil on canvas  $900.00

Looking through my archives I realized that this painting was never posted.  It is available through Alki Arts. Just give Diane a call during business hours and she can give you all the purchasing information. Open Wed.-Sun. Noon till 7:00pm   206-432-9936

Seattle just installed this Giant Ferris Wheel on the waterfront and it has already become a part of the skyline.  The waterfront will be rapidly changing in the coming years as they tear down the old viaduct and replace it with a tunnel.

"Fall Rain" Seattle city oil painting by Robin Weiss"

"Fall Rain" 8x10 oil on panel SOLD

 They say that we receive most of our rain in November here in the Pacific Northwest and that is proving true this year! Water everywhere!  For me it just adds to the beauty and drama of our spectacular area. What is it about umbrellas that add such a point of interest to a painting?

I have been holed up in the studio the last couple weeks working on a large painting of.....You guessed it!...Rainy Seattle with umbrellas!  I'll post the finished painting in my next post....=]

"Pioneer Square Evening" Seattle city oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Pioneer Square Evening"  24x16 oil on canvas SOLD

Pedicabs are common in Seattle and the vendors often fix them up according to there tastes......some can be pretty interesting!....A lot of them have cool neon lights.  The beautiful lights of the square and the glow of fall leaves as dusk settled in Seattle inspired me to record my impression on canvas. If you are interested in purchasing this painting send Diane an email at Alki Arts and she will be happy to help you.

"Big City" Seattle city oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Big City" 6x8 oil on panel  sold

This is a small city study that I plan on painting larger. I think it has good story and some interesting shapes. She seems vulnerable but somehow surrounded and protected by the light... ....FYI ...If this girl was to turn around and walk the other way up Post Alley she would run into the Alibi Room, right across from the Gum Wall, which has the best pizza in Seattle...in my opinion....just sayin...

Maury with an Alibi Pie

Here is my son Maury with a Blue Cheese, Bacon and Caramelized Onion , Alibi Pie!!

"To the Waterfront" Seattle city oil painting by Robin Weiss

"To the Waterfront" 6x10 oil on panel

 Arts in the Woods is over and what a great show it was!! Thank you to all who came out to support your local artists!! Everyone at the Knowles Studio did well and we all had a great time!! I can't think of a better way to support your local economy!  We printed a lot more desk calendars this year (because we ran out last year!) so there are plenty left. If you would like one just let me know and I can mail them to you. $10.00 plus shipping. If you would like 5 or more the price drops down to $5.00 plus shipping!! Great for stocking stuffers!!

Here is a little glimpse of the Knowles Studio decked out for Arts in the Woods 2012....=]

"Crossing Union" Seattle cityscape oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Crossing Union" 12x8 oil on panel   Sold

I can't believe it has been ten days already since I last posted!..Well, things have been a bit hectic getting ready for the studio tour....Everyone is chipping in to help out as you will see in my little video..

If you are in the area of Kitsap County, Washington State, please come to Knowles Studio and check out the recent artwork of five fabulous artists. Arts in the Woods begins Friday, Nov. 9th at 10:00 am and goes through Sunday, Nov.11th till 5:00pm...Hope to see you there!!

"Wild Pear" still life, oil painting from life by Robin Weiss

"Wild Pear" 8x6 oil on panel  sold

I am noticing my cycles of painting now as the years progress.  Last year I spent quite a bit of time painting small still lifes of the fall fruit .This year I'm squeezing it in between plein air painting trips and studio work. I posted the rose hips a few weeks back and here is a wild pear from one of the trees in the field by the studio. I have clipped a small shelf to the top of my easel and set up the subject right in front of me. I can also change the background color with small squares of mat board in different colors scavenged from our local frame shop.

"Alpine Firs" oil landscape painting, from Mount Rainier national park.

"Alpine Firs" 8x12 oil on panel sold

 With the Bitterroot workshop over I high-tailed it back to the studio to get working on studio paintings of Seattle for Alki Arts and the final preparations for Arts in the Woods, coming up fast, November, 9th, 10th and 11th.  If you like this painting  from our trip to Grand Park you can see it at Arts in the Woods 2012 ....and even take it home!

Arts in the Woods 2012

Every year at Arts in the Woods Ann and I spend time in the home studio making cards of  select paintings from the past season. This year there are quite a few Seattle city paintings and some from my plein air travels.  I would like to make these cards available to you all as well!  If there are any paintings that you would like cards of you may buy them in sets of five for $10, or 10 for $20 plus a small shipping charge.  Email me at  robinweiss@earthlink.net if you are interested..=]

2013 Calenders

2013 Calenders are also available at Arts in the Woods and for purchase on line....Just let me know!

A rare glimpse into the home studio of artist Robin Weiss by amateur (stress the AMATEUR) videographer,  Robin Weiss.........( Jose Gonzales live at Park Ave. on the CD player).....BTW  I will not be in this studio for Arts in the Woods....I will be at The Knowles Studio with all my buddies....=]   Enjoy!!

"Kootenai Cascade" plein air, oil landscape painting, by Robin Weiss

"Kootenai Cascade"  12x8 oil on panel  sold

The last night in Montana I stayed at the Bass Creek camp ground....I was the only one there!  Even the camp ground host never showed up!..The cool thing about Montana is , no fee for camping after the season is over.....Oh , and the gas was a lot cheaper too!...You just have to get used to guns going off all over the place..

Darrell Anderson painting on the Kootenai

I'm not posting my first attempt on the last day....I didn't even finish the painting...Darrell hiked up the river to a much better location. He was almost done when I finally showed up but I decided to try again.The painting above is my second effort.

Darrell's painting buddy, Noel , fell in the river and needed warming up!

Noel

Heading home

Montana sunset

I hope to go back to Montana again some day.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to live the artists life and paint Gods beautiful creation!

"Painting Kootenai Creek" plein air, oil painting, by Robin Weiss

Painting the Kootenai 8x10 oil on panel    SOLD

Third day of the workshop found us gathering at Kootenai Creek.....that's after taking a wrong turn on a dirt road in rural Montana that became increasingly alarming as we encountered more and more road signs threatening bodily harm for trespassing....including one that said "We don't call 911"....

 

Demo set up on the Kootenai

Bob and Cathe found a cool spot on an overhanging ledge to set up for the demo.

Sketch of the class at the Kootenai

In fact it was such a great scene I attempted to capture it with a sketch...

Bob Phinney painting

I was on a roll so I sketched Bob too!

Rob painting on the Kootenai River, Montana

Overall it was a pretty productive day for me....I completed a painting and did several value sketches that I can use with my photos to do some studio work. The class was over but I decided to stay an extra day and paint the creek again with Darrell Anderson.

To keep things fairly brief and focused I did not go into too much of the rest of this adventure but I did have great times with new friends around dinner and sharing our interests. I want to thank Cathe , Bob and the whole class for being so kind and welcoming to this stranger....

"Montana Ranch" plein air, oil , landscape painting by Robin Weiss

" Montana Ranch" 6x8 oil on panel

The mountains were almost obscured by the smoke from the wild fires in Washington and Idaho on the second day of the workshop with Cathe Gill and Bob Phinney. We set up not far from the grange on a dirt road, along a irrigation canal that is normally full but was dry on this occasion because of the long rainless summer.....which also contributed to the fires.

Montana Farm

the location offered a great view of the distant farms and ranches in the valley. Bob and Cathe both did demos to get us started and then I spent some time doing value sketches.

From the many scenes available I chose two.

I can't really explain my choices except that when you are trying to capture a view or mood outdoors in changing light conditions sometimes you just have to say "I will paint this!" ,...and get to it!

"Canal Road" 8x8 oil on panel

"The Bitterroot River" oil, plein air painting, by Robin Weiss

"The Bitterroot River"  8x10 oil on panel

The first official day of the workshop we all trucked over to a fishing access on the Bitterroot River.  earlier, we met at the Grange near Stevensville for morning coffee , breakfast and warm-ups..

Class set up on the Bitterroot

Each morning Bob and Cathe would do a simultaneous demo. Bob working in oils and Cathe with water media..It was great watching the different approaches. Both are experienced instructors and love what they do!

value sketch for "Bitterroot River"

Value sketches were emphasized for working out your design....a very important pre-painting exercise that I had gotten out of the habit of doing...and my paintings have been suffering for it...Nice to get back in the habit!

Bob Phinney works into his under painting  with color

Bobs pallet has a warm and cool , blue, yellow and red hue with white.

The Plein Air Mobile

My camping spot......which was nice because I could go inside in the morning and cook some coffee for everybody and warm up!....=]

"Stevensville River Park" plein air, oil landscape painting, by Robin Weiss

"Stevensville River Park"  8x10 oil on panel

My friend and fellow plein air painter, Darrell Anderson encouraged me to attend the Catherine Gill and Bob Phinney workshop in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana this fall....which I 'm so glad I did!

I took off on Thursday and spent the night in St Regis. I camped in my van on a forest service road in the mountains that Darrell suggested ...Great spot! ....I parked right under a sign that warned the hunters to identify the type of bear before they shoot!..Made me a little nervous getting up in the middle of the night...

We were to meet at a grange in Stevensville on Friday night. Since there was a little time before the first gathering  I decided to pre-funk the party and do some painting at a little park outside Stevensville on the Bitterroot river.

Tree Reflections at Stevensville River Park

As you can see by these pictures I was pretty jazzed to be in this amazing country with four days to do nothing but paint and be with others who love plein air painting too!

White Tailed Deer

A White Tailed Deer posed for the camera as I was scouting the loop trail for a painting spot.

painting spot

Figuring that we would be painting the river a lot on this trip I set up for a woodsy painting......

Didn't paint the wild turkeys that wandered through this scene...but I may give the deer photo a try...=]

"Three Rose Hips" oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Three Rose Hips" 6x8 oil on panel  sold

I have been gone for a week at a plein air painting workshop in Montana with a great group of artists and will be posting more on that trip soon ....In the mean time some of my still life studio paintings....I love to paint these Rose hips that I find in the local grocery store parking lot.......A little different from last years painting of the same Rose hips

"The Birch Forest" plein air , oil , landscape painting by Robin Weiss

"The Birch Forest" 8x8 oil on panel  Sold

I had heard about the Birch Forest from some of the other artists and was very glad when I decided to check it out on the last day of the Plein Air Washington Artists paint out at the Bloedel Reservation.

Birch forest set up at the Bloedel Reservation

What a beautiful spot!  Can't wait to get back here again!