Pimp my paintbox- Part 1: Intro and Razor Blade Paint Scraper

I am going to try to document all the different accessories and components used to create a compact studio for quick studies and outdoor paintings. I started with a cigar box given to me by my uncle.  This Hemingway cigar box has a 1/2" recessed lid.  For the palette I recycled glass from a 5x7" picture frame that I secured with canvas offset clips like this.  Underneath the glass is a sheet of grey-toned paper. Another option would be to paint the backside of the glass in a medium grey acrylic. To finish it off, I nailed in a couple of the wood pieces that came with the box on an angle to streamline the look.

You will need to clean up your glass palette after painting. Yes, it's true! An easy way to do that is to use a razor blade to scrape the paint right off.  I created this razor blade handle/stand combo out of polymer clay that I baked and then sanded down for a nice smooth finish.

See, nice and clean!

P.S. Right now I have heavy weight striped paper straws across the top and bottom used to transport the painting panel. I might switch to a more stable permanent solution shortly.

mini paintbox test run

5x7" quick study of Marissa. I still need to tweak this box design a bit. I want to add a ledge of some sort so I can hook my oil and turp cups to it.

Paul

Paul • 12 x16" • oil on linen • January 16, 2012

Max Ginsburg Retrospective Book

Here are 2 of my favorite paintings from the Max Ginsburg Retrospective book. I am a big fan of Max's quick sketches from life. This book has a lot of great close-ups as well.
You can see more images and info at www.ginsburgretro.com

illustration friday theme "sink"

digitally colored scanned collage
Below: chain stitch detail

Girl with the butterfly earring :)

Girl with the Butterfly Earring • approx. 11.5 x 14" • oil on cradled board • Dec. 2011

Pigeon...and the studio sink

Pigeon • 12 x 24" • oil on canvas • December 2011

Stephanie

 

    Stephanie • 8x12" • oil on cradled masonite • December 2011

Patrick

 Pat • 12 x16"  • oil on linen • November 2011

oil sketch of Pat, one of the Occupy Wall Street movement protesters.

The last painting from the Summer session

Daniel • 16 x 20" • oil on linen • August 2011

Thanks Steve for the linen canvas gift!

Back to the still life.

My folding knife, oil on wood panel

Purchase

Thanks Brooklyn Heights Blog!

I would like to thank the Brooklyn Heights Blog for mentioning my paintings in their post about The Art of Brooklyn reception.

The Art of Brooklyn Festival opens tonight!

I have 10 paintings on exhibit at the Art of Brooklyn Festival in downtown Brooklyn. The festival celebrates the art, music, and films of Brooklyn's creative community. The opening is tonight , August 20th, and runs until August 27th at the St. Francis College Theater at 180 Remsen St. , Brooklyn, NY 11201

From the website:
"THE ART OF BROOKLYN is the first festival to bring “old” and “new” Brooklyn together to celebrate the creative energy that makes our borough one of the most exciting places in the world. We embrace artists from all over New York City; helping them gain exposure for their work while giving audiences the chance to experience points of view that might not otherwise get seen. Because to us, all Brooklyns are created equal."

Ticket and schedule info can be found on the website. As a special offer all artists can purchase $5 tickets online at http://www. brownpapertickets.com/event/ 181514 and enter password: ARTIST

Marisa profile study

Here is a quick painted sketch I did of Marisa a few days ago.

I was frustrated with the painting I was working on of the other model (we have 2 models for 3 weeks in August) so I decided to come back to Marisa's side of the room. I'm really glad I did, it gave me a chance to think about how I was going to deal with the other painting and it was really fun painting simply and boldly (with a BIG brush) again for a little bit. It felt like a cold splash of water to the face! Am I being too dramatic? Yes, probably.

Tonight is the last night of Max Ginsburg's Summer class (tear). I am going to miss my fellow classmates! I have one more painting to show from the Summer session and then a short break.

Also, I have 10 paintings on display in downtown Brooklyn at The Art of Brooklyn Festival. I will give more details about that later tonight or tomorrow.

What I learned this Summer:

Marisa

August 2011 • 1 week pose

Mitch

July 2011 • 2 week pose

Pigeon - full figure study

(click on photo to enlarge)
Pigeon 18 x 24" July 2011 Masonite mounted on stretcher bars



(click on photo to enlarge)
Detail of the painting above

Promo cards for the group show.

last minute promo cards for the group show, originally uploaded by m patrizio.

Yay!

Pigeon

Pigeon, originally uploaded by m patrizio.

9 x 12" • July 2011 • oil on mounted linen

Pigeon is a really sweet and pleasant model. It has been great working with her. I am still working on a larger size study of her that includes the whole figure.