Thursday, August 21, 2008

The Change


I can't believe that fall is closing in on us. The earlier sunsets are really starting to bug me, as I don't have as much time to paint after work. But I was really surpised when I went out this morning for a painting before work and found this little tree already giving some color.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is such a lovely and rich painting- really captures the light as it filters through the higher trees.
Here too, it gets dark at 6:30 and I miss the late hours of light in the north. ( but not so much that I'd want to go back! )

Question about masonite- do you pre-coat it with layers of Gesso first, and sand in between?

Thank you for the reply.

Billy Guffey said...

Hi Bonnie. I coat all sides first with a satin polyurethane to seal it completely. I then apply gesso to the back (one coat) and at least three coats to the front (painting side). I sometimes sand between. It really depends on the effect I'm looking for with the texture.

Anonymous said...

Bill - thanks so much for sharing this bit of info with me. I've yet to paint on a smooth surface, having used linen and cotton canvas which is more textured.

After seeing what you've accomplished, and reading others using it, I'm going to give it a try.
I imagine you prepare in advance and keep them on hand.

Appreciate the reply.

Billy Guffey said...

Hi Bonnie. I use a Guerilla Box for painting en plein air. It holds 9 x 12 panels. A 4'x8' sheet of masonite can be cut into almost 40 9" x 12"'s. I usually do a sheet or two at a time, and then don't have to worry about it for a while.

I figure the costs to be about a buck a panel total. That includes masonite, gesso, and sealer.

Anonymous said...

Bill- that's good to know and great timing too. We were just cleaning out garage space ( ugh!) and found some sheets of masonite. Before I tossed them, I wondered about using them.

The economics sure make sense.

Thanks again.