Door County Plein Air Fest 2013 : my perspective

                         

Last Summer I had the great pleasure of attending the Door County Plein Air Fest.  Looking back on the Summer there was so much I learned.  Watching the professional painters, over their shoulders in all types of conditions,  in the beauty of Door County, was so motivational to me!

                       

The weekend before the fest, I participated in a wonderful vintage show in Baileys Harbor and it was my maiden voyage with my little camper, Miss Mabel,  SOLO.  Hooking her up, unhooking and setting up camp... all by my self! I did it!

                         

In the first part of the week, I hit the road to find the professionals out on the town painting.  I found a friend in Laurel Daniel, she was such a delight.  I first met her, looking over her shoulder in Egg Harbor.  She was painting a little shop called Papel.  A cute little building just across from the Market in  Egg Harbor.  I loved watching her mix colors and create her beautiful painting.

Later that day, I went to Woodwalk Gallery.  What a beautiful setting that is.  I loved seeing the colors and paints that were being used.

                                

By mid week, friends Vanessa and Annette arrived to pay a visit.  They came over to my little campsite to enjoy appetizers and wine

Thursday I headed out to the Causeway on kangaroo lake to do a little practicing and color mixing.  The evening was lovely and the light on the lake, unforgettable.

                                

Saturday morning I woke up at 7 am to be ready at the quick paint by 8:00 am to stake out my spot.  In years past, I painted "Malibu Moos" in Fish Creek.  This year I thought I would mix it up a bit and paint The Summertime restaurant, a beautiful little indoor and outdoor bistro.  The gardens were breathtaking as always, in the Door.  We had a great time finding our spot for the Quick Paint, amongst professionals and non professionals alike.

                                

At 9:00 am the horn sounded and we had 2 hours to complete our painting.  You may not draw or paint on your canvas prior to the horn.  Working at a steady pace, until someone yelled "we've got 30 minutes left" and it is time to wrap up our paintings... to pull them all together so that they will be ready for sale that evening at the Peninsula School of Art in Fish Creek.

In the past years I have painted Malibu Moos and have sold it every time, but this year I wanted to mix it up.

                         

Later Saturday morning my eldest daughter Aubrey, Sister Leslie, Brother-in-law Ken and "Sister" Jinny arrived after traveling from the Chicagoland area that morning.  What a surprise to see them!

                             

We spent the day wondering around the county, then that evening we attended the reception for the painters at the School.  I got in line to see the work of the non professionals that was set up under a large white tent on the grounds and as soon as I arrived at my painting, I found a S O L D sign on it!

                               

Every year I have attended, and painted, I have had the good fortune of selling my painting.  It is just so much fun.  I can't wait to participate in 2014!

So much has happened since my trip to Door County!
     Here are some views of Miss Mable, our little Sunline camper... all painted up and in her " glamping " glory...oh, did I mention I am now Sister #3968  a member of Sisters on the Fly!

This was my maiden voyage by myself... hooking and unhooking the trailer, hauling, setting up camp and more!  One week in Door County Wisconsin, no internet, no phone service and plenty of time to enjoy the solitude.  I got the hitching up process and breaking down the camp ... down to 20 minutes flat!

Thanks to Bearcats in Algoma for the smoked salmon and cheese and crackers that helped sustain me and for the Vivas Vintage Market for the funding!  Did the Market on a Saturday... and sustained for the week ... for the Plein Air Fest... where I SOLD my painting!
                     more posts to come!
                                Martha

Our little Retro Camper ... See her in person this weekend at the Hob Nob Vintage Market in Danville, IL

The End Result!

(for updated views of how she looks in 2015... click here)

 Months of gathering ideas, planning, sanding, priming, painting, power washing and primping and we are finally finished.  What began as a 1970's something Sunliner camper, has become our little home away from home.  We will be taking her on the road this weekend to Danville, IL for the Hob Nob Vintage Market.  We can't wait to see you there!

 Mabel is her name.  That was the name of my husband's mother.  She LOVED to camp and was an RVer up until her last day.  In her honor, we hope to spend lots of time enjoying the road,  and one another, while taking some short road trips together.

It's been so much fun finding just the right things to put inside.  The little afghan was a cast off from the resale shop where I work,  it was actually put in the Salvation Army bag when I rescued it.  Several little holes in a knit afghan can be a quick fix with a little yarn and a crochet hook. And who knew that the chevron pattern would make a comeback!  I made the bird and chevron pillows along with the little banner garland.  (I made a larger one for outside when we set up.)  The original oil painting is one inspired by a spot in Door County and is an original I painted last year.

My friend Cindi spent three days with me sewing the vinyl cushion covers.  They will be easy to keep clean!  She was amazing and her husband Hank was very patient!

The curtains, were from a pair I purchased from Ikea (plain white). I had scoured resale shops for some to repurpose, but was unable to find the fabric that I was looking for.  I got one pair ($9.99/pr ) and cut them into the sizes I needed.  I added little cut pieces I picked up in the remnant racks at Jo-ann Fabrics. (HINT: if you have a smart phone, look up "joann coupon"... and get 40% off one item... I used it for 10 yards of the vinyl and saved a BUNCH!)  In an effort to create 'easy to make' curtains,  I removed the original racks that were meant for hooks, and mounted a rod that would fit into 2 little coated cup hooks...Cafe Style... it worked perfectly.  My rescued industrial machine powered through all of the sewing and made me oh so happy along the way!

The little hoop art you see below is my original design.  While having coffee Sunday, I decided to try my hand at it... I freehanded the little map of the U.S.A. and added some places that I am fond of and have had the good fortune to visit over the years.  I made the little "See the U.S.A." hoop to act as a companion.  The little Ralph Waldo Emerson saying is just a framed card from Trader Joes.  Add some vintage books, postcards, pennants, a little collection of white vases filled with fresh tulips, and you are ready for a road trip!

 As if there weren't enough cuteness going on. While at Ikea, I found this orange and white stripe canvas style fabric... I bought one yard and fashioned it into an awning for the little front window.  I repurposed some left over vinyl piping from the cushions inside to add a touch of yellow.  

Our original plan was to add a little orange stripe... I have yet to do that but think I may leave that to the pinstriping pros.  We will have it done one day.  I hope you can stop Opendoorstudio to see some of what we bring with us to Sell.. On the Vintage Road! (  maybe you will find something wonderful there for YOUR little vintage trailer!

oh... one more thing, Martha is a  proud member of Sisters on the Fly! After a successful solo voyage, she took the show on the road alone and can't wait to meet some sisters sometime next season!
Sister # 3968

The End