sailFar.net

folks -in case you wonder, the preceding was one of Laura's paintings, of our anchor lantern, which is a kerosene lantern.

I haven't taken time as yet to post a background for us, but Laura is a working, professional artist. She does marine birds and coastal scenes. Here's her web site-

www.griffithart.com.

And here's a pic of her as she looked one day when I came home and found she had sanded all of the insides of the cockpit lockers.

(http://downloads.c-2.com/photos/1137822475.jpg)

Another test

Quote from: LauraG on January 21, 2006, 09:12:41 PM
Another test

Laura,

  That is absolutely beautiful!  Thank you for posting it here.   ;D

I did that from a photo I took about 10 miles southwest of New Orleans.  I'm not much of a morning person except when we are on the boat. Mornings are the most serene part of the day and I love to sit in the cockpit and watch the sunrise while I sip on my first cup of coffee. 

Laura, that is absolutely beautiful!  Thank you for sharing.  You and Charlie are a very talented couple!
I have really enjoyed your entries.

LauraG
Wonderful art work. As an artist myself I've tried my hand at painting, loved water colors, did not do much in oils . Is most of your work done in oils? Do you generally work from Photos or do you do live sittings, then memory and or photo?

Have you done any work with metal or wood burning with say propane torch, if you use that onboard. ( just wanted to bring things back on topic as well )  :D

Thanks Zen,
I paint with acrylics. I have tried watercolors but find them difficult as the process is just the opposite of acrylics or oils. I started working with pastels not long ago, particularly because they would be much easier to carry aboard with me. So far, I work exclusively from photos, although I do deviate from them and sometimes work from several photos at the same time. My memory isn't so good but I would like to try some plein aire work. I have played around with woodburning on gourds but I really prefer working with color.  I have done a lot of cutting, carving and painting gourds. The saw I use to cut them is 12 volt so I could easily use it on board although I haven't.

Yes, acrylics, thats it. I have a set of them which I used a couple of times. But never got into them that much. And yes, water color is a difficult medium. I do like the softness of the Pastels. Maybe something I'll explore on while on the hook, between doing some photography, computer art, and making music  :D
I think doing some painting while afloat would be perfect. I just got a great image for a photo of that...
I do like to do some ceramic carving while onboard. It is nice even in the marina until some hot roder makes a big wake grrrrrrrrrr    >:(

I ran across someone who did some wonderful art on Stainless steel with a propane torch. She was able to some some color changes by how close or far she held the flame.


and now back to our regular schedule topic  :)

Quote from: LauraG on January 23, 2006, 11:00:45 AM
Thanks Zen,
I paint with acrylics. I have tried watercolors but find them difficult as the process is just the opposite of acrylics or oils. I started working with pastels not long ago, particularly because they would be much easier to carry aboard with me. So far, I work exclusively from photos, although I do deviate from them and sometimes work from several photos at the same time. My memory isn't so good but I would like to try some plein aire work. I have played around with woodburning on gourds but I really prefer working with color.  I have done a lot of cutting, carving and painting gourds. The saw I use to cut them is 12 volt so I could easily use it on board although I haven't.

I split this off of the 'Fuels' discussion to encourage more posting of 'small boat art' (or maybe not so small).

  I would really like to see more.  I took a couple years, but am hardly able to draw recognisable stick figures....  :P

  However, I know there is some great stuff out there.  Anyone got any to post ???

Laura's art

ROCKS!. :)

I bought several of her hand-painted gourds a couple years ago, one for each of the women in my life (that would be my sisters, and Mom). They all loved them.

Guys - hint - your Lady will too. :)

I'd like to see others art, too, if anyone has any to share. I need to get back to painting and drawing, but have just been to darned busy. I've had a hard time even gatting a chance to throw some clay on the wheel, lately...

Thank You Kurt. Unfortunately after painting something over 800 gourds in the past 4 years, Laura has somewhat burned out on them. So she is taking a hiatus from doing them, EXCEPT on special order. In fact,  if you'll check out her newly updated web site, she doesn't even have them shown anymore. I think they were wonderful, and she had finally gotten to the point where she was doing  well with  them, but I can certainly understand her feelings.

She IS still doing paintings, both commissioned and for the galleries and still has many prints available. Check it out-

www..grifithart.com

End of the commercial messages :D

Nice idea. perhaps we can see some cool stuff. It does not have to be great stuff folks, art is art.  8)
It is the eyes of the be holder thing...

I do not have any boat painting things. Mostly mine have been photography and computers. I will dig up a couple of my favorites from my old Ariel ( less the topless ex) on CD somewhere and post it.

The art section ( centerfold ) in This Old Boat is really the first place I go.

I did one ceramic piece of a sailboat for a class project once. I have it in my office. It is kind of funky but may I'll do a shot of it and post it anyway. Then people can say , oh if he can post that  :o I can post anything   ;D

Oh here it is.
This is a fairly abstract ceramic piece of a sailboat. It looks heavy and solid but it is not. It is hollow and very light. It is made of burlap strips covering a foam core ( foam is burned up when fired). Then that is covered in a slip (soft paste of clay). Then fired (baked) for several hours (read a day ). Next it is glazed and Raku fired ( a Japanese style of baking ceramics).
IT is then taken from the Kiln red hot and placed in a pot with saw dust and paper, then covered and left alone for about 20 minutes, then removed torched and cooled. THe sail area is gold/brown the body white. The base is a blue/green.

Not my best piece but it is kind of cool from the right angle  :)



(http://home.earthlink.net/~shaolin4/post/sail.gif)

who next...?

Neat looking, Zen. Might have to try that techinique. Still trying to talk my sister (who I throw with) into doing a traditional Raku firing - I know she'll love it once we do it. :) 'Til then, the electric kiln will have to do...

That's cool, Zen. I love the colors that raku firing creates. I loved working with clay, the little bit that I did. I didn't know you threw on the wheel, Kurt. Very cool. I tried that a few times, but it turned out that the wheel threw me! I really liked hand-working the clay though.

Laura -

I was a Studio Art major in college (this during my 3rd attempt at "normalcy" back then... previous I'd picked 2 majors which persuaded me to drop out...). It was the only thing which could hold my interest for long enough that I *might* graduate (nope, almost, but never did - had to move to Hawaii instead of finishing that senior year, graduating cum laude from U of Life ;)). The big bonus - all the cute girls were in the Art classes. ;D If only I'd paid more attention to those brand new Apple Macintoshes in the design class, who knows where I might be right now... ;)

Working in clay, if you'll pardon the pun, is very centering.  ::) I've just remembered a wall plaque I made back then, sort of a half-hull on a map of the Carribean. And also one of my early acrylics, a spookily prescient scene of a boat at anchor that very much resembles both of my last 2 boats. lol I'll have to get pics of them and post them, although they are far from being professional quality.

My sister has a pottery studio in her back yard, set under Live Oaks at the edge of abandoned rice fields. It's only about 10 mins from the boat, nice and handy, with a big yard in a neighborhood where the CrewDogs can run freely. I've got a brand new 25# bag of earthenware clay sitting there right now, begging for me to come over there and get busy. :) Soon...

Thanks guys.

CK, the end results on that style can be very nice. That is judging from the instructors samples. However no one in my class liked doing it. I hated it, and will never do it again. It so SO MESSY to work with yuk  :(
I was so glad to be finished. It is a total different feeling from molding a clay piece. Very like papermache, which I also hated doing in art class  :(

I envy folks that make the wheel work for them. I can do stuff but only about 3-4 inchs tall, then is starts to take on it's own life  :D

I do 90% of my work hand building. It is more relaxing and I get into it much more. I enjoy the touch / feeling of working with clay. Something from dirt, perhaps a god complex.

like this wave container:
(http://home.earthlink.net/~shaolin4/post/wave.gif)

Photography/computer:

The Helm:
(http://home.earthlink.net/~shaolin4/post/Helm.gif)

Urbanna:
(http://home.earthlink.net/~shaolin4/post/Urbanna.gif)

Full sail:
(http://home.earthlink.net/~shaolin4/post/full-sail.gif)

Here are a couple of items from my somewhat limited art collection.

(http://a1259.g.akamai.net/f/1259/5586/1d/images.art.com/images/PRODUCTS/large/10058000/10058984.jpg)

(http://a1259.g.akamai.net/f/1259/5586/1d/images.art.com/images/PRODUCTS/large/10289000/10289669.jpg)

Sunrise in benica
(http://home.earthlink.net/~shaolin4/post/sunrise-in-benica.gif)

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cf26b3127cce9f8b1212b3e700000016108AaNWbdu0Zs8)

I am amazed by the artwork. I never seemed to have the knack to create, but I do  have the ability to appreciate it. Bravo Zulu

who is Zulu?

I am really enjoying the art!  How about some poetry too??  I know some of you must be talented in that arena as well.     ;)
This is a talented bunch of sailors!   

In this moment of the setting sun
there is no you, there is no I
there is only we...

Our spirits are as one
as much as any lovers can be.

We face the sunset
warm rays kiss our cheeks
hasten by the breeze...

My breath, the sounds of the waves
blend with each crest we rise.

Though you speak not
I hear your words in my mind
clearly you say my ship...

To sail is divine

...Zen

Breath of the world
fills my body and sails
slicing through the water
I hear God.



...Zen

QuoteBreath of the world
fills my body and sails
slicing through the water
I hear God.

Zen- Awesome.   Another AHHHHH when I read them.
This one especially speaks to my heart.  When I try to explain to friends how sailing makes me feel, I often relate it to feeling Gods blessings and presence in my life. 
"Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust"   :))
Keep them coming. 

thanks Pix  :-*

Sorry Zen
Bravo Zulu is a navy term for very well done.

"Bravo Zulu" comes from the Allied Naval Signal Book (ACP 175 series), an international naval signal code adopted after the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was created in 1949. Before ACP 175, "well done" was signaled as TVG, or "Tare Victor George" (wikipedia)

And I will extend Bravo Zulu to your poetry. I captures the very feeling that calls me to the sea.

Ah so ( I see )

Thanks Doc.  :D

Did this this morning, just for fun. Beautiful day starting off here...

(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/wake.JPG)

Nice!

Sweet!

I don't know if this qualifies but I'm a professional violin maker.

Here a link to my home page:

http://home.earthlink.net/~kishony/

I figure that I can carve a violin or 'cello neck/scroll on a boat. My fantasy is to carve the necks while cruising for a few months then finish the instruments when I return.

Oded Kishony  ~~__/)~~

WONDERFUL!
Being a musician, I appreciate the work. My first fomal training was on the violin, and that was one my grandfather played also a musican from Saluda Va. ( next to Urbanna )

Looking at the "f" hole I can see a sail. How would it change the sound with a simple curve under the F hole like a boat deck or even say a sailor wanted one two simple engraves under the f hole like a deck and hull. Not all the way through as to effect the sound, but like an engraved accent.

or a sail inlay on the neck...sweet. ok, I get carried away   :-X

QuoteI don't know if this qualifies but I'm a professional violin maker.

You bet it does.   That is beautiful!!  What talent!!

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d823b3127cce9f8b1ccd297c00000015108AaNWbdu0Zs8)

Oded -

That's incredible! Nice work! {thumbs up}

Good picture, Jack! Look at those lovely overhangs... :)

Zen,
Is that the boat house at Urbanna Virginia? Looks like it. I'm docked just to the right of that location about 100 yards up creek. Great picture.
Larry Wilson
Urbanna,Va.

Thanks, That it is Larry.
I took that on my last visit to the home place. I spent a lot of time in the area as a child. Before I got the call to go west...

My contribution to the world of art. I don't pretend to be good, but I'm enthusiastic!! ;D

I could not figure where to put this. Here seems correct...

I just got back from a short fast ( car) trip to LA . If I had more time I would have got hold of Skipper Dave. Next time...Anyway, this is a day at the beach in the town of Redondo Beach. Sat morning. Just after breakfast I was feeling the ocean before heading inland... There were at least 5 sailboats heading out...


Also I needed to test Photobucket   ;)

A day at the marina,
an art view...

knots...

a pic of one of Laura's latest works-

(http://downloads.c-2.com/photos/1141785656.jpg)

Awesome. ;D

Lovely Painting Laura !!


The photo of the light and your painting are both great, I can see why you were inspired to paint that scene.

Thank you, Zen. Looking at it again sure makes me want to get back out there. 

A pic I took this morning shortly after dawn, just for the heck of it. I don't know if it qualifies as art, and it sure didn't take as much work as Laura's paintings, but it is something to look at at least...:) From the 'sprit, looking aft, of an older Herreshoff here at the marina...

Killed 2 'skeeters in the cabin last night, and the no-see-ums are back with a vengeance this morning, despite the bugspray planes flying 2 days this past week. All signs that Spring has sprung - 'sposed to be almost 80* today! Yahoooo! ;D

(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_3080.JPG)

Ah- a bronze cranse iron  ;D

Just got two of those in the mail yesterday, to be installed on the new bow sprit I'm building for a boat in Florida  :)

Cool. Love that perspective.

Here's another (there's 3 more in my "Misc" album in the Gallery). Shot this one last night, we had a full moon. My first experience with long exposures and low light. Came out surprisingly well! (At least, I think they did! lol) ;D

(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_3184_web.JPG)

I like it. One can almost hear the quiet. The tender on the dock makes it unqiue.
Good eye Capt.

Thanks, Zen! :) Here's another -

(http://www.sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_3174_web.JPG)

Great Picts Kurt.   :o  I did a deep ohhhhhh when I saw it.  Gorgeous moon last night.  I kept going out on the porch last night to take a look at it.  You captured a wonderfully lovely serene feeling.   I am going to use it as my new screen saver.

WOW! What speed are you shooting the shots? Are you just using a tripod and open shutter?  I still shoot with an antique manual SLR Minolta.

CapnK, your vison inspired me to have some creative playtime with your photo during some quiet time at work...

CapnK's Moonlite Dock

1 of 5 variations posted in the gallery

Maybe we can get Laura to paint it!!   ;)  Whatcha say Laura??

you'd be surprized at how much  light is reflected off the  moon(nite  jumps are  made during  fullmoons--ya  can see  the ground pure  as daylite---jus'hoo  turned  out the lites???).especially  at low angles  above  the horison  the amount of water vapor in the cross section  of  the atmosphere only  magnifies it,hence---shorter  exposure times  and  less  motion. (x-ray  techs specialize in that stuff)I have to  transpose  some  of the slides that  I  have into fotos.I  dug  up  some  slides of a "ring of  fire eclipse" that  occurred in  1990  on  the  return of  sc2.I was  at  the  rite place  at the  rite time------also some  wave  fotos that  will cause you to change  your underwear.....I will upload these  whence  I am  situated in my new residence--(no---its not a cell block)

While I think it would be great fun to paint that scene, I don't see a darn thing wrong with the photograph. Great job, Kurt!

Each interpetation of a song,
does not diminish the orginal,
it compliments the vision  ;D

Yes Zen, you are so correct.  I saved Kurts pictures and am using them as my screen saver and desktop.  When having a stressful work moment, it is so nice to  have those serene shots come on the screen.   Makes me take a deep relaxing breath and smile.   :)

This morning as I was leaving PD to drive back to Tally, I was just amazed at the transference of power.  I tried to capture it in words.....which of course could never do this kind of beauty justice. 

Morning, patiently waiting its turn, as the moon is a brilliant glow against an ever so soft backdrop of blue.
Resting against soft white clouds that pillow his head.
Three-Fourths still present, watching over the waking morning, still standing at attention.
Gulls floating on the water, quiet, as the hush of morning is ever present.
Easterly the sky is awakening with a soft golden hue that ever so slowly creeps up over the horizon.
Gently and patiently at first.
Painting a soft pastel of colors over the ever-lightening blue backdrop.
Then suddenly, she is present, in all her glory.
Bright, orange, awakening, she rises out of the land, her ball of fire, glowing with power, glory, strength as if to say, I am here! See me, sense me, and awaken to me.   
I look to the west; he is slowly fading, no longer intense in color, no longer in control of the day. 
I glance east, she is brilliant, growing larger as she continues to rise rapidly out of the depths of the earth. 
I turn back to the west; he looks tired, bowing out to allow her to shine.  It is as if to say, "My watch is complete beautiful lady, take over while I rest." 
"I trust you."

Nice, I feel it.

Thanks Zen;)  Hated to leave the boat this morning. 

anyone checked out the photo gallery at the new Sailnet

http://www.sailnet.com/photogallery/showmembers.php

Some nice photos there. There is one of a full moon over a sailboat at night that is amazing.

Here is a picture from a saki factory in Kobe Japan. This is a model of a old style boat use to deliver Saki. It is made from Bamboo and rice stauks.

Connie,

Very nice job capturing the feelings most of us have experienced leaving our boats.  I literally have to pull my wife away from the boat when we leave, we love it so much.  I can't wait to get to her tomorrow morning and start preparing for our trip.  Hopefully you will share more of your words with us.  And again Happy Birthday April Fools Girl.

-------------------------------------------------------------

This morning it looked so nice out I thought I'd leave it out.

S/V "Tina Marie" Cal 2-27

(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_3663_web.JPG)

(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_3685_web.JPG)

(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/redfish_dawn_2_web.jpg)

A pic Connie took of me, with that "vintage look" about it after I played with it:

(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/shipwreck.jpg)

And my belated Memorial Day tribute to those who serve/served our Nation:

(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/memorial_day.jpg)