Tuesday, May 31, 2011

North Creek Farm WIP

I have started my first post-Maine painting (that is, a painting from a photo that I took while in Maine). I have been thinking a lot about my whole experience while I was there, and the main thing that stands out to me was the last full day and North Creek Farm, where we stopped for lunch. It was this adorable little farm/restaurant/store--very hippy-dippy, but in the best possible way! They had chickens with fluffy, feathery legs running around free, some really cute, furry dogs and a fat cat who slept in the greenhouse. Not to mention, the food was arguably the best we had on the trip. The ham and cheese sandwich was A-MAZING, and my friends and I shared a humongous slice of homemade blueberry pie for dessert! Being unable to eat seafood (I'm allergic), this was like the quintessential Maine meal for me and the atmosphere was just perfect.

So I decided to paint from a photograph that I had taken at North Creek farm. Right before we left to return back to the house, I shot a photo of the barn, which was adorned with buoys. It's not really something you see in the Midwest. All throughout Maine, you see houses strewn with buoys and these are the houses of lobster fishermen. They use the buoys to see where they have left their lobster traps in the ocean. And each buoy is painted differently, for each lobster fisherman.

 Normally, I'm not one for architectural paintings, but I like this photograph and I like the, dare I say it, whimsy of the buoys. Plus, it gives me an opportunity to do some wet-in-wet painting, which I always love.


This is just a WIP (Work in Progress), but I still feel like I'm getting off to a rough start. I haven't done a full-rendered painting in a while because I've been focusing on my splashy icons. I think I'm becoming rusty, which kind of scares me a little. I'd like to be able to work both ways equally well.


I plan on working on this some more today.

Also, I can't seem to find my tube of Alizerine Crimson watercolor that I bought recently. I really hope I didn't leave it in Maine. This painting needs a lot of Alizerine Crimson.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Back from Maine


As many of you know, I was in Maine with the Sons of Turner all last week, Boothbay, Maine, to be exact! It was a wonderful trip. I had a great time and I will never forget it!

Art-wise, I'd say it was very inspiring. I didn't do as much painting as I would have liked, mostly due to the weather. We did a lot of outdoor painting, but unfortunately, it was cold and rainy pretty much everyday. So it became impossible to paint a full picture in the rain and sitting in the cold was almost unbearable at times. I did do most of my painting around the dining room table and I did come out of this trip with a few paintings that I really enjoy. Plus, I took a lot of pictures that can be used as references. I want to start working on some new paintings based off photos as soon as I can. As of right now, though, I'm still trying to catch up with my sleep and get back into my normal home routine. I graduated from college yesterday and so this is really my first normal day back home.

Just wanted to share a few images that I took. I also plan on scanning the paintings that I did soon, so keep an eye out.





















Monday, May 9, 2011

Emily Norton: The Official Store

I can't believe I haven't mentioned this earlier. But my online shop is up!

CLICK FOR AWESOME, WHIMSICAL, MAGICAL THINGS!


I started this cafepress store a week ago and it is going well so far. I'm still on a 15-day free trial, which will expire next Tuesday, I think...of course, I will be on vacation then. But since right now, it's a free trial, once I sell something, I can't sell it again...unless I make another duplicate, which I don't know if I can do. But after my premium account kicks in, that should not be a problem. So just be patient.

I'm selling tote bags, shirts, and notebooks at the moment, but there will be much more variety in the future. I plan on making this my #1 project this summer (aside from looking for another job), so stay tuned!

some samples (I make no guarantees that THESE products will be available when you view the website...as of right now)

 London Underground Tote Bag

I actually just did these London icons today. I'm hoping they will be popular, what with the Royal Wedding and all. Also, I just love British things.

London Phone Booth Journal


 Cupcakes Bib


"Wibbly Wobbly" Tote Bag

yes, there are Doctor Who-related items!

Anyway, please visit my store and feel free to shop 'til your heart's content!