February 12, 2009

"Three Foxhounds"



Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel 8" x 8"

The last few days have been most illuminating. Recently my painting lamp gave out after years of faithful service. I didn't think much of it at the time, I just assumed that I could go to the hardware store and get another one. Boy was I wrong. In their zeal to save Mother Earth, merchants have pulled from their shelves any flood lamp over 75 watts. Their intentions may be good but how am I supposed to see what I am painting? I bought one of those new-fangled curlique floods and it was passible but not great. My old reveal floodlight bathed my palette and canvas in lovely natural light. This new one bare lit up my work. I went back and bought a clip light and a 40 watt mini flood to light my palette and the Kelvin temp is close enough. I did find a source on the internet called Bulftown that still had some 150's so I may be back in business. If your neighborhood hardware store has any high wattage bulbs you may want to stock up while you still can.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mark,

You really are a master with those brushes. The horses are masterpieces.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Rick.

Diane said...

love the dogs and their expression... Stephen thinks we have a bulb for you in the basement.. will check and call

Gwen Bell said...

Hi Mark,
I just found your blog on Daily Painters.

I absolutely love your work! You set the bar for me. Would you mind if I put your blog on my list?

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Gwen. I'm flattered. By all means link to my site.

Pegi Sue said...

Mark,
My mom swears by the Ott light, also known as "full spectrum" light. She gets the "full spectrum" light from Big Lots. If you don't have a Big Lots, the "Ott" light is available at Craft stores or online. They come in table lamps and floor lamps...the floor lamp is probably what you need. Just a thought:)
~Pegi

p.s. the check is in the mail!!:)

Edward Burton said...

WOW, an absolutely BEAUTIFUL painting of hounds, Mark!

Mark Adams said...

Pegi Sue. The big Lots near me recently closed, but I'm sure I can find an Ott somewhere. I use an old 24" smith-victor flood housing for my illumination. I used the word "lamp" to describe the "bulb" in the theatre parlance. Thanks for the tip.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Edward. I appreciate the nice comments. I peeked over at your blog. I have to tell you; your painting of the white pumpkins (Three's company) was brilliant. I attempted that challenge and fell on my face. Well done!

Carol Horzempa said...

When I was growing up my Uncle raise Foxhounds. He gave us a pup and we named him Blaze. The one in the upper right reminds me of our hound. You have captured the personality of these wonderful dogs.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Carol.

I grew up with a beagle named Emily, so I have a soft spot for hounds.

Colette Theriault said...

WOW Mark, your paintings are truly remarkable! Glad I found you through daily paintings!!
Colette

Mark Adams said...

Back at you, Colette. Your pastels are fresh and inspired. I love the sleeping Sheltie.

adebanji said...

Wonderful Portraits of dogs!

Mark Adams said...

Thank you, Adebanji.

Candy Barr said...

Both Hounds and the man in red jacket on horse are splendid indeed. Unbelievably savvy with the brushwork.

Meanwhile, I made up a temporary studio in garage with 6 clamp on lamps and 200 watt bulbs from HOME DEPOT.. Does the trick. It would probably be too HOT in summer, but works 3 months I'm in Arizona! Ott lights are found in Jo Ann Fabric store, often on sale.

Mark Adams said...

Candy. My friend found some 120 reveal floods at her Safeway so I am OK for the time being. Needless to say, I am going to back the truck up, just to be safe. I may fall into Joanne's today and check out the Ott light.
Thanks for the praise and the advice - both are appreciated!