Solar Panels working!

 

I have solar power!  Glenn did all the wiring and mounted everything to wood; which we installed inside the studio.  We still need to install the panels to the studio's roof…….once we remember how we installed the roof brackets. LOL (A little hiccup)

Currently I am moving the two solar panels outside the studio and then moving them back inside when I am finished for the day.

Here are some notes and lessons we learned about solar power for a small space:

 We did purchase a 400 watt solar kit from Renogy. Currently we only have two solar panels wired. Next year’s goal we will be to mount the roof brackets and panels for the remaining two solar panels. 

We did opt for a deep cycle battery.  I am so glad we did and I will tell you why. From my understanding a deep cycle battery is designed for not everyday usage.  I know I won’t be in the studio every day; however, when I am in the studio I need a battery that will hold a charge. So far I haven’t been let down by our battery.  Things to consider with your battery.  Did you know that your inverter and control monitor can use up 20% to 30% of your battery when not in use?  I didn’t know this; which led us to purchasing a battery monitor.  The battery monitor will show you how much “juice” is in your battery. Also, there is an alert system if the battery is too low. Lastly, it shows you that your battery is charging. 

Additionally, after hours of research, I realized I wanted an “on/ off” switch; which we purchased. I knew that I needed a way to quickly shut down our system for “just in case”.  Since the solar panels have been in use now for a couple of weeks, I shut the system off when not in use, and the battery has been holding it’s charge.  

Lastly, Glenn’s research resulting in us purchasing fuses.  We didn’t realize at first but you really want a fuse linked to your battery.  Eventually we will have a small shut off for the battery………but for now the system works great.

I love that I can plug my stereo into the invertor and listen to my favorite CD.  When I have some time off I do want to purchase and LED light and mount on the ceiling so I can have light when I want to paint during rain or at night.

 

Check it out:

"Wires look a little messy, I do need to twist tie them"

"These panels are a little heavy to move in and out, can't wait to install on roof"

Happy Creating with Solar Panels,

Christin 

How not to destroy your Arches Watercolor Paper

 For a couple of years I have been wanting to paint on Arches Watercolor Paper; however, since starting my Studio I have been focused on producing not so much on experimenting.  This year I decided it was time to experiment, grow my ideas and my artwork.

I purchased Arches Watercolor Cold Press 140 lb paper and began drawing on it. Now, I am not the type of artist that can draw something in one try.  I am an artist who likes to draw, erase, draw, erase...etc. Unfortunately Arches Watercolor Paper is not recommended for this type of work.  On my first drawing, I destroyed the paper with the erasing. I was surprised by this.  In addition, I found some of my pencil lines couldn't be erased.  After doing a little bit of research, I found that quite a few artist will draw on paper and then trace to Arches.  It is an extra step but it keeps the paper from being damaged. I do love wetting the paper and dropping the watercolor paint onto this paper. Also, I find you need a lot of water to move the paint around. I do like that the paper can hold lots of paint..........so layering is a plus. Check out the mess ups on my first drawing. I circled the damage to the paper. Also I realized I should have been using a watercolor pencil compared to a soft pencil: 

Arches Cold Press Watercolor paper with mess ups

I still love my Grumbacher Watercolor 140 lb paper. Something about the hills and valleys. I definitely create less damage with my drawing on this paper.......and maybe this will be my go to paper.  I am still experimenting.  Although, I feel I can't add as many paint layers on this paper compared to Arches.  So I guess it depends on your style of painting.  I like to create loose washes, and this paper is great for that. Check it out. Here is an example of a loose watercolor on Grumbacher Watercolor Paper: 

Grumbacher Watercolor Paper with hills and valleys

Then there is the Canson watercolor paper.  I do like to draw on this paper but for watercolor it is ok.  The paper is basic with hardly any hills and valleys to hold the paint; which makes fixing mistakes very difficult.  I have overworked an area of a painting with this paper and the paper balled up. It never fails that this would happen with the painting was almost complete. LOL.  Check it out. This paper is fine for a simple watercolor like this vine work: 

Canson Watercolor paper, hardly any hills and valleys

I hope this post helps anyone attempting watercolors. Of course if anyone has questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. 

Enjoy creating.

Christin

Epson Photo Perfection V600 Scanner

 Last month Glenn gifted me an Epson photo perfection V600 scanner to help me with my watercolor prints.  Also, he installed the scanner to my computer. What an amazing gift. I am beyond grateful....it is magical.

Previously I 'v been taking my completed watercolor paintings outdoors to photograph. Having to rely on good weather is not the most efficient way to take photographs and I would easily become frustrated because I would have to wait for another good weather day to retake photos when the first set didn't come out.  

Of course with any new business adventure you try to keep your spending down, so I told myself one day you will get that scanner, just not now, and I pushed through.

Let's talk about the Epson Scanner.  I read tons of reviews, but could it possibly take great images of my watercolors; which can sometimes be painted very lightly.  

To my surprise this Scanner is amazing.  The scanner will even pick up light pencil drawings. So yes, it does an incredible job picking up watercolor washes and tiny details. 

Coloring.  We didn't do any kind of color adjustment on the scanner program.  I scan using professional mode.  I think the colors are very close and not all the time but sometimes I will adjust the colors in Affinity.

Stitching.  My watercolor paintings are painted on paper that is 11" x 17" size or 9" x 12" size.  Glenn found a Stitch and Save program for me.  So I literally scan my watercolor three times (left side, right side and then middle) and then tell the program to stitch.  The program does all the work and I end up with a complete image. 

I love this scanner!

The only thing slightly negative I should mention is the high pitch scan frequency.  Check it  out:  (Of course one of the dogs is barking in the background.  They do this too me every time I take a video. LOL)

For anyone out there who paints in watercolors and is looking to take their originals and turn them into prints, the Epson Photo Perfection V600 Scanner does a fabulous job getting you those high resolution images for high quality prints.

My best to you,

Christin

New Year, New Goals

 Happy New Year Everyone,

With a new year comes new intentions for building my brand.  I am hoping to make more artwork, update my studio website, and continue adding new paintings to my Etsy Shop.  I am determined to participate in at least three art festivals this year too. (Four if I have enough energy.:) 

I have been drawn to metallic watercolors for awhile and finally etched out a little bit of time to play with them. Last year, I started a watercolor painting and screwed it up on the first sitting....bummer.  So I took the unfinished painting and tested out my new metallic watercolor paints on the figure. Things I realized.  I won't be able to make fine art prints with paintings using the metallic paints.  The metallic paints look best over regular watercolor paint. Eventually, I will make more watercolor paintings with and without the metallic paints.  I am looking forward to the response of these new metallic watercolor paintings during festivals.  Check out my test: 

Lessons learned this past year.  I decided on the best watercolor paper for me to use. Believe me it took awhile. Although, I have tried Arches paper, I am drawn to Grumbacher's cold press watercolor paper.  I love the little hills and valleys. Additionally the paper doesn't get too distressed when erased. And I erase a lot. :) As for paints, I am loving the Sennelier watercolors. I am so looking forward to sharing my new paintings with you.

For fun, I entered one of my original watercolors into a show, and it was accepted.  Although to be honest, I think they take anyone's artwork with a swamp theme? Happily this month and next, one of my paintings will be on display, "Swamp Spectacular Show" in Baton Rouge.  Check it out:

Also, I donated an original watercolor for a silent auction for the Playmakers Theater in Covington.  The painting I donated is "Wintertime in the Swamp".I would love to attend, but is a "school" night for me. Anyway, Check it out: 

Painting ideas are constantly swirling in my mind.  I love my time in the studio.

Wishing everyone time for all the things you love to do.

Christin