The Guilded Box

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I am Susan Elwart Hall, a self-proclaimed hardware store junkie. Hard work never scared me and I get satisfaction from getting my hands dirty. People occasionally laugh at my efforts, but when I find a new tool they use it. My latest find is from Staples, the Aluminum Form Holder. I affectionately call it my Guilded box. My goal was to downsize and simplify my tools- as I am always on the go and often live out of my car as I search for landscapes to paint.

Believe me I have tried a variety of products looking and this simplistic approach is the key to many of my latest field studies.

I hope you give it a try, who knows you might find a treasure as I have with the Guilded Box – a steal of tool for under $25. I don’t leave the house without it. 

Get Up Dear Friend

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Get up Dear Friend 6"x12  - oil on canvas

Get up Dear Friend 6"x12  - oil on canvas

I recently spent some time on the Mendocino coast, with a paintbrush in hand practically the entire trip and therefore a perpetual smile on my face. I did 18 paintings in just a week and loved every moment. One of my favorites from this trip, get up dear friend, will always make me chuckle.

Upon finishing this painting I was approached by a gentleman who I thought was a fellow artist… but turned out to be a homeless man.

I greeted him and asked, “Is there other secret spots like this one in the area?” He replied, “Yes, at the State Park just a mile up the road.” He then looked me up and down in my painting gear (which was not clean, why would it be) and said, “You can get a shower for seven dollars there and stay till ten!” I smiled and left.

I guess I look worse then I though in my painting gear? Who has time to put together an outfit when there are blank canvases waiting in the car.