Dear friend,
This is exactly what my life is going to look like for the next five weeks. I hope my family, friends, and you don't get too bored of me while I hunker down and try to knock out these holiday house portrait orders. I have about a hundred to paint between now and Christmas...and...oh my goodness, that's not even an exaggeration! This time of year is daunting and exhilarating all at the same time. It helps that blustery winter starts to creep in soon...I can't imagine being able to muster the focus needed to do all this in the summertime. Perish the thought! Painting in the summer and painting in the winter are two very different animals, for me. Winter morning light is pale and silver. I can fill my days with hot coffee and big, milky chais...which seem to give people magical creative focusing powers, don't you think?
I got my camera! I haven't bought a lens yet, though. All of you Mark II users out there...what should I buy first? I should probably buy some sort of zoom lens, but with my other camera, I pretty much used a 35mm fixed lens exclusively. But I'm thinking I could get away with a 50mm now since it's full-frame, right? Am I figuring that correctly? So many new things to learn!
Well, anyhow, back to work :)
Love,
Rebekka
43 comments:
beautiful.
I agree. Winter is very inspiring- except after Christmas is loses it for me.
I was just noticing the same thing about the morning light in winter. Kind of blue. Makes everything look different.
I love seeing the photos of your work in progress, how lovely.
I agree, it's so easy to get cozy and focus in winter. Then Christmas passes and it's just plain cold and grey.
Good luck on the house portraits--I always love seeing the new ones :)
100 orders?! That's insane but, what a blessing it's to have work : )
A home portrait is on my wish list this year!
how lovely to see you at your desk creating! (but make me realise how messy mine is...must tidy up tomorrow) it is brilliant that you have all that work lined up. and brilliant work it is too. i am really hoping that santa will bring me one of your prints :) good luck with all the orders xx
well, it looks beautiful. :)
yes a 50mm! I am a big fan of primes…zoom lenses make for lazy photography in my experience :)
I have a full-frame and I LOVE my 50mm! I started out with the 1.8 which is only about $100. Eventually I upgraded to the 1.4, which is super lovely, but in all honestly, they're both wonderful. :) Get the 50. You won't regret it.
good luck with the holiday rush! :)
Kati...I was just trying to decide between the two! You probably won't see this again, but...is the 1.4 really worth the extra couple hundred dollars or is the 1.8 just as good? Anybody else know hahah :) I have no experience with Canon lenses!
Oh I love winter morning light and early afternoon light and cozy evenings that stretch on for hours. Can't wait to get my camera! :)
Mel
Holla! for a new Mark II. Up until a few months ago, my 50mm never came off my camera. I recently replaced it with a 85mm and I'm in love. Good luck with your paintings. They're gorgeous.
Good luck with both the painting and photography! I know you will accomplish both in no time :)
xoxo missdottidee.blogspot.com
Yes.... each lens is totally worth the money. It just depends on how much you can spend. I have the canon 1.4 but dream of the 1.2. It's my next purchase for sure. I have used the 1.8. With each lens you pay for what you get. The quality of the images and the quality of the lens will be better with each upgrade. I always tell people to spend more money on the lenses and less on their camera. Your camera you will always upgrade through the years but if you buy quality lenses from the start you will keep them forever.
Endaring Studios...thank you! That is SO helpful!!
Gorgeous work! xoxo
I always find hot chocolate gives me creative powers! Hope you're having fun with your new camera. x
good luck! i can imagine how hectic but exciting this time of year is.
50mm 1.4 - it's all you'll need!
Me oh my, you are looking gorgeous amidst those 100 portraits! And I'm so glad you got to meet Claire, she's a special one, isn't she.
love to you x
Enjoy the busy of the season! And I couldn't agree with the previous commenter more.... to go for as good a lens as you can afford. I have no experience with Nikon, but I have read several photographers' blogs/books that have recommended something like a 24-70mm lens as their go-to lens. You get a better image with the prime lenses but I so love having the flexibility that comes with having a focal range to choose from.
Oh this will really keep you busy until Christmas :) That is indeed a bit overwhelming, yet truly fantastic at the same time...
lovely, as always. I am so envious of your desk as well, look at all that SPACE! x
I agree with the "Nifty Fifty" chorus- it is basically the only lens I ever use! As for the 1.8 vs 1.4 vs 1.2 it really depends on light. The smaller the number the more you can throw open the aperture to really let the light in- perfect for low light or for great bokeh effects. I say spend a little extra on the best lens you want rather than buying a lens twice to upgrade. :)
Good luck with all the paintings! I love your work- you're so talented and lovely!
The "nifty fifty" is the classic lens for film, which is pretty much where you are with your full-frame sensor. f/1.8 and you'll probably never take it off!
It's times like this, your passion will carry you. Lovely post and I adore your work space!
Pretty little houses!
Gooood luck!
Silly question maybe... but it looks like you paint the windows first on your house portraits? That is a unique way of laying out the painting. I adore all the house portraits you share.
This is the first time I've seen your blog and I am in love! I'll definitely be back for more and to see all your watercolors!
I have no budget for lenses so got the cheap-o 50mm 1.8, and it's fabulous. If you don't know anything better, you'll never know you were missing out. :) It's got great depth of field. I love my 20mm prime lens, but I photograph a lot of architecture so it comes in handy. But a wide angle is always nice to have I think.
50mm 1.8 user right here. It never comes off my camera!
May I ask where you got your desk?
Joy...it's actually a dining table, from World Market. I just use it as my desk/worktable :)
I'd say if you can swing it, definitely go for the 50 1.4. The difference in quality between it and the 1.8 is much bigger than between the 1.4 and 1.2. Not just the quality of the glass, but also the materials used for the rest of it (as in, it can take a beating and travel with you everywhere). And the 50 will definitely be what you're used to seeing, and great for shoot-what-you-see type photography. The 85 is better for portraits. :)
your desk area is gorgeous! i want to clone your house!
I love seeing other people's workspaces. Good luck with all the work you have to do!
What a beautiful workspace and art you create. I love that you are feeling inspired. I too am getting the creating itch. Your blog is a delight.
I love that top picture of you at work. That brown sweater looks so cozy.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season and bringing to life magic with your paint and brush
I'm ALL about milky chais!! Good luck girl!
lovely work space x
Dear Rebekka, I must confess something. I also have a load of work to do before Christmas, a terribly (and terrifyingly) busy time since mid-November. And much as I love my work (translation), it's so difficult to concentrate sometimes!
And when I have this extra-strong temptation to browse idly through the Internet instead of digging into European Union legislation, I take a look at this post of yours - and it's such an inspiration! It inspires me to not give up, to work hard. No idea why (apart from the fact that I love your blog), but it works wonders.
Thank you.
As usual, your illustrations are just beautiful! I love the gouache you use and your unique style. Good luck finishing up the orders!
Post a Comment