Regula Scheifele

Portrait of Sarah

2012-02-19T16:22:00.000+01:00

I've painted this portrait in January, but didn't post it yet as it is a commisioned piece. Now that it has safely arrived at it's destination, I can post it here.

"Portrait of Sarah"

Oil, 6''x6''

I do not know Sarah, but from the reference picture and the mails of the lady who commissioned the piece you can feel that she's a happy, lovely young woman - and always smiling!

I hope I did her justice....

Truth

2012-02-11T21:57:00.001+01:00

I felt like posting something powerful, knowing that I probably won't get to paint for the next week or so.

"Veritas"

Acrylic, 32'' x 32''

What I've been doing lately...

2012-02-06T23:52:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post: I didn't get to painting last week and I probably will be too busy with other stuff to get anything done in the next week.

Why? - check out my new blog:

My Singapore Journal

I hope I'll be painting and posting more again soon.

HHG Mug Shot #10 - 'Eagle Eye'

2012-01-31T23:30:00.001+01:00

"Betsy 'Eagle Eye' Stevenson. She is deceptively innocent looking. She is a frequent world traveler who has been know to shoot in Italy and France as well as throughout the United States. Along with being an expert shot our sources say she may well just set up an easel and capture images on site. Beware of easels in the field...easels on the beach...beware! We know is she is armed with a SLR and dangerous to those who don’t want to be immortalized on canvas."
Maria Hock, fellow member of the HHG

Betsy 'Eagle Eye' Stevenson - MS011

Oil, 4'' x 4''

This was an... interesting painting experience. First I really wanted to do Betsy justice (yes, pun intended, Betsy!). Then I didn't really have a lot of time as I was chatting with my studio partner instead of painting. And than - and that is so typically me - I only sqeezed out the smallest amount of paint, and only some seven colors. Don't know why.
And of course the mugshot started out strange, got stranger, suddenly turned around and actually look almost great. And of course I kept painting and the mugshot took another turn and tried to go down the awkward road again. I hope I stopped it in time.
This mug would definitely have profitted from more time, but with all of those small 4x4 mugs I only do one painting session (however long or short) and don't go back to it. For better or for worse...

I Hang.... with Karin J.

2012-01-25T20:25:00.001+01:00

Just to let everybody know:

Almost all of the Hilton Head Gang members are taking part in the 'A Sense of Place' exhibition at the Sedona Arts Center. As is Karin Jurick! - so the above sign definitely applies....

The Gang has debated whether to attend, mails have been exchanged and advise given. We decided to take the risk of 'public appearance', so it's definitely a chance to see the HHG. If only through our master pieces!

The show's opening is January 25th - today! - with Sedona's "First Friday" Artwalk and reception on February 3rd. The exhibit will continue through February 14th.

I've sent brave little Cookie (as in "Cookie's Evening Walk") all the way to Arizona. Hopefully to find a great new home.

HHG Mug Shot #9 - 'The Moniker'

2012-01-24T10:19:00.000+01:00

"It is week 9 in the search for the Hilton Head Gang...the notorious members of Karin Jurick’s workshop. The trail is still hot... so we shall continue on. We are determined to feature one member each week until they are all accounted for.
Chris 'The Moniker' Werst comes by her alias honestly. She misses nothing. At beaches, Galleries, tourist attractions... she retains everything. She is very proficient at finding out and remembering names of people, places and things. She uses this to her advantage. She will call your name and then act like she knows you... by the time you realize she is a stranger it is too late... you are digitally immortalized and destined to become canvas bound.
Her whereabouts is totally unknown as she does not... at this writing... have a blog."

Chris 'The Moniker' Werst - MS010

Oil, 4'' x 4''

I didn't get to paint Chris' mug last week (I was busy partying ;-)... ). But when I started it yesterday it just seemed to paint itself. Mind you, that doesn't mean it didn't go through the awkward stage!

I might not be able to keep up with our weekly mugs in the next months, but I'll try not to fall too far behind. It's such a great exercise, amazing fun and wonderful way to stay in contact....

Oh, and I have to add this: Chris, go and start your own blog!!! We miss you in the blogosphere!

Red Hot

2012-01-16T01:02:00.001+01:00

This is the last painting done during the Hilton Head workshop - or rather 'after' the workshop: a few unstoppable ladies and I stayed on Friday afternoon to 'paint on' as Karin would say. I'm glad I did!

Red Hot

Oil, 10'' x 8'

This scene is typical for Hilton Head. Everybody seems to be riding along the beautiful wide beach. I just loved this red beachcruiser...

HHG Mug Shot #8 - 'The Guardian'

2012-01-11T10:26:00.001+01:00

"This week finds us looking for Nancy 'The Guardian' Darling, so named because of her help with rescue dogs. She often travels with a large pack of dogs which hampers her ability to shoot but that does not prevent her from trying. She uses the dogs to attract unsuspecting subjects then while they are being distracted...she shoots. It is a devious but very effective plan. I hear she and her pack will be heading up to Alaska to participate in the Iditarod...that may be a false lead...just be on the lookout..."

Nancy 'The Guardian' Darling - MS009

Oil, 4'' x 4''

Another one that kept me doubting the whole time while painting but came together in the end. Hopefully...

If you want to look at all the mug shots together - I've added a page to my blog called 'Hilton Head Gang - all the Mugs'; you can access it from the banner at the very top of the blog.

Cookie's Evening Walk - Hilton Head Island

2012-01-05T12:05:00.000+01:00

I realized I haven't posted all the paintings from my workshop with Karin Jurick on Hilton Head Island yet. I painted this next piece on the third day, and I just have to smile whenever I look at it!

'Cookie's Evening Walk'
Oil, 8'' x 8''

This is my first painting of a dog and it was such fun - of course Cookie's a cutie, and with her red coat and the setting sun the staging was perfect. Fitting for such a starlet.
Oh, and I don't know her (or his?) real name, but I gave my little niece a toy for Christmas and she calls it Cookie, so I just borrowed that name. I know she won't mind.

I'm considering entering this painting in the 'Sense of Place' - Exhibition at the Sedona Arts Center in February. Have to decide between this and two other options...

HHG Mug Shot #7 - 'The Streak'

2012-01-01T21:31:00.003+01:00

"Roxanne 'The Streak' Duke is so named because she is stealthy. She streaks by and shoots at will and disappears before detected by unsuspecting victims. Roxanne flies under the radar...finding a photo of her was not easy...we had to scour the internet, check past files and canvas neighborhoods just to find this one. We don’t know when the photo was taken...her look may have changed. scrutinize everyone you see...
This is the only known picture of Roxanne..."

Roxanne 'The Streak' Duke - MS008

Oil, 4'' x 4''

The first day of the new year 2012 - and the first painting! Seems very fitting that it should be a mug shot of a member of the Hilton Head Gang...

HHG Mug Shot #6 - 'The Kid'

2011-12-31T11:56:00.002+01:00

"Sherrie 'The Kid' Hilliard, known as the kid because she specializes in painting children. She scours beaches and playgrounds looking for innocent little ones to shoot. Parents be on the lookout for Sherrie, The Kid...she will shoot your kids then immortalize them on canvas...they may even end up in a gallery. She drove off Hilton Head Island with enough material to keep her busy for months. She is probably holed up in a secret hideout....painting, painting, painting..."

Sherrie 'The Kid' Hilliard - MS007

Oil, 4'' x 4''

I wouldn't have thought that just ten days of not painting would make getting back to it so hard! I was really looking forward to painting this beautiful lady, but it was a struggle.

So I feel like I should add some 'bonus info': There's a great blog called 'Gurney Journey' by James Gurney, illustrator and creator of Dinotopia. The blog is absolutely a must-read (that's why I have it listed in my blog-roll). Two days ago he published a post called 'Softness in Eyes' - go and read it!

AND of course I want to wish everybody a wonderful, happy and exciting New Year! One of my highlights in 2011 has to be my trip to Hilton Head Island and taking a class with the amazing Karin Jurick. And of course getting to meet a bunch of wonderful ladies, the Hilton Head Gang. Thanks to all the ladies for the great experience and the continued friendship - here's to meeting again!

Ms P. takes a Stroll in the Park

2011-12-28T18:58:00.003+01:00

I didn't get to paint in the last week, and did enjoy the Christmas days instead. Hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing and peaceful Holiday Season as well!

So I thought I'd show you what kind of painting I do apart from the figurative small oil paintings I've posted on the blog so far.

Ms P. takes a Stroll in the Park

Acrylic, 40'' x 40''

This painting is quite big (40'' x 40'') and definitely abstract, and I was thinking about a title for a looooong time. I came up with a title that is hopefully as abstract as the painting... and will keep people wondering what it's supposed to mean...

Update:

Here's the painting hanging in my living room...slightly darker photo, but you can see the size of it...

Charleston Last Light

2011-12-19T01:19:00.000+01:00

Just what the title says - I crossed the road and was struck by the wonderful warm light breaking through the clouds.

Charleston Last Light

Oil, 8'' x 8''

We've had snow today and it's all christmassy, but I bet it's still nice and warm in Charleston...

HHG Mug Shot #5 - 'MacGrins'

2011-12-13T02:48:00.001+01:00

"Kelley 'MacGrins' MacDonald is the next notorious member to be sought. You may think her smiling face is harmless... until you see your smiling mug on one of her blogs. She waltzes in to a room, a beach or an event, smiling and acting all “I’m your friend” and then shoots at will. She doesn’t leave until she has captured every available smile. When ready to leave the island... Suspiciously... her little red sports car was missing... she left Hilton Head in a newly acquired Jag shouting “Girls Just Wanna Paint!” She drove up the coast stopping along the way to visit accomplices. She has hideouts everywhere. Beware the smile..."
Maria Hock, fellow member of the HHG

Kelley 'MacGrins' MacDonald - MS006

Oil, 4'' x 4''

Sooo... again, I've really tried to get the 'gangster vibes' here, but either I'm just too nice to paint dark characters (could be) or I just remember Kelley and had a really hard time not to paint her sparkly and open self (more like it!).

Well, I definitely enjoyed painting yet another mug shot. And I had a long chat with my dear friend in the UK and she told me that there's at least one 'mug shot lady' she wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley at night - so at least I'm not totally off with the mug shots.
And no, I won't tell you which lady she was talking about.....!

A picture a day....

2011-12-10T18:08:00.003+01:00

No painting today, but something I thought might be interesting to all my 'fellow muggers'.
I came accross a YouTube video that's actually been posted in 2006, but you might not have seen it yet. This guy Noah has been taking a photo of himself every day for 6 years and put them together in a time-laps movie. I think it's just mesmerizing seeing this guy look at you for six years (so to say), and time just swirling by behind him. And of course beautiful music to go with it.
The movie is over five minutes long, but it's worth taking the time and watching it and observing the sometimes subtle changes in his expression...

HHG Mug Shot #4 - 'J.Lo'

2011-12-06T22:13:00.000+01:00

"Jennifer 'J.Lo' Koach is the subject of this weeks search. Her uncanny resemblance to ... well, you know who...allows her to weasel herself into otherwise unavailable venues. Before her true identity is revealed she assimilates herself into the situation and shoots at will. Jlo charms and disarms her victims. By the time they realize what is happening...it is too late...they are photographed and the subject of a painting.

She left Hilton Head Island surrounded by her entourage...She is definitely NOT 'just Jenny from the block'..."
Maria Hock, fellow member of the HHG

Jennifer 'J.Lo' Koach - MS005

Oil, 4'' x 4''

It was soooo much fun painting Jennifer's mug shot - though for at least 80% of the time I was absolutely sure I'd have to wipe everything off and start again. Why? I painted on a bright cad red board. Fitting for 'J.Lo', but so confusing at times! And then suddenly I did something 'right' and everything fell into place.
And of course the profile shot was a first as well...

Mug Shot #1

2011-12-03T22:47:00.000+01:00

This guy is not a member of the Hilton Head Group, but he started my series of mug shots. And I painted him in my Hilton Head workshop with Karin, so I guess the ladies won't complain if I sneek him in here...?

Mug Shot #1 - MS001

Oil, 4'' x 4''

The next Hilton Head Gang mug shot will be up soon, probably Tuesday. I recieved the gessobords I ordered this week, so I'm ready to go. It's just such a pity I can't get them here in Switzerland... I will continue to order them online, though I have to pay almost twice as much for postage and taxes than for the boards themselves.
I guess I have to fly over to the States with two empty suitcases and fill them up with gessobords... ;-)

Immersed

2011-12-01T13:04:00.000+01:00

A lady at the beach on Hilton Head Island, totally absorbed by her book. A complex detective story or a kitschy romance?

Immersed

Oil, 10'' x 8'

This is the first paiting I did at home from photos I took on Hilton Head - and though I enjoyed it and it brougth back nice memories, I missed the 'workshop feeling' from last month.

HHG Mug Shot #3 - The 'Joker'

2011-11-28T00:16:00.002+01:00

"Week three and we are looking for Linda “the Joker” Popple. Linda disarms her victims with humor and then shoots with reckless abandon. Yes, Linda thinks she is funny...but her crimes are very serious. Please be careful when confronting her.

Linda was last seen driving off Hilton Head Island wearing a teal sweatshirt and a blue baseball cap driving a red convertible sports car... She was laughing and shaking her camera at the wind. Authorities followed her until she left them in the dust..."
Maria Hock, fellow member of the HHG

Linda 'Jocker' Popple - MS004

Oil, 4'' x 4''

Looking at the serious mug above it just seems wrong - Linda is always laughing, telling stories and entertaining the whole group (and the rest of the restaurant!). But she also is a key member of the Hilton Head Gang, and as such always armed and ready to shoot!

DIY - Wet Canvas Carrier for my Mug Shots

2011-11-25T01:25:00.003+01:00

No painting in this post, but something that should be really useful for our mug shot challenge: a litte canvas carrier for those tiny 4" by 4" boards - both for transporting the wet ones and as a storage for the dry boards.

I built it out of some kind of foamy board I came across at a craft supply store, it's very light, 1/4 inch thick and can easily be cut with a knife and glued or taped together. The little 'bars' that hold the boards apart are also cut from the same foamboard, wrapped with tape to make sure they would not leave any 'crumbles' on the paintings.
As you can see the box does have a lid, but I haven't decided on a way to secure it closed - I might just use some rubber band, that'll do nicely.

The finished box actually feels more sturdy and robust than I expected. I might even cover it with adhesive foil to make sure it doesn't melt if it gets wet, but then again it's small enough to just put in a plastic bag if needed.

The box will hold ten boards, so I might have to make a second one later on - I must say I'm quite proud of the little thing, though there's still room for improvements ... ;-)

Babyface - another Hilton Head Gang mug shot

2011-11-22T02:04:00.000+01:00

"The second member of the Hilton Head Gang is Regula 'Babyface' Scheifele. Don't let her youthful appearance fool you..... she is as devious as the rest of the gang when it comes to shooting covertly and then leaving the scene of the crime.

After terrorizing the island shooting her way through beaches and galleries, she escaped to the back roads of North Carolina. She was last seen boarding a plane to Europe... her current whereabouts unknown."
Maria Hock, fellow member of the HHG

Regula 'Babyface' Scheifele - MS003

Oil, 4'' x 4''

Ok, I confess - the above mentioned gang member would be me. Though I would not recommend you calling me 'babyface' to my... well... face! ;-)

As to my whereabouts: no comment. But you DO all know that Switzerland is proud of its political neutrality?

Regarding the little painting above: I really didn't look forward to painting my mug, but it turned out to be really fun. Again - this mug shot challenge is just great! Go and check out the blogs of my fellow HHG members.

Workshop with Karin Jurick on Hilton Head Island

2011-11-17T23:22:00.001+01:00

As you know by now I spent a week on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, painting with Karin Jurick and a bunch of great, talented and more importantly fun ladies. I can't rave enough about the great time I had!

'A Perfect Moment'
Oil, 8'' x 10''

On the first day Karin talked about her approach to painting, materials, taking pictures - and turning 'so-so photos' into great paintings. A real eye-opener! So was the demo she did for us, using her own reference photo taken on Hilton Head.
I always enjoy watching a painting demo, I feel like I learn so much by watching a magician like Karin paint. So when on the second day we were using the same reference to do our own version, it felt so much more relaxed than just jumping into cold waters with my own photos.
My painting 'A Perfect Moment' mirrors this feeling.

'Wave Gazing'
Oil, 8'' x 8''

I painted this next piece from a reference photo I had taken just the day before. This little girl had been running around on the beach, and then - for half a minute - she stood still, gazing at the waves. And then the moment was gone and she was off to chase after those funny seagulls...

More on the workshop and more paintings in my next post.

Wanted: the notorious Hilton Head Gang (HHG)

2011-11-15T01:53:00.002+01:00

An international search warrant has been issued today by Detective Maria Hock:

"On October 31st, 2011, disaster struck the tiny island of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Twenty-one notorious characters descended upon Hilton Head and went wild shooting everything in sight.

The purpose of this challenge is to reveal the identities of the Hilton Head Gang by painting their portraits. The first mug to be painted is the leader of this notorious gang - Karin 'Quickdraw' Jurick. Karin can visit a beach and shoot everyone in sight before they even know she is there. Her covert activity is known worldwide."

Even though I've just arrived home from my trip to the US I feel it is my duty to participate in this search operation by posting my mug shot of Karin 'Quickdraw' Jurick. And I can personally attest her being know worldwide - even the Swiss join forces to apprehend this notorious lady!

Karin 'Quickdraw' Jurick - MS002
4 x 4''

Note: as the members of the Hilton Head Gang (HHG) are on our most wanted list, I will be posting one member's mugshot each week - stay tuned! Also, visit the blogs in my blogroll to see more mugshots of the 'gangster' of the week as my fellow-painters from the workshop will post their interpretations!

Hilton Head Island, SC

2011-11-12T21:59:00.000+01:00

I just returned from two weeks in the south of the USA, mainly South Carolina. For one week I stayed on Hilton Head Island where I was fortunate to attend a painting workshop with Karin Jurick. Lucky me!

I'll post about the workshop soon, but first some photos I took with my wonderful new camera, the Canon Powershot SX40...

... a kindred soul watching the sunrise...

a cute doggie enjoying the walk

Are you looking at me...?