Lobster Trap Christmas Tree

Rockland, Maine is a beautiful location. I used to do a farmers market there selling my homemade cookies.

As I attended the weekly market I started to learn more and more about this quaint little town. But what got my attention was this Lobster Trap Christmas Tree.

I couldn't even imagine what this tree would look like. So come December I made my trek to Rockland to get a look at this tree. I remember the day well. Around Christmas time I headed to Rockland to photograph the infamous Lobster Trap Christmas Tree. It was cold, very cold and there was some snow on the ground. As I pulled up across from where the tree stood, I was in awe! Truly an amazing sight to see! I paused for a few moments just looking at this beautiful tree. Then I started looking around for different view points to photograph from. Got my camera ready and then I dashed across the street and started clicking away. Then I'd run back to the truck to warm up, then back I went to photograph some more. Until I was satisfied with what I had photographed.

The next day I headed into photoshop for some post processing. I spent hours looking for the right combination of textures that would work for this photo. I absolutely love the end result! I love vintage feel I created. And what about that shiny lobster on top!

Here's a little history about the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree. The world's largest lobster trap tree! Since 2003 local volunteers of Rockland, Maine have been building this lobster trap tree which consists of 152 lobster traps each weighing 40 pounds, 450 feet of garland and 125 lobster buoys that represent local lobstering families. The tree stands 30 feet tall with a 5 foot fiberglass lobster to finish off this beauty of a Christmas Tree.

A unique Christmas Tree indeed!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Everyone!
Be Safe this holiday season!

Amethyst

Well it's been almost two months since I started my acrylic fluid painting adventure, and oh boy has it been a fun ride! Learning new techniques, developing my own style and spending a day once a week just painting all day long! 


From one of my first paintings seen above "Amethyst" to my most current work seen below, I can see how far I have come. 


This is one was created 11/27/2017. Not yet named and still has to be varnished after it's done drying in about 3 weeks.

Through my learning experience I've had to scrap several paintings either because I didn't like the colors or mostly because of insects that decide they like to swim in paint and find that it's actually quicksand for insects.  I've also had to deal with silicone, which has to be cleaned off the painting before I varnish, which I have lost quite a few of paintings from not cleaning thoroughly.


A little bit about why I use silicone, if you look at the Amethyst painting it has a lot of circles more commonly known as cells which is caused my the oil and water (paint is water based) reaction.  So before varnishing which is also water based the oil (silicone) has to be cleaned off.  Oh and the unnamed painting doesn't have any silicone and I was still able to create cells.  I'll get into more about this later.


So I live and learn and I will master my techniques and learn from my mistakes. I'm currently in the process of varnishing several paintings and getting them ready for my shop which is now "Cindi Ressler Fine Art Photography & Paintings." 


I'm anticipating a January announcement for my painting collection. So stay tuned. 


Follow me on facebook and instagram to get a sneak peek at what's to come.

See you next time!

Shops Are Closing December 18, 2017!!!

Life as a business person is full of twists and turns, just when you think you have a plan, all of a sudden things are changing.

Last year I had opened 2 other shops on Etsy.  One Countryside Stitchery where I was creating dog and cat quilt blankets, lap quilts and scarves.  I was super excited about this venture.  Picking out fabrics and quilting the pieces together to create my own unique quilts.

Below is a Navy Galloping Horse Scarf and Blue Floral Lap Quilt....Also EVERYTHING IN THE SHOP IS 30% OFF!

I also love antiquing, but was running out of space in my home, so that's where Oak Leaf Collectibles came in.  Now I could shop and not worry about space in my home, I would just sell on Etsy.  Easy right....it was easy.....

Below is a rare Hall's Poppy Aladdin Tea Pot and also a cocktail set with a Tiki Man motif. EVERYTHING IN THIS SHOP IS 25% OFF!

But neither shop had me over the moon excited.

Until one day I came across this post on facebook.  It was a youtube video on acrylic fluid painting.  I fell in love and I started researching this technique and went hog wild learning this new passion! 

And this painting process fits perfectly with my photography.  Which I will get more into a little later.

Countryside Stitchery and Oak Leaf Collectibles will be closing permanently as of December 18, 2017.  Stop by and take advantage of these deals!!!

See you next time!

Photo Tote Bags On Sale Now!!!

All of my photo tote bags in my shop are 15% Off while supplies last!

PHOTO TOTE BAGS SALE!!!

Great time to start thinking of the holidays!

Use these one of a kind photo tote bags for all your shopping needs as well as for travel, school, overnite, books and more! 

I also have sales in my other etsy shops Oak Leaf Collectibles where there are lots of wonderful teacups, crackle glass and more and Countryside Stitchery where I have quilted scarves, lap quilts, and pet quilts!  Both of these shops are 10% off everything!!!!

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

Welcome to my first blog post!

Being a fine art photographer is alot of fun! 

Nothing better than being outside in the early morning looking for my next subject to photograph.  Whether it's in my backyard walking through my gardens or in the meadow or driving one of Maine's many back roads or going to one of my favorite lighthouses... the hunt is on for my next photograph.

Speaking of lighthouses, West Quoddy Head Lighthouse I have to say is one my favorites.  It's about 3 hour drive from my house to Lubec, Maine where you'll find this lighthouse.  Right up there near Canada. 

I remember when I got there the clouds were low, lighting was a bit flat and wasn't sure what I was going to do.  So I started walking around getting a feel for the location taking a couple of shots here and there and breathing in that fresh ocean air.....ahhhh.  Watching the waves as they crashed against the shore, listening to the seagulls as the flew by.  Phenomenal location, gorgeous views all the way around even with the clouds.  I just wish I had a little better lighting. 

Just as I was getting ready to head out, I notice it getting a bit brighter, I looked back at the sky and I could see some blue sky working it's way through.  I headed back to some of the spots I liked and started clicking away. 

I was excited to see sun try to get through those heavy clouds, and I did get a few shots in before those heavy clouds came back.

It was time to take that long 3 hour drive back home to see what I had captured.

The photograph above is one of a few that I kept and I adding some textures to it during my post processing which highlighted the lighthouse and the shore.  I'm quite please with the end result.
Now off to next!

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to subscribe to my bimonthly newsletter which will keep you updated on all the  happenings with Cindi Ressler Photography.  And with your new subscription I will include a Free down loadable copy of "A Few Of My Favorite Photos & The Stories Behind Them."  Just click on the subscribe tab at the top of this page.

I would love to hear from you, feel free to leave a comment.

Next week we'll visit some of my abstract work.