C.E. Grundler's Blog

How the sausage gets made…

Or the Lobster Pot, in this case.

I’d been wanting to tackle a painting of this restaurant since the first time I’d seen it. It’s a fun subject, with the bowed-out second floor, architectural details, and all those NEON LIGHTS!!! The neon sign over the door wraps around the corner of the building, so even the angles of the letters shift. Anywhere the neon light hits is bathed in a pink glow, while the shadows pick up the twilight sky and lean towards deep purple and blue.

First step was a quick color study on a toned canvas to establish the palette and composition. I do these on little 5×7 canvas boards as a test when I’m working on a more complex subject.

Often, I’ll tone the canvas and do the underpainting with burnt sienna, but in this case I used some permanent rose for the building’s glow. Satisfied with the overall scene, it was time to move onto a larger canvas.

It starts like this. Quick, messy, and vague. It’s easier to work out the general composition this way, and those colors will show through in places, creating the underglow. Painting isn’t a pretty process — at least until the end.

Moving along, I start blocking out the main colors. What had been a dining room is now my studio; it’s the best light for working. All the paintings on the shelves in the background are at one stage of completion or another. With oil, sometimes it helps to let them set for a few days while the paint sets before going in with the finer details like lettering and rigging. Fred looks on, unimpressed.

I’m working from multiple photos — daylight to see details and two night shots, showing how the light reflects.

And here’s where I am now, getting into the smaller details. There’s still neon to go into the arrow and the signs on the other side, window and interior details, as well as power lines, a bicycle, and a tree along the right side of the building. Stay tuned for the finished painting!

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Quinn at the Beach

12×16
Acrylic on Canvas
2024
Private Collection

The messy stage – the underpainting and a touch of background.

When painting a pet portrait, I like to let brush strokes flow loose and free through much of the painting while focusing more tightly as I close in on the most vital and expressive feature — the eyes. This is why I like to work from multiple references, to capture the true expression and body language, and — after studying every detail of Quinn’s smile and those sweet, happy eyes gazing back at me, it feels as though I’ve come to know him.

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Lexie

Acrylic on Canvas
12 x 16

In memory of very sweet dog.

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Suzanne’s Place

Oil on Canvas

A gift for a friend. I love how the landscape and the house flow together so harmoniously, and this view made such a serene composition.

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Cooper

Last week, I asked everyone for pictures of Cape Cod dogs doing Cape Cod things, and I received so many wonderful pictures that it was hard to decide which to paint. But when I saw the picture of Cooper standing at the beach, dripping wet and smiling as the late-day sun stretched shadows across the sand and the outgoing wave swirled around his toes, I knew that was the one. Thank you, Kelly, for such a great photo, and Cooper, for looking so magnificent — this was a fun painting!

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A wild night!

Despite the high winds, driving rain, and flooded roads, Monday night’s Paint a Cat for Boat Preservation Paint Party was an absolute blast! We want to thank the 16 intrepid people who braved the weather to paint portraits of the lovely 1886 replica flagship catboat, Sarah, with us!

It was a great night — everyone did an amazing job creating beautiful paintings and adding their own personal touches. Together, we raised $320 for the Museum to continue protecting the Cape’s sacred maritime traditions. Shoutout to Abigail for making it happen! Can’t wait to come back and do it again soon – hopefully in better weather!

Everyone’s so focused!

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Paint a CAT for BOAT Preservation

We’re so excited to be throwing a Paint Night Fundraiser for the Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis, Massachusetts! Join us on location and paint your own portrait of their gorgeous 1886 Crosby Catboat replica, Sarah. The Museum has long been an anchor of our community, showcasing the Cape’s rich maritime traditions and the importance of its preservation.

No experience necessary – you’ll arrive to find I’ve already personally sketched the canvas for you. Experience our intuitive approach to painting firsthand, where our guests lose themselves in the process, unlocking their inner creativity along the way. I’ll be there to guide you from beginning to end, and you’ll go home with a painting you’ll be proud to display and enjoy for years to come.

Me, Sarah, and a model of Myra Lee

If you’ve ever attended one of my paint nights, you’ll know this isn’t your typical paint party. And if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Space is limited; please be sure to reserve your spot now!

$55 || Monday, December 18, 2023 || 6-8 pm
$20 of every ticket sold goes to the Cape Cod Maritime Museum

Register: Cape Cod Maritime Museum Fundraiser — Cape Creative Paintworks

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Cape Cod Style

Well done, Eastham! THIS is superb Holiday decorating. I was hoping the light would be right as I passed, and I was thrilled to catch it just at the golden hour, surrounded by the warm tones of the setting sun… So beautiful! It’s even prettier in the dark — I’ll have to try to get a picture of that!

I honestly can’t decide which angle I like better — the whole truck alone, such a vivid red against the golden tones of the day, or the one with the fire station and the flag in the background. What do you all think? And who thinks this would make an excellent Christmas card?

#capecreativepaintworks #eastham

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Captain Baker’s Paint Party 12/7/23

Aaaand the photos are in from last week’s awesome paint party at Captain Baker Donuts in Dennis! It is such a lovely space to work in; so bright and light, and the food is fantastic! We painted “Winter Star,” and everyone did a phenomenal job! It was so nice seeing our old friends (we love you, Nancy!) and many new faces, too.

This is a PAINT Party, meaning everyone gets a canvas that’s been pre-sketched by me… unless you’re daring and WANT a blank canvas — I always keep a few on hand. And it’s not paint-by-numbers, there are no rules, though we’ll offer a palette of suggested colors. We encourage you to experiment and let your own unique style emerge, but we’re at your side every step of the way, should you need our assistance.

A note about this venue. If you’ve never been to Captain Baker Donuts, Lauren is an absolute donut wizard and just a lovely person too. She offers almost 30 flavors daily, along with coffee, sandwiches, and bagels. (OMG… Maple-Bacon!) We can’t wait to go back for more parties this spring!!!

If you’ve ever attended a Cape Creative Paintworks Paint Party, you already know that these aren’t your typical paint parties. And if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for?

Don’t miss our next party — Head on over to Cape Creative Paintworks to see what we’re up to, and while you’re there, sign up for our mailing list to stay updated on all upcoming events.

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Soybeanz, in four steps

Acrylic on canvas
12×16
2023

This adorable mix of cuteness was strolling down Smuggler’s Beach with those ears streaming in the wind — she was too irresistible, and I knew I had to paint that happy face. And this time, I took photos as the painting came together, which gave an unintentionally humorous glimpse into my work process.

Step One.) Start with a rough sketch, just enough for reference. Toss in random ‘beach and sky’ colors as a vague background. I picked this canvas because it had some creases I wanted to work into the painting.

Step Two:) Add general dog colors, as well as start of eyes and nose. This is usually where things get a bit comical as I work out the overall shapes and shading.

Step Three: Finish filling in anything else important. Almost there; now it’s a matter of refining things.

And the final touches — that smile, wisps of hair flowing in the breeze and wide, bright eyes. Oh, yeah. And sign it. Now I’m done!

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