BOBBI HEATH PAINTINGS
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How to Paint a Name on a Boat

4/5/2021

6 Comments

 
Picture
Canary    5"x7" oil on panel
The Naming of boats is a big deal, especially for the owners!

When I paint boats, I often change their names, unless I’m painting the boat for its owner. And for me the naming of boats is fun. I can choose whatever name I want, and it gives a bit more mystery and a little bit of a story to the painting. At this point, I like bird names, they are often short and very descriptive. What could be more yellow than a canary?

Picture
The Owl and the Pussycat    10"x10" oil on canvas panel
So, how do I paint the names onto the boats? There are two approaches. Since I paint alla prima (wet paint into wet paint) the first option is to paint the name into the wet paint, the way I do the rest of the painting. I did that for the Owl in The Owl and the Pussycat, above. Alternatively I can  scratch the name into the wet paint, like I write my signature. I’ve tried this, but haven’t so far liked the look. Perhaps a bright color to scratch into would help.

Picture
The Sternman    16"x20" oil on canvas
The tried and true method is to wait for the painting to be dry and paint the name over the dry paint. This is the easiest approach. And If the paint is really dry,the name can be wiped off if it doesn’t turn out right the first time. I used this approach for the Osprey in The Sternman, above. And with this approach I can make a pattern for the name and tape it to the painting, so that I get it straight with even spacing between the letters. I used that method on some of the boats in Rafting Up, in the example below.

Picture
using a pattern to space out the name
Picture
the end result
Changing the name of a boat is an even bigger deal than naming it in the first place, with special rituals to remove any bad luck that could be associated with doing that. For example, I’ve heard of people scraping off the name, throwing the scrapings over the transom and backing over them, to remove the bad luck from changing the name. And you need champagne to do this properly!


6 Comments
Laura
4/6/2021 04:32:05 am

You’re SO talented Bobbi — and I LOVE YOUR BOAT PAINTINGS! So glad to have one on my wall at home, thanks!!!!!
Laura

Reply
Bobbi link
4/6/2021 09:01:01 am

You are very welcome Laura, and I'm glad to know you're enjoying the painting. Happy spring! - Bobbi

Reply
Marina Bosetti link
4/6/2021 06:11:53 am

I love that you're adding names to the boats. The names tell you a little bit about the owners and make relating so much easier.

Reply
Bobbi link
4/6/2021 09:02:29 am

I do like to the name them, especially when the real boat had a name. I'm glad you find it more interesting that way. And thanks for suggesting the idea to me! - Bobbi

Reply
Pam Baumeister link
4/6/2021 06:39:13 pm

I love your boats and am so glad I have one of your boats in my house. I think you've got that painting-the-name-on-the-boat thing nailed! Bravo on all of these paintings!

Reply
Alice Mellin
4/7/2021 07:20:05 am

Hi Bobbi, Your notes on boat name rituals gave me a big chuckle. Love 'Canary'. And all your boats!!!
Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful works and comments.
We are on our boat in Florida but should be home by June 1.
Looking forward to seeing you his summer. Maybe some plein aire workshops?? Hi to Dan.
Alice

Reply



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    Bobbi - Painter. Sketcher. Teacher. Boat and Dog Lover.

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  • Home
  • Shop
    • Leaves in Watercolor
    • Mini Landscapes
    • Plein Air
    • On the Water
    • Note Card Sets >
      • Dinghy Note Card Set 1
      • Dinghy Note Card Set 2
      • Boats Note Card Set
      • Summer Note Card Set
      • Winter Note Card Set
    • How to Buy a Painting
    • Your Own Custom Painting
    • Gallery Representation
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Classes
    • Classes Login
    • Values Download
    • Classes and Workshops
    • What's It Like to Study With Bobbi
    • Materials Lists
  • Resources
    • Beginning Painting Tips
    • Managing Multiple Projects
    • Framing
    • Your First Plein Air
    • Notes - Confident Drawing
    • Test Page
    • Videos
  • About Bobbi
  • Contact