Monday, April 23, 2012

Trees in my yard.



Notes From My Tree Painting Journal

I started this painting about three years ago and set it aside for some reason. I found it in the storage closet this week and finally got it done. It is 12x16 inches, oils on archival canvas panel.It  is really wet, so I will let it dry and touch up the flowers and the light here and there in a few days. I used a combo of brush, with painting knife, mostly on the tree trunks and branches. I like working on various greens like this as a way of practicing. When you live in Florida, you can't know enough about mixing green. So much of the year is green here!!

A reader asked about Chorus Fungicide. This is what I found at www.agnet.com/au


Formulation TypeWater dispersible granule
OverviewCHORUS is a specialist fungicide for protection against Black Spot in apples and pears and Blossom Blight and Brown Rot of Apricots, Peaches, Plums and Nectarines. It is particularly suitable for use early in the season because it provides reliable control during periods of high disease pressure, low temperatures or adverse weather conditions. Conventional protectant fungicides are subject to 'wash-off', whereas the systemic activity of CHORUS offers protection from 'inside' the crop.
Recommended UsesCHORUS provides premium, early season protection against Black Spot in apples and pears and Blossom Blight and Brown Rot of Apricots, Peaches, Plums and Nectarines. Applied between spurburst and petal fall/ shuck fall, CHORUS will provide 7 to
Advantages
CHORUS:
unique chemistry from a chemical group that is different from all other protectant fungicides
Benefits
CHORUS:
protection from inside the leaf which doesn't wash off
disease protection no matter what the weather
outstanding performance under cold, wet conditions and high disease pressure
high levels of safety to beneficial insects
an ideal fit into IPM and IFP programs
excellent fruit finish
single low application rate of 40 g/100L (high volume application method) or 800 g/ha (low volume application method)
convenient, easy to handle granular formulation
Mode of ActionCHORUS is a member of the a Group I fungicides.
CHORUS contains 500 g/kg of the active ingredient, cyprodinil. Once applied, the active ingredient quickly penetrates the cuticle and moves into the leaf, where it inhibits penetration of the germinating spore, causing it to wither and die.In addition, it stops the production of the enzyme needed to break down the leaf surface for penetration of fungal hyphae, thus limiting further infection. This dual mode of action, coupled with good persistence within the leaf, results in a high level of protection, even under adverse weather conditions.
Chemical Groupanilinopyramidine
General InstructionsMixing 
CHORUS Foliar Fungicide is a water dispersible granule (WG) fungicide which mixes readily with water. Partly fill the spray tank with water. Start the agitation and add the correct amount of product to the spray tank with the agitation system running. Continue agitation while topping up the spray tank with water. Add the surfactant at the completion of filling of the spray tank. Continue agitation while spraying. 
Tank Mixing - When mixing CHORUS and other water dispersible granule (WG) or wettable powder (WP) formulations, ensure they are added and mixed well prior to adding emulsifiable concentrate (EC) or suspension concentrate (SC) products. Wettable powder (WP) formulations should be pre-mixed separately and then added to the spray tank.

Application 
Ground Application only
Apply by high volume (dilute) sprayer or by concentrate sprayer.
Dilute spraying: Use a sprayer designed to apply high volumes of water up to the point of run-off and matched to the crop being sprayed. Set up and operate the sprayer to achieve even coverage throughout the crop canopy. Apply sufficient water to cover the crop to the point of run-off. Avoid excessive run-off. The required water volume may be determined by applying different test volumes, using different settings on the sprayer, from industry guidelines or expert advice. Add the amount of product specified in the Direction for Use table for each 100 L of water. Spray to the point of run-off. The required dilute spray volume will change and the sprayer set up and operation may also need to be changed, as the crop grows.
Concentrate spraying: Use a sprayer designed and set up for concentrate spraying (that is a sprayer which applies water volumes less than those required to reach the point of run-off) and matched to the crop being sprayed. Set up and operate the sprayer to achieve even coverage throughout the crop canopy using your chosen water volume. Determine an appropriate dilute spray volume (see Dilute spraying above) for the crop canopy. This is needed to calculate the concentrate mixing rate. The mixing rate for concentrate spraying can then be calculated in the following way:
Example only
1.Dilute spray volume as determined above: for example 2,000 L/ha
2.Your chosen concentrate spray volume: for example 500 L/ha
3.The concentration factor in this example is: 4 x (ie 2,000 L / 500 L = 4)
4.If the dilute label rate is 40 g/100 L, then the concentrate rate becomes 4 x 40, that is 160 g/ 100 L of concentrate spray.
The chosen spray volume, amount of product per 100 L of water, and the sprayer set up and operation may need to be changed as the crop grows.
DO NOT use a concentrate rate higher than that specified in the Critical Comments.
For further information on concentrate spraying, users are advised to consult relevant industry guidelines, undertake appropriate competency training and follow industry Best Practices.

Compatibility 
CHORUS can be mixed with Anvil*, Bogard, Delfin, Gusathion*, Insegar, Lorsban*, Nustar*, parathion, Pirimor, Supracide, Systhane* and Topas
Registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company
*Registered trademarks

Integrated Pest Management
At label rates and timing, CHORUS Foliar Fungicide has minimal effect on predatory mites.
RestraintsThe effect of CHORUS could be diminished if rain falls within 2 hours of application.
DO NOT apply by aircraft.
Resistance WarningCHORUS Foliar Fungicide is a member of the anilinopyrimidine group of fungicides. For fungicide resistance management CHORUS Foliar Fungicide is a Group 9 fungicide. Some naturally occurring individual fungi resistant to CHORUS Foliar Fungicide and other Group 9 fungicides may exist through normal genetic variability in any fungal population. The resistant individuals can eventually dominate the fungi population if these fungicides are used repeatedly. These resistant fungi will not be controlled by CHORUS Foliar Fungicide and other Group 9 fungicides, thus resulting in a reduction in efficacy and possible yield loss. Since the occurrence of resistant fungi is difficult to detect prior to use, Syngenta Crop Protection Pty Ltd accepts no liability for any losses that may result from the failure of CHORUS Foliar Fungicide to control resistant fungi.
Protection of wildlife, fish, crustaceans and environmentDANGEROUS TO FISH AND OTHER AQUATIC ORGANISMS.
DO NOT contaminate dams, waterways or drains with the product or its containers.
Protection of crop, native and other non-target plantsDO NOT apply under weather conditions or from spraying equipment that may cause spray drift onto nearby susceptible plant/crops, cropping lands or pastures. 
AVOID spray drift onto cherries as crop damage may occur.
Safety DirectionsWill irritate the eyes. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after use. Repeated exposure may cause allergic disorders. When opening the container, preparing spray and using the prepared spray wear:
-cotton overalls buttoned to the neck and wrist,
-a washable hat,
-elbow-length PVC gloves and 
-face shield or goggles.
After each day's use, wash gloves, face shield or goggles and contaminated clothing.
StorageStore in the closed, original container in a dry, well ventilated area, as cool as possible out of direct sunlight.
DisposalSingle rinse liner before disposal. Add rinsings to the spray tank. DO NOT dispose of undiluted chemicals on site. Puncture and bury empty containers in a local authority landfill. If not available, bury the containers below 500 mm in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose clear of waterways, vegetation and roots. Empty containers and product should not be burnt.
PrecautionsRe-entry Period 
DO NOT allow entry into treated areas for 2 days after application unless wearing cotton overalls buttoned to the neck and wrist (or equivalent clothing) and chemical resistant gloves. Clothing must be laundered after each day's use.
Company DetailsSYNGENTA
Level 1, 2-4 Lyon Park Road
North Ryde NSW 2113
Tel : 02 8876 8444
Fax : 02 8876 8446
Email : syngenta.advice@syngenta.com
Web : www.syngenta.com.au

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Another classroom demonstration



Notes From my Tree Journal

I often use trees as my subject for demonstrations for my Saturday afternoon painting class. This was part of a series of three progressive painting studies for a possible larger painting. I showed you the other two recently here on the blog. They are timed at 15 minutes for number one, 25 minutes for number two, and 45 minutes for number three. After each painting, we stop and talk about the painting and what can be done to improve composing, color mixing and brushwork. Then we go on for both other paintings, doing the same analysis after each one. I like doing this for my own work before tackling a large painting. I learn a lot and feel more comfortable before I begin a large work. I sell the studies, so there is no wasted effort.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

A Bit of Light at Fair Oaks


Notes from my Tree Journal

I had some time today to do this 9x12 inch painting. I love a scene like this, with dark masses of trees with light popping out in a few spots. The challenge is to keep yourself from over developing the scene. All of these studies help me to learn a bit more about light, mass and the design of notan.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

A tree Study


Notes From my Tree Painting Journal

I've been quite busy since I got home from travels, doing flower paintings and commissions, but I did manage to finish this tree study, 8x6 inches. (Sorry for the glare) I started it weeks ago with my Saturday afternoon students. We were studying tree trunks and limbs without tree canopies. I picked it up after I got back to finish it up.

Hopefully in a couple of weeks I can get back to my tree work. I've been practicing with oils on my flower paintings and in about a month, I will be far enough along with developing my oil skills to do a medium format tree painting.