Two Antiques and Another Memorial

 A recent family vacation in southern Italy led to discovery of antiques that inspired two new paintings for the next gallery show. The first was a very old photograph that made me think about doing a value study with only one color…raw umber. I thought that would give a similar look of an antique photo. I was very pleased with the result and named it A Study in one Color.

                                                                            

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The second inspiration came while wandering around the barn area on a farm resort. There were a number of old wagons there, but the one that caught my eye was a unique bicycle delivery vehicle. I conjured up a scene where it would likely have been used. This one seemed to name itself Essential Transportation.

 

 The final piece will not go to the gallery as it is a commission. One of my fellow artists who happened to see me working on it decided that I should be known as the memorial artist as I have done a number of these for folks who have lost their furry family members. I find that I really enjoy working on them and the reactions that the final piece brings…smiles, tears and such…provide me with longer lasting value than any money received. I call this one Mutual Love.

 Three totally different scenes 

Once again I have challenged myself to try different and somewhat unique views. This time I have found inspiration in an old truck, a group of birds by a puddle and four puppies on a farm. I was led to the first, which I entitled Keep on Truckin', by my grandson Ben. It is a scene from the botanical gardens at the University of Tennessee. On first seeing it I knew this was quintessential Americana—folk art. I felt it should be shared with a wider audience that may never venture to the University.      

 

 

Following some unusual heavy downpours, there was standing water in places that don’t often experience it.  All of this water brings joy to the numerous water birds in the area. Their reflections add to the feeling of a flash mob.I simply called this one After the Rain.

 

During a recent stay at Masseria Montenapoleone in Puglia, Italy, I was energized walking among the grapevines, olive trees, vegetables and flowers of this gorgeous resort/farm. Sunny May in Southern Italy does heat up. As the days got warmer, even the playful puppies sought out shade to rest. The peaceful scene helps to relieve all worries. Of course I named this one Puppies and Poppies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

Birds, Dog and Boat

Mixing it up a little this time, I have produced three new pieces ranging from landscapes to portrait. Wooden Boat is another scene from Croatia. I was entranced by the workmanship of this wonderful boat made of wood. It obviously was made by a true craftsman. I hope I did it justice in this painting.

 

 

 

 The portrait is of a friend of one of my daughters. I call this one Best Friends because of the obvious connection between the two. Although I have done a number of portraits of dogs and separately people, this is my first combination. It is the only way to show the love they have for each other.

The third piece of birds at the pond across the bridge a little south of my house I named Reviewing the troops. The line up of all the birds on the shoreline with the one commander in the foreground reminded me of military reviews. I have painted several pieces at this location because the many birds that congregate here always give me another idea.