Saturday, October 13, 2018

Purdue Clock Tower

My alma mater, Purdue University, built a large clock tower some time ago to replace one that had burned down from the old days.  It is now a major location in the middle of campus and a significant landmark.

I have always wanted to paint the clock tower and an opportunity presented itself this year.  Our local Purdue Alumni Club of SW Florida was looking for items to use in a fund raising event and asked me to paint something for an auction.  So, I chose the clock tower and found an image of the tower at full moon.

Turned out pretty cool.  I hope that some contributor thinks so!

Oxley Chapel - Arkansas

During the summer of 2018, Janiel and I went on a trip to Arkansas to see her brother and visit the Crystal Bridges art museum. On the way back, Mack, Bill, Janiel and I took the scenic route through the Qzark Mountains.  Something that I hadn't done.

Along the way, we stopped by the famous "Oxley Chapel".  Then we had dinner at a wonderful restaurant in a place called "Low Gap" - a great name! There, Mack, Janiel's brother saw a painting of the chapel and remarked that he would like a painting of it some time.  Now, he has one!  Here it is.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Christmas Twins

A good friend showed me a Facebook post from a friend of theirs.  A photo was taken last Christmas of the couple's two twin grand children, one boy and one girl.  My friend said "you might want to paint this as it is really sweet.  So, I did.

My wife really like to decorate for Christmas, including numerous Santas and a village under the tree.  This is going to find itself somewhere on the wall for next season.  Thanks for the "Christmas Twins"!

Dancers in Blue

Loved this image when I saw it.  The challenge was painting the faces and the musculature of the dancers.  Because these things are hard for me, this was one of the hardest pieces that I have attempted, so far.  But, after a lot of work, frustration, and Arturo's help, I was able to complete it.

One of the parts that I like best about this piece is the clothing.  I learned about sheer fabric during the painting before this, the bicycle window.  I was able to apply the technique - a glazing approach - to pull it off.  I like it!

Bicycle Window.

I saw this cool image online and loved the colors and composition.  The combination of cool colors on the outside as well as the warm colors inside the window really makes the painting "pop". Making the sheer drapes was a new challenge.

As I have mentioned before, I paint each week in Florida with a group of people, mostly women.  Many have become my friends.  When I finished this painting, one of the other artists, Jackie, asked me if I would sell it to her.  I am always honored when someone wants one of my pieces.  So, now she is enjoying it.  Nice!