Library "Study"?

Woodstock Library from the Lawn

 Our neighborhood (Woodstock) Library is a modern icon. When I decided to paint it, I was concerned that the art of the architecture would overtake the art of the painting.  It has a lot of very nice designs (not visible here) that are etched into the panels along the front.  I'm drawn to certain buildings, usually older ones because of the historical value they hold.  I wanted to paint something important in the neighborhood for our local organization Southeast Uplift.  Since the Lutz Tavern is not exactly an acceptable representation of a neighborhood...I really like how that one came out, though.
The Library was rebuilt in....2000 I believe, and even though the new building itself has a short history, the Library history is there.
This was intended to be a loose rendering of the building but as I progressed through, I had to tighten the lines a little.  I wanted to include a library goer in the final painting, and this would be from an angle looking opposite this, but I was pleasantly surprised how this one came out. I spent considerably more time on this than I originally planned, trying to work out the reflections in the windows, the grass in front and the trees that are beginning to bud.  I still plan on painting the nice lady that I photographed in my reference photo.  She asked to remain anonymous, so I won't mention her name when I paint her.  Anyway, I think this painting came out better than I thought it would, so I might just choose this one to submit if the next one doesn't work.  Sometimes the study offers more interest to the viewer.  I will have to see.
I guess I would be remiss if I didn't mention the other neighborhood Icon in this painting.   The Joinery

Revisiting Yupo

Lutz Tavern  Watercolor on Yupo: the painting as it looks now...to see what it looked like before I tinkered with it, see the link mentioned below.  Hindsight is that the original was actually fine if not better in some ways.

May of 2012 the Lutz Tavern on Yupo original post    I found an artist who has been very successful using Yupo for his Watercolors.  This piqued my interest once again in using this water resistant paper for a water based medium.  The upside to using Yupo is it's resiliency.  You can lift paint with absolute ease, in fact all the

The Yupo Watercolor challenge: Rose Bowl Champions

Congratulations Ducks

For the Oregon State fans...If you despise the Oregon Ducks, my apologies. In the past I have shied away from painting sports action scenes for two reasons.  Firstly, most of the photos from these scenes are taken by  professionals.  In my mind, this somewhat compromises the integrity of the painting because the composition is not entirely my own.  Secondly, there are licensing limitations to what I can do with such paintings. Having said this, I felt compelled to congratulate the Ducks by painting this photo of De'Anthony Thomas breaking away for a touchdown.  I've wanted to do more  action paintings because they can convey such high energy...about this painting...

Lutz Study Updated Story

Friday: I left the composition as is, because I couldnt layer the paint to add more accurate edges.

Sunday:   I came back later to try and fix it. No more tinkering, it is finished

Friday:  My first color study of the Lutz Tavern (which closed this year).  I tried a different paper for this.  I was looking for a paper I could work that wouldn't buckle as much as the 3 Ply Plate bristol I was using.  It didn't buckle, but it also did not take paint.  I literally had to force the paint onto the surface, like painting on glass.I could not layer the paint. I almost gave up 5 minutes in but I got a second wind and squeezed out this piece. If you're interested in buying any of my work please e-mail me..using the email at the top of this blog page. Sunday:    I forged ahead with this knowing that it was just a study because I needed to know if I could do more with this paper.  I learned that it was tedious and not worth the extra effort to work on this type of paper.  I had to know for sure.  I like the end result of the textures however.  And the layout of the painting will work I think.

Coming Soon...Lutz Tavern Painting

The Lutz Tavern is a throwback spot on Woodstock Avenue that has lots of character.  I am in the process of doing a series on it.  Sometimes the word tavern can be misleading.  This old relic evokes memories of a bygone era of small neighborhood pubs. It was recently sold.  I am not sure if it will remain the Lutz, or become a different business.