Listening to Jefferson


"Listening to Jefferson"
oil on canvas

This is my submission for Karin Jurick’s photo of the Jefferson Memorial in the DSFDF challenge. I took liberty in cropping the photo to an extreme. The photo was so fuzzy after enlarging this one little area that the streetlight looked more like a moon over the horizon. The crooked tree leaning toward the Jefferson Monument and the bright streetlight illuminating the area really intrigued me. I especially enjoyed painting this night scene because I was able to use an old tube of Indigo Blue I never used before and discovered it is a good color for painting dark areas and mixing grays.

16 comments:

  1. Oh , what a fabulous take on the picture of the challenge. I could see a story forming in my head looking at this. I love the refection on the steps VERY nice.

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  2. Who knew you could get a warm fuzzy feeling from cold hard marble?! This turned out really nice, the scene really draws in the viewer.

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  3. I'm always learning from artists like you the different ways we can see the same image. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration Carol!

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  4. Even though not all the paintings are in yet, your composition by far is my favorite. Lovely colors and brushstrokes . Bravo!

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  5. Great play of light and interesting composition!

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  6. A totally different take than everyone else's. Very nice painting. I like the tilt of the tree and the very strong light that pulls everything together.

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  7. Love this warm painting that I keep wanting to go back and stare at!

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  8. I really like what you did with the challenge - great composition!

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  9. Thanks everyone for all your nice comments. I was especially concerned about my composition with this one, so it is really great to hear good responses on my strange composition.

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  10. I had to comment again. How fabulous this piece is. I agree with Elaine I keep wanting to go back and stare at it. I want a story with this piece !..

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  11. I love the extreme crop and the way the building is painting...the leaning tree adds a touch of whimsy ...you have definitely made this piece yours!

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  12. Dominique and Theresa – I guess my cartoon/illustration background is coming through on this painting so I guess there is a story to this. I am a real tree hugger and see more than just a tree but a personality in each one. This tree seemed to come to life as I was painting it, as if it was communicating with the Memorial and Jefferson himself. The light on the steps seemed to be inviting me in.

    Someday I hope to visit the Jefferson Memorial at night so I can get a look at my whimsical tree and walk up those steps to see the Jefferson statue.

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  13. Im new to blogging too! great job, i love your work and your dog is very cute.I Cant wait to see what the next challenge is!

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  14. Carol, thank you so much for visiting my blog. I do love your paintings, and am looking forward to seeing more!! Thanks again!!

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  15. Hi Carol,
    Thanks for visiting my blog. I see you are on a similar mission like me - to see what this year brings you in the art world. I like what you did for the Jefferson Memorial painting. I still want to go back to mine and work on it some more, but it was fun to try something new. Her next image will be another challenge for me! Are you going to try this one, too?

    Your work boot painting is beautiful and your dog is adorable. I love how she was a rescued dog, too. They tend to be the sweetest dogs - just happy to have a home.

    Good luck on your next painting!

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  16. Carol, add me to the list of people who would like to see more of your work. I hope you'll keep joining in on the DSFDF challenge if you want to because your style is a great addition to the group. You don't just regurgitate what you see but put your own spin on it -- I love that.

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