Tuesday, March 4, 2008

"Atotonilco Evening"


"Atotonilco Evening", 14" x 11" Oil on Linen, 2008
Private Collection

I was out in Atotonilco Sunday and realized that they are going to be giving this church a face lift. There are scaffolds along the front and up at the dome that I edited out.
I like it just the way it is now, old, but nobody asked me.
I am going to have to get some more reference shots while I can and maybe I'll get a chance to paint on location one or two more times before it is all plastered up and looks like a cake. They have been doing this to all the churches around town in a bid to get World Heritage status or something. I think they had more charm before, but I guess in another 20 or 30 years they will be back to the old look that I like.
This is painted on a neutral gray panel that was a wipe out from a painting that was not cooperating. It was a perfect tone for this one because there was so much gray in the shadow. I really wanted the golden evening light to pop, and the gray helps to make that work.

21 comments:

Linda Warner Constantino said...

This is a lovely painting. Nice shapes and sense of the evening. I just happened to stumble onto your site through a random series of clicks. Nice surprise.

Linda

Frank Gardner said...

Hi Linda. I am glad that you came across my blog.
Thanks for the comment. I hope that you visit again.

Larry Bates said...

Hi Frank,

Thanks for dropping by my new blog. I really enjoyed your art, nice loose, and impressionistic feel.

Larry

Mélanie said...

Wonderful painting! I love the light on it !It almost seems a painting from the provencal school.
I'm sending the link to my mexican friends ..let's see what they think

Lane said...

Great work Frank! The fact that you are actually in Mexico and experiencing your subject first hand really shows.

Unknown said...

I love this, Frank. I really respond the large forms and the colour and composition is wonderful.

Frank Gardner said...

Hi Larry, thanks. I appreciate the visit.

Frank Gardner said...

Mélanie, it is nice to see you again. Yes, please let them all know. I would love to have more Mexican visitors.
Where did you live in Mexico?
Your blog looks real fun. I will explore it more when I have some time. I am very busy for the next few weeks.
Thanks for the comments.

Frank Gardner said...

Hi Lane, I am real glad you checked out my blog. Your paintings are great!
I had to come a long way to find my muse. Living it and loving it really does make a difference in the work. I hope.
Thanks.

Frank Gardner said...

Thanks Eric. I tried to keep this one simple with big shapes and an emphasis on where the light is hitting.

Christine Mercer-Vernon said...

Hi Frank! i have to say, by far, this is my favorite painting of yours! the shapes, the colors, i love the texture of the brushstrokes, and that dome peeking overtop, it's a great perspective view....and that is a darn beautiful TREE! you know my affection for trees, just an all around well executed beautiful painting... i particularly liked that you commented on using a panel you wiped ;)

Frank Gardner said...

Wow Christine, thanks! I have to say that I struggled to get a photo that shows the subtle colors and textures just right. I think it looks better in person.
I love that tree too! Such character.

Bill Sharp said...

Hi Frank,

I hate to see the old stuff go. New stuff just doesn't interest me. At least they're not tearing it down to build condos.

This is a beautiful piece. I wish I could see it in person.

rob ijbema said...

what a wonderful blog you have Frank,really enjoyed my time here and i will be back...

Frank Gardner said...

Thanks Bill. I hate seeing the old stuff go too. Is that being selfish? I just like the things that look well used.
Actually, they are going to tear down some old ruined arches to the left of this church and are going to build something:-(
Wish it was my studio. I love this place.

Frank Gardner said...

Thanks a lot Rob. It is nice to see you here. I hope that you visit often.
Actually, I have been checking out your car a day site. I had only visited the painting Wales diary one before this week. Now I know where you go when I don't see anything new from you.

Elizabeth said...

I think the link thing worked
i got here via the email
BUT it gave me the tools on your blog and no photos.
This is not good.
However your painting is very beautiful

Don Gray said...

Great color, interesting design--anchored by that leaning exclamation point of a tree.

Frank Gardner said...

Thank you Don. Isn't that tree great?

Cara said...

Frank - this is my first visit to your blog and I absolutely love this painting. The way you express the late evening sun stricking the tops of the buildings, reads perfectly and reminds me of those beautiful afternoons when you can't make yourself go inside as long as there is one ray of light left in the sky. Beautiful -

Frank Gardner said...

Hi Cara Dawn. Welcome to my blog. Thanks, that is a great way to describe the feeling of evening light. Thanks for your comments.