The rich blue sky really shows off the light yellow bell tower that is to the side of the main part of the church. The sky is dark, because I am looking away from the sun, but it is not darker than anything that is in a shadow area.
The tree adds a nice dark accent, and an organic shape to balance all of the architecture.
There is a lot of light reflecting back up into the shadows, making all of the shadow values pretty light. Therefore, all of the light areas had to be almost white. That helps to show just how strong the sunlight is.
"Mid Day Light in Atotonilco", 18" x 14" oil, Frank Gardner © 2008
$1,300. Framed. Available at Windrush Gallery, Sedona, AZ
43 comments:
A Be-eee-a-utiful piece Frank!!! I want to be there...
great pc, I love the variations on the gated wall.
This is a gutsy painting Frank, and beautifully done!! Love the saturation of the sky contrasted with the rich greys in the buildings.
Thanks Marc. You should visit.
Hey Dan, thanks. They did some recent stucco work, but I found some old sections to paint.
Thanks Stacey! I was hoping the saturated sky and tree would contrast the subtle grays nicely.
Your landscapes are wonderful. They almost make me want to paint landscapes myself.
Really nice one, Frank. I agree with all above. Brilliant brushwork, as always.
I wanted to click this one one size larger to take a closer look.
This is a beautiful painting and it looks just like the church as I remember it from a tour Kelley MacDonald and I took last spring...funny, but it was the only place I could find a wooden sculpture of St. Michael (I think there was a festival of sorts out in front that day)...I just couldn't seem to find him in his namesake town! Once, again, you have captured that strong Mexican light. Beautiful!
Just gorgeous and the brushwork is great!
Agree with all the above, Frank. Wonderful color and brushwork.
Thanks Carolyn. That is nice of you to say.
Hi Bill, thanks! I like this one a lot, but if I had known that it would go over this well I would have stuck it up here quicker.
I thought of putting it up larger, but I did not want everyone to have to scroll. If I change it I'll let you know so you can check out the brushwork closer.
Thanks Paula. It is a great little town isn't it?
I lived right across the street from the church for a few years.
That was probably on a weekend when pilgrims were coming or going or both. I love when the town springs to life like that. Good smells everywhere.
Thanks Rhonda!
Thanks Bill, I appreciate it.
great painting frank, love that sky, don't think i've ever seen you paint such a bold sky before. is that the tree i love so much? you paint this church a lot, i like this view of it with the street leading you through the painting.
Seems like you've really outdone yourself with the last couple. Kind of solid but airy at the same time, like a good Cezanne. A real pleasure to look at...
Seems I can't get here fast enough to sound original.
I guess the truth is undeniable and needs no fancier words.
This is so rich in color and representational of bleached out sun. It's beautifully done.
I liked reading about the shadow values- it makes sense when viewing the painting.
Wow that sky and the greys of the building.
Add me to the list of readers who want to see the close up of brushstrokes.
Maybe you'll be my inspiration to attempt landscapes...
The trees is the background and the clouds against the blue bold sky are my favorite part. Wonderful Frank! Loving those trokes :o)
ooops "strokes" not "trokes". I need my coffee... :op
I very beautiful reminder of the couple of hours we spent there in October. I still have my reference photos and I'd better get busy now that you have set the standard.
Thanks Christine. I guess you could call it bold. I usually pick at them until they are un bold.
Yes, that's THE tree.
Hello Jim, Thanks. The Cezanne reference is a very nice compliment indeed.
No need to sound original Bonnie. Maybe I'll add some close ups. I hesitate to post the full thing so large.
Thanks for noticing those supporting actor trees Alicia!!! Glad you like the 'trokes : )
Hi Jack. There was some good light that day. With the sun popping in and out from behind the scattered clouds. I like your painting of the white cat from in front of the church.
Yes, very nice trokes. Your strokes are nice, too. Hope you've had your coffee, Alicia!
: )
As for me, in addition to the sky and tree which I would predictably love, I'm liking the composition - the lines and curves and where they are in the fram - and where the gate is in the whole picture. That's what I'm liking a lot in this one...
Exquisite contrast, energetic brushstrokes--You've got a new approach here and it is spectacular!
Yes, you've communicated the light with its strength of presence.
Beautiful. Thanks for the reminder about sky values.
I especially love the sky color. Lovely painting as always.
Paz
Thanks Solveg!
I thought that the curve of the gate would balance the curves at the top of the church on the right nicely. Plus all of what you said.
Hi Melinda, thank you. Your kind words make me happy!
Hi Jeremy, The sky is usually the light source, so I am always asking myself value questions like that.
Glad to hear that the reminder was useful.
Thanks Paz!
Wonderful job, Frank...the tree and the tower stand tall and proud as if posing for their portrait.
Dean
Great painting Frank, as usual! I love that blue sky... can feel the warm sun... :-)
Just brilliant, Frank.
Hi Frank..
Very beautiful brushwork and color - especially in the sky and the walls...
Thanks Dean!
Thanks Jennifer!
Thanks Silvina!
Thanks Marian!
W-w-whoa!!! Frank, this is side of you I've never seen! What did you eat?!!
Hello Frank!.....a heartening collection of well-deserved compliments for your latest piece!I choose to add my own via your blog on this occasion...rather than"from the safety of the wings"...a high compliment in itself perhaps.
Simply said:"You can't begin to paint colour until you have the values right first."Not my words ...but rather those of John Carlson in his "biblical"Guide to Landscape Painting.
"Mid Day" is a textbook example of his principles and practices. I admire your piece and the spirit of your blogging immensely!Felice Navidad Senor!
Bruce
This is just beautiful Frank, you sure have some amazing landscape to paint around you. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
I like that quote in anonymous Bruce's comment!!!
Frank, This is gorgeous. I don't know of anyone else that can paint a sky so blue and make it work. Not only work, but sing. Bravo! Holly
Hey Frank, good explanation of keeping your darks in the same family and your lights in the same family. That is always something I like to point out to my students. Value grouping is the key to a strong design!
Hi Frank,
Love the history, is this close by to you? Cool composition and shapes, the broad open spaces provide a nice visual "rest" from the smaller passages. Merry Christmas!
Frank -- this is a real standout, in a body of work that's all standout.
You are really getting those value and temperature changes in the wals. Love the overall dynamic design wise.
Check out my recent balloon ride in Sedona here http://marewheeee.blogspot.com/
You are a wonderful painter!
Hi Ambera. I hope that means you like it.
What did I eat?
Let's see... fatty meats, bread and lots of stuff with sugar in it.
Hi Bruce! It is a compliment to have you post a comment. Thanks, and I like that quote a lot.
Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting is one of my favorites. Feliz Navidad to you too.
Thanks Barb. Happy Holidays to you too.
Solveg... me too.
Thanks Holly. I'm glad that you like the strong sky color so much!
Hi Logan. Yeah, gotta keep the light family and shadow family separated. It is one of my main topics in my classes too.
It's good to hear from you.
Hi Eric. Yes, this is pretty close by. 10 minutes.
Merry Christmas.
Thanks Edgar!
Thanks Mary!
Thank You Ramesh! I appreciate that.
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