Leonardo da Vinci

Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art.

--Leonardo da Vinci


Friday, February 10, 2012

Academy Ruins Series

Academy Ruins III
6x8
One of my favorite things about the city of Vancouver,WA is its wonderful historical architecture; and of the list of great structures, my all-time favorite to paint is the old laundry building at The Academy.
The brick behemoth, that has been condemned for a number of years, may not be suitable for human habitation anymore, but its rugged character and adorable charm make it a painter's and photographer's dream. It's beat up brick, run down trim, and broken windows make it a joy to paint. All i have to do is pick the time of day, set up, and sling away.
Academy Ruins IV
6x8
There are so many compositions that i want to paint here, that i think i could use this building as inspiration for a number of years. One of the building's finest assets are it's exterior conduits. Along with the dormant ivy, the old pipes - that seem to run like a maze, make for some fun lines and add an interesting strength to a composition.
This scene here, in painting IV, i have had my eye on for a while and i am likely to paint this view again.
The Academy Ruins Series is turning out to be very special to me and i have three rules for it:
1) Must be 6x8 (or 8x6)
2) Must depict this building only
3) Must be painted plein air, alla prima
I am excited to paint other scenes of this building in larger format; they just won't get the unique tag of, Academy Ruins.

7 comments:

  1. Lovely paintings, Michael! My writer friends would be impressed with your description of the historic structure..."brick behemoth!"

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  2. Just came across your blog and love, have become a follower.......follow mine at http://thewrongplaceatthewrongtime.blogspot.com/

    Great to connect

    Dave

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  3. Vicki beat me to it...I want to compliment you both on the painting and the writing (behenmoth is such a suitable word!) It is amazing you got the grand scale on a 6x8! (awesome colors too)

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  4. Lovely rich painting and brushstrokes, love how you enthusiastically explain about this historical building.

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  5. The brick behemoth is definitely an attraction. I can understand your fascination. These paintings are very unique in their focus on the state of the building rather than its place among others. I love ruins--And I love flags, the colors,the stripes playing inthe wind. Yours made me think immediately of Jasper John and Childe Hassam. I must say I favor Hassam's beautful,impressionistic, lively paintings where the viewer can hear the trumpets and bugles play. Jasper John's weren't as complementary, I suspect.

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    1. Thanks all for the wonderful comments, they are much appreciated. And i agree, Hassams's work is amazing.
      I have thought of doing larger scenes that incorporate the flags. Matter of fact, the painting that inspired the flag portrait series was of the Grant House on Memorial Day weekend. I have just never blogged about it, maybe i should....

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  6. Lovely paintings! I love the colors and sense of texture.

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