Leonardo da Vinci

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

--Leonardo da Vinci


Friday, July 6, 2012

Flying Umbrellas

The Old and the New
11x14
Available at: Art on the Boulevard
I have been holding this piece back for a while, but now seems a good time to bring it out. The subject is a new sculpture in Downtown Vancouver,WA, with the Kiggins Theater in the background.
My wife and i were there to witness the spirited unveiling of the new artwork at the First Friday of April. When i coupled this with my passion for capturing downtown scenes, i knew my mission.
The next morning around 10am, i set up shop on the SW corner of Main and Evergreen, and started in. What i came home with was a 6x8 study that i used to create this piece, which i started and completed on Sunday, April 9.
I did spend the entire day on it, but that's just what it was; one full day of adding layer after layer of juicy paint and building it up to create a thick, but fresh, pizza painting.
What i like about the story being told, is that there is new art making a statement, but the Grand Daddy, Kiggins, is watching over just to make sure the kid doesn't get too big for his britches. :{>
Actually, i am really happy that i could incorporate this icon of Vancouver, with this new piece of vibrant artwork. It was an absolute joy to paint and i am thrilled about where our city is headed in supporting the arts.
Here is a link to The Columbian's article of the First Friday event. Congratulations to Jennifer Corio and Dave Frei for creating, Flying Umbrellas. It is a wonderful sculpture that our city should be proud of.

6 comments:

  1. Michael I adore the painting. Vibrant is right. It looks like it was such a joy to paint. And the sculpture is perfect, the artists and the city should be very proud. What was holding you back? I'm so glad you decided to share this with us.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Linda! I submitted this piece for the Art in the Heart poster contest and i didn't feel it appropriate to put it out there. I think it was a contender, however it did not win. But that's ok, it was great fun and i am so glad to share it with you.

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  2. hard to believe you can lend even more charm to this scene, but you did it. It may be the playful colors...I know they are accurate to the scene, but there is just a little more whimsey in the painting...perhaps it's the thick paint! I love how much you and Vancouver compliment one another! :)

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    1. Many thanks for your kind words Celeste. You know me and thick paint....
      All in all, you and i both know, Whimsy, probably had something to do with it, so we can blame her.....

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  3. I melted when I saw this painting. I have so many memories at the kiggins theater, and you captured it's likeness perfectly. Great work! Are you selling it at Art on the Boulevard?

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    1. Wow, thank you so much for the heartfelt comment, Jordan.
      I am so glad you enjoy the piece, and yes, it is hanging and vailable at, Art on the Boulevard.

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