Monday, February 1, 2010

Barbados Stairway

I've really been dragging out the old travel photos lately. I've always been attracted to this scene. I tried to paint it years ago in watercolor. That painting was about 30" x 48". I got some base colors on it, decided my greens were too vivid (thalo green, ugh, a killer) and let it sit. After about 3 years I decided to try to salvage it but unfortunately I had left some resist on it which tends to become part of the paper after that long. Oh well. I now have a lot of practice paper.
This photo was taken while we were in Barbados on a cruise probably 20 years ago. We got off of the ship and asked a taxi driver to take us someplace nice to spend the day. He dropped us off at a quaint hotel that overlooks a beautiful bay. These are the steps that lead from the pool area down to a beautiful, secluded beach. It was a wonderful day and I'm glad I finally have finished a painting of the spot. One of the details that I love about this photo is that there is a bent twig holding the door open at the top of the steps. It doesn't really show in this photo and should probably show more in the painting so I may have to enhance that. When I paint the view from the top looking down it will show more because the twig will be in the foreground rather than the background. I wonder how long it will take before I get that one painted.

Barbados Stairway
Image Size 24" x 8"
Oil


7 comments:

  1. Wow, Nancy! This painting caught my eye immediately, even in thumbnail size. I think this has to be a favorite of mine. I love the old stonework stairs and the lushness of the green around them. Truly a masterful handling of a gorgeous scene!

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  2. I love how the format of this painting enhances the drama of the (beautifully painted) steps. Makes you want to see what's on the other side.

    Do you remember the name of the hotel? It's such a nice scene, I'd like to go see it myself, next time I'm there.

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  3. Hi Nancy,
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I think its amazing how we both know Kay. I love your blog, you do beautiful work. I will be back often to check out what you are painting.

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  4. I'll be checking your blog too Desiree.

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