Artists
Related: About this forumAnother painting of mine
I did this for my best friends mother-in-law for a Christmas present. Her M-I-L is 91 and was born in Italy and came to America as a teenager. This is the town in which she grew up. I worked from a photograph. She remembered it right away! Made me feel as though I re-created it accurately.

Karadeniz
(24,668 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)I was just happy that she recognized it!
Duncanpup
(15,328 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Duncanpup
(15,328 posts)That is the most realistic painting I ever saw of dogs playing poker.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Walleye
(43,018 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)secondwind
(16,903 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)SheltieLover
(74,775 posts)What a beautiful, thoughtful gift!
Oils?
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)The idea was my friends, and I agree it was very thoughtful of her to want me to do it!
Acrylics
..
SheltieLover
(74,775 posts)I'll bet it brought tears to her eyes.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)My friend took a video of her opening it up so I could see her reaction! She recognized it right away!
SheltieLover
(74,775 posts)patricia92243
(12,969 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)GPV
(73,348 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Callalily
(15,273 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Some of the other photos I found on the internet were very beautiful. This is the scene she remembered most, because its what they saw from their home.
Ocelot II
(128,029 posts)and the buildings in the foreground, and excellent sense of distance.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)I still consider everything a learning experience. I really wasnt too optimistic that this would be any good even halfway through.
NJCher
(41,871 posts)I'm going to send it to the RG and see if he recognizes the village. He lived in Italy for over 20 years and traveled all over, so we'll see if he's up to the challenge!
Love the tones, Diamond_Dog. So restful, peaceful, and I can only imagine the joy it brings its new owner. You are a sweetheart.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)I have the name of the town somewhere . I just need to find it. Please let me know if your RG thinks it looks familiar! That would make my day. 🙂
NJCher
(41,871 posts)He's traveling but he always gets back to me right away.
NJCher
(41,871 posts)here's what he said:
I don't recognize it. There are thousands just like it!
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)But it was fun to take a chance and see if he knew.
LakeArenal
(29,949 posts)Way to paint! I knew you were very talented.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Im still very much a learner!
claudette
(5,455 posts)Similar to the mountain town in Italy where my grandfather was born! 🙂
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Thank you!
3auld6phart
(1,655 posts)Really thought it was a photo.the greenery looks so life like.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Thank you 3auld6phart!
JohnnyRingo
(20,256 posts)I love the simplicity and depth.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)JohnnyRingo
(20,256 posts)Is the further away something is, the less distinct and colorful it is. Subjects up close are bright and detailed. Background scenery slowly fades away depending on distance.
You have a great talent. Thanx for sharing.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)You paint the scene from far away first, up close last. So thats true, especially when doing landscapes.
Im not brave enough to try a portrait, yet. Maybe after more practice. 🙂
bif
(26,398 posts)Makes me want to take a trip to Italy!
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)I am glad you like it!
3catwoman3
(28,034 posts)Last edited Sun Feb 19, 2023, 08:30 PM - Edit history (1)
Its just lovely. Now I want some wine and bruschetta.
I so wish I could paint.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Art is for giving away, I believe!
panader0
(25,816 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)peppertree
(23,008 posts)You're really talented. Thanks for sharing that!
Keep'em coming!
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)peppertree
(23,008 posts)And thank you for sharing. That kind of thing can really brighten someone's day.
Happy painting!
Different Drummer
(9,083 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)It was fun to do.
calimary
(88,324 posts)Just Beautiful!
debm55
(51,909 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Still learning!
hermetic
(9,044 posts)Both the painting and the story.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)I was so happy she liked it, for sure!
lucca18
(1,428 posts)You are so talented!
Keep painting!💕
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)MontanaMama
(24,568 posts)I knew it was Italy before I read your whole OP. It screams Italy! Youre very talented, DD. Thank you for sharing your work.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Im just overwhelmed with all the encouragement Im getting from all you wonderful people here on DU.
republianmushroom
(21,841 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(155,558 posts)This is just wonderful. The town is perfect and the framing really enhances the overall beauty!
The greens and leaves look alive! Great symmetry too.
You may still be learning, but you already know a lot. Keep painting!
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)I didnt have much control over the composition, since I was working from a photograph and trying to re-create it realistically.
Your opinion means a lot to me. I am happy you liked it!
bahboo
(16,953 posts)contrast nicely. Great projection of a style...
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)I worked from a photograph, so didnt want to alter anything too much, to keep it real.
Mira
(22,612 posts)My very first thought was : Calabria. He got it.
And you did.
I love your work.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Its the town of Introdacqua. Im not sure of the province or location inside Italy.
colorado_ufo
(6,171 posts)Thanks for sharing!
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)dai13sy
(567 posts)What you did is just one of the kindest, most generous things you could do and the painting is so beautiful and made more so because of what is in your heart and mind.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Im blown away by your kind words!
Prairie_Seagull
(4,507 posts)Nicely done.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Goddessartist
(2,176 posts)In its entirety! The sentiment is so beautiful!
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)highplainsdem
(58,824 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)H2O Man
(78,155 posts)Recommended.
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)thatcrowwoman
(1,230 posts)All that green and the beautiful light really soothes my soul. Thats some sweet Shalom youve brought to light, to life. Im saving it in my moment of zen file. Many thanks.
🕊thatcrowwoman
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)What a nice thing to say!
thatcrowwoman
(1,230 posts)bringing the beauty is really important work.
Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, you are doing it.
I look forward to seeing more of your work.
🕊tcw
Diamond_Dog
(38,941 posts)Im a hobbyist, nothing more
Thank you for your kind words.