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
(24,527 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)I was just happy that she recognized it!
Duncanpup
(14,792 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)Duncanpup
(14,792 posts)That is the most realistic painting I ever saw of dogs playing poker.
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)Walleye
(41,326 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)secondwind
(16,903 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)SheltieLover
(71,000 posts)What a beautiful, thoughtful gift!
Oils?
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)The idea was my friends, and I agree it was very thoughtful of her to want me to do it!
Acrylics
..
SheltieLover
(71,000 posts)I'll bet it brought tears to her eyes.
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)My friend took a video of her opening it up so I could see her reaction! She recognized it right away!
SheltieLover
(71,000 posts)


patricia92243
(12,962 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)GPV
(73,297 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)Callalily
(15,141 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,555 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
(125,812 posts)and the buildings in the foreground, and excellent sense of distance.
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)I still consider everything a learning experience. I really wasnt too optimistic that this would be any good even halfway through.
NJCher
(40,617 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
(37,555 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
(40,617 posts)He's traveling but he always gets back to me right away.
NJCher
(40,617 posts)here's what he said:
I don't recognize it. There are thousands just like it!
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)But it was fun to take a chance and see if he knew.
LakeArenal
(29,941 posts)Way to paint! I knew you were very talented.
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)Im still very much a learner!
claudette
(5,449 posts)Similar to the mountain town in Italy where my grandfather was born! 🙂
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)Thank you!
3auld6phart
(1,574 posts)Really thought it was a photo.the greenery looks so life like.
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)Thank you 3auld6phart!
JohnnyRingo
(20,022 posts)I love the simplicity and depth.
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)
JohnnyRingo
(20,022 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
(37,555 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
(25,839 posts)Makes me want to take a trip to Italy!
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)I am glad you like it!
3catwoman3
(27,078 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
(37,555 posts)Art is for giving away, I believe!
panader0
(25,816 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)peppertree
(22,850 posts)You're really talented. Thanks for sharing that!
Keep'em coming!
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)peppertree
(22,850 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
(37,555 posts)It was fun to do.
calimary
(86,967 posts)Just Beautiful!
debm55
(48,022 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)Still learning!
hermetic
(8,916 posts)Both the painting and the story.
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)I was so happy she liked it, for sure!
lucca18
(1,409 posts)You are so talented!
Keep painting!💕
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)MontanaMama
(24,494 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
(37,555 posts)Im just overwhelmed with all the encouragement Im getting from all you wonderful people here on DU.
republianmushroom
(20,542 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(154,463 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
(37,555 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
(37,555 posts)I worked from a photograph, so didnt want to alter anything too much, to keep it real.
Mira
(22,542 posts)My very first thought was : Calabria. He got it.
And you did.
I love your work.
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)Its the town of Introdacqua. Im not sure of the province or location inside Italy.
colorado_ufo
(6,090 posts)Thanks for sharing!
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)dai13sy
(562 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
(37,555 posts)Im blown away by your kind words!
Prairie_Seagull
(4,278 posts)Nicely done.
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)Goddessartist
(2,167 posts)In its entirety! The sentiment is so beautiful!
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)highplainsdem
(57,185 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,555 posts)H2O Man
(77,225 posts)Recommended.
Diamond_Dog
(37,555 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
(37,555 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
(37,555 posts)Im a hobbyist, nothing more
Thank you for your kind words.