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
(24,595 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)I was just happy that she recognized it!
Duncanpup
(14,926 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)Duncanpup
(14,926 posts)That is the most realistic painting I ever saw of dogs playing poker.
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)Walleye
(41,549 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)secondwind
(16,903 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)SheltieLover
(72,148 posts)What a beautiful, thoughtful gift!
Oils?
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)The idea was my friends, and I agree it was very thoughtful of her to want me to do it!
Acrylics
..
SheltieLover
(72,148 posts)I'll bet it brought tears to her eyes.
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)My friend took a video of her opening it up so I could see her reaction! She recognized it right away!
SheltieLover
(72,148 posts)


patricia92243
(12,964 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)GPV
(73,307 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)Callalily
(15,156 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,790 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
(126,300 posts)and the buildings in the foreground, and excellent sense of distance.
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)I still consider everything a learning experience. I really wasnt too optimistic that this would be any good even halfway through.
NJCher
(40,837 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
(37,790 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
(40,837 posts)He's traveling but he always gets back to me right away.
NJCher
(40,837 posts)here's what he said:
I don't recognize it. There are thousands just like it!
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 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
(37,790 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
(37,790 posts)Thank you!
3auld6phart
(1,586 posts)Really thought it was a photo.the greenery looks so life like.
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)Thank you 3auld6phart!
JohnnyRingo
(20,076 posts)I love the simplicity and depth.
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)
JohnnyRingo
(20,076 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
(37,790 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
(26,000 posts)Makes me want to take a trip to Italy!
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)I am glad you like it!
3catwoman3
(27,249 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
(37,790 posts)Art is for giving away, I believe!
panader0
(25,816 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)peppertree
(22,850 posts)You're really talented. Thanks for sharing that!
Keep'em coming!
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 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
(37,790 posts)It was fun to do.
calimary
(87,191 posts)Just Beautiful!
debm55
(48,797 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)Still learning!
hermetic
(8,942 posts)Both the painting and the story.
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)I was so happy she liked it, for sure!
lucca18
(1,413 posts)You are so talented!
Keep painting!💕
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)MontanaMama
(24,510 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
(37,790 posts)Im just overwhelmed with all the encouragement Im getting from all you wonderful people here on DU.
republianmushroom
(20,785 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(154,641 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
(37,790 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
(37,790 posts)I worked from a photograph, so didnt want to alter anything too much, to keep it real.
Mira
(22,566 posts)My very first thought was : Calabria. He got it.
And you did.
I love your work.
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)Its the town of Introdacqua. Im not sure of the province or location inside Italy.
colorado_ufo
(6,099 posts)Thanks for sharing!
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)dai13sy
(564 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
(37,790 posts)Im blown away by your kind words!
Prairie_Seagull
(4,288 posts)Nicely done.
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)Goddessartist
(2,167 posts)In its entirety! The sentiment is so beautiful!
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)highplainsdem
(57,575 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,790 posts)H2O Man
(77,541 posts)Recommended.
Diamond_Dog
(37,790 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
(37,790 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
(37,790 posts)Im a hobbyist, nothing more
Thank you for your kind words.