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
(24,563 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)I was just happy that she recognized it!
Duncanpup
(14,869 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)Duncanpup
(14,869 posts)That is the most realistic painting I ever saw of dogs playing poker.
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)Walleye
(41,468 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)secondwind
(16,903 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)SheltieLover
(71,891 posts)What a beautiful, thoughtful gift!
Oils?
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)The idea was my friends, and I agree it was very thoughtful of her to want me to do it!
Acrylics
..
SheltieLover
(71,891 posts)I'll bet it brought tears to her eyes.
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)My friend took a video of her opening it up so I could see her reaction! She recognized it right away!
SheltieLover
(71,891 posts)


patricia92243
(12,964 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)GPV
(73,306 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)Callalily
(15,147 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,673 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
(126,104 posts)and the buildings in the foreground, and excellent sense of distance.
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)I still consider everything a learning experience. I really wasnt too optimistic that this would be any good even halfway through.
NJCher
(40,741 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
(37,673 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
(40,741 posts)He's traveling but he always gets back to me right away.
NJCher
(40,741 posts)here's what he said:
I don't recognize it. There are thousands just like it!
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)But it was fun to take a chance and see if he knew.
LakeArenal
(29,948 posts)Way to paint! I knew you were very talented.
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 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
(37,673 posts)Thank you!
3auld6phart
(1,584 posts)Really thought it was a photo.the greenery looks so life like.
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)Thank you 3auld6phart!
JohnnyRingo
(20,068 posts)I love the simplicity and depth.
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)
JohnnyRingo
(20,068 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
(37,673 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
(25,930 posts)Makes me want to take a trip to Italy!
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)I am glad you like it!
3catwoman3
(27,192 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
(37,673 posts)Art is for giving away, I believe!
panader0
(25,816 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)peppertree
(22,850 posts)You're really talented. Thanks for sharing that!
Keep'em coming!
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 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
(37,673 posts)It was fun to do.
calimary
(87,121 posts)Just Beautiful!
debm55
(48,592 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)Still learning!
hermetic
(8,934 posts)Both the painting and the story.
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)I was so happy she liked it, for sure!
lucca18
(1,412 posts)You are so talented!
Keep painting!💕
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)MontanaMama
(24,505 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
(37,673 posts)Im just overwhelmed with all the encouragement Im getting from all you wonderful people here on DU.
republianmushroom
(20,713 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(154,551 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
(37,673 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
(37,673 posts)I worked from a photograph, so didnt want to alter anything too much, to keep it real.
Mira
(22,551 posts)My very first thought was : Calabria. He got it.
And you did.
I love your work.
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)Its the town of Introdacqua. Im not sure of the province or location inside Italy.
colorado_ufo
(6,094 posts)Thanks for sharing!
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)dai13sy
(563 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
(37,673 posts)Im blown away by your kind words!
Prairie_Seagull
(4,286 posts)Nicely done.
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)Goddessartist
(2,167 posts)In its entirety! The sentiment is so beautiful!
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)highplainsdem
(57,440 posts)Diamond_Dog
(37,673 posts)H2O Man
(77,388 posts)Recommended.
Diamond_Dog
(37,673 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
(37,673 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
(37,673 posts)Im a hobbyist, nothing more
Thank you for your kind words.