Artists
Related: About this forumAnother painting of mine
I did this for my best friend’s 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
(23,909 posts)Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)I was just happy that she recognized it!
Duncanpup
(14,119 posts)Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)Duncanpup
(14,119 posts)That is the most realistic painting I ever saw of dogs playing poker.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)Walleye
(38,472 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)secondwind
(16,903 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)SheltieLover
(63,925 posts)What a beautiful, thoughtful gift!
Oils?
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)The idea was my friends’, and I agree it was very thoughtful of her to want me to do it!
Acrylics…..
SheltieLover
(63,925 posts)I'll bet it brought tears to her eyes.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)My friend took a video of her opening it up so I could see her reaction! She recognized it right away!
SheltieLover
(63,925 posts)


patricia92243
(12,908 posts)Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)GPV
(73,243 posts)Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)Callalily
(15,085 posts)Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)Some of the other photos I found on the internet were very beautiful. This is the scene she remembered most, because it’s what they saw from their home.
Ocelot II
(123,452 posts)and the buildings in the foreground, and excellent sense of distance.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)I still consider everything a learning experience. I really wasn’t too optimistic that this would be any good even halfway through.
NJCher
(39,154 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
(36,188 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
(39,154 posts)He's traveling but he always gets back to me right away.
NJCher
(39,154 posts)here's what he said:
I don't recognize it. There are thousands just like it!
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 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
(36,188 posts)I’m still very much a learner!
claudette
(5,162 posts)Similar to the mountain town in Italy where my grandfather was born! 🙂
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)Thank you!
3auld6phart
(1,447 posts)Really thought it was a photo.the greenery looks so life like.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)Thank you 3auld6phart!
JohnnyRingo
(19,708 posts)I love the simplicity and depth.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)
JohnnyRingo
(19,708 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
(36,188 posts)You paint the scene from far away first, up close last. So that’s true, especially when doing landscapes.
I’m not brave enough to try a portrait, yet. Maybe after more practice. 🙂
bif
(24,767 posts)Makes me want to take a trip to Italy!
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)I am glad you like it!
3catwoman3
(26,297 posts)Last edited Sun Feb 19, 2023, 07:30 PM - Edit history (1)
It’s just lovely. Now I want some wine and bruschetta.
I so wish I could paint.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)Art is for giving away, I believe!
panader0
(25,816 posts)Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)peppertree
(22,850 posts)You're really talented. Thanks for sharing that!
Keep'em coming!
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)peppertree
(22,850 posts)And thank you for sharing. That kind of thing can really brighten someone's day.
Happy painting!
Different Drummer
(9,034 posts)Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)It was fun to do.
calimary
(85,318 posts)Just Beautiful!
debm55
(43,400 posts)Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)Still learning!
hermetic
(8,776 posts)Both the painting and the story.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)I was so happy she liked it, for sure!
lucca18
(1,356 posts)You are so talented!
Keep painting!💕
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)MontanaMama
(24,298 posts)I knew it was Italy before I read your whole OP. It screams Italy! You’re very talented, DD. Thank you for sharing your work.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)I’m just overwhelmed with all the encouragement I’m getting from all you wonderful people here on DU.
republianmushroom
(18,925 posts)Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(153,096 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
(36,188 posts)I didn’t 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
(36,188 posts)I worked from a photograph, so didn’t want to alter anything too much, to keep it real.
Mira
(22,507 posts)My very first thought was : Calabria. He got it.
And you did.
I love your work.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)It’s the town of Introdacqua. I’m not sure of the province or location inside Italy.
colorado_ufo
(6,006 posts)Thanks for sharing!
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)dai13sy
(528 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
(36,188 posts)I’m blown away by your kind words!
Prairie_Seagull
(3,992 posts)Nicely done.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)Goddessartist
(2,067 posts)In its entirety! The sentiment is so beautiful!
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)highplainsdem
(54,538 posts)Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)H2O Man
(76,245 posts)Recommended.
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 posts)thatcrowwoman
(1,230 posts)All that green and the beautiful light really soothes my soul. That’s some sweet Shalom you’ve brought to light, to life. I’m saving it in my moment of zen file. Many thanks.
🕊thatcrowwoman
Diamond_Dog
(36,188 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
(36,188 posts)I’m a hobbyist, nothing more
Thank you for your kind words.