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
(24,725 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)I was just happy that she recognized it!
Duncanpup
(15,587 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)Duncanpup
(15,587 posts)That is the most realistic painting I ever saw of dogs playing poker.
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)Walleye
(43,818 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)secondwind
(16,903 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)SheltieLover
(76,808 posts)What a beautiful, thoughtful gift!
Oils?
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)The idea was my friends, and I agree it was very thoughtful of her to want me to do it!
Acrylics
..
SheltieLover
(76,808 posts)I'll bet it brought tears to her eyes.
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)My friend took a video of her opening it up so I could see her reaction! She recognized it right away!
SheltieLover
(76,808 posts)patricia92243
(12,971 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)GPV
(73,370 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)Callalily
(15,311 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 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
(129,083 posts)and the buildings in the foreground, and excellent sense of distance.
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)I still consider everything a learning experience. I really wasnt too optimistic that this would be any good even halfway through.
NJCher
(42,482 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
(39,767 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
(42,482 posts)He's traveling but he always gets back to me right away.
NJCher
(42,482 posts)here's what he said:
I don't recognize it. There are thousands just like it!
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 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
(39,767 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
(39,767 posts)Thank you!
3auld6phart
(1,670 posts)Really thought it was a photo.the greenery looks so life like.
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)Thank you 3auld6phart!
JohnnyRingo
(20,508 posts)I love the simplicity and depth.
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)JohnnyRingo
(20,508 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
(39,767 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
(26,673 posts)Makes me want to take a trip to Italy!
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)I am glad you like it!
3catwoman3
(28,587 posts)Last edited Sun Feb 19, 2023, 07:30 PM - Edit history (1)
Its just lovely. Now I want some wine and bruschetta.
I so wish I could paint.
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)Art is for giving away, I believe!
panader0
(25,816 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)peppertree
(23,130 posts)You're really talented. Thanks for sharing that!
Keep'em coming!
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)peppertree
(23,130 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
(39,767 posts)It was fun to do.
calimary
(89,041 posts)Just Beautiful!
debm55
(55,753 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)Still learning!
hermetic
(9,135 posts)Both the painting and the story.
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)I was so happy she liked it, for sure!
lucca18
(1,444 posts)You are so talented!
Keep painting!💕
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)MontanaMama
(24,615 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
(39,767 posts)Im just overwhelmed with all the encouragement Im getting from all you wonderful people here on DU.
republianmushroom
(22,122 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(156,144 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
(39,767 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
(39,767 posts)I worked from a photograph, so didnt want to alter anything too much, to keep it real.
Mira
(22,646 posts)My very first thought was : Calabria. He got it.
And you did.
I love your work.
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)Its the town of Introdacqua. Im not sure of the province or location inside Italy.
colorado_ufo
(6,200 posts)Thanks for sharing!
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)dai13sy
(570 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
(39,767 posts)Im blown away by your kind words!
Prairie_Seagull
(4,598 posts)Nicely done.
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)Goddessartist
(2,176 posts)In its entirety! The sentiment is so beautiful!
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)highplainsdem
(60,008 posts)Diamond_Dog
(39,767 posts)H2O Man
(78,634 posts)Recommended.
Diamond_Dog
(39,767 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
(39,767 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
(39,767 posts)Im a hobbyist, nothing more
Thank you for your kind words.