Thursday, April 21, 2011

This Painting Is Under Construction

"Last Light on First Methodist" (in progress)   24" x 18"   Oil

I still remember the first time I saw Monet's series of paintings of Rouen Cathedral.  These paintings completely fascinated me and I was amazed at the way he painted the facade of this church from the same viewpoint, at all times of day and under different light and weather conditions.  He rented a second-story room across from the cathedral and would paint a total of 31 versions of this subject -- each one different from the last. 

I suppose this series was in my subconscious when I was inspired to paint this view of the First United Methodist Church.  The church is about three blocks away, and we see it every day from our north windows and our balcony.  Trying to capture the late afternoon/evening sunlight as it illuminates the front of the church has been a challenge and a pleasure.  I still have some details to add to the church towers and some finishing touches here and there -- hopefully I will complete it soon.  Then maybe I'll paint another 30 versions of it.


3 comments:

  1. Hello! I just came across your site...I am one of the Japanese dancers (the American one)...is that a painting of me I see in the corner? I'd love to see it, it looks wonderful! Are you planning on posting a photo of it?

    Thank you,
    Mallory

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Mallory. Yes, it's you in the painting! I wanted to talk to you after your performance at the Spring Festival but you were busy at the time. I plan to post a picture of the painting at a later date, but if you will email me at james@jamestennison.com I will send you a jpeg of it. I've titled the painting "Autumn Dancer."

    ReplyDelete
  3. The church painting is great. I love the architecture in your paintings. Nice work Franz.

    ReplyDelete