Fort Worth, Texas Magazine Blog - "Last Light on First Methodist"

Click here to watch a time-lapse video and learn more about this painting.

"Last Light on First Methodist"   24" x 18"   Oil

OPA Regional Exhibition

My painting of the First Methodist Church in downtown Fort Worth is traveling to Denver.  It was juried into the Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition which will be hosted by Gallery 1261 from October 4 through November 3.  Click here to see all the paintings in the show.

"Last light on First Methodist"   24" x 18"


Some close-ups.

And here's a short video my son made of the painting progression.

Video by Justin Tennison

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.

"Horse Fountain"   10" x 8"  Watercolor

A watercolor of the top of the historic horse fountain by the courthouse.

"Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House"   10" x 8"  Watercolor

We live a few blocks away from this 1899 Queen Anne-style Victorian home.  Every time I walk by I appreciate its architecture, and love the way the verdigris and red sandstone complement each other. 

I just started this oil painting of the First United Methodist Church, a 1930 Gothic Revival structure we see out the north windows of our apartment.   We enjoy watching the effect of changing light on it from morning to night and in all seasons.