Thursday 3 September 2009

LOCAL PARISH COUNCIL COMMISSION

Remains of The Old oak tree beside the boat houses Coltishall Common



The local Parish Council asked me if I would paint a local landscape for them to give as an award and have asked the local gallery/framers to frame it for them. The only criteria was it had to be a local scene but not advertise any business. So I decided on the two boat houses on the common which are privately owned. As I knew the oak tree that had come down in the winter was well known for when the Salvation Army Band used to gather for Sunday hymns and music, I felt I wanted to make this part of my composition.

Two weeks ago I went for a stroll, taking my new camera, to see if I could get any shots that incorporated the two images. It was magic, as when I sat on the grass with the trunk right before me on the higher slope, I could not only see the boathouses, but the river and the fields beyond, with trees behind and some boats moored in the distance and other detail such as the flag pole with the Union Jack. I just hoped I could put it altogether.

Above is the finished acrylic 24" x 12"on box canvas. By clicking to get more detail, you will see I have added foliage and wild plant life on the foreground grass and in front of part of the stump, which I feel helps with the texture.

Here are some photos I took as I progressed

original sketch



added the trees


added first layer of colour of the boathouses and oak stump

and the topmost image shows the following layers and tones and finer detail.

9 comments:

Sandy Maudlin said...

Joan, What a treat for them! I love the drama of the stump in the foreground, too. Wonderful.

Anita Davies said...

Oooh, congratulations on the commission Joannie. I recognise the scene so well and love the angle you chose. I am sure they will love it!!!
Harry started 'big' school yesterday, Mum is doing well....so hopefully I'll be able to have some time with you soon in my little comfy bed in my Norfolk retreat with my favourite couple! x

Vicki Greene said...

You did a wonderful job on this. I know they will be very pleased with it.

dyanna said...

I like your blog very much.I'm waiting for your new posts.

Claudia said...

Joan, your painting looks wonderful, so full of light! - Thank you for your kind comment on my blog!- I will refrain from posting and internet surfing for a while, because of work reasons. See you soon!
Claudia

RH Carpenter said...

Well done, Joan and congratulations on the commission. That oak must have been massive!

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Thank you all for your kind thoughts on this piece of work. I met the Parish Council Chairman yesterday at the village hall (workshop venue) and he was delighted with the local scene. Must take it to the local gallery for framing now.

Robert A Vollrath said...

So far behind on everything Joan.
Trying to get back to reading blogs.

I always love when you show the progress of a painting.

Sandra Rowney said...

Glad to see it all worked out so well Joan. Good news, you have three works accepted for the Forum exhibition in the centre of Norwich.
Sandra
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