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
(24,643 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)I was just happy that she recognized it!
Duncanpup
(15,158 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)Duncanpup
(15,158 posts)That is the most realistic painting I ever saw of dogs playing poker.
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)Walleye
(42,618 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)secondwind
(16,903 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)SheltieLover
(73,828 posts)What a beautiful, thoughtful gift!
Oils?
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)The idea was my friends, and I agree it was very thoughtful of her to want me to do it!
Acrylics
..
SheltieLover
(73,828 posts)I'll bet it brought tears to her eyes.
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)My friend took a video of her opening it up so I could see her reaction! She recognized it right away!
SheltieLover
(73,828 posts)


patricia92243
(12,968 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)GPV
(73,313 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)Callalily
(15,250 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,560 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
(127,351 posts)and the buildings in the foreground, and excellent sense of distance.
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)I still consider everything a learning experience. I really wasnt too optimistic that this would be any good even halfway through.
NJCher
(41,518 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
(38,560 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
(41,518 posts)He's traveling but he always gets back to me right away.
NJCher
(41,518 posts)here's what he said:
I don't recognize it. There are thousands just like it!
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 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
(38,560 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
(38,560 posts)Thank you!
3auld6phart
(1,629 posts)Really thought it was a photo.the greenery looks so life like.
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)Thank you 3auld6phart!
JohnnyRingo
(20,170 posts)I love the simplicity and depth.
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)
JohnnyRingo
(20,170 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
(38,560 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
(26,239 posts)Makes me want to take a trip to Italy!
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)I am glad you like it!
3catwoman3
(27,764 posts)Last edited Sun Feb 19, 2023, 08:30 PM - Edit history (1)
Its just lovely. Now I want some wine and bruschetta.
I so wish I could paint.
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)Art is for giving away, I believe!
panader0
(25,816 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)peppertree
(22,850 posts)You're really talented. Thanks for sharing that!
Keep'em coming!
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)peppertree
(22,850 posts)And thank you for sharing. That kind of thing can really brighten someone's day.
Happy painting!
Different Drummer
(9,083 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)It was fun to do.
calimary
(87,905 posts)Just Beautiful!
debm55
(50,921 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)Still learning!
hermetic
(8,999 posts)Both the painting and the story.
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)I was so happy she liked it, for sure!
lucca18
(1,424 posts)You are so talented!
Keep painting!💕
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)MontanaMama
(24,541 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
(38,560 posts)Im just overwhelmed with all the encouragement Im getting from all you wonderful people here on DU.
republianmushroom
(21,444 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(155,188 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
(38,560 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
(38,560 posts)I worked from a photograph, so didnt want to alter anything too much, to keep it real.
Mira
(22,599 posts)My very first thought was : Calabria. He got it.
And you did.
I love your work.
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)Its the town of Introdacqua. Im not sure of the province or location inside Italy.
colorado_ufo
(6,147 posts)Thanks for sharing!
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)dai13sy
(565 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
(38,560 posts)Im blown away by your kind words!
Prairie_Seagull
(4,376 posts)Nicely done.
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)Goddessartist
(2,171 posts)In its entirety! The sentiment is so beautiful!
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)highplainsdem
(58,319 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,560 posts)H2O Man
(77,962 posts)Recommended.
Diamond_Dog
(38,560 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
(38,560 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
(38,560 posts)Im a hobbyist, nothing more
Thank you for your kind words.