Wednesday 5 May 2010

Along the Shore Triptych

Along the Shore Triptych


I used this painting today because in many ways the story of this art and the story I used has some parallels. There is, in the village where I live, a community building for those in the later years of their lives. In the basement of the building was a cellar that was not being used. It was agreed that this room would be made into a meeting room and games room. Fundraising took place to raise the needed cash to convert the room. Some local business associations contributed an amount.


The room was plastered and decorated. The purchased some carpet bowls, darts and a table tennis table. Some furniture in the form of comfortable seating was gathered and the place was looking good. The residents were pleased, and they had a real sense of pride in the place, each had in some way made it possible.

The one thing that was missing was windows and a view. It was not going to be possible to put windows into the room because of where it was in the building.

What was the solution? I painted six large canvas producing two paintings. They were hung on the walls where windows might have been had it been possible. I am aware it is not the same as a real view, but they did brighten the rooms, and more importantly the residents liked them.

How does this relate to the story? I had a terrible time convincing them that I did not wish paid for painting them. I saw in the end though that there was a matter of pride and feeling involved. So they made a contribution to the canvas and I was able to give the rest. All in the end were pleased.

Each painting consisted of three large canvas painted using acrylic.



This blog is linked to my other blog where I use this painting:- The Greedy Artist

8 comments:

  1. A small bit of trompe d'oeil, eh Ralph? A beautiful seascape here!

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  2. That is such a nice story... and I enjoyed the father and daughter one also. The painting looks so mysterious - I can see it as a backdrop for the movie Avatar... it has such drama in it.

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  3. This painting is beautiful Ralph! Love the colors in your water. I hope you'll post the other one too. I'd like to see it as well.

    You're stories are touching. Two artists giving of themselves. I don't think you do it to be loved, but because you do love. I think your heart is huge and so full of goodness, you can't separate all the love that is there, to help you be clear. But from the outside, its very clear. You love people and the world.

    Once you love it is returned. You don't do it for the return. You'd do it anyway.

    So what's this about your mirror???

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  4. So vibrant and alive! A perfect painting for a seniors' centre! Congrats on the painting and your contribution enriching the lives of those who view the paintings!

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  5. Regarding needing a "view" for the room, and how it was appreciated: I read a study a few years back that patients in hospital rooms which had a window, healed "x" number of times faster than those without. But the next line read that rooms that did not have a window, but had a large painting of the outdoors, still healed faster than the people without a window. I've always thought of that. About what connection we must have to the landscape, what it does to our psyche, even if we are not aware. Cool, eh?

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  6. Lovely painting, Ralph. Perfect idea for the community room and a loving gift from you that will be appreciated for years to come.

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  7. Lieber Ralph,

    Deine Bilder Sind wundervoll, und Auch Immer sterben Gedanken Dazu, sehr schön ;-)


    Herzlich, Rachel

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  8. Love this one. Your capture of the water is so beautiful and has a feeling of being a quiet peaceful place.

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