Sunday 4 January 2015

A painting for two special friends.

The two life-long friends in question are Gill and Robert. A few weeks ago Robert had a 'big' birthday and Gill (his wife) commissioned me to paint a picture for her to give him. I have to say that although it was a real privilege to be asked to do this, it also felt quite a responsibility.
One of Robert's great passions is the Bluebell Railway - the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway. So I knew I wanted to paint a scene somewhere along this delightful railway-line.
But which bit to paint?? In recent years the railway has managed to achieve the major ambition of linking up with the main-line station at East Grinstead so I wanted to choose a view from this 'new' section.
I finally settled on this view - and as I stood on the bridge taking a few reference photographs I was thrilled to see this train pass below.
The carriages were being pulled along by one of their best known locomotives - 'Bluebell' - perfect!!
With canvasses I like to paint around the edges so they don't need a frame. Finally as a finishing touch, I couldn't resist adding a couple of moths - a Rosy Rustic (right) and a Brick (on a brick) which represent Roberts initials - RB. Here's to very many more years of special friendship Robert and Gill.

19 comments:

  1. What a beautiful painting - such a lovely thought for a special birthday present. I love your idea of adding the moths too :)

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  2. Hello Jerry!:) Thank you for your visit. I have wanted to visit you but was unable to do so, but as from yesterday I'm now trying to catch up. Your painting is charming, and skillfully executed with well conceived colour and perspective. The moths add a personal touch, and I'm sure your friends will love it. I will return to see what I have missed over the months I have been indisposed, and leave you with wishes of a very happy and healthy New Year for you and your lovely family.
    Warm Regards x

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    1. Thanks I'm glad you've been able to visit and it's so good to hear from you again (sorry if you've perhaps been unwell - hope it's not your back again). Yes it was a lot of fun to add the moths and my friends seemed very pleased with everything. Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2015 too x

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  3. Painting surprising for composition, a very impressive point of view, that will be a welcome gift for Robert..
    A green landscape that brings joy to watch, very well done from you !
    Green for painters is sometime a bit challenge but you painted green so natural. Congratulations dear Jerry!

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    1. Dear Rita I'm very glad of your kind comments. I wanted to place the main subject of the picture in the middle distance and have the nearby wall set the context of location and help it to look three dimensional. Yes I do struggle with greens and I think it is a drawback with acrylics which can so easily look too garish so I've tried to mix-up my greens using other colours so I'm glad you like this aspect too. Thanks!

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  4. Jerry this is fantastic. So beautifully painted. The greenery is very Constable like. I really like the composition with the wall in front. It gives it so much depth. I bet Gill and Robert were thrilled. I know I would have been. Happy New Year to you and your family.

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    1. Hi Laura - I'll definitely take "very Constable like" :) Yes my friends seemed very happy with it - thanks.

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  5. This is fabulous Jerry, Your friend will be thrilled I'm sure ! I really love how you made the edges become part of the painting, wonderful job ! So glad I got through to your blog !

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    1. Hi Jane great to hear from you; I don't know why a few people have sometimes had difficulty accessing my blog - the wonders of technology! I rather enjoy painting around the edges - I even nearly 'hid' one of the moths there but in the end decided not to. Thanks again for your lovely comment!

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  6. Feliz año nuevo para ti y toda tu familia, Jerry, de parte de Sonia y mía. Tu estupenda pintura me ha recordado una película inglesa de 1953 que se titulaba The Titfield Thunderbolt sobre un entrañable pequeño tren y además las aventuras de Thomas the Tank Engine que tanto gustaban a nuestro hijo cuando era bebé. Lo dicho, feliz año nuevo y un abrazo para todos.

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  7. Lovely to hear from you Francesc yes our son was also very keen on his namesake Thomas. There is another link too because the author also featured The Bluebell in one of his books. But I have never heard of The Titfield Thunderbolt. I will have to go and look it up now! Warmest wishes to you and your family.

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  8. This painting is absolutely fantastic!!!! I LOVE it and I love the progression. The greens are awesome...really beautiful!!!! and I'm sure Robert loved it!!

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