Paintings of Buildings and Architecture
Taking an Artist’s Measure – en plein air watercolor figure painting
Expressive of an artist’s methods during an arts festival, the painting shows the juxtaposition of the artist intent on her work (which is outside the frame of the view), and collectors shaded under the canopy of the exhibition shed.
Walnut’s Banners – en plein air watercolor urban street scene painting
This two-hour Quick Draw competition piece was an ambitious exercise in the banner shapes and their motion, the reflection and transparency of the glass, the solidity of the awning and the building from which it is hung.
Waiting for the Call – watercolor painting of fire engine
A generally unseen view within a station, firefighters’ gear is hung in a careful, orderly fashion – from bottom of rack up, boots to hats – so that they can quickly dress at an alarm and clamber aboard the waiting engine.
Appeal of the Arts- MFA – watercolor painting of sculpture
Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts iconic sculpture, with its remarkable gesture of humility and worship, is a wonderfully proportioned Indian and Horse by sculptor Cyrus Dallin. It speaks to this country’s Native Americans, their heritage and cultural connection between Man, the Earth and the Great Spirit.
Fountain Lions -watercolor painting of sculpture
The sculpted base of the Lee Ether monument in Boston’s Public Garden, this granite segment of lion gargoyles back- splashed by the small fountains recalls the finest in civic monuments. A careful palette of low value and granulated colors was used for the stonework.
Library’s Urn – en plein air watercolor painting of sculpture
On an exceptionally sunny, bustling, spring morning on Fifth Ave., the bright reflected light and unusual cast shadow on the Public Library’s classic urn were the inspirations for this seminar sketch demo.
3rd & 19th, Tedesco CC – en plein air watercolor painting of building and architecture
The former notable quarters of the Tedesco Country Club, now demolished, offers this unique view of its elevated 3rd hole, looking back to the course-ending Clubhouse entry, its 19th hole respite. It was painted plein air for the Rotary Club of Marblehead Auction, and is now a unique surviving record of a golf club’s glory days.
5 Hooper St Brick – en plein air watercolor painting of building and architecture
A commissioned work for the homeowners of their period brick residence, in the historic Old Town section of Marblehead, MA.
8 Hooper King Hooper Mansion – en plein air watercolor painting of building and architecture
Inspired by Frank Benson’s and Samuel Chamberlain’s earlier drawings, this tightly composed view of the mansion’s facade portrays the classical presence of this historic structure.
Abbot Hall Spire – en plein air watercolor painting of building and architecture
Marblehead’s majestic, iconic Abbot Hall is capped by a unique steeple-like tower and weather vane that appear almost graphic with its sharp angled forms, patterned roof shingles, and delicate, circular tracery of the vane – a dynamic vignette by itself; painted during the town’s annual Festival of the Arts.
Abbot Hall July 4th – en plein air watercolor painting of building and architecture
Serving as Town Hall, as well as museum and civic auditorium, the inviting design of this well-designed structure is no more prominent and festive than during its July 4th Holiday Arts Festival.
Abbot Hall, 2PM – en plein air watercolor painting of building and architecture
Soaring above all else in the seaside community of Marblehead, this striking civic structure represents the architectural pride and time marking of the town’s citizens. Its geometric elements and complimentary palette accent the striking vertical perspective viewpoint.
Olivia & Abby’s Climb – en plein air watercolor landscape painting with figures
Marblehead Light, one of the Town’s historic, iconic structures, is portrayed with a focus on only the lower entry portal and the tracery of the supporting pipes and cables with their strong cast shadows.
Abbot Hall Enwrapped – en plein air watercolor landscape building painting
Marblehead’s iconic brick and stone civic structure, Abbot Hall, situated in the center of town on its highest ground, was undergoing much needed exterior weatherizing, pointing, and general maintenance.
Doorway to History – en plein air watercolor landscape building painting by Frank Costantino
A small vignette, in a complimentary color sheme with a contrast of nature and man-made, is of one of the oldest first period houses in America.
Strawberry Festival – en plein air watercolor landscape building painting by Frank Costantino
This watercolor was painted on occasion of the 100th Anniversary year of the 1903 founding of the Winthrop Improvement Association, now the Winthrop Improvement and Historical Association, WIHA.
3rd Century’s Shadowed Facade – en plein air watercolor landscape building painting
The 350 year old Deane Winthrop House, a first period structure, the oldest continuously occupied house in the US is in my hometown. Its historic character suggests a nobility of age that is conveyed by this nearly full frame view of its east and south facades in a morning’s light and shadow.
Tiltings of Time – en plein air watercolor landscape building painting
A simple gesture painting of the out-of-plumb sides of a 350 year-old house, accentuating the wear of time on its structure. The brightness of a summer sun and strong shadows are balanced by the large areas of greenery and flowers. The historic first period Deane Winthrop House, Winthrop, MA.