Maria Hock and I were in Billings, MT on Easter Sunday. Nothing was open. Still, we scoured downtown looking for photo reference opportunities. You never know when you will turn a corner and find a painting. One of my favorite moments that day was when we found this historic building, and peered inside. It was a dusty pub, with light filtering in and lighting up the warm stools and bar in such an inviting way. I commented on how it reminded me of the 17th century artworks. They always invite you in, through an archway or an open door, or down a hallway. You always feel a bit like you are peeking in on a private scene.
Maria commented that as artists we can paint what we see in our minds eyes. I went home and conjured this painting complete with stained glass window and chandelier that appear so often in paintings by Vermeer and his peers.
Sometimes things we see are a lot more in our minds eyes.
Framed to 25.5" x 25.5"
This piece is available through The Albrecht-Kemper Museum in St. Joseph, MO as of July 2023.
Maria Hock and I were in Billings, MT on Easter Sunday. Nothing was open. Still, we scoured downtown looking for photo reference opportunities. You never know when you will turn a corner and find a painting. One of my favorite moments that day was when we found this historic building, and peered inside. It was a dusty pub, with light filtering in and lighting up the warm stools and bar in such an inviting way. I commented on how it reminded me of the 17th century artworks. They always invite you in, through an archway or an open door, or down a hallway. You always feel a bit like you are peeking in on a private scene.
Maria commented that as artists we can paint what we see in our minds eyes. I went home and conjured this painting complete with stained glass window and chandelier that appear so often in paintings by Vermeer and his peers.
Sometimes things we see are a lot more in our minds eyes.
Framed to 25.5" x 25.5"
This piece is available through The Albrecht-Kemper Museum in St. Joseph, MO as of July 2023.