"National Cathedral" (oil on stretched canvas; 40" x 40") sold

 

"National Cathedral"

 

The painting is a commission for Catherine and her husband Andrew. Andrew went to St. Albans School, right next to the cathedral and practically grew up in and around the magnificent Gothic cathedral. He got married there and had planted a tree in front of the north side (entry area) with his father. It was an important sentimental project for Andrew and he chose this image personally so that his tree would be a part of the finished painting.

It was the largest oil painting project ever for me. It took about two months to draw, block in, paint and add finishing touches. I needed a little stool to reach the highest areas of the big canvas! Thank you for the opportunity, Andrew and Catherine, who were the most gracious clients. 

I must say that my patience and drawing skills have improved much because of this project. The only drawback is that I couldn't take a proper photography of the huge canvas, so I had to make do with a quick shoot with my phone. What a shame!

Work in Progress I

Work in Progress II

Work in Progress III

"Paris Notre Dame Nocturne" (oil on stretched canvas; 12" x 16") sold

sold

Paris at dusk is the most romantic place in the world, as the city turns into the city of light. Take a walk along the Seine River. The famed river looks like a moat guarding the equally famed Notre Dame in the Ile de la Cite. Ah, Paris!

"Washington National Cathedral Summer Day" (oil on linen; 14" x 11") sold

sold

Looking up from the summer flowers of the Bishop's Garden, the beautiful Gothic architecture of the Washington National Cathedral with its flying buttresses and pointed arches appear almost immaterial in the glorious light.

"Bishop's Garden at National Cathedral" (oil on stretched canvas; 30" x 40") sold

sold

This is the largest oil painting I have done as a commission and took a few weeks to complete.  The client told me that her husband proposed to her at this beautiful place--the Bishop's Garden at the Washington National Cathedral.  The painting is going to be an anniversary present to him.  Isn't that a romantic story?

"Sacred Ground, Chichester Cathedral" (oil on linen; 8" x 10")

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Chichester, West Sussex is an old Roman town.  We went to see the city and its cathedral on a cold and gray day last Month. I go wild with Gothic cathedrals, but couldn't take a really good picture.  Dang!  The painting shows the side view of the front portal.  On Palm Sunday, we went back for the Matins service.  We sat in the choir area and heard the choir sing right next to us.  It didn't seem appropriate to take pictures inside, so I can't show you the elegant interior of Chichester Cathedral.  Sorry.

A distant view of the Chichester Cathedral tower

The corridor looking out to the cathedral cloister

Chichester city walls originated in the Roman days and circles the old town.

The market cross is from 1500; it is smack in the middle of the old town.

By the way, in case you are new to my blog, here is the scoop.  Every month I challenge myself to do a series of paintings, then give away a print of the collage created with these paintings at the end of the month.  The April Challenge is "I Love England."  "Chichester Cathedral" is the third in the series.  From now on, I am going to widen the circle for my monthly drawing to all my Facebook fans.  I post a painting or two everyday.  It is the best place to get the most up-to-date information about my artwork.  Please "like" my page!  Click here to visit my Facebook page.  Thanks!