Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Home for Dinner

Home For Dinner, 8 x 6

My recent visit to the small town of Malvern, Ohio and the surrounding area was very nostalgic. We used to visit relatives there in the summers and spend time on the family farm about twenty five miles away. The afternoon before returning home, I had a chance to drive around and get plenty of reference photography of Malvern and some of the surrounding farms. I was amazed how much things have stayed the same there. The residents have done a great job maintaining the old homes and buildings. This back porch in the warm afternoon light is emblematic of the comfortable and friendly nature of this place and its people. I'll be posting more new art in the coming weeks, recalling this trip.

13 comments:

Marilyn Flanegan said...

Are you a Buckeye too?!

Love to see the subtle color come alive with strong light and shadow. Very nice.

Stephen Parker said...

Hi, Marilyn. No, the Buckeye in the family is my Mother. I do love it up there, though. Where in Ohio are you from?

nouvelles couleurs - vienna atelier said...

Lovely paint...

Susan Roux said...

There's something simplistic about this. Is it really the case, or your feelings about a simpler way of life coming through here? Also couldn't help but notice your telephone pole looks like Jesus on the cross... Interesting.

It seems to me you hold this place very dear in your heart. It goes way beyond nostalgia. Enjoy painting your series.

Diane Kucia said...

It was good to see you and your Mother last weekend in Ohio. We are enjoying seeing your paintings on your blog, especially those of Eastern Ohio. They really bring to life the peaceful, relaxed tone of the area.

Stephen Parker said...

Hi, Diane. Thanks for visiting the blog. We had a great time with you all.

LindaHunt said...

The composition and color in this painting is so very nice! I love the light...it reminds me of childhood memories!

Debra Keirce said...

I'm a wolverine alumni, but I still love your painting!

Unknown said...

Such a strong composition, well handled.

Gwen Bell said...

This piece has so many wonderful grays. I really like the way you added pink to the sunlit areas. Thanks you so much for sharing some of the history as well. It really does have a nice, homey, nostalgic feel.

Becky Joy said...

Love the composition in this one.

Ruth Andre said...

I love your color work but this one caught my eye. It is so calm and muted. Makes me love it.

Diane Hoeptner said...

Yep, Ohio is great for finding old historic homes and buildings... Making a simple composition like this exciting is not easy, but you've done it!! Wonderful warm and cool neutrals, really, really nice.