From Buda to Pest. (revision on top) (Over the Danube)

[JJWilliamson]

Oil on canvas board 51 x 31 cms. This was painted from a photo my son took when visiting Budapest on a city break. He asked me if I could paint this most iconic of Parliament buildings, so I agreed to give it a bash. No doubt I'll return at a later date to tidy it up, but for now, this is it.

Incidentally, it took an age to draw and paint.

Palette: Prussian blue, Paynes grey, Titanium white, primary yellow, cadmium yellow, cadmium red, burnt umber.

Snow and Budapest 24 11 2019 004 650 pix.jpg (175.86 KiB) Viewed 5725 times

Budapest Parliament 19 11 2019 001 700 pix.jpg (178.62 KiB) Viewed 5916 times

[NotQuiteSure]

.
Hi JJ,
a terrific piece, the building and the 'impressionist' river work really well.
The only nit for me are the visible brushstrokes in the sky, they interrupt
the blackness and so distract. (Actually, two nits, not keen on the title )

Regards, Not

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[CalebPerry]

I like this painting precisely because it looks somewhat primitive -- or perhaps I should say a primitive rendering of a refined scene. Seeing the brush strokes doesn't bother me at all. I tend to prefer art that doesn't look too much like real life. I also like the different color palette that you are using this time -- no bright blues, which can be a little overwhelming.

I would be an art collector if I had the money.

[Macavity]

Impressive JJ. You seem to have taken a journey from landscape to seascape to man made constructions (more formal attractions?)

[Sid]

JJ

I wish I could draw or paint. Preferably both! I reckon you’ve done an awesome job. Great work.

Below I’ve tried to extract a component through poetry:

Glistening lights
Dance gently off the surface
of the Night’s water
as the waves lap
at the boat’s bow
and we raise our drinks
in the shadow of a
Hungarian Parliament,
On the Danube.

[JJWilliamson]

Thank you very much, Not, Perry, mac and Sid, for the great comments. Much appreciated.

Yes, the title IS a bit dodgy, Not. Consider it changed.

The paint was a bit wet and the angle somewhat misleading. I'll post a revision showing a different angle
to show how it looks in reality (or closer to it). I've adjusted a few things, including the windows.

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I'm going for realism, Perry, but not photorealism, mainly because it looks too much like a photo. The looser
style often attracts the eye where a photo wouldn't. Strange, isn't it. Delighted you liked.

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I like all three, mac. I'm definitely not finished with my North East coast paintings. I'm seriously looking to paint
some nocturnes, three or four, if I can get the right photos next time I'm up north.

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Very pleased you liked this effort, Sid, and thrilled to see you writing a poem to support the image. Thanks for that!

Best to all

JJ

[NotQuiteSure]

.
Hi JJ,
looks so much better at that angle (I particularly like how 'ghostly' the buildings
to the left and right are.) Previous reservations withdrawn except ... the title
is still a bit utilitarian (rather than evocative).

Regards, Not


.

[Macavity]

Yes, a greater sense of depth in the new posting JJ.

[JJWilliamson]

Thanks, Not and mac, for getting back to me.

I'm using an old pc, now that I've cleared some disk space, because I have some issues with my usual laptop, hence the delays. ALWAYS something! Off to buy a new lead this morning to see if that helps.

I'm pleased the new angle helps and, yes, I could do with an alternative title, maybe something that mentions the Danube. Since posting the revision, I've added an extra layer of Paynes grey to the background and will now wait for it to dry before framing. It'll be ready by Christmas.

Always appreciate the feedback.

Best

JJ

PS

Just completed my first snow scene of the season.

"Jingle bells, batman smells..."

J