"Boarded Up on Filmore"

watercolor, 11 x 14 inches

John Singer Sargent Vol.6: Venetian Figures and Landscapes

Hot off the presses, this gorgeous book arrived on my doorstep this morning. I pre-ordered it from Amazon.com in January.  Delightful from cover to cover, this is one book not to miss, especially if you love watercolors.  While not referencing watercolors in the title, a majority of the paintings are indeed watercolors of Venice.  

I've often wondered if Sargent really painted only one version of Santa Maria della Salute, as only one watercolor of the subject ever seems to find it's way into books. This volume resoundingly answers that question with at least 3 oils and 10 watercolors of Santa Maria della Salute, viewed from different angles. In fact, there are numerous suites of watercolors of the same subject revealed throughout this book.  

It's both instructive and satisfying to view so many previously unpublished watercolor masterpieces. Moreover, one simply feels so energized to see how Sargent, endowed and gifted with so much talent, still worked diligently- perhaps almost every waking moment- to accomplish the great legacy of work that he left behind.

"Camp Street Doorway"

Watercolor, 14 x 11 inches

Painted plein air, on location, this is one of many beautiful architecture pieces found through out the city. 

Regina Rosarii

watercolor, 14 x 11 inches

Great fun painting this!

A second view to follow in a few days....

Blue Tarp, Uptown"

watercolor, 10 x 12 inches

email artist for more info

"A Street, Uptown", watercolor, NFS

"Late Afternoon, Louisville St., Lakeview"

watercolor, 11 x 14 inches

The One that got away.....

"Corner of Colbert and Filmore"

watercolor, 11 x 14 inches

I've become obsessed with this house. Don't know anything about who lived there, but I've painted it at least a dozen times in the last two weeks.

The first watercolor of this house was satisfying, and possibly would have been enough.

Atypically, I was very happy with the result, using a limited palette.

As I packed up, evidently the painting remained behind; I never saw it again. Maybe it was left it on top of the car as I drove off. When I realized it was missing, back I went, driving all over the neighborhood, but to no avail.

Like the fish that got away, in my mind's eye, the painting just kept getting better and better.

Since then, I keep trying to reach that bar again. Sooner or later, if the house doesn't get knocked down first, I'll stop, hopefully after a successful painting experience.

Owen Fos's House, Lakeview

Watercolor, 11 x 14 inches

Click on title to view auction.

This was the first Lakeview house that I fell in love with. A neighbor from across the street told me about Mr. Fos. He is in his 90's, living elsewhere now. I was thrilled to hear that he had survived the storm. His son is trying to take care of the house, which will probably be torn down soon. Many elderly folks in Lakeview chose to stay during Katrina, rather than leave their pets, and perished in their homes when the levee broke.

I drive by it nearly everyday and have done several studies of this structure. This was the first. I hope to do a larger version before it's gone. While I was painting here, a Sewage and Water Board employee came by, giving out handbills telling of impending street work in the area.

I feel a tremendous sense of urgency to document so many different, beautiful old houses in Lakeview before they're gone, before the street work starts, before the summer heat sets in.