July 5, 2010

Crooked and cute!


This is my version of the Lombard street, Oil on canvas sized 20" by 28". Lombard street is America's crookedest street and is in San Francisco. The steep street is an incredible sight with the expensive mansions on either side, the cars slowly heading down non stop, an endless array of tourists and dazzling flowerbeds.There was a gap of about two years between my first and the second visit to this street and what was intriguing was that there was no change in its vibrancy or energy. When I chose to do this subject from a photo that I took from below, I did not realize that I would be spending a lot of time on the sketching part itself. Perspective posed challenge and I struggled a lot. Since I was aiming at bringing out the feel of the street, Unconsciously I chose bright colors all over. My critique at home said something like," Its very hard to pass judgment on it because its so subjective! I personally feel like the only way I can "like" this painting is by spending several minutes looking at Fauvist art and then coming to this one." Well, I think he has a point, so, I am not too sure if my approach in handling this subject was right :-)

18 comments:

  1. Padmaja - The perspective on this subject must have been difficult. You've done a nice job. I like your use of colors, too. Good job.

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  2. I have not been to SF so I do not know the subject. I am not a profi-artist, so I mostly feel other people's art, and not understand it technically. And I can tell you how it feels - joyful, details welcome the eye to dig in, funny and pure. It feels so good.

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  3. This is really great Padmaja! It is fun and lively - and terrific colours!

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  4. Padmaja, I think your approach in painting Lombard Street is JUST right! I've been there a couple of times myself; you've nailed that back and forth weaving of the street just perfectly. My memories of the buildings and colors and light are quite different, but I love the way you've done this piece. These colors are gorgeous!

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  5. I love this painting! I have always wanted to do a quaint street scene, with buildings all lined up along the edge of the street. Your interpretation is wonderfully artistic and original! Very good!

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  6. Very expressive! Looks like it was fun to paint. The repeating patterns in the painting are playful!

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  7. This is a terrific piece of work! I love everything about it: the angle, the color scheme, the composition. Very nice job!!

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  8. I have not been to San Francisco in many years, but as soon as I saw you painting I knew it was Lombard Street. Beautiful colors. Nice painting!

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  9. I like it. It is an appealing subject. The colors are beautiful, and the varying light - especially the front building in shadow - works very well. The perspective would be a particular challenge on this street.

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  10. Beautiful work, Padmaja! You should be very pleased with your efforts spent in the drawing stage. A lively and fun piece!!!

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  11. I have never been to SF, in fact I have never been to the USA...but I think Ill be able to recognize Lombard Street whenever I see it. The perspective is just as you have described, the colors are nice and pleasing. Overall it makes you feel like visiting the place...if that is what you call liking it!!!

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  12. Padmaja! Wo Wo Wonderful! The order is fabulous and the color is the vitality.

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  13. Beautiful! I am not only intrigued with the color but the twists and turns and your use of shape.

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  14. Nicely done! I like the lighting with the building in the front left being in shadow. Not an easy piece to do i think with plenty of detail but you were able to put it together nicely. Love the colors too. Much nicer than the real Lombard street. Smile!

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  15. It's a wonderful painting... and I love the lively colors you chose... goes well with the energy of the zig zag road.

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  16. I googled Lombard Street before commenting on your post as I have never seen it before! All I can say is that the perspective of this road is a nightmare!You did a very good job of it..and used some happy colors.Great job!

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  17. This is a very exciting painting! As a matter of fact your whole blog is great...Love your sense of color.

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  18. OH... I love........THIS. Great colors, comp, so cool. Now off to see some more.

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