Tuesday, January 18, 2011

A step back in time

watercolor on paper 18 x 24
watercolor on paper 18 x 24
 This week I took a departure from my regular subjects.  I completed a project for my hometown.  I was approached by a former high school teacher to paint some pictures of Carterville, Illinois, circa 1940.  Mrs. H is working on a book for our hometown.  She's been hard at work with a partner Ms. S compiling photos and information so that Carterville's history is preserved.  It is a wonderful project and I'm honored to be part of it.

The first painting is the interior of Hampton Drug. I wanted it to have a vintage feel, like a hand tinted photograph.  I had a blast painting this one and stepping back in time.  I just love that soda fountain and the old cars through the window.  I also included the neon sign into the composition.  Mrs H and Ms. S actually found the sign in one of the town's downtown buildings.

The second painting is of the old movie theater.  I had few photographic references to go on for this one.  The building lacked architectural interest, so I played up the very interesting marquee and decided to paint a night scene.  I also added the car to give a sense of the time and add a focal point. 

Hope you enjoy my step back in time.  See you next week:)

Carrie
carriewallerart@gmail.com
www.carriewallerfineart.com (website)
Posted by Carrie Waller Watercolors at 10:48 PM
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15 comments:

  1. martinealisonJanuary 18, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    Les deux sont absolument de très belles oeuvres mais j'aime particulièrement la seconde. Bises

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  2. CrystalJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    These are fantastic. It reminds me of my hometown in Fredericksburg. Old drug store, etc. Great job. :-)

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  3. Carol BlackburnJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    These are awesome, Carrie....and, what an honor for you to be asked to paint them. Congratulations!

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  4. Studio at the FarmJanuary 19, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    Carrie, I love your "blast from the past"!!!

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  5. Mermaid's PaletteJanuary 19, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    These are beautiful! I also love painting from vintage photos- takes you back in time.
    Really nice work!
    Sheryl

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  6. Crystal CookJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    These are great Carrie! I really love the nostalgiac feeling. I bet my mom would love these! And that's so cool that they asked you, what an honor. :)

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  7. Sandra BusbyJanuary 20, 2011 at 4:15 AM

    I LOVE these paintings - Those vintage scenes are a delight to look at. You are truly a versatile artist :0)

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  8. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    These are amazing, you gave them true vintage vibe!

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  9. SW@keepingupwiththewallersJanuary 20, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    These are so amazing! I get a little more blown away by your talent each time. Just got done showing Jon and we were discussing how you were so talented and we had no idea to this extreme.

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  10. hmuxoJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Two wonderful paintings Carrie. I love the entire look of them...I always liked antique cars and you painted this one perfectly. Making it a night scene made the car pop out. The drug store scene is beautiful! Congratulations! Great project..

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  11. JoanJanuary 21, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    These are wonderful!!! They take me back to small town America. I especially love the one of the drug store. It really reminds me of being a kid. How great that you were asked to participate in preserving these places and moments.

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  12. SarahJanuary 22, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Wow! stunning work - I thought they were photos they look so good...! It is, of course, a bygone era now...

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  13. Jose SanchezJanuary 24, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    vaya trabajos maravillosos, cada vez te superas mas. saludos jose

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  14. Brillante InteriorsJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Just beautiful, you were able to recreate the past with a touch of contemporary style.

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  15. Mary Sheehan WinnJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    these are really nice, Carrie, I love the vintage feel.

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