Monday, November 11, 2013

"Smitty"

Hi Everyone
"Smitty" watercolor by Carrie Waller 16" x 20"
I finished my painting:)  I present you "Smitty" 16" x 20" watercolor on 260lb Arches.

"Smitty" is my Grandpa.  He is prominently featured in the center of the composition.  I found this photograph this passed Summer when I was visiting family and acquired some of the family photos.  My Grandpa passed away when I was 6 years old but I have lots of memories of him working on cars at his auto body shop.  This photo was taken when he was visiting Indianapolis, where I was born.  He got the opportunity to visit the Indy 500 test track.  I knew when I saw this photo I wanted to paint it, but how could I incorporate the photo with my love of still life painting?  I'm sure anyone that has kids, boys in particular, have lots of Hot Wheels around the house.  So I didn't have to go to far to find the rest of my composition.  I blew the photo up and surrounded it with several of the cars.  I tried to find vintage cars, in fact the Independence car, bottom, center, kind of represents me.  I was born in 1976.  The old red truck off the left of my Grandpa reminds me of him for some reason.

This painting was a fun challenge and I wasn't sure how it would turn out until the very end but I think my Grandpa would be proud.
"Emerald City" 11" x 14" watercolor by Carrie Waller
I also got some good news that my painting "Emerald City" won a purchase award from the Arkansas Small Works competition.  I delivered the painting last week.

I also had my painting "Going Green" featured in an Arkansas publication Soiree.  It looks great!  I love it when I get such amazing free coverage:)

Carrie

7 comments:

  1. It's a great piece and a beautiful homage to your grandfather. Congrats on your other accolades also!

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  2. Loved reading about your grandpa, Carrie. What a wonderful, colorful painting. The detail is amazing. And the story makes it even better.
    Congratulations on your successes!

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  3. Congratulations! Just recently discovered your blog. Are you doing any workshops....specifically near Texarkana?

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  4. Such a beautiful memorial to your grandpa! It reminds me of the little boy in all men too. That some of the cars surrounding him make you think of you and him is just such a sweet note to the piece. Gorgeous!

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  5. A beautiful post about Grandpa, Carrie! This painting is absolutely amazing!!!

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  6. Amazing work, I love how you incorporate a personal image into something we can all relate to. Congratulations on all your well deserved recognition!

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  7. Those cars look like they could be wheeled right off of the painting Carrie! It's an amazing piece! And I'm not at all surprised how well your bottles are doing... Your talent is beyond the dreams of so many Artists and yet you are so humble about it! I can only say that your success is SO well deserved! :0)

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