Monday, April 14, 2014

First in a series.......

~ Click image to enlarge ~
24"x18" Pastel on board

This is the first of 4 (maybe 5) pastel paintings that I'm doing of Bentonsport, IA. I'm hoping to have the image made into posters....maybe a limited edition of 500 of each painting.  They will be available one year at a time.  This one is for 2014.  All proceeds from the sale of 500 signed  posters will be designated for maintaining the newly renovated Stone House.  The original paintings are being donated to the Bentonsport Improvement Association.

The images here, starting from the top, are of the Old Iron Bridge across the Des Moines River, partial image of the Gazebo in the park and rose bush and irises from the Rose Garden.  The main painting is of the Presbyterian Church, built in 1855.   It sits high on the North hillside in the middle of town.  The other building is of the newly renovated Stone House that is along the main highway J40 which runs through the center of Bentonsport.   The Bentonsport Improvement Association is responsible for maintaining both of these buildings.

The church is used for weddings and hosts non-denomination services during warm weather months. (no heat...old wood stove is just kept for looks)

The BIA received a grant in 2013 to renovate the shell of a building known as The Stone House.  It was originally a 2 story structure built in the early 1800's.  It now will be available for rent as a gathering place for family reunions, wedding receptions, Village Folk School classes, etc.   It is handicapped accessible and has a beautiful kitchen area.  Just guessing here, but I believe I overheard someone state the open space can easily hold approx.80 people that can mingle and sit at tables that are provided.

Posters should be available in May.   They can be  purchased at the Iron & Lace store in Bentonsport.


Thursday, April 3, 2014

"The Clancy's"

~click on image to enlarge~

40"x30" Oil on stretched canvas

I was able to get a better picture of this oil painting I did last month.  It's hard for me to capture a true likeness of a work when there's a lot of really dark colors.  The handle of the rifle is distinct from Nancy's gown in the painting.   

This couple used to travel to participate in Civil War Enactments through out the Midwest.  Brent moved on last year, to walk a higher path with God.  Nancy has since opened an antique store on the West side of the business square in Bloomfield Iowa. She shares her knowledge and passion of the Civil War era with anyone that is interested.   

This year during the enactment of a raid near Bloomfield (always held on the second weekend in October), there is plans for an evening  formal ball in period dress.  I may be taking my oldest Granddaughter to this event.  Definitely want my camera with me.  Nancy plans to help us out with the appropriate dress code for  the time.