Chateau Ste. Michelle

Recently I took on a painting commission for the vintner that build the Chateau Ste. Michelle winery.

The commission is like doing two paintings in one. Here I have almost competed the main building of the chateau.

The painting started with a drawing and wash of Alizarin Crimson, Venetian Red and Sap Green.

I wanted get the chateau first as the still life wine will be the area of interest and require more time.



Here I have started the still life working from a bottle of the wine provided by an artist friend. I set up a still life and took many photos to get the bottle label and light just where I needed it. Once I had the right photo, I used Photoshop to put the chateau image and wine together.

I use no cross grid to copy the photo, I just set the photo up by my easel and use it for reference. If a grid is used the painting is too tight and brush work loses spontaneity.

A little more painting, working from dark to light using a limited pallet, paintings on canvas, 24x12.






Painting the table top and adding more light. The final painting will be placed in a new post.

California Workshop July 9, 10 & 11

July 9, 10, & 11 join Darrell Hill at the La Rusticana d'Orsa for a plein air experience. Great location, painting and food. This workshop will fill fast so reserve your place now. Go to www.iPaintOutdoors.com or call Sara Langone at 408-371-3067 or email sararusticana@aol.com. Cost is $375.00.

La Rusticana d’Orsa is a unique estate of rare beauty tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, an appellation dedicated to fine wine production since the 1880s. The life’s work of Frank and Marilyn Dorsa, the vineyard is set atop terraced rolling hills delineated by rock walls and accented by roses, Italian Cypresses, sculpture gardens, lily ponds, and fountains. It is a spiritual microcosm of Old World charm and peace seemingly light-years away from the bustling Silicon Valley below.

Return from Maui

This is "Pat's Hat", 18x18, oil on canvas completed at the Maui Plein Air Invitational, Quick Draw; a two hour painting session before the show on Friday night. I was fortunate to sell all my paintings shown in the first 45 minutes of the show. All new clients. Now back in the studio and need to complete five commissions by the end of the month.

Maui Workshop

Maui plein air workshop with Darrell Hill, Feb. 20 & 21. Group size is limited. You can go to iPaintOutdoors.com for details.

Koele

New oil 12x6 on linen. Will be going to gallery this week. If you are in Maui this coming week look up the plein air event.
Maui Plein Air

Gifts with Darrell Hill Art

Just for fun... GIFTS

Maui Plein Air - Feb. 13 to 20

I'll be at the Maui Plein Air Invitational Feb. 13th for the week. Stop by if you are on Maui. See the web site: Maui

Moon Song by D.Hill

New painting at the Lahaina Galleries, Maui. Moon Song, 36x36, oil on canvas.
© Darrell Hill