R. Davies Art

For a print of this painting click here! Here is the finished piece started in the previous post. This is a particularly striking piece that harkens to French Impressionism. The Orpheum is a wonderful old theater currently under renovation. That process is far enough along for it to host movies, music, and a few live shows. This past weekend, it served as the main stage for the Tallgrass Film Festival. Nothing impresses young filmmakers like an extremely beautiful theater. Built in 1922, it was the second example of the "atmospheric" school of theater construction in the world. The interior is designed to feel like one is in a particular outside setting. In the ceiling of the theater, lights are imbedded to give the effect of stars. The overall effect sought was that of an Andalusian garden. It seats 1200 and the acoustics are perfect. Here is the lobby. Gorgeous. Here it is from the balcony. Another shot from beneath the balcony.

The show will be a large one with over thirty pieces. The opening is on October 25 at the Jones Gallery. Part of the proceeds will go to Positive Directions, an AIDs relief organization. This painting is in progress. I've achieved the initial sketch-in and am working it with an eye towards capturing the feel of French Impressionism. It is very small at 10x8. Most of the pieces in the show are similarly small at 9x12. My goal was to produce as many plein air sketches as possible and finish them in the studio. I've not been as good at that as I'd like, but you do what you can. I pretty happy with this one and can't wait to finish it.