All … well, most … of the steeples painted in this series are based on churches I’ve passed-by in my meanderings. This one, however, is a bit different. The basic shape/etc of the church is from one I saw in the opening credits on a 1940’s movie I recently enjoyed. Artist license allowed me to make some alterations … but, mainly, it’s the same church – solid and sturdy looking – the back pitch very steeple-like in it’s severe angle and subsequent upward thrust. One aspect that really captivated me are the white cross-boards (architecturally, there is probably a great name for these). If they were very heavier beams and inside the structure, running from roof rafter to rafter, they would be a structural cross-tie used to fortify. These, being much lighter and attached to the facia boards, are more decorative than anything. However, they are a very nice touch – whatever their use. Both of them, on both pitches, run directly up and becomes the upright of the crosses … and also re-state the cross members of the two lower windows as well as the round window on the steeper pitch. Nice touches that re-state and establish consistent visual, even spiritual, interests overall.
Here’s my initial sketch:
… and a detail … (apologies for image quality – all I had at the time was my phone camera …)
And, here’s the final painting …
… and, a detail …
… this painting for sale in my Steeple Project Gallery …
otcarts.com 