Although I do often use photo references for my paintings, it is not that often that I use them verbatim.  Usually, I glance through my photo albums, come up with a few ideas, and start painting.  Usually, once I begin painting, I don’t look at the photos again.  There is one scene that I keep coming back to, a scene just outside of Blacksburg, Virginia (in the Ellett Valley area).

Original photo of Farmhouse

"Left Turn" Original Acrylic Painting, 12" x 16"

I exaggerated a few elements, and didn’t include quite as much fence, but otherwise, it’s very similar to the original photo.  I painted this in 2004 using acrylic paint applied with a palette knife.  I didn’t do very much with this style of painting again, but recently, with all of the oil paintings I have been doing, I have revived this style.  It’s strange how something that you discarded years ago can suddenly become the perfect solution!

"Red Farmhouse" Original Oil, 8" x 10"

The newer oil painting condenses the key elements of the photo, but keeps the general feel of the landscape.  I had to minimize the content of the painting since it is so small.  I think it is still clear that the inspiration for this painting comes from the same photo.