Tuesday, January 15, 2008

WIP Exmoor Steam Railway



While taking a tour group throughout the UK in 2004, we had the opportunity to visit the lovely Exmoor Steam Railway. They no longer take guests on their railway as they are too busy building and restoring locomotives of all sizes. We received a special tour of the facilities that day. While there my oldest son ran into my younger son's head and knocked a tooth loose (it was ready to come out anyway). The owner felt bad for him and allowed him to ride in the cab of this locomotive. He is peeking out one of the small circular windows (though you can't see him from here).

Dory Kanter, in her book Art Escapes, suggested taking photos and extending them out with a painting. This is my first attempt and I am pretty pleased with it so far. I still need to add more details and adjust the contrast. It's a fun exercise. Dory has other fun ideas that I will be trying in the very near future.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

I love that idea. I"ve never heard of such a thing and love it. You've done it extremely well too.

Jill

Jenny said...

This is a wonderful blending of a photograph with watercolor, and the style is perfect with the old-fashioned locomotive.

Kate (Cathy Johnson) said...

That is SERIOUSLY cool, what a wonderful job you've done!

Anonymous said...

I have the book and always meant to do it with one of my London photos - but didn't! Yours is so fabulous that I'll need to put it back on my To-Do list!
Shirley
http://www.paperandthreads.com

quirkyartist said...

I also have this book but I haven't tried this technique yet. This is a great job. I love it.

Brenda Yarborough said...

I'm echoing everyone else! You've done a FANTASTIC job and what an incredible idea! I love it!!!

seesue said...

I've THOUGHT of doing this with some travel photos before .... but nEVER have. You have done this SO WELL!

Ramesh Gandhi said...

Very nicely done. I love Kanter's book, but I never quite got around to doing this -- you're example is very inspiring.

Anonymous said...

nice photo :)


http://www.flickr.com/photos/hagaralgammal/2196528791/

Dabs - Carol Holt said...

I have that book and have been meaning to try this... wonderfully creative idea and you've done an excellent job with it!

Susan's Scribbles said...

Thank you all so much for the kind words. This is a fun project and I will be doing more of them. I highly recommend it to others to try too.
Thanks again for the kind words,
Susan

Linda said...

Wow -- I just LOVE this!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful work! I seriously intend to try this technique!

Ann said...

I also have that book and I love it. Your painting is wonderful and now I'm inspired to try that very same technique!

Judybec said...

I love this idea and you've done it so well!