
Summer Mosaic 2017 Recap: Days 26-42
It depends. It depends mostly on how much detail the painting has – the more details to work on, the more time it takes. It also depends on the reference photo(s) I’m working from. If the painting is very similar to the reference it takes less time than if I have to piece together many different reference photos to come up with the desired outcome.
From this project, paintings that are more simple probably took 1-2 hours to paint. Paintings that were more intricate were probably closer to 5-6 hours each. Anything with architecture added an extra level of difficulty with having to make sure that the perspective was correct were probably closer to the 10+ hours range.
This is of course all on top of the time that I took to prep the surface for each. I suppose you could say that each painting took just the right amount of time to capture what it was that I was trying to portray in each.
How did I fit in this project while working 50 hour weeks at the day job last year? Very carefully (there may have been many times that sleep was put to the side during the project).
We’re heading through the home stretch of the 2017 recap now, this is the last week of the reviewing 2017 (one more Sunday blog post to come). Do you have a favorite so far? This week we looked at days 36-42 (daily over on Facebook and Instagram).
Painting 36 – Centerway Square
This painting is based from looking straight on the tower from the road, however my favorite way to view this area is via the parking garage just behind and to the left of the clock tower. It’s really neat to be able to see the downtown area from a different angle, and the sunsets are amazing to watch from this spot.
More great info about the clock tower can be found here.
Buying info on the original painting can be found here.
Painting 37 – Community Arts of Elmira
Today it is home to Community Arts of Elmira, which is an organization where I am an artist member! They provide educational classes, workshops, seminars, events, and programs for all of the different types of arts for people of all ages. There’s a strong emphasis on bringing the community into the arts as well as bringing the arts to the community.
For some pictures of the inside of the Langdon Mansion you can go here.
If you’re looking to add to your art collection of historic Elmira places you can find more information on buying this painting here.
Painting 38 – Lower Taughannock Falls
This particular waterfall you can just barely see from the road and it is the first along the path. It seems kind of small in the painting and in pictures but in real life it’s pretty large. It’s always interesting to see people waded in the water fishing in this spot. You really get a sense of the scale when you see a fully grown human next to it.
Original painting available for purchase.
Painting 39 – Ithaca Falls
Since the day I found this waterfall, it’s been one of my favorites to visit during all different times of the year. It’s one of the larger waterfalls in the area and it’s a short walk to get close to the falls. There is a little bit of a hill to go down on the trail, so it might be a good one to break out the sneakers or boots for. I have a bad habit of wearing sandals while hiking and sometimes it makes things harder than they need to be.
If you’re looking to add to your waterfall art collection you can find more info about this painting here.
Painting 40 – Hay Bales in Veteran
Original painting available for purchase.
Painting 41 – Riverfront Park Fountain
I’m not sure how many people know this, but sometimes the city dyes the water to make it appear different colors. It’s pretty obvious when they add the pink for Breast Cancer Awareness but a lot of times it’s dyed a beautiful bright blue color like can be seen in the painting.
Original painting available.
Painting 42 – Chemung River from Main Street
In this painting, the view is from Main Street looking towards Walnut Street. I think this is one of my favorite views in Elmira. I like how you can see the sky reflected back in the water, which makes every visit feel like you’re seeing the scene for the first time.
More information on the original painting here.

