The Silver Bridge - Mill Creek Park
When my sister insisted I paint the "Silver Bridge" for her in oils, I originally said no due to the time-consuming work required to capture its splendor. After suggesting other beautiful scenes in the park, I gave in. I treated it like a puzzle, laying in the bridge and the road that zig zags across the canvas before moving on to the colorful background. The years I worked as a technical illustrator for a furniture manufacturer helped a lot. Although it took more hours than I want to admit, the comments generated on my personal facebook page including requests for prints along with my sister's excitement made this painting extra special.
The Silver Bridge is located on Valley Drive, in Youngstown, Ohio's Mill Creek Park. Back in 1895 the Park's founder, Volney Rogers had Charles Fowler of the Youngstown Bridge Company design the structure measuring 86 feet long x 32 feet wide. Although my family knows it as The Silver Bridge, it has also been called the Suspension Bridge, the Cinderella Bridge, the Castle Bridge, and the Walt Disney Bridge. Its lacy arches and soaring spires have provided romantic scenery for photographers and artists.
Special thanks to the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, Youngstown State University, the Ohio Historic Preservation office and others who coordinate a restoration project in 2007 bringing it to its original splendor.
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Mystic River
This oil painting on a frameless canvas started out as a day scene. But after laying in the darks, I punched up the hi-lights and turned it into a night scene with striking contrast. Upon completion, I posted it on Facebook and asked my friends to help name it. After reviewing over a hundred awesome choices, I chose “Mystic River” submitted by Ryan Marlin. Special thanks to all who submitted names!
Docked at Lake Guilford
I painted most of this 14 x 18 oil painting on location last fall, and finally picked it back up to add the final touches a few weeks ago. This was my view as I painted in the back yard of our good friend's Brad & Sue's lake home. We've enjoyed kayaking, boating and dining on beautiful Lake Guilford will many friends and family over the years.
The news tells us life will never go back to the way it was before the coronavirus pandemic. I pray they're wrong. Missing "the good ole days" that are forever preserved in my mind and in my paintings. E-mail Beth@BethBasistaPaintings.com if interested in buying prints or specialty items.
Baltimore Oriole Yakker
I named this water color painting "The Baltimore Oriole Yakker” because of it's unique loud whistle that drew me to see it for the first time this past May at my hummingbird feeder. I thought it was fitting that "Yakker" also means curveball or slider in baseball terminology. In 1979, The Oriole Bird hatched out of a giant egg at Memorial Stadium and became the official mascot of the Baltimore Orioles.
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Sandcastle Stompin Sea Gull”
I referred to lots of photos I shot of this seagull while on Hilton Head Beach a few years ago. I wondered whether this seagull felt a sense of accomplishment standing proud after wrecking this sandcastle? I wonder how many others he may have stomped on? Either way, his accomplishment is permanently preserved in this water color painting.
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Egret in the Shallows
I created this 16x20 mixed media painting using acrylics to lay in the foundation and oils to add the final touches to the Egret. I liked how oils made it easier to push & blend colors into each other to achieve the softness I desired. I referenced photos I shot of this egret hanging around fisherman in inlet to Bunge Beach, Ft. Myers, Florida.
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#Egretpainting #Floridabird
Eyes of the Tiger
I painted this tiger using acrylics on a 9x12 canvas. It was quite challenging to keep my place as I moved from stripe to stripe. The tiger is one of the most beautiful and exotic animals in the world - the largest of all cats and did you they’re found in Southern Asia, Russia and China and not in Africa? Its roar can be heard at almost 2 miles away, it can run at speeds of 35mph and is a good swimmer. How could such a beautiful cat be so dangerous? Even when just a little annoyed, one slap with those claws has a good chance of killing you - think about that the next time you get slapped by a kitty! E-mail Beth@BethBasistaPaintings.com if interested in buying prints or specialty items.