All over the roads of South Dakota we saw abandoned buildings. I always wonder when I see those buildings why they lie empty. I tell myself endless stories of these lost buildings.
I based this miniature on one such building. A house, a home at one time in a field. And behind that house was a tree with a tire wing hanging forlornly from it.
A little bit sad I thought.
“The Tire Swing”, Acrylic, 3.5 by 2.5 inches. (ATC, or ACEO size)
I’m not terribly thrilled with the painting. It’s okay but it’s not what I meant to do. I like the tree and the swing but not the rest. Goes to show that art like anything else is not all talent, it takes practice and when you don’t paint for a little bit you get rusty. I think that may be what discourages so many beginners. They think you need a lot of talent when it’s more like you need a good eye (or talent if you prefer) and a lot of practice. So if you’re a beginner, or just haven’t done it in years, take your time and and do many many paintings. Don’t be too hard on yourself, it will come.
In case you’ve been wondering Dummy did go on the trip with us. I’m not sure where he’s gone off to though…
Oh there he is! Climbing around Custer State Park.
He’s so agile.
Oh dear….
©Virginia Spencer, thepurpledogpaintingblog.com, 2011
the purple dog painting blog 
Virginia, you made my day, again! I love it. Give my best wishes to Dummy’s mommy – must be a tough job to keep him safe!
I tell you he’s a wily one for sure. I never know where he is.
So funny! The art work is nice too. lol…
Thanks. Poor Dummy, he just can’t win sometimes.
Don’t be too hard on that little painting, it’s truly original – not a massed produced postcard! It is darn good. Out in big land territory, sometimes it’s important to show the structures in their fair comparison to their environment. It shares more meaning!
I do agree, painting takes practice ….!
Thanks June! I think sometimes I look at a painting too soon when I can still remember what I didn’t like as opposed to what I like.
Wow, that Acrylic painting looks beautiful. And I love these dummy shots. Amazing. Very nice post.
Thanks!
Yes. Dummy was sorely missed. Really nice painting. Looking at your ACEO encourages me to start back doing them. Was never able to put as much detail as you’ve managed to do here though. It really does take a lot of skill and practice to execute that small.
Thank you so much. It can be hard on the eyes, the tree with the swing in real life is less then an inch big.
Hello! As you know, I am a frequent visitor to your blog, and I truly consider it a gift. I absolutely love anything to do with art, crafts, handmade gifts, and/or photography! Therefore, I’ve awarded you with The Versatile Blogger Award! View my blog to see the details. I hope it helps to bring you new readers. 🙂 Best of luck and congrats! ~Pam
Thank you so much! That is an honor!
I thought the painting was horrible…NOT! You are your own worst critic. When you look at it you have all these unanswered questions like who lived there, where did they go. The swing was probably a favourite pastime. That’s what makes your little painting so wonderful.
Thanks. xo.
That little guy gets around doesn’t he?
He’s worse then Mr. T! 😉
I was just watching a segment on 60 minutes last night about a guy who is a free climber or something like that. He climbs up the sides of mountains with NO HARNESS. I think dummy may want to meet him.
I like your painting. I can’t even imagine what stories I would make up about those abandoned houses in the middle of all that space.
I LIKE the painting – the field and sky give you a beautiful sense of space. You have a style that comes through in your work that is really pleasing. It keeps me coming back to see what you are doing next.