This is about the most famous view of Venice available. Most everybody that comes to Venice takes a picture from this spot and I see it on television all the time. With that in mind I  feel comfortable issuing a new version of my work this time as an oil motif. Lately I’ve been going back to revisit my earlier digital work. What do you think? Should I leave well enough alone?

My reasoning for going back is my techniques and skills have grown over the years and this picture is a favorite.

Want to see larger versions of my work? Please visit my web site called DougsArtGallery.com

The lions outside the front of the buildings are always the draw to this library for me because my mother had bookend copies on her shelf for as long as I can remember. They symbolized knowledge, learning, strength, and contentment.  Less familiar to me are the reading rooms inside. The artwork on the ceiling is wonderful, I just had to sit down and stare at it for a long time. The room was quiet and I had my flash turned off so I could be as discreet as possible while taking this picture.

Want to see larger versions of this work? Check out more of Doug Dourgarian’s high heel shoe art and famous places albums at Doug’s Art Gallery at http://www.DougsArtGallery.com.

My first version of Times Square from the photo I took on my visit in 2006 has won me praise and print sales. Like most visitors there, I’m captivated by the crowds, colors, excitement, movement. This time I chose a photo that I took stepping onto the street in the evening while the signs were at their best. No distortions of the buildings on this version, the impact of the place was completely different this time compared to my visit just two years ago. Let me know which version you like best.

Want to see larger versions of this work? Check out more of Doug Dourgarian’s high heel shoe art and famous places albums at Doug’s Art Gallery at http://www.DougsArtGallery.com.

This one is a little different: I did not take the picture. The original is by artist Karin Jurick whose work I very much enjoy. She hosts a blog called Different Strokes From Different Folks where she posts a different photo about once a week for other artists to paint. The other artist’s painted version of the photo appear on the blog page. Be sure to check out some of those artists, the talent visiting that site is extraordinary. That blog does not accept any computer generated art so I’m posting my version of Karin’s photo here.

I wish I took this picture.  After all, I was a business major in college and just recently visited New York.  Since the original version is Karin’s, this piece is another blog only special, not for sale, no larger versions available on my web site. 

This place just grabbed me when I first saw it. The color just popped out to the street. The closer I got to it the more I realized it is an off beat color like kind of a base for pink. Certainly I would not want my own house that color but this does look good to me.

Since I’m in the neighborhood this next piece is relevant. The Little Italy street in Manhattan had special decorations up for a celebration. The corner restaurants with outdoor seating, umbrellas was very charming and I had a nice ravioli lunch at one of them. Unfortunately I’m not totally happy with the below piece because somehow it does not capture the essence of the neighborhood. It won’t be posted on my web site so the size is a little larger than normal for this blog.

For reasons I cannot explain, I am drawn to buildings with either a red, orange, or dark yellow facade.  First I noticed this in Italy where I was drawn to the colors when they are weathered. Those I like because the colors are lighter on top of the building and darker as your eye moves toward the bottom. The fascination does not stop there and in this case the reddish buildings, blue sky, and green leaves all mixed quite nicely. While in New York this last trip I found myself also taking pictures of the old red brick buildings, particularly the apartments.

Want to see larger versions of this work? Check out more of Doug Dourgarian’s high heel shoe art and famous places albums called Doug’s Art Gallery at http://www.DougsArtGallery.com.

The color on my first version just did not seem right, either did the grayness. This version takes care of both concerns and will soon be posted to my web site.  More to come from New York.

Want to see larger versions of this work? Check out more of Doug Dourgarian’s high heel shoe art and famous places albums called Doug’s Art Gallery at http://www.DougsArtGallery.com.

The scene below taken on a beautiful fall afternoon may not stay just exactly the way it now appears. The trees are a little on the dark side and perhaps some extra color there would be nice too. Is this too gray? For now though I like it and feel it is at least ready to post. I just finished it tonight. After a few days and some comments here will help my feelings jell.

Last week I visited New York City but could not find the picante sauce factory so often mentioned in the advertisements. ha ha.

While I was there many great photo opportunities availed themselves and I took as many pictures as possible.  Lots of great ideas from the shots. Soon I will work with them and post results here. In the meantime the picture below was from my visit to Greenwich Village and this street had many galleries.

Along the southern entrance to Napa Valley is a row of trees next to the Hwy 12 bridge. When I spot those trees I always start feeling relaxed and ready for the fun Napa Valley offers. Usually I don’t go for dark or moody scenes but this one is different. At sunset on a clear day the view from those trees is absolutely glorious. The landscape of the entire north San Francisco Bay unfolds right in front of you. The scene makes me feel good inside and inspires a sense of awe. That is what I see when I look at these trees.

Want to see larger versions of this work? Check out more of Doug Dourgarian’s high heel shoe art and famous places albums called Doug’s Art Gallery at http://www.DougsArtGallery.com.