"Village Connector" watercolor 12" X 24"

Village Connector, watercolor by April M. Rimpo

Village Connector

Watercolor

12" X 24"

in 12" X 24" black frame 

Available through HorseSpirit Arts Gallery

The inspiration to paint this scene more than two decades ago occurred during a visit to Interlaken, Switzerland.  This view was across the road from the hotel where we stayed. Staying in the second-story room was lucky, providing this view. 

Sometimes it takes years to figure out how to paint a beautiful scene, such as this. I hope Village Connector brings back some wonderful memories for you.

Interested in April's artwork or taking one of her classes? Consider becoming a Studio Friend by signing up for her twice-monthly email. April segments her newsletter so you can select topics you'd like to hear about when you sign up. For those who Select the General Interest topic you will receive emails about twice-monthly. If you are only interested in classes, then the emails will be much less frequent discussing upcoming classes and how to register. Thank you for your support of April M Rimpo Art. Oh, and please be sure to click on the link in a second email to verify your interest in joining my newsletter. Without the verification you will be left in a limbo state where you will not receive my emails and I can't complete the verification on your behalf. If you receive a response that you are already subscribed, email me to confirm and I can send you a different link to update your profile and get the verification email resent to you.

Contact April and see more of her art on her website

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Copyright April M Rimpo All Rights Reserved. You may share my work with attribution and a link to this source site, but all other uses are prohibited.

"Protectors" 24" X 12" Watercolor

Protectors Watercolor 24" X 12"
by April M Rimpo

Available on my website

Not far from Buckingham Palace in London, we saw these two on horseback. I assume they were part of the palace guards. It was after the celebration of the Queen's birthday, so it could have been some of those riding in the parade. This was the calm after the parade that contained lots of regalia. It must be the humidity in the air that made all the flowers and trees feel fresh and soft. It was a lovely place.

Interested in April's artwork or taking one of her classes? Consider becoming a Studio Friend by signing up for her twice-monthly email. April segments her newsletter so you can select topics you'd like to hear about when you sign up. For those who Select the General Interest topic you will receive emails about twice-monthly. If you are only interested in classes, then the emails will be much less frequent discussing upcoming classes and how to register. Select as many topics as sound of interest. Thank you for your support of April M Rimpo Art.

Contact April and see more of her art on her website

Copyright April M Rimpo All Rights Reserved. You may share my work with attribution and a link to this source site, but all other uses are prohibited.

"Fanciful" 20" X 16" fluid acrylic

Fanciful by April M Rimpo 

Fanciful

Fluid Acrylic

20" X 16" painting

27.5" X 23.5" framed with white mat

Available at HorseSpirit Arts Gallery

Phone: 410-461-4505
Email: info@HorseSpiritArtsGallery.com 
Open: Open 6 days a week, check their website for hours

Everywhere you turn in the center of Brussels, Belgium are pinnacles, spires, amazing carvings and building facades. This particular set of spires makes me think of the castle in Disneyland and wonder what was the inspiration for that castle when it was designed. 

There was something about the juxtaposition of these apparently older buildings with more modern structures with nothing but squared or corners and deep-set windows. Perhaps if all of the buildings brandished spires they would become less special and the fantasy will diminish.  All I know is they were dreamy to me and just needed to be recreated for you through my eyes. 

Click here to Contact April

Interested in learning more about April's art inspirations, tips about her painting process, or art business tidbits? Want to know when her art is in exhibits? Consider joining her friends and collectors by signing up for her twice-monthly email.

Copyright April M Rimpo All Rights Reserved. You may share my work with attribution and a link to this source site, but all other uses are prohibited.

"Champagne for Lunch" 20" X 36" watercolor

Champagne for Lunch by April M Rimpo

Champagne for Lunch

Watercolor

20 X 36" image
29" X 44" with white mat and golden metal frame

$3400   SOLD

Lunch with Champagne or Champagne for Lunch: I keep changing my mind what to call this painting. It must have something to do with how much Champagne to drink. Regardless which title, this painting is a celebration of light: direct light from the windows, the glow of chandeliers, the reflections on champagne bottles, reflections on the interior windows, and the shadowed area through the distant door that hides mysteries of more amazing art sequestered in the restaurant at Musee D'Orsay. It's a wonderful place to enjoy the amazing art on display, including sculpture and ornate murals on the walls and ceiling. This restaurant hummed with activity and definitely hit the spot from a culinary perspective as well.  Of course what else would you expect in Paris.  

This painting was also included in the 2017 Baltimore Watercolor Society's Mid-Atlantic Regional Exhibition. Then in 2018 it found its way into Splash 19, North Light Publishers' the 2018 Edition of their Best of Watercolor book series. I consider this publication nirvana in the world of watercolor. I was one of 126 artists selected for the publications from a field of over 1700. I feel giddy, like maybe I've been drinking too much Champagne.

Now I'm delighted it will grace a new home, having been purchased through HorseSpirit Arts Gallery.  I hope to be able to obtain a photograph of "Champagne for Lunch" in their home.

Interested in learning more about April's art inspirations, tips about her painting process, or art business tidbits? Want to know when her art is in exhibits? Consider joining her friends and collectors by signing up for her twice-monthly email.

Copyright April M Rimpo All Rights Reserved. You may share my work with attribution and a link to this source site, but all other uses are prohibited.

#hocoarts #amrart #aprilrmpo #hocoartist #Paris #museedorsay #Splash19

"Out for a Cruise" 16"X20" Fluid Acrylic

Out for a Cruise by April M Rimpo

Out for a Cruise

Fluid Acrylic

16" X 20" gallery wrapped painting*

$775

Contact April if you are interested in purchasing this painting.

This painting was inspired by my photograph of a lake in Buckingham Palace Gardens. I was drawn by the elegance and serenity of the setting, but since I chose a color scheme that was much more vibrant the mood of the painting is quite different from my original inspiration.  The black swan became the heart of this painting, standing out against the bright landscape. My use of bright colors and the intentional focus on the swan shifted the title from one about serenity to Out for a Cruise.

I generally work on cold press paper, which has some texture to the surface, but since I wanted hard edged ripples of the water, I selected hot press paper. It has a very smooth surface, which also makes it quite different to work on compared to cold press.  It takes a few layers of paint before I begin to be at ease with hot press paper, but in the end it was the right choice.

* The painting wraps around the edge so no framing is required.

Interested in learning more about April's art inspirations, tips about her painting process, or art business tidbits? Want to know when her art is in exhibits? Consider joining her friends and collectors by signing up for her twice-monthly email.

Copyright April M Rimpo All Rights Reserved. You may share my work with attribution and a link to this source site, but all other uses are prohibited.

#hocoarts #hocoartist #swan #lake #reflectionsinwater #fluidacrylic #aprilrimpo #amrart

"Thoroughfare" 12" X 20" fluid acrylic

Thoroughfare by April M Rimpo

Available for purchase - Learn more here

When I hear the term bicycle-friendly, the first place I think of is Amsterdam. The cyclists truly rule there.  Thoroughfare, celebrates an underpass that runs under Rijksmuseum; this scene depicts the entrance to the underpass. Early in its history this underpass was open to motor traffic, but is now only for cyclists. As you can see, it is heavily used. During a major renovation, completed in 2013, there was a plan to convert the underpass to a major entry for the museum, but the cyclists won that battle and the underpass remains.

If you travel to downtown Amsterdam, nearer the ferry boats that cross the IJ, you find so much bicycle traffic moving quite fast, that pedestrians need to pay more attention crossing the bike routes than crossing streets. 

This contrasts with a huge bicycle route built in London that remains nearly empty, even during peak travel times.  I guess the Brits are not quite ready for that option.

I have noticed when traveling into Washington DC on the DC Metro, that the bicycle routes that parallel the tracks are always busy, even in cold weather. Clearly cycling here is less than in Amsterdam, but much more plentiful than you'll see in London.  

You can see more "Traffic Jam" paintings at these links:

• Traffic Jam at the Concert - Concert goes waiting on the ticket takers
• Rush Hour - Enjoy the view when trying to get home
• Traffic Jam III - Cyclists backed up at a crossing
• Full to the Limit - An overloaded canal
• Traffic Jam II - No spot at the port for the incoming boat
• Traffic Jam - Sometimes it doesn't take much
• Country Tour - Cars waiting on a bike race
• Trapped - Traffic congestion in a tunnel

* The image wraps around the edge thus requiring no frame. The painting is varnished to protect it from the elements and damage from UV light.

Contact April here

Interested in learning more about April's art inspirations, tips about her painting process, or art business tidbits? Want to know when her art is in exhibits? Consider joining her friends and collectors by signing up for her twice-monthly email.

Copyright April M Rimpo All Rights Reserved. You may share my work with attribution and a link to this source site, but all other uses are prohibited.

#NBS17 #bicycles #BicycleFriendlyFriday #aprilrimpo #amrart #hocoarts #hocoartist

"Rain in Montmartre" 26" X 20" acrylic

Rain in Montmartre by April M Rimpo

Rain in Montmartre

Fluid Acrylic, gallery wrapped and varnished

26" X 20"

SOLD by HorseSpirit Arts Gallery
info@horsespiritartsgallery.com 

410-461-3505 

Rain in Montmartre was inspired by our visit to Paris included three days of rain, so on the last full day my husband and I decided to take a morning stroll up to the top of Montmartre. Our hotel was in the 18^th Arrondissement.  The walk was not a great distance, but it was a bit vertically challenging. Umbrellas in hand we wove our way up the cobblestone streets to the top where we explored The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and attempted to locate landmarks across Paris. However since the clouds were quite low and thick our views were limited and we could barely make out the Eiffel Tower.

This rain did not stop me from taking many photographs of Montmartre, including the images that inspired Rain in Montmartre. The lights from the shops and a bit of sunlight created great reflected color on the wet cobblestones. Several others were exploring Montmartre from under their umbrellas. Shopkeepers were setting out artwork and other wares for the day as we strolled through the streets. All and all a wonderful memory and we enjoyed our exploration. 

I started the painting with a little bit of soft acrylic intended to capture the lightest reflections in the cobblestones and add a little bit of texture. The balance of the painting was done with fluid acrylic so I could layer washes of color and build up to the dark values. Using a lot of sprayed water to create rivulets and allowing the water and paint to run vertically I captured the look of rain, while letting them run horizontally I created more texture in the cobble stoned street and brick sidewalks. Retaining the colors shining from inside the shops at the same time communicating the rainy outside was the greatest challenge of this painting.

Interested in learning more about April's art inspirations, tips about her painting process, or art business tidbits? Want to know when her art is in exhibits? Consider joining her friends and collectors by signing up for her twice-monthly email.

Copyright April M Rimpo 2016 All Rights Reserved. You may share my work with attribution and a link to this source site, but all other uses are prohibited.

"Venice III" watercolor 14" X 28"

Venice III by April M Rimpo

Venice III captures Venice life using textures to provide the feel of the buildings, while maintaining the softness of the water in the canal.  As many of you know I love to use an orange/blue complementary color scheme.  Venice III screamed for those colors since those are common colors in Venice.  I just love the blue striped poles scattered along the canal where gondolas, water taxis, and other boats can tie up to let off their passengers.  This painting received an Honorable Mention award.

Venice III

watercolor

14" X 28" image

22.5" X 36.5" golden wood frame

$975 within the United States *

Donated to the Howard County College President's Gala 2017 - Scholarship Fund fundraiser.

To see a sequence of images showing the creation of this painting go to Building a Painting

Other European landscapes by April include:

• At One with their Gondolas
• Ponte Vecchio
• Vineyard Life
• Morning in Provence

* Contact April regarding purchase outside the United States

"Ponte Vecchio" watercolor 10.5” X 22”

Ponte Vecchio by April M. Rimpo

In 1994 we took a trip to Europe, stopping in many cities in Italy.  One of my favorite cities was Florence, where we got to see Michelangelo’s David at Accademia Gallery.  Shortly after visiting the gallery we were delighted to see Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence.  With a little research I learned the Old Bridge at this location was the only bridge across the Arno in Florence until 1218.  The current bridge, the subject of my painting, was rebuilt after a flood in 1345.  During its history is has housed many different types of shops but now is dedicated to goldsmith and jeweler shops.  What a wonderful day.

Ponte Vecchio

watercolor

10.5" X 22" watercolor

16" X 28" brushed silver frame

$700 within the United States *

Original SOLD at HorseSpirit Arts Gallery
info@horsespiritartsgallery.com 

410-461-3505  

Prints Available Here

When I took the photograph in 1994 I thought I would someday paint the scene.  All the little shops hanging off the bridge fascinate me.  Each was a little different, built individually so they don't quite align even though their design is similar.  19 years later Ponte Vecchio has finally come back to life for me in my painting.  One of my favorite quotes, which I first heard last year from Frank Web, is one by John Burke who said,

“Time spent in a painting is very much like going there again on vacation. And when the painting is done, I have seen every detail and nuance so thoroughly, that a glance at the completed work is sufficient for a short visit.”

I feel this way about many of my paintings, but somehow this is especially true of this one.  Perhaps because this trip was my first to Europe and because this view of the shops on the bridge was something I had never seen before.  When searching the Internet to learn more I did an image search using the photograph I had taken and found many people had taken almost the exact same shot, so I hope this scene will bring back memories of others’ vacations as well.

For other European landscapes by April follow these links.

• Morning in Provence
• Vineyard Life
• Venice III

* Contact April regarding purchase outside the United States

To see prints of April's paintings check her store.If you want a print of a painting that you don't see in the store ask me; I don't have all prints on display.

"Vineyard Life" 10.25" X 23.25" watercolor

Vineyard Life by April M. Rimpo

Vineyard Life
10.25" X 23.25" image

15" X 28" brushed silver frame

$700

Contact April Regarding Purchase

My goal in “Vineyard Life” is to portray everyday life on the vineyard. My use of very soft edges around the top and sides of the painting add depth and a little mystery to the scene.  The trees have texture but are toned more in the golden, burnt orange, and blue-gray direction rather than the brilliant greens I saw in the summer in Provence.  The vineyard itself has the lightest golden greens leading your eye up to the left toward the children in the field and the woman by the flower cart.  A dark vertical from the left side also leads to the flower cart and over to the houses.  The tiled roofs, although muted by the sun, still call out for attention among the valley of green.  Of course the wonderful pastel colors on the shadowed side of the house keep me wanting more.  Every time I look at this painting I am carried back to a good time. I hope you find this piece mesmerizing and it provides a bit of peace in your busy lives.  

Does it remind you of a favorite place?  I’d love to hear your stories.

For other landscapes by April follow these links.

• Springtime
• Morning in Provence
• The Dugouts
• Wash Day
• Ponte Vecchio
• Venice III 
• At One with their Gondolas

To see prints of April's paintings check her store.If you want a print of a painting that you don't see in the store ask me; I don't have all prints on display.

Copyright April M Rimpo All Rights Reserved. You may share my work with attribution and a link to this source site, but all other uses are prohibited.

Morning in Provence

The soft glow of morning light is the subject of Morning in Provence.  I had always heard the light in Provence was different from anywhere else and wondered if it was just hype.  Well after visiting Provence I found out it really was true. There is something very dreamy in the atmosphere.  The morning light is very soft, filled with lovely pastels.  Sunsets are clear and dramatic.  I have seen some amazing sunsets in Arizona where the colors just fill the sky like fire, but the mornings are not the same.  I suspect the air is much cleaner in Provence, but there must also be just the right touch of humidity in the air because it is just wonderful.  No wonder so many artists have gravitated to Provence.

Morning in Provence

watercolor

14.5" X 22" image

20" X 28" brushed silver frame

$795 

Price:

Original Framed $795.00 USD

I enjoyed Provence in 2004 when I attended a Plein Air workshop held by Tony van Hasselt.  My plein air work generally never sees the light of day once I come inside, but the photographs I take continue to inspire me.  They never look quite as I remember, so I get to apply my artist's view and bring back my memory.  That was my goal in Morning in Provence.

I did paint this location one morning while in Provence.  I went out early to catch the light before meeting up with the group for the day's demo and painting time.   At the afternoon critique I brought this painting and whatever else I had done that day.  I had gone with big bold oranges.  I remember Tony trying to be very polite about its boldness.  That painting sits in my studio and has been calling my name recently telling me to give it another try.  I liked the interesting angles in the old Roman town of Vaisson la Romaine with its stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and lavender colored shutters. It is a dreamy spot and one I'd always hoped to share.   Morning in Provence is the result of my second attempt at sharing this spot.  I am delighted with the result and hope Tony will be proud, too.  By the way, he is headed back to Provence this year for his eighth workshop.  

April's other paintings of Europe include:

• Ponte Vecchio
• Vineyard Life
• Venice III
• At One with their Gondolas

To see prints of April's paintings check her store.If you want a print of a painting that you don't see in the store ask me; I don't have all prints on display.