"Riverwalk Footbridge" 14" X 11" fluid acrylic

Riverwalk Footbridge by April M Rimpo

Riverwalk Footbridge

14" X 11" Fluid Acrylic

in a brushed silver frame

$375

SOLD 

I think reflections in water are among the most beautiful sights in the world, but they can be very tricky to paint. Since I work in watermedia (watercolor and fluid acrylic) I've found layering the colors gradually from the lightest to darkest works best for me.  Before I start to paint I do use a small amount of masking fluid to protect just a few white spots that I may retain as white at the end or kiss with a spot of pale color to give them a slight tint.

Then it's a matter of paying attention to what is being reflected and making sure the reflected color is a bit darker than the real object. I find moving water the most fascinating to paint because of the great swirls and lines created by the current, causing the reflections to be just a hint of what is being reflected.

I chose a double complementary palette for this painting. Complements are across from each other on the color wheel and when combined can end up with lovely neutral colors, but when applied in adjacent to each other they create wonderful tension in the painting, really drawing your eye to those areas. Keeping them vibrant and not blending to become a neutral color can be challenging too. Fluid acrylic makes it a little easier to keep the colors vibrant.

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.

"From the Canal" 12" X 18" fluid acrylic

From the Canal by April M Rimpo

From the Canal

Fluid Acrylic

12" X 18" X 2" deep gallery wrapped*

$600

Purchase through HorseSpirit Arts Gallery
410.461.3505 info@horsespiritartsgallery.com 
Open 6 days a week (Closed Tuesdays)

Amsterdam, one of my favorite places in the world. We've been lucky enough to visit it twice: once in the 90s and once in 2016; we loved it both times. I love the architecture in this city as well as all the great places to walk, visit, and enjoy.  This year's trip we were lucky to know someone my husband worked with, who has become a good friend.  Our last day in town we met with him and walked all day. We took a short ferry across the IJ, Amsterdam's waterfront, to go to a restaurant on the other side. The return trip was a fantastic time to get photographs on the city. We were coming up on dusk, which enhanced the atmospheric perspective, muting the distance buildings.  All the domes, towers, and the varied gable shapes of the canal houses fascinate me. As a result I share with you "From the Canal."

* 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.

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.

"Lanterns" 24" X 18" fluid acrylic

Lanterns by April M Rimpo

Lanterns

24" X 18" Fluid Acrylic on  Watercolor Paper

Gallery Wrapped and Varnished
$1035

Purchase through HorseSpirit Arts Gallery
410.461.3505 info@horsespiritartsgallery.com 
Open 6 days a week (Closed Tuesdays)

Sometimes paintings call out to me when I least expect them. I was talking through Washington DC on a chilly day, heading to the Metro Station to head home after a day in the city.  I happened to glance to my right and saw the beautiful lanterns scatter through this courtyard. I came to a screeching halt and pulled out my phone to take a photograph. I loved how the lanterns reflected in the city windows and decided to enhance the image by including more of the lantern color throughout the building. Since purple is in the same family as the pink lanterns I also used purples in the dark parts of the building. What seems at first glance to be black areas is really layers of purple, Phthalo Blue and other dark pigments to gradually build the darkest areas. The lighter grays were also mixed using Cobalt blue, Quinacridone coral and Quinacridone gold. I love creating my own grays and “blacks” by mixing colors together.  The result is much richer than using blacks or grays that are “out of the tube.”

Every time I walk past this area I look into the courtyard to make sure there isn't something new that I just must paint. Of course there often is, so more images from this area will no doubt appear in the future.

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 #aprilmrimpoart