I took a walk around the old part of Landstuhl Germany yesterday. I noticed that it’s full of old buildings and other old stuff. Some of the old stuff was older than the buildings. For example, the remains of a Roman grave is from about the year 100, which is way older than the Old Chapel (Alten Kapelle). It was built about 1300. By comparison, St. Andreas Church is much newer. It was built in 1752.
I got some nice ideas for paintings. So I guess I have started another project: Old Landstuhl.
My opening at Visione was fantastic. Friends, co-workers, and friends of friends enjoyed art, champagne, great food, and wonderful company. We finally wrapped up about 11pm. I think everyone made it home without incident, except for one person, who shall remain anonymous, who received a parking ticket! 🙂
To see the virtual show, click the Exhibition link on the right.
The owner wants me to put up more work – it’s being printed as I write this and I’ll put it up as soon as I get it (probably about 10 days or so depending on mail speed). I am also printing a limited set of postcards with the Ramstein Village image on them. Send me an email if you you want one and are out of the area.
No, not Santa Claus. The church. This chruch, St. Nikolaus Catholic Church, is in the village of Ramstein, Germany.
1 In the beginning Michael created the lines and the shapes. Michael saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
1. Download this image to your ipad and open it like you open a photo.
2. Sit in a public place that has people walking by.
3. Pretend like you are drawing the picture.
It works for me. At least a lot of people look at me when I draw in public.
Lots of people walked by as I was drawing this view of St. Martin’s Square this afternoon. I looked cool didn’t I? Darn, I knew I should have put on the shoes that matched my outfit. I don’t know about looking cool, but I have sure met many people this way. I like it when a brave soul walks up and says hello.
Today was chilly and sunny, a nice Fall day. The place in the drawing is St. Martin’s Square (Platz in German). Here is what the city says about it on their website: “The pretty “Martinsplatz” is the gateway to the old city. It is one of the loveliest open spaces in the City of Kaiserslautern.” I won’t disagree. A few cafes ring the square, and one of the buildings is the former Hotel Zum Donnersberg, where Napoleon once ate breakfast. Hey, the United States has George Washington, Western Europe has Napolean. The reddish block building in the center is St. Martin’s Catholic Church. St. Martin Cafe is the blue blue building on the left. Trees are chestnuts.
The photo shows the street entrance to a shady promenade with many trees and fountains. It was wonderful relief from the warm sun, and was surrounded by little shops and cafes. Acapulco Bay was at my back, across the street. The promenade led back to a large, relatively modern church called San Filipe de Jesus. The entire roof of the church was one big dome. Inside, the statues were being covered with purple cloth in preparation for Good Friday. Inside, to the left of the main door, was a life-size crucifex done in early colonial Spanish style; dark wood, beautifully grotesque, oozing lots of emotion.
I spotted this pretty bird on the rocks at the pier on my way back to the ship. It was moving from rock to rock, looking for a meal no doubt.
I took a nice long walk around town. I could see the steeple of this church from the ship, so my mission was to find it. It was a bit farther than it appeared. The nice part was that the best vantage point was a bench in the shade; a nice addition to the music coming from the church (see my earlier post about Puntarenas).
I’m drawing a quick sketch of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Devine in St. John’s, Antigua. Quick because the wall behind me was almost as hot as the sun and the humidity was up there, too. Thanks to Charlie for the photo and waiting in the hot sun. The church was closed for repairs so we could not get inside. It was beautiful on the outside. I hope, but doubt, it will be repaired any time soon.
