Robie Benve Art

"Over the Rooftops" Oil on panel, 11"x14" I went "big" today. Instead of a 6x6 I painted an 11"x14". After a period of painting on location, this is a studio painting, made from a reference photo that I took this summer Italy, however my strategy has been to paint it like it was a plein air painting, quickly and loosely. This way I avoid painting too tight and I can finish it in a day, despite the bigger size. I feel like it has all the elements I wanted to incorporate, so I am posting it, though I'm not sure if I will retouch some things when I look at it again. Often, after the my eyes get some rest from a piece and I come back later with a fresh look, I see all kinds of things that I did not see while I was  involved in the painting. For reference I used a combination of the two photos below, a landscape in Veneto, the region of Italy where I come from.  

"Vista sull'Uliveto" Acrylic on Canvas Panel 11" x 14" (27.9 x 35.6 cm) Finally my first painting posted for this year! I painted this entirely from imagination, without any reference photo. It has been such an interesting process; I had fun and I think I learned quite a bit.  The idea for the landscape came from memories of Tuscany, and the inspiration for the colors came from some new colors that I bought, very unusual for me - I usually mix my paint from the few basic colors, I did not own any fancy hues. Like a child I was super excited to try them all - you should have seen how psychedelic it looked after the first hour! Then, layer after layer, I toned it down.  Now I'm quite happy with it, I find it relaxing, despite the yellow sky. :)

--> "Inspiration II" 18” x 24” (45.7cm x 61cm) Acrylic on Canvas Panel I had this on the works for a while, it’s a big size for my standards; I finally called it done today. As was my second painting, this is inspired by Mark Gould’s work, in particular the one entitled  “My Neighbor's House #824”. I just love how Mark Gould uses color, and how he simplifies shapes and details. I tried to render his style, without making a replica, but I have to admit it came out closer to the original than I thought!  I look at my painting, and it makes me smile. That means it's creating positive energy for my soul. I have to hang it in a meaningful area of my house, where I can see it often.  I happen to have a bare wall in the “Fame and Reputation” area, according to the Bagua, and with all the reds in the painting I think that’s where it will belong! :)) Oh, in case you are wondering, the Feng Shui Bagua is a map that relates the various areas of...

Colorful Landscape Painting 18"x24"    Acrylic on canvas panel                                        I found my inspiration for my second painting on the cover of the "Acrylic Artist" magazine: a painting by Mark Gould, "My neighbor's house 832".  I loved the colors and the composition of Mark's piece, with the hilly path going to the horizon and the sharp homes that contrast the natural landscape. I tried to replicate the same feelings on my canvas. I really enjoyed experimenting with color. :) I hope one day I'll be able to take a landscape scene and make as colorful and interesting as this one all on my own, without having to copy another artist.  - Hey, did I just referred to myself as an artist? Acrylic Artist magazine cover