May 17
Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
I just completed the first of two paintings commissioned by a client in Jerusalem – the first in my new studio. A watercolor of the Dome of the Rock, otherwise known as the Mosque of Omar, and entitled “Shadows on Temple Mount – Haram esh-Sharif”.
I must have visited the Temple Mount nearly a hundred times over a nine year period, just to enjoy the peace and quiet in a corner of a bustling city and take in the lovely architecture. The stones complement beautifully against the blue Armenian tile work accenting in various places. The Mosque of Omar looked much better with a lead roof, before someone came up with the idea of making a ‘golden’ dome in pretty crude anodized aluminium in the 1960′s. It was replaced by a better product, utilizing real gold, by a N. Irish company in 1993. I still prefer the lead as much more pleasing to the eye and less ostentatious. I try and subdue it a little in my paintings, almost making it fade into the sky, which is so much in harmony with the color of the tiles, especially.
Adding further interest in the composition is the distinctive pigmentation of the Bougainvillea.
I enjoy commissions. There is an edge to the work through engaging with clients over subjects with which they have a common interest with the artist. Reminds me of the quality time spent in similar relationships as an architect, many years ago.
