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Diane Davich Craig
The ART
36 X 36 oil on panel
Exhibited at the Enigma show at Lovetts Gallery, Tulsa, OK
Available through Lovetts Gallery in Tulsa, OK
https://lovettsgallery.com
Exhibited at the Enigma show at Lovetts Gallery, Tulsa, OK
Available through Lovetts Gallery in Tulsa, OK
https://lovettsgallery.com
Nice Boots!
30 X 30 oil on panel
Available through Diane
Selected for International Guild of Realism Exhibition
Selected by the Vendue Art Hotel in Charleston, SC for the GLOW Exhibition
Available through Diane
Selected for International Guild of Realism Exhibition
Selected by the Vendue Art Hotel in Charleston, SC for the GLOW Exhibition
Heartbreak Hotel
40 X 30 oil on panel
SOLD
Exhibited by Robert Lange Studios in the Attention To Detail show
Robert Lange Studios
This is a verse from the song Heartbreak Hotel made famous by Elvis Presley.
Well, since my baby left me
Well, I found a new place to dwell
Well, it's down at the end of Lonely Street
At Heartbreak Hotel
Where I'll be-where I get so lonely, baby
Well, I'm so lonely
I get so lonely, I could die
This painting of the "Heartbreak Hotel" was very complex in the shadow lines and the layer upon layer of red paint that it took to give the depth and richness that I wanted. The time spent was more than double what I ever thought it would take to finish the painting with the detail that I felt it deserved.
While painting these many layers and complex lines of the Heartbreak Hotel I had my mother on my mind a lot. We all have heartbreaks if we live our life with a willingness to love. The heartbreaks we think of most often are romantic heartbreaks. But my biggest heartbreak in my life has been the loss of my mother. She was just 49 when she died with lymphoma. When I lost her my world stopped turning and the gravity that held my world together was pulled from beneath my feet. I no longer heard wonderful music or saw beautiful sights. With much time and the love from those around me, the beauty of life came back. It is as if all my wonderful memories and the love of those around me added layer upon layer of insulation around the pain. Now I can see and hear beautiful things again. I treasure my memories of my mother and occasionally a brand new memory will come to me as a sweet gift out of the blue. During the creation of this painting I remembered her taking me out to buy my first ring. It was a small tiny pearl ring. The heart never forgets but I can choose to let my pain become a pearl.
I hope when you see this painting you love the richness of the color and feel the fun and gift of life and love. Oh and look really really close at this painting because just for fun I have hidden the words Elvis, Presley, Hound Dog, Graceland and Memphis in unexpected spots.
SOLD
Exhibited by Robert Lange Studios in the Attention To Detail show
Robert Lange Studios
This is a verse from the song Heartbreak Hotel made famous by Elvis Presley.
Well, since my baby left me
Well, I found a new place to dwell
Well, it's down at the end of Lonely Street
At Heartbreak Hotel
Where I'll be-where I get so lonely, baby
Well, I'm so lonely
I get so lonely, I could die
This painting of the "Heartbreak Hotel" was very complex in the shadow lines and the layer upon layer of red paint that it took to give the depth and richness that I wanted. The time spent was more than double what I ever thought it would take to finish the painting with the detail that I felt it deserved.
While painting these many layers and complex lines of the Heartbreak Hotel I had my mother on my mind a lot. We all have heartbreaks if we live our life with a willingness to love. The heartbreaks we think of most often are romantic heartbreaks. But my biggest heartbreak in my life has been the loss of my mother. She was just 49 when she died with lymphoma. When I lost her my world stopped turning and the gravity that held my world together was pulled from beneath my feet. I no longer heard wonderful music or saw beautiful sights. With much time and the love from those around me, the beauty of life came back. It is as if all my wonderful memories and the love of those around me added layer upon layer of insulation around the pain. Now I can see and hear beautiful things again. I treasure my memories of my mother and occasionally a brand new memory will come to me as a sweet gift out of the blue. During the creation of this painting I remembered her taking me out to buy my first ring. It was a small tiny pearl ring. The heart never forgets but I can choose to let my pain become a pearl.
I hope when you see this painting you love the richness of the color and feel the fun and gift of life and love. Oh and look really really close at this painting because just for fun I have hidden the words Elvis, Presley, Hound Dog, Graceland and Memphis in unexpected spots.
EAT
30 X 20 oil on panel
Selected by the Winfield Gallery and the International Guild of Realism to be exhibited at the Winfield Gallery in Carmel CA
Available through Lovetts Gallery Tulsa, OK
https://lovettsgallery.com
Selected by the Winfield Gallery and the International Guild of Realism to be exhibited at the Winfield Gallery in Carmel CA
Available through Lovetts Gallery Tulsa, OK
https://lovettsgallery.com
Jacks
30 X 40 oil on panel
SOLD
J A WIlly Gallery Naples, FL
I had always wanted to paint the sign of Jack's Barbeque on Broadway in Nashville. The flashing pigs are just outstanding. It is one of my favorite signs and believe me, I have photographed many.
I took many,many photos of Jack's sign and never got one that captured what I wanted until recently. Taking the "winning" photo however was a true adventure. My husband and I went downtown on a photo taking mission with Eli, the newest member of our family. We adopted Eli a few months after our two elderly dogs Sam and Marshmellow passed away. Why Eli you ask? My husband is a NY Giants and Eli Manning fan. Our other adoptee, a Cocker Spaniel, is named Peyton .
Anyway it was Eli's first week with us and the first time we had taken him out in the "dog mobile", our old Explorer. As we got out to take the photos, Eli decided he would get out too. Being used to slow moving dogs who never jumped out we were in shock. Eli not only jumped out like a bat out of hell he ran across Broadway in traffic. We called him and ran out in traffic too. Eli is really big and if you didn’t know him, looks kind of fierce. So rather than helping us catch him, people were running away. Finally a brave lady grabbed his leash and stopped him for us. It is a real wonder that Eli, my husband and I were not mowed over by a car on Broadway. Since then we learned to tether Eli while riding in the SUV.
Well I really digressed, didn't I? Back to the painting: my favorite color combination is Cadmium Red and Phthalo Blue. This painting not only has my favorite colors but also has the abstract shadow patterns that I adore. Because of all the details and large size I spent 4 months painting this. I enjoyed it but thought I had never seen so much swirling neon as on three pigs. I would love to see where the new owner hangs this painting. I am very proud of it.
I wish you great barbeque and pets that don't run out into traffic.
Diane
SOLD
J A WIlly Gallery Naples, FL
I had always wanted to paint the sign of Jack's Barbeque on Broadway in Nashville. The flashing pigs are just outstanding. It is one of my favorite signs and believe me, I have photographed many.
I took many,many photos of Jack's sign and never got one that captured what I wanted until recently. Taking the "winning" photo however was a true adventure. My husband and I went downtown on a photo taking mission with Eli, the newest member of our family. We adopted Eli a few months after our two elderly dogs Sam and Marshmellow passed away. Why Eli you ask? My husband is a NY Giants and Eli Manning fan. Our other adoptee, a Cocker Spaniel, is named Peyton .
Anyway it was Eli's first week with us and the first time we had taken him out in the "dog mobile", our old Explorer. As we got out to take the photos, Eli decided he would get out too. Being used to slow moving dogs who never jumped out we were in shock. Eli not only jumped out like a bat out of hell he ran across Broadway in traffic. We called him and ran out in traffic too. Eli is really big and if you didn’t know him, looks kind of fierce. So rather than helping us catch him, people were running away. Finally a brave lady grabbed his leash and stopped him for us. It is a real wonder that Eli, my husband and I were not mowed over by a car on Broadway. Since then we learned to tether Eli while riding in the SUV.
Well I really digressed, didn't I? Back to the painting: my favorite color combination is Cadmium Red and Phthalo Blue. This painting not only has my favorite colors but also has the abstract shadow patterns that I adore. Because of all the details and large size I spent 4 months painting this. I enjoyed it but thought I had never seen so much swirling neon as on three pigs. I would love to see where the new owner hangs this painting. I am very proud of it.
I wish you great barbeque and pets that don't run out into traffic.
Diane
The Blue Room
30 X 40 oil on panel
SOLD
Selected by the Marshall Gallery and the International Guild of Realism, exhibited at Marshall Gallery in Scottsdale AZ, International Guild of Realism’s Winter Salon 2017
SOLD
Selected by the Marshall Gallery and the International Guild of Realism, exhibited at Marshall Gallery in Scottsdale AZ, International Guild of Realism’s Winter Salon 2017
DianeDavichCraig-King'sPalace-16x20-oilo
20 X 16 oil on panel
Honorable Mention in Artist's Magazine Annual Competition
Selected by Marshall Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ for the Internationbal Guild of Realism Show
Exhibited at the Vendue Art Hotel for the show "Recipe"
Exhibited at Lovetts Gallery for the show "Enigma"
Available at Lovetts Gallery Tulsa, OK
Honorable Mention in Artist's Magazine Annual Competition
Selected by Marshall Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ for the Internationbal Guild of Realism Show
Exhibited at the Vendue Art Hotel for the show "Recipe"
Exhibited at Lovetts Gallery for the show "Enigma"
Available at Lovetts Gallery Tulsa, OK
Ten Gallon
36 X 24 oil on panel
Available through Diane
ncpdiane@aol.com
Available through Diane
ncpdiane@aol.com
Betty's Boots
30 X 40 oil on panel
SOLD
Galley 202 Franklin, TN
"Betty's Boots" is a painting of a neon sign on Broadway in Nashville.
I work as a flutist in downtown Nashville quite often. I would pass by the Betty Boots store and always admired the sign. I started taking photos of it and then more and more photos. I realized I just had to paint it. I decided that rather than just paint it in full I would do a more abstract version of it. I played around with the cropping until I found a composition that gave me the lines and the colors that I wanted.
I have always loved neon signs. Coming from the country neon meant you were in the "big city". The first neon sign I remember seeing was at a local hamburger joint. I remember that the words would flash one way and then flash again with a different tilt. Wow. My first "store-bought" outfit came from a store called Zayre in Nashville. It had the biggest neon sign I had ever seen in my life! I wore that outfit till it was tread bare. My grandfather, PapPaw also had a jukebox he took on a trade that had spectacular neon in it. It didn't play but it looked great. Neon just means excitement to me. The vibrant colors and ornate curves of the neon can just make you feel like you have arrived.
Painting has turned into a second career for me after being a full time flutist. My second grade teacher told my parents that I said I either wanted to be an artist or a musician when I grew up. I am sure my parent's thoughts were "I hope she marries well." When I finally took up painting after many years of flute playing, I really felt like I had arrived on another exciting adventure in my life.
I hope this painting brings excitement and a feeling of awe into your life. Just as you round the corner you never know what adventure awaits you. And you may think "how did I ever live life without this experience!" Cheers to a lifetime full of adventures, excitement, awe and lots of neon to you.
Diane
SOLD
Galley 202 Franklin, TN
"Betty's Boots" is a painting of a neon sign on Broadway in Nashville.
I work as a flutist in downtown Nashville quite often. I would pass by the Betty Boots store and always admired the sign. I started taking photos of it and then more and more photos. I realized I just had to paint it. I decided that rather than just paint it in full I would do a more abstract version of it. I played around with the cropping until I found a composition that gave me the lines and the colors that I wanted.
I have always loved neon signs. Coming from the country neon meant you were in the "big city". The first neon sign I remember seeing was at a local hamburger joint. I remember that the words would flash one way and then flash again with a different tilt. Wow. My first "store-bought" outfit came from a store called Zayre in Nashville. It had the biggest neon sign I had ever seen in my life! I wore that outfit till it was tread bare. My grandfather, PapPaw also had a jukebox he took on a trade that had spectacular neon in it. It didn't play but it looked great. Neon just means excitement to me. The vibrant colors and ornate curves of the neon can just make you feel like you have arrived.
Painting has turned into a second career for me after being a full time flutist. My second grade teacher told my parents that I said I either wanted to be an artist or a musician when I grew up. I am sure my parent's thoughts were "I hope she marries well." When I finally took up painting after many years of flute playing, I really felt like I had arrived on another exciting adventure in my life.
I hope this painting brings excitement and a feeling of awe into your life. Just as you round the corner you never know what adventure awaits you. And you may think "how did I ever live life without this experience!" Cheers to a lifetime full of adventures, excitement, awe and lots of neon to you.
Diane
Elliston Place Soda Shop
30 X 24 oil on panel
SOLD
Temple Arts Nashville, TN
Surrounded by tall buildings filled with sophisticated medical equipment resides a Nashville treasure Elliston Place Soda Shop. Elliston Place Soda Shop represents reward to me. Whenever I am in this part of town it seems I may be coming from a doctor's appointment. Luckily, I have been blessed with good health. Sometimes the whole process of going to the doctor, worrying, taking tests that make you want a bullet to bite on can be stressful and call for a chance to reward yourself. Elliston Place Soda Shop is just the place for that reward. Once you enter the doors you have entered in a world of comfort and being spoiled just like your grandmother spoiled you. First off the menus offer daily specials that always include my favorite green beans and cornbread. But save room for the ultimate reward of a chocolate milkshake. This milkshake is served up not in a paper cup with a lid but in a tall ice cold metal mixing cup. To enjoy this reward is not going to be a quick experience. So kick up you heels and enjoy every sip as you think on your blessings and rewards. You might be reminded of having a wonderful grandmother, your good health, fun times spent with family or even the wagging dog tails you'll see when you get back home.
Painting Elliston Place Soda Shop was a reward in itself to me. I love painting neon and love the colors on this sign. Painting the time worn effects was a very fun experience. I truly thought I would never finish painting all the bricks in this painting. Each brick was painted individually with several layers of paint. But brick by brick this painting finally reached completion. My reward at the end was selling this painting to someone who said it brought back all the wonderful memories he had at the Elliston Soda Shop with his son. My wish to you is a lifetime filled with rewards and time to cherish them.
Diane
SOLD
Temple Arts Nashville, TN
Surrounded by tall buildings filled with sophisticated medical equipment resides a Nashville treasure Elliston Place Soda Shop. Elliston Place Soda Shop represents reward to me. Whenever I am in this part of town it seems I may be coming from a doctor's appointment. Luckily, I have been blessed with good health. Sometimes the whole process of going to the doctor, worrying, taking tests that make you want a bullet to bite on can be stressful and call for a chance to reward yourself. Elliston Place Soda Shop is just the place for that reward. Once you enter the doors you have entered in a world of comfort and being spoiled just like your grandmother spoiled you. First off the menus offer daily specials that always include my favorite green beans and cornbread. But save room for the ultimate reward of a chocolate milkshake. This milkshake is served up not in a paper cup with a lid but in a tall ice cold metal mixing cup. To enjoy this reward is not going to be a quick experience. So kick up you heels and enjoy every sip as you think on your blessings and rewards. You might be reminded of having a wonderful grandmother, your good health, fun times spent with family or even the wagging dog tails you'll see when you get back home.
Painting Elliston Place Soda Shop was a reward in itself to me. I love painting neon and love the colors on this sign. Painting the time worn effects was a very fun experience. I truly thought I would never finish painting all the bricks in this painting. Each brick was painted individually with several layers of paint. But brick by brick this painting finally reached completion. My reward at the end was selling this painting to someone who said it brought back all the wonderful memories he had at the Elliston Soda Shop with his son. My wish to you is a lifetime filled with rewards and time to cherish them.
Diane
Robert's Western World
30 X 30 oil on panel
Available through Diane
ncpdiane@aol.com
I have always loved this sign on Broadway in Nashville. I love the big guitar and the homemade lettering and funny words. The "Hillbilly Heaven" words speak to me. I have been called a hillbilly before and even used to watch the Beverly Hillbillies. My previous husband who was from "the North" occasionally slipped in the word "hillbilly" to describe me when I did something crazy like try to pay the trash pick up people when I moved to the city. We didn't get that done for free in the country. Using the words "fixin to" and "chester drawers" would come out of my mouth and show my hillbilly roots too. I can't say I ever said "pert near" or "cement pond" like they did on the Beverly Hillbilies. When I first got married I tried to shed the Southern drawl but ended up just sounding like a Northern Hillbilly because the vocabulary and subject matter didn't change. I studied flute in Cleveland (Ohio not Tennessee if you are wondering.) with Martha Aarons who was in the Cleveland Orchestra. I remember saying that I wanted to play the Firebird flute part for her. She asked "What???" And I then realized it sounded like "Far Bird". But said she I played it beautifully. Sho - Bro is a type of steel guitar often played at Robert's. And Brazilbilly refers to the talented Brazilian owner of Robert's Robert Moore to describe his music.
When I took the photo that I looked at to paint this sign it was close to being Christmas and there were Christmas lights hanging on the sign that I took out of the painting. I loved painting all the time worn effects on this sign. It is a classic for downtown Nashville.
Wishing you some great fun times perhaps at Robert's Western world in Nashville.
Diane (now married to Frierson Craig - whose middle name is Rebel - what does that tell you?)
Available through Diane
ncpdiane@aol.com
I have always loved this sign on Broadway in Nashville. I love the big guitar and the homemade lettering and funny words. The "Hillbilly Heaven" words speak to me. I have been called a hillbilly before and even used to watch the Beverly Hillbillies. My previous husband who was from "the North" occasionally slipped in the word "hillbilly" to describe me when I did something crazy like try to pay the trash pick up people when I moved to the city. We didn't get that done for free in the country. Using the words "fixin to" and "chester drawers" would come out of my mouth and show my hillbilly roots too. I can't say I ever said "pert near" or "cement pond" like they did on the Beverly Hillbilies. When I first got married I tried to shed the Southern drawl but ended up just sounding like a Northern Hillbilly because the vocabulary and subject matter didn't change. I studied flute in Cleveland (Ohio not Tennessee if you are wondering.) with Martha Aarons who was in the Cleveland Orchestra. I remember saying that I wanted to play the Firebird flute part for her. She asked "What???" And I then realized it sounded like "Far Bird". But said she I played it beautifully. Sho - Bro is a type of steel guitar often played at Robert's. And Brazilbilly refers to the talented Brazilian owner of Robert's Robert Moore to describe his music.
When I took the photo that I looked at to paint this sign it was close to being Christmas and there were Christmas lights hanging on the sign that I took out of the painting. I loved painting all the time worn effects on this sign. It is a classic for downtown Nashville.
Wishing you some great fun times perhaps at Robert's Western world in Nashville.
Diane (now married to Frierson Craig - whose middle name is Rebel - what does that tell you?)
Nice Boots - DIaneDCraig.jpg
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