November 4, 2010

"Centreville Carousel Horse"

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel - 7" x 10"

I spent some time in Toronto this summer and came across a wonderful old carousel on Centreville Island. Built in Germantown, Pennsylvania by the G.A. Dentzel Steam & Horsepower Co in the early 1900's, this hand carved wooden carousel is one of about 30 left in existence today. It contains 52 animals 3 abreast, 36 of which are jumpers. There are also 2 chariots. The accompanying band organ is a Wurlitzer. I thought I'd have a little fun with this one. I felt the menagerie around him was a bit distracting so I isolated him from the ostriches, bunnies, pigs and other whimsical creatures dancing in the picture plane. I still wanted a sense of color and motion so I kicked up the vibrancy and kept the paint loose (for me). Does it work? The jury is out.

14 comments:

Deb O said...

I love it, but, given a choice, how could you pass up the pig?

Mark Adams said...

There may be pork on my easel before too long. Thanks, Deb.

Margaret said...

Wow! Don't know if the color is amazing because of my new Mac or your paint. This is a really fun painting and I love carousels. St. Joseph, Michigan has an amazing one by the water front. All hand painted, all sorts of animals. Try and google it...

Diane said...

A carousel horse not from Paris?? Can't wait to see the piggy!

Mark Adams said...

This piece is very bright. Quite a change for me. I'll check out the Michigan carousel. Thanks Margaret.

Mark Adams said...

Ce peu porcin est allé lancer sur le marché. Ce peu porcin resté à la maison. Ce petit porcin a eu le boeuf de rôti, Ce peu porcin n'en a eu aucun. Et ce peu porcin est allé "Wee, wee, wee !" toute la maison de manière.

Diane said...

and this little piggy had oysters and veal shanks!
XXOO

Dean Grey said...

I like the intense colors. Very playful.

-Dean

Deb O said...

You gotta love un petit porcin who goes wee, wee, wee!

....... said...

I remember riding those carouse horses when I was kid in PA. It looks just like them! Thank you for the memories.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Dean. It is a horse of a different color.

Mark Adams said...

Oui, oui, Deb

Mark Adams said...

Oui, oui, Deb

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Pita