There is a great little restaurant in town called Fast and French… they also go by Gaulart & Maliclet French Café (and G&M for those of us who can’t pronounce it). It’s a favorite by locals and tourists alike. It’s tucked away on Broad Street and the food is as fabulous as the atmosphere. If you’ve been there before you will recognize this painting done by artist Dan Graziano. He captured it perfectly! (Something to peruse… Fast & French’s MENU)!
While Dan was in Charleston he painted some fabulous paintings. Dan is represented by the Sylvan Gallery… pop in, say hello and take a look! So many fabulous paintings… I’m just going to tease you with one! If you don’t live in the area (darn it!) check out the SYLVAN GALLERY website!
Here’s a blip about Dan from his website:
Dan Graziano’s artistic vision began taking shape in the 60’s, during America’s explosive political, cultural and artistic awakening. His first formal training focused on advertising and illustration, but a career opportunity in architecture and urban planning altered his original direction.
When he returned to painting, he was drawn to the rich complexity of the urban landscape – inspired by Edward Hopper and other urbanist painters. As an accomplished blues guitarist (his other great passion), he found the city streets, time worn buildings and multiple layers of decay and repair a visual parallel to the spirit and culture of the music.
During a brief residency on the East Coast, his paintings quickly evolved from inner city streets to expanses of fields, farm houses and other pastoral and “Americana” subjects. It was here that he began showing his work in galleries and juried events while deepening his involvement in plein air painting. He continued his art education through workshops with Ken Auster, Randall Sexton and Tim Horn.
He now makes Castine, Maine his home – capturing rugged coastlines, historic villages and picturesque landscapes from New England to the low country of South Carolina.
“I paint the places and environments I find interesting in my everyday life. I look for unique compositions which involve dramatic contrasts of light, shadow and perspective. I continue to be intrigued by the urban landscapes of inner cities – their active streets, time worn buildings and multiple layers of decay, renewal and adaptation – that proudly display the effects of age and use, which I see as testaments to strength, character and authenticity in contrast with modern society’s demand for newness, imitation, disposability and easy duplication. I am also drawn to the unique natural beauty of New England, encompassing its historic towns, picturesque harbors and enduring maritime legacy. My work is influenced by the American realists such as Eakins, Sargent, Hopper and the three generations of Wyeths”.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
I love reading about the passion Claude Monet had for his garden. Pissarro and Van Gogh were also avid gardeners. My garden gives me great joy and countless ideas for paintings. Each year I let nature have her way and let seedlings sprout in new places and in combinations I wouldn’t have thought of. There are always delightful surprises in every corner of my garden.
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