The Glory of San Pietro by Rod Chase - Full Image
|
Tell Me More"This view is from across the Tiber River looking toward St. Peter's. I spent an hour or so photographing this scene during the twilight hours on our last night in Rome. The composition is based on one specific photo while dozens of additional photos were used to provide details for the architectural features. I especially enjoyed painting the reflections on the water, an exercise in abstract line and shape. The colors were muted to faded blues and Terra Cotta tones, which provide a more monochromatic color scheme representing the incredible history and beauty in Rome, and Italy in general."
St. Peter's (Italian San Pietro) is a major basilica in Vatican City, an enclave of Rome. Until recently, St. Peter's was the largest church ever built (it covers an area of 23,000 square meters with a capacity of over 60,000 people), and it remains one of the holiest sites in Christendom in the Catholic tradition. It is the most prominent building inside the Vatican City, and its dome is also a dominant feature of the Roman skyline. Although the New Testament does not mention Peter's presence or martyrdom in Rome, ancient tradition holds that St. Peter's Basilica was built at the place where Peter, the apostle, was crucified and buried; his tomb is under the main altar. Other popes are also buried in and below the Basilica, which is filled with stunning artwork in the form of sculptures, stained glass, paintings, and general architecture including works by Michelangelo, Giotto, and Bernini. "I marveled at the incredible dome, which soars to a height of over 140 feet and was designed by Michelangelo, and I was fascinated by Bernini’s Throne of St. Peter in Glory." - Rod Chase DF About The ArtistAs one of today’s finest and most recognized photorealist painters, Rod Chase has earned the highest respect of his peers and the admiration of legions of collectors. Each painting from the artist’s easel is a masterpiece created from extensive research and numerous photographs of each of his subjects. This technique, along with the aid of historical photographs, results in a timeless quality in each of Chase’s works. In his quest for mystique, accuracy, and a true sense of history, Chase does extensive research. His travels have led him from New York and Washington, D.C. to Colorado and California and finally to Italy in a never-ending search to obtain materials and photography for new paintings. The talented artist says, "Being a photorealist, I am dependent on finding accurate reference material for each painting.” Chase works with acrylics on canvas, spending hundreds of hours on each painting with the ultimate goal of presenting a fresh, unique, and elegant approach to familiar subjects. The detail in each painting is remarkable, but the mood each is equally impressive. Chase is acknowledged as a master of breathtaking scenes depicting our country’s natural and historical treasures. He has painted images of such famous landmarks as The White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court building to name a few. As a naturalized citizen, he felt honored as well as professionally challenged to paint these subjects. Chase also paints magnificent foreign landscapes. His travels in Italy inspired him to paint St. Peter’s Basilica and the romantic canals of Venice. The artist’s outstanding talent in his use of light is evident in "The Glory of San Pietro” and "The Mists of Morning.” Without traveling to these world-famous locales, the viewer is able to feel as if the scene is unfolding before them in person. Rising early to photograph the dramatic light of sunrise or awaiting the soft, moody glow of sunset, Chase captures the emotion and direction in which he will paint his subject. The artist will continue to create elegant, awe-inspiring scenes by combining antique and modern photographs with just the right touch of artistic license. Rod Chase is represented by Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art in San Antonio, Texas. He is published exclusively by Somerset Fine Art. Chase, a native of Canada, and his wife live with their five children in the Texas Hill Country. In 1999, he became a United States citizen. View Related SubjectsMore Info |
