Realism Roar

This handsome painting was created by Carlo DiNapoli, the same artist who did the portrait that I posted yesterday.  I don't know much about the finer points of painting, but I think it's a testament to DiNapoli's talent that he can capture not only detailed human characteristics but animals as well.  This is part of the current exhibit in the Federal Building, and in talking with some folks in the lobby it seems to be a favorite right now.  I really like the warm tones, the detail of the fur and those piercing eyes.   Apparently, DiNapoli also is an art instructor in the Sarasota area.  To learn more about him check out  his website: www.DiNapoliStudios.com

Painting or Photo?

This is one of the paintings now on display at the Federal Building in downtown Sarasota which I mentioned yesterday.  It was this piece that caught my attention recently when I was walking through the lobby and prompted me to take a closer look at the entire exhibit.  It's an oil painting by a local artist named Carlo DiNapoli.  What's striking is the comparison between the photograph tucked in the corner and the actual painting.  It almost looks as though the photo was simply copied onto canvas.  What talent!  Should you be considering a portrait of yourself (or perhaps a family member) for your mantel, the artist's portrait rates start at $2,900. 

New Deal Gallery

Every three months, there's a new art exhibit at the Federal Building in downtown Sarasota.  The Sarasota community is a great supporter of the arts and it was thought this lobby would be a great place for a local art exhibit.  Isn't it better to have something interesting to look at when you're waiting for a meeting or just passing by?  Every time I'm here now, I make a point to check out the latest exhibit.  It's known as the "New Deal Gallery", since the building was constructed during the New Deal era.  Any local artist can submit their work.  There have been photographs, wood carvings, of course, paintings of all varieties on display.  Some I've really liked.  Others, not so much.  But, that's art...and it's a free exhibit.  Over the next couple days I'll show you a couple that caught my eye and see you what you think.  In the meantime, what do you think of Medusa Cat Lady in the left hand corner?  Creepy or cool?  Discuss.

Federal Building

This is one of my favorite buildings in downtown Sarasota:  the Federal Building, which is actually owned by the City of Sarasota.  It was constructed in the early 1930's as part of the WPA under President Roosevelt and the New Deal.  Congress approved $175,000 for it.  It served as a post office, then a social security office before the City of Sarasota acquired it several years ago and restored it.  Now, city administrative offices are housed here. U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan also has an office on the second floor.   It's especially eye catching at night, don't you think?  This is another one of those shots I've been meaning to take and since it was a nice night I finally got around to it. 

Old and New

Better late than never with today's post. I hope the Blogger folks get everything fixed soon -- and SDP returns whole (yesterday's post is MIA).

There's a lot going on in this photo of downtown Sarasota, so let's begin with the building across the street. Although it's owned by the city, it's still referred to as the Federal Building. It opened as a U.S. Post Office in 1936 with a construction budget of.... **drum roll**.... $175,000. You probably can't tell from this photo, but the architecture is wonderful. Hop across Ringling Boulevard and you're under a portion of Ringling Square. While the architectural design is similar to the Federal Building, Ringling Square opened in...2006. Pretty neat! So neat, you might want to do a little happy dance like these two figures. This is a public art piece called "Standing Bow" by Matthew Mattox. Sarasota has an acitve public art program which requires public art for new developments. And that concludes today's tour of downtown.