Authentic and original store illustration titled, “Red Door.”

This is an store authentic and original illustration titled, “Red Door.” You are viewing a finished colorful textured painting of local landscape in the artist's (myself) neighborhood in Bethesda, Maryland. Many readers and viewers know my work is personal, much of it local, and “real time” subjects frequently striking an “inner cord,” prompting new work. Recently, while on an outdoor excursion during natural daylight, I wanted to pursue photographic images of aged real-estate that I always admired as beautiful reminiscent of a colonial house. This particular residence is within walking distance of our house and brings a sense of comfort and peace amongst pedestrians and locals that enjoy outdoor excursions and neighborhood strolls. As a longtime maryland resident, over the duration of many years, observations of property tear downs and construction, I prefer to see homes remain the same. My preference has always been and continues to be the older style houses that have more character, natural beauty, land, and history. It is apparent the red door on this house is the dominant feature seen behind the wooden terrace arbor with green lush leaves hovering. This entire scene caught my attention, so I took several photographs ensuring the wooden fence to the right was also included. Phase one was the initial graphite sketch. On quality mixed media and graphite, I sketched the house first and foremost prior to the other hard property structures, and landscape. I used a ruler for linear accuracy, helping with definition, contours and depth perception. If you carefully study the illustration, you will see much detail within. There are open green painted structures underneath the house noticeably seen behind the smaller open wooden fence to the right of the brick pathway leading to the door. To the right of the house, there is a smaller lower level arbor that's quite attractive complimenting the trees. Phase two was the implementation of colored pencils. With green, beige, red, brown, black, gray, white, even golden hues, i colored in over the existing sketch. This phase always helps visually distinguish the different features and details making it easier to transition to phase three. Phase three was the application of acrylic paint, with the same colors used as in phase two, textured and different size brushes, I painted over phase two. I wanted to apply thicker amounts of paint layering The illustration with intent to portray a lifelike scene. It was important for me to create this dense texture in comparison to others on “BehindtheSCbyJessica,” because I like to maintain diversity in my collection. Upon completion I sprayed it with clear acrylic sealant to prevent any damage or “bleeding of the colors.” The authentic and original illustration is available for purchase in print. This would make for an ideal housewarming gift or simply be a nice addition to an existing collection. Please enjoy! Jessica Ahmadi