SF Bridge/Van Gogh

Project Title: “Golden Night”

Client: The Stained Canvas, Art Studio in Tracy, California

Design Concept:

This was a project from my job as an Art Instructor at The Stained Canvas. The intent of this design is to draw in customers using familiar design elements so I can teach it in classes and support my community and this local business. This composition draws inspiration from existing art: Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night while also incorporating a local monument, the Golden Gate Bridge, in San Francisco, California. 

Significance:

The Golden Gate Bridge stands as the prominent landmark in the California Bay Area. Our community members routinely journey to this region for various purposes, including work commitments and attendance at sporting events such as baseball and football games. Choosing this iconic landmark as the subject of my painting was deliberate and aimed at generating interest in the artwork itself, given the substantial number of individuals in our area who share an appreciation for the bridge.

At The Stained Canvas, drawing inspiration from the renowned works of van Gogh is a recurring theme, owing to the widespread recognition and aesthetic appeal of this artistic style. By blending these two elements—the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the timeless influence of van Gogh—I have crafted a distinctive design that effectively captivates and engages a diverse audience.

Reflection

This design, which incorporates the iconic landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the influential work by van Gogh, connects with several people of the community, tapping into their thematic preferences and artistic comforts. While several people in the community were shy of their artistic abilities, they were eager to try harder given their emotional and visceral reaction to the familiarity.