Would you believe I've been looking forward to painting at a local respiratory hospital?! I know, what an unlikely painting subject. Barlow Respiratory Hospital, originally a TB sanatorium, was established over 100 years ago by Dr. Barlow, a TB patient himself. The dry, sunny Los Angeles climate attracted him to the hills of Elysian Park. Besides the hospital, on the 25 acre property, there were many cottages situated for maximum fresh air. Some larger cottages were built by the Red Cross in 1919. Amazingly, the hospital is now a long-term care facility, and the cottages remain, mostly in a state of disrepair. The hospital is very close to downtown Los Angeles and next door to Dodger Stadium.
Of course the vintage craftsman style cottages are attractive to us plein air painters. Unfortunately, Barlow is proposing to demolish a majority of the buildings and replace the hospital. The rest of the site is to be subdivided to build hundreds of condos. It's such a unique place that we thought a paint-out there needed to happen soon. It was a cold, wintery Saturday. Our group really enjoyed looking around the property, trying not to intrude. I painted a gouache piece from a large lawn area, capturing the feel of the winter light. We hope to return before Barlow is changed completely.
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| 5 x 7" Gouache |
What a shame if this beautiful and historic place is torn down. You are preserving a moment in time with this painting. Wonderfully done, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteThanks Terry. It's unfortunate that the hospital's location is very desirable.
DeleteIt is a really good place to paint; I'm looking forward to going again. I like this piece, but I don't remember it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara! It was too cold to share much I think.
DeleteThe shadow work is gorgeous...and may I say you have a very lively lawn going on there. Love how you got all that ochre into it.
ReplyDeleteWant to go back too! Barlow is so interesting.
Ha, a lively lawn, Thanks Liz! I want to find that area you video'd.
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