Connie Mack Stadium painting

March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 | jennifer barrile

This commissioned painting of Connie Mack Stadium was an interesting request and a fun challenge for me.

The ballpark was located in Philadelphia, originally named Shibe Park it opened in 1909, later in 1953 it was renamed Connie Mack Stadium. The ballpark was home to The Philadelphia Athletics and Phillies. A few years after the stadium closed the building was finally demolished in 1976.

Research on the history of the ballpark began my process. Family members including neighbors old enough to remember the stadium filled me with interesting stories, and fond memories. The painting became even more special, as I grew to know the history, and the stories this building held.

The beginning, drawing stage.

Painting begins: Acrylic paint on cold press watercolor paper.

Close up view: this building held many many windows!

My dad had a few memories at this ballpark, one in particular occurred on the day he attended the last baseball game played in that stadium on October 1, 1970. He amusingly recalled the last play of the 10th inning, ( Phillies defeated the Montreal Expos) the seat he was sitting in began to move abruptly. My dad surprisingly looked around, noticed the fans in the stadium removing the seats and grabbing anything in reach to take home a souvenir. The fans that day won a little piece of sports history.

The history of Shibe/Connie Mack Stadium

The Philadelphia Athletics history

Bleacher houses watching the game from outside the stadium. (loved looking at these old images!)

Under the boardwalk

September 29, 2022 | jennifer barrile

This artwork was inspired by a day trip with family to Atlantic city, New Jersey in July.

Recycled packaging cardboard was used to create two small works of art. I enjoy the challenge of working small and painting on different kinds of material.

The beach theme worked well with the ripple texture on the surface of the cardboard, it created a dreamy underwater feeling. The paintings measure 3 x 2.5 inches. The brown hue of the cardboard was the base color for sand and boardwalk, graphite was used to define edges including shaded areas. The sky and ocean is painted in shades of blue, green and white. The entire cardboard (front, back & sides) was sealed in a clear matte finish.

I was excited about the results of this creative exploration, the painting worked well on this material.

The images that inspired the paintings

You can view these paintings along with 11 of my other miniatures exhibiting at Off The Wall Gallery at Dirty Franks in Philadelphia.. The 2022 MIDSUMMER INVITATIONAL continues through October 7, 2022.

Explore Atlantic City, NJ

Thank you for visiting!

Reflection of inspiration

February 27, 2020 | jennifer barrile

The pursuit.

My favorite pastime is browsing antique shops and thrift stores looking for unique items, especially frames that will inspire a new creation. During one of my thrifting adventures, I discovered a small golden mirror. The mirror was in great condition and perfectly suited for experimenting.

About a week later I finally decided to paint directly onto the mirror.

A photograph captured during one of my visits to Norristown Farm Park, with family was the inspiration for the mirror. It is always a pleasure to be out in nature, walking the trails and exploring the beautiful surroundings.

Photograph captured by my daughter using a Canon Rebel T7

My process:

I painted directly onto the lower portion of the mirror using acrylic paint and allowing for the top of mirror to be exposed. Short strokes with thin layers of acrylic paint was the key to painting on this surface. When completed the artwork was sealed with a clear finish.

I was pleased with the look and feel of artwork, it was as if this mirror was made for this image.

A painting feels that much more special when adorned with a unique frame.

This little gem made a debut at my recent art exhibit for the month of February and excited to say it has recently sold! Yay! Glad the art will be heading off to a new home.