Today's Painting "Eldorado" by Gordon van Vliet

Today's Painting is one I created on a carved sugar pine panel back in 1979. Originally this piece was constructed as a pair of carved doors on a cabinet featuring dovetail construction, zebrawood shelving and a velvet lined interior. After a house fire in the early 1980's the doors were fastened together, then a small amount of re-carving and re-painting were also accomplished.

The image represents the fabled city of "Eldorado" which the Europeans were sure existed in South America as the source of the natives gold. It was never found, but its legend continued. In the center of the image, below the waterfall, can be seen the mist of the rising from the powerful falls, like a ghost of the past. Like a ghost some believe the legend is true. And the treasure hunt continues.

The sugar pine panel measures 1-1/8"T x 27-1/2"W x 35-1/2"H. It was hand carved and painted with fine oil paints and stains. Varnish protection. There is about 1" at the bottom of the panel with additional tree roots that is not visible in this image due to cropping. About forty hours work.

Eldorado by: Edgar Allen Poe

Gayly bedight, A gallant knight, In sunshine and in shadow, Had journeyed long, Singing a song, In search of Eldorado. But he grew old, This knight so bold, And o'er his heart a shadow Fell as he found No spot of ground That looked like Eldorado. And, as his strength Failed him at length, He met a pilgrim shadow: ``Shadow,'' says he, ``Where can it be, This land of Eldorado?'' Over the Mountains Of the Moon, Down the Valley of the Shadow, Ride, boldly ride,'' The shade replied, ``If you seek for Eldorado!''

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