Onward & Upward

“Onward & Upward” is much more than a commissioned painting. This is a painting done with as much full forward thinking as a new logo for any major corporation.  The Inn at Little Washington is both a 5 star Inn and culinary experience.  Few places anywhere in the world, much less the United States, hold this achievement or hold as many coveted awards, so you see, the painting had to be more than fun, it had to be a reflection of the first establishment to win both Mobil’s Travel Guide 5 Star and AAA’s 5 Diamond awards and one rated as one of the Top 10 Restaurants in the world.
The Inn, to be sure, is very much a team effort, but the team does rally to the vision of one man, Patrick O’Connell.  Patrick and the Inn are celebrating their 30th year, during which time they have delighted the palates of the rich and famous, the most discriminating food critics and the Queen herself. Needless to say, not just any painting would do!  
 
This image was not just the face of a birthday card.  It needed to be the hallmark of a man, through his vision, who would give anyone who cares to visit, the experience of a life time

and you must try it at least once while you’re alive, as I don’t think the food in heaven will be this good!
 
As you look at my gallery paintings and then look at this “Onward and Upward”, you’ll note a different style.  Actually, years ago all my paintings were done in this style and the switch is a long story, but the truth is, I like and work in more than one style and this style fit the personality of the Inn perfectly.  It is fun, it is . . . . whimsical sophistication.  
 
Unlike my oil landscapes, this painting is done in acrylic which works so well when detail and punchy colors are on order.  The paint and style though, are really a vehicle for the narrative.
 
Starting with a scale sketch, I created a story, the Inn’s story.  I then placed the sketch over the 30” X 40” stretched linen canvas and using transfer paper, transfered the story and design.  You may note in the photo, that while there may be one major sketch, there are smaller additional ones as well. The sketch is a road map for me, but I always let the painting take me where it wants to go. Often, things are added and others deleted for the good of the overall painting.
 
This painting is a story, a story of a fun place and fun people and it is filled with symbolism.  The 30 stars atop the balloon represent the Inn’s 30 years and so many awards.  They are placed on a hand designed patterned background, reminiscent of so many wonderful fabrics and designs found at the Inn.  This part of the balloon alone took days to complete, laying first the base coats, then the pattern, then the many deep wine red glazing coats to build up the rich color. This process is repeated throughout the painting.
 
Elsewhere you will find the Inn’s logo (the swan) and mascots (2 dalmatians) and the fleur de lys, of it’s prestigious Relais & Chateaux designation(part of the hunter green Inn banner). The enthusiastic staff waves, as Patrick himself pulls the lever for the balloon’s burner which is representative of Patrick’s first oven and off in the distance ..... capitol hill, the other Washington!
 
This project is the kind of project I love to do.  Through my paintings and projects like this, I am able to become part of something bigger than my creative self. It allows me to collaborate and create wonderful things with others.
 
There is little question of Patrick O’Connell’s imagination, creativity and vision, and the Inn at Little Washington’s success because of it, but perhaps his most special vision, is to be open to the idea’s of others, surround himself with talented people and direct their energy in a positive way.
 
                                                        Tom Neel
 
If you would like more information about Patrick O’connell and the Inn visit www.theinnatlittlewashington.com