The Jaffa Gate Beckons (2025)Acrylic painting
by Andrew Reid Wildman

This painting depicts the Jaffa Gate, one of the historic entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem. The stone archway and surrounding fortified walls are rendered in warm, varied tones, with textured stonework that reflects centuries of wear. To the right of the gate, greenery softens the scene, and the clear blue sky above offers a serene contrast to the solidity of the architecture. The composition frames the gate prominently, emphasizing its historical presence and inviting stillness.

I painted this view in a realist style, focusing on architectural mass and the tactile surface of ancient stone. The brushwork is layered and measured, used to bring out the patina and form without ornamentation. The palette reflects the natural tones of the setting—sunlit limestone, dry earth, and open sky—treated with restraint. Though the scene is quiet, it evokes the sounds and scents around it: the call to prayer drifting over the rooftops, the aroma of cardamom coffee, the hooting of horns and the dry air infused with spice from nearby market stalls.

Texture has been added to create extra depth. The canvas is 0.5 inches deep and can therefore hang without a frame if wished.

Materials used:

cotton and wood canvas, acrylic paint, paper/card, glue, clear varnish gloss

Details:

• Acrylic painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 29.84 x 24.13 x 1.27cm (unframed) / 29.84 x 24.13cm (actual image size)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Photorealistic
• Subject: Architecture and cityscapes

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