Work Continues. Umbria, Spring 2023

 

Johnny has been working both in the studio and in the field. The weather has been up and down, so when we have a nice day of sun without winds, he'll usually take advantage and do some plein-air work.

This past week, he spent quite a bit of time drawing, as well. He'll do drawings on site, make notes about light and color, then add watercolor or gouache later at home, or sitting in one piazza or another.

The painting below was done late afternoon one day this week. Johnny walked out into the field below the village, set up his kit and did his thing.

I love to watch the process...it always starts out so loose.
This is oil on wooden panel. Wooden panels were bought in Rome.

Trying to get it done before the clouds change the beautiful light.
Always a problem!

The late afternoon sun brings out shapes and shadows.

Painting fast, with purpose.

Almost finished.

A very short video of the scene.

On another sunny day, we drove to a favorite spot for some drawing. Johnnyn has painted here several times over the years. These old 'ruins' are wonderful subjects.

It's all about shape and light.

Later, he sets up in the very quiet piazza to add color to this piece. It changes quite a bit, as you'll see in these photos.

Note the notes...

Not there yet...

This little piece goes through a total color change, and he removes the background hills, too. 

He wants a simple, but bold graphic design. He's been doing several of these simplified compositions, playing with color and design. 

Day Trip To Florence

One of the first 'day trips' we make once we are settled here in Umbria, is to Florence. Johnny likes to buy his canvas from a small art supply store here. He already had bought some panels to paint while we were in Rome, and he also bought supplies already in Cortona.

Over the years, he's learned which shops have what he needs. Somethings here, something else there...it's nice to have a few good options.

Here in Florence he'll visit Rigacci as well as Zecchi, but today it was only Rigacci.

Johnny gets excited to see all the canvas on offer...

Loading up on more paint. And more panels.

 

Catching a photo of his canvas being cut to size.

On this beautiful day, he packed his kit to do some small plein-air pieces while we were in town. We took an early morning train, so we had the whole day to work and play.

Sketching in a favorite piazza after enjoying an espresso.

A favorite spot.

Visiting one of Johnny's favorite frescoes.
The artist is known as Pontormo.

After shopping for supplies and walking around town a little, we stopped for Johnny to paint. We were both surprised at how crowded Florence was on this Friday in March...but it was one of the nicest days in sometime, so everyone was out and about.

Getting set up, rustic style.

A bit of paint will do the job.

Sketching it in.

No one bothered us, though a few took photos. An Instagram moment in Florence, I guess...Johnny paints quickly, and we weren't there long. It was good light on the bridge and a perfect spot to paint.

I love the sky...

Loose and lovely...

Below is a short video, just to capture the scene.

Next stop, after a bite to eat, was the Piazza Santo Spirito. We made a visit to the Basilica, a beautiful church with a nice garden tucked away, then found a spot to sit so Johnny could paint the façade of this massive church.

First, a sketch.

That shape is everything...

A simple but not simple piece.

All in all, a good day's work and Johnny has what he needs to start some larger studio paintings.

Oh, I had to carry that roll of canvas blocks and blocks to the train station! 

You can follow Johnny on Instagram:

#johnnymackapodaca

Work Begins. Umbria, 2023

Much has happened in the 4 months we've been away from Umbria. The big change is the closing of the gallery back in California. We had planned to make this move for some time, and we are happy about the decision. Being here without the extra stress is wonderful. For both of us.

Johnny has been really looking forward to working here, both in his studio and out in the country side. He is planning on shipping home both large abstract paintings and a bunch of smaller plein-air pieces. We have a couple of side trips planned, so there may even be some plein-air work from Venice and Paris...fingers crossed.

On arrival, Johnny always takes stock of what he left here in the studio, and what he'll need to buy in the next week or so. He loves those first moments here...checking it all out...

The painting on the wall never made it back last trip.

Checking stuff out.

When we arrived last week, the weather wasn't the best, but it's March, so we;'re used to grey skies and cooler temps. Still, Johnny started sketching, and the sun has popped out here and there.

Stopping to sketch on a recent morning walk.

Taking photos for reference.

Usually, he'll do several sketches that get color later. These will have either watercolor or gouache added, or maybe not. Sometimes the sketches remain 'black & white'. They will be nice matted and framed at some point.

Adding color on a sunnier afternoon.

Sunday was lovely, so we planned on a drive around the area to set up for oil painting. The amount of stuff needed to paint plein-air takes up the entire trunk of the car!

Admittedly, it's not a huge trunk...but still.

Set up and ready to paint. 

These are very old stone walls that once surrounded this small village.
Johnny loves the history in this area.

A perfect day to paint outdoors.

A good start.

When we came back to the studio, Johnny continued working on this piece. He decided to take out the olive tree. He feels this makes a more dramatic composition.

He thinks it's done now.

 

That large oil painting that was never sent back last year...he's already reworking it...

Johnny's larger abstract paintings are now represented by Westbrook Modern in Carmel, CA.

The smaller plein-air paintings will be represented through us, as well as The Carmel Art Association in Carmel, CA

Follow Johnny on Instagram: #johnnymackapodaca