Painting a Favorite "Lady of the Field"

There is a particular old ruin nearby that Johnny has painted before, and wanted to paint again this trip.

Back a week or so ago, we headed out mid morning. The weather was really perfect, and he was happy to set up and get started-

I took this from the passenger seat...just because.

There are several old ruins out in this area. It's easy to find a spot to pull over along the dirt road and get started.

Fields are freshly turned now.

It's a nice subject to paint.

We would like to know what this ruin was, way back when.

Not a bad spot to work.

While Johnny painted, I took a nice walk all around that ruin. By the time I returned, he was almost finished with the small piece.

 

If you want to read about my walk around the ruin, check it out here.

Painting In Piazza San Marco

Setting up to paint in Piazza San Marco. That's about it...and actually painting.

We went in the afternoon, tucked into a corner where people didn't bug Johnny, and he did his thing.

It was terribly noisy, as he was next to a construction site, but otherwise, all was good.

I will just let the photos do the talking...

 

More Painting in Venice, Including a Special Place

Feeling really grateful to be spending some good time in Venice. Johnny has been able to paint a few pieces.

The weather has been good for painting, which is always a question...we plan these trips months in advance, so we never know what to expect.

A couple of days ago, we headed out early again to hike across town to a favorite spot we know from the classic TV series featuring Commissario Brunetti. Based on the Donna Leon books. 

Anyway... many years ago, we stumbled upon the spot that is the Commissario's offices in the TV show. It's an unusual place way off the beaten track.

A good spot to set up and paint.

In the morning, there is no one around.

If you have seen the series, you know this spot!

It's the back of the Pallazzo Gritti on Campo della Confraternità.

The columns were designed by G.A. Pigazzi.

Johnny really wanted to paint this spot.
And what a perfect morning to do it.

 

Later that day, after tromping all over the islands, Johnny stopped to paint again along the far end of the Grand Canal. It was a very clear day, which have been few and far between. It's been warm, but quite hazy. 

This was a crystal clear afternoon.

St. Mark's Square way back there...

So it begins.

Another fast and loose painting.

I think knowing when to stop is the key.

I like this one very much.

More to come. 

Painting In Venice

 

The weather is near perfect in Venice right now. It warms up mid day, so we've been trying to get out early for Johnny to paint some iconic scenes. Also, there are not as many people around. It is really busy with travelers, for sure.

Johnny has been hauling around his "pared-down" painting kit daily, setting up here and there...I try to help as much as he'll let me!

We pass this bridge on the way to and from the apartment we are staying in. It is famous for being the only bridge in Venice without railings.

Reading up on it, I found out that the bridges were built without railings until the 18th century...

"Ponte del Chiodo"

Johnny sets up to paint where he is out of the way.

Color and reflection...

Still in progress.

On another day, early in the morning, we set out for the Rialto Bridge.

Finding a good spot with some shade and off to the side.

Johnny wanted to paint from an unusual perspective.

I enjoyed being in this spot early. The shops on the bridge weren't even open yet, so there were just a few people around.

It was really noisy, though. All the delivery and work boats were cruising the Grand Canal. I didn't make any videos. It was that loud!

Sketching in the scene.

I like the blue boat!

He will do some touch up back in the studio.

Painting In Cortona

Most folks who travel to Italy know Cortona. It's a village made more than famous by the book "Under The Tuscan Sun", as well as by a movie by the same name.

We go to Cortona to walk and buy art supplies at the tiny but mighty little bookstore/art supply store in the center of town. It's about a thirty minute drive, and we enjoy walking around the walls and having a glass of Proseco afterwards.

Johnny normally doesn't paint here, but he decided to bring the kit and set up right in the main piazza.

Along our walk, Johnny set up his kit to paint in town.

Colors are in order!

We walked all around the outer walls of the village, then settled in to enjoy a glass of wine, and paint.

I had the wine, Johnny painted.

Painting the town square...This would be like our City Hall...

Nice, because not too many people around.

Another fast and loose piece.
This one came together like magic.

Almost finished.

Now Johnny can have a sip of wine!