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.
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!
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.
It's so wonderful to be staying in the countryside. Fifteen minutes in any direction allows for a multitude of opportunities to do some plein-air painting.
There isn't much traffic, and there are loads of good views. This past week we had some major wind and even a little rain.
Johnny set up to paint on this day, and a little weather came through soon after he started...
Getting set to paint.
As always, there is lots of stuff to arrange. It takes time to just get ready.
He was able to get started by sketching in with paint...
You can't tell here, but the clouds came in fast and we had to pack it up and wait out the rain!
At least he got the piece started, but soon after this shot we packed it up and went home to wait out the weather. We came back later to finish up and start another painting.
Weather here changes fast here!
When we came back, he finished up the first painting and started on another, below.
The views in this particular area are beyond beautiful...After the winds and rain, it really got clear.
Fantasy views!
With a day like this, he went ahead and painted a third work. You have to take advantage of these perfect days. Clear, calm and beautiful.
Love the color combination and repetition of forms...
Fast and loose.
Almost done...
This is one happy Artist!
Cleaning up the palette to finish the day's work.
Back home in the studio, Johnny preps several panels. We're heading to Venice soon, and he'll be painting there.
