Painting Ponte Chiodo, The "Nail Bridge", Venice 2024

 

One last plein-air piece in Venice right before we left to come back to Umbria.

Johnny has painted this scene before, as it's close to the apartment we stay in, and also a good subject matter.

This bridge, named Ponte Chiodo, or "The Nail Bridge", is famous for being one of only two bridges without railings in Venice. It's a private bridge that leads to a home. 

That being said, there seems to always be someone standing on it while having their photo taken. Johhn y painted it from the next bridge down the canal...

We headed out pretty early in the morning to avoid the crowds that can often come to this particular spot...

This will be another painting for the show in August at The Carmel Art Association.

Hope to see you there!

Jim Dine, Venice 2024

One of the collateral shows this year at the Venice Biennale is artist Jim Dine at the Palazzo Rocca.

We were unaware of this show happening, but pleased to see posters around town letting us know it was going on.

The exhibition is well worth a visit. Some classic pieces are on view, including paintings and sculptures...

Jim Dine is known for his "Heart" paintings, as well as many other works.

Another very well known series...

On point for the state of the world today, eh?

One of his self portraits...

As always during the Biennale, it's fabulous to see these contemporary pieces in an old, lovely palazzo.

We liked this piece a lot...

A close up of the previous painting...

There were several of these large paintings with copper tubing.

Johnny didn't like this, but Janelle did.

Yet another self portrait.

This gives you an idea of the size.

 It's an interesting show, and we were glad to see it.

Painting on the Island, Torcello

We are back in Umbria now, but still looking back to our wonderful time in Venice.

We didn't know that Pope Francis (yeah...THAT guy) was going to be making a stop in Venice last Sunday, the 28th of April. 

Luckily, we saw some signs around town the day or two before, and decided to get the heck out of Venice proper and head out to the nearby islands of Burano and Torcello. We caught an early morning water taxi and spent the day walking around in peace and quiet, stopping to paint, as well.

Painting on the island of Torcello...

Lucky for us, it was a stunningly gorgeous day!

 

Can't wait to show this and many more small plein-air paintings I've done here in Italy at my upcoming show at the Carmel Art Association this August.

For information, contact :

Carmel Art Association

Willem De Kooning at The Accademia in Vence

Yesterday we visited The Gallerie dell'Accademia, here in Venice.

Thankfully, we had done some research, and saw that there was an exhibition of Willem De Kooning works. De Kooning is maybe Johnny's all time favorite artist. What a special treat to have the chance to see this show.

There were large scale paintings, as well as works on paper and sculptures. 

One very happy Artist!

Enjoy...I'm just going to post the photos I took....

One of the works on paper...

These sketches, below...they are ideas pertaining to the sculptures. Finding a way to breakdown the form and recreate it.

This refers to the painting below.
It was one of my favorites.

In one room, there are several small sculptures with the big paintings. A great combination.

One of a few larger sculptures.
This is "The Clam Digger"

 

 

Last, but not least...

If you find yourself in Venice....