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. 

First Oil Painting Italy/2016

  My 'Car Trunk Studio'. Panels purchased in Rome, great art supply store near the Pantheon,

  "Poggi g. Ditta", a favorite stop for me.

   Also bought somethings in Florence at "Zecchi" art supply. Another favorite.

  Cardboard box from the local alimentari (small shop that sells all things), home made panel holders I made from cardboard and tape. Every useful cigar box. Good to go.

  It's been almost too cold to paint outdoors, but had to get started.

  Found a pull out on a country road with a great view of an old castle/tower.

Started with a pencil sketch.
So happy to bring my paint box from home
for the first time.

Old paint becomes a bed for new paint.

  The grey day and cold weather informed my color choices for this day's work.

Janelle takes the photos. I paint.
A good collaboration.

Pure magic.

Building up the image.

Getting acquainted anew with my art supplies.
I leave all these here with friends.
New blue smock from the local farm center.

First painting done.

Art Supplies In Rome

  

  Over the last few trips, I have found that it's better and just more fun to buy supplies here in Italy.  I have been to this great "old school" art supply store in Rome before, and was happy to go again.

  Ditta G. Poggi on Via del Gesu, near the Pantheon, is small and filled tight with everything an artist might need. 

Small, but has all things needed.

Oils, acrylics, guoches and watercolors....and more.

  Since I know I'll be able to shop more in Umbria, I only bought brushes and some other small stuff. We still have a train connection and some serious hiking with large heavy bags before reaching Panicale.

  I'll stop into the local hardware/paint supply store, MAF, close to where we stay, and also want to check out this big art supply store in Deruta I was told about last year. So, here in Rome, I stick to the small easily packable stuff.

Buckets and buckets of brushes make me swoon.

I can't help it when I see brushes, I must buy them.

Deciding is difficult. I want them all.

   I'll get the big cans of this stuff at MAF, but I still think the shelves all full look great.

  I guess there are many artists in Rome, and there must be several "tradizionale" types that still make their own paint by hand. The shelves of powdered color are a real throwback, and I love to see this.

Candy Colors.

  

I look forward to putting these brushes to work, and settling in to whatever it is I will create this year while in Umbria. 

  I will just let the Umbrian landscape inspire me, casually/non-casually. 

  

 Stay tuned.

At the check-out counter.