(some pics didn’t upload, trying to fix)
I’ll say it again, I never thought I could draw these huge panoramic scenes, they were way too ambitious for me. This class showed me it was possible. I learned so much about color, shading, on-page blending, perspective, scale, limited palette…
This was the most spectacular location I’ve ever painted. The mornings and evenings in the quiet village were crisp and clear, like the Southern California deserts. The breeze, the quiet, the slight sounds, the church bell tolling 100 times at 7am and 7pm. The other villages on the far ridges could be seen perfectly, no smog or haze. The restaurants all very good. I had lamb several times – superb. Lambrusco every night.
Looking back towards Bagnoregio
Our group was pretty special too – all highly motivated, all social, we started having happy hours every night, very interesting conversations, and long boozy companionable dinners. We were in our own little world for a week; we had gone off-planet. Sitting here in Bologna recalling that visit seems like a world away.
The week flew by and a week later I struggle to recapture the art making lessons we learned. It takes time to integrate. Fortunately we were able to find the specific brushes Stephanie recommended in our next towns. I have like nine+ art books now, it’s insane, I bought them in Florence and Bagnoregio and Bologna. Showing people my Italy art will be a logistical impossibility. I’m going to have to buy another suitcase, I’ve finally come to terms with that.
One of the things I love about travel is you end up falling in love with the places and countries you visit and forever they hold a special place in your heart and you love the people that live there. The most educational and broadening thing you can do, bar none, is travel. All the places in the world are all so special and unique, this one is special too.
– Coda –
Truth be told I was a bit nervous exiting the walled city as I’ve learned the hard way just how unpredictable Italy transportation can be. But this time the booth lady actually told me which bus to take. (When I arrived and asked which bus goes to the Duomo, she vaguely motioned outside towards the horde of multiple busses swarmed with people, no signs or ines anywhere.) Italians are never so helpful once they are realize you are leaving. On the sidewalk, us three English speaking groups, happy to find each other, chatted as we waited.
Trains in Europe are soooo easy, book a few days in advance, waltz on at the last minute, spacious seating, mostly quiet, wifi all the way. Fortunately I had a travel partner to show me the way to Bologna.
– Coda 2 –
Things to research:
– The sketching retreat
– Amaro etrusco
– Empress Grey tea, portnum-mason
– Katie Woodward. Liz steel, Nosrat the fat episode
– 1440.com
– Copic multiliner cool grey
