Ah, Roma!

Beneath the Umbrellas (Rome), 2008 Original oil on stretched canvas 9" x 12" Private Collection ______________________________________ 

Last October I enjoyed a fabulous 16-day trip to Italy, with three dear friends and two of their friends. 

Our trip was planned and organized, with every detail taken care of, by Daniela Ford, our "tour guide." Among her various credentials: Daniela speaks 7 languages, is a student of history, art history, politics, and many other subjects, an excellent driver, patient, and good natured to boot. We all enjoyed a grand time and became fast friends. 

Our trip began in Rome, where we spent a few days seeing the sites and becoming addicted to lattes and gelatis. I loved just walking and riding around the city, looking at the architecture, the fountains, the doorways and window balconies; stepping into the wonderful shops full of real antiques, delectable foods, fancy leather goods; and seeing a plethora of tiny cars, "Smart" cars and mini-trucks winding through the streets. 

One of my favorite things to notice were the "umbrella trees" along the hilltops, in the parks, and among the Roman ruins. I took several photos; and when I began painting again a few months later, this painting I am posting today was one of the first completed in my "Italian Series." 

What artists have always said about Italy is true: The light there is beautiful. Thanks for taking a moment to read today's post and see this painting. Have a good day. ________________________________________________ 

Text, images, and artwork ©Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Painting from Travel Photos

"Shanghai Goldfish" 2005
Oil, alkyd on canvas
Original: 30" x 36"

––––––––––––––––––––––––––

While I do enjoy working "live" in the studio, I am quite aware of the limitations of painting only from direct observation. Things change, even indoors: flowers die, fruit rots, the light varies from day to day. Painting outdoors is even more challenging, with shifts in light and shadow, wind, cloud drifting, and weather moving in. So having a camera to capture the way something looks "right now" is very useful for completing paintings.

One of those times when having a camera handy is when one is traveling.

Shanghai Goldfish was developed from a photograph I took in 2000 at at tea house in China. We were on our way out the door when the goldfish in the Chinese porcelain bowl caught my eye. A quick snapshot made this painting a possibility. Without the photo, the idea for the painting would have vaporized into a forgotten memory from the trip. It still took 5 years for the idea to crystalize in my mind as an image to paint. I was glad that I had the photo to keep the idea alive.

The original painting is for sale, along with a giclée on stretch canvas (various sizes) in limited edition, and an open edition art print. Email me for additional purchase information.

Thanks for coming along and looking at my painting.

Have a great day. See you Friday.
__________________________________________________
Text, image, and painting ©Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.