Italian scenes painted in 2022.
An exploration of what might be, finished from the heart of a memory.
Last days of summer, October 29, and still the sun beats down. Mornings are full of swirling mist.
A quick sketch made in the morning as the mist leaked back to share the day.
Evelyna’s voice still whispers in my ear: “one more painting, for soon all will be gone.” One day these paintings maybe all that’s left of her dream.
Main Barchesse entrance at Villa Pisani
Lemons were one of the main reasons for building this Villa Pisani 500 years ago, so at least one should have a featuring roll in a drawing.
Something very strange happens when visiting Villa Pisani, shadows soften, Claudio brings coffee, and nothing has changed since the last time I was here.
Once upon a time I was told "lemon trees and roses; find them and be happy." After recent rain the lemons at Villa Pisani are plump and yellow.
Under the pergola, Villa Pisani Bolognesi Scarabin
Do gardens have ghosts? As trees grow, do they whisper: “shh, this is what she wanted.”
Formal Garden at Villa Pisani Bolognesi Scarabin
At the far side of the terrace at Villa Pisani is a barchesse, from where an earlier drawing was made (Into the Sunshine).
This project has been about one woman’s love affair with her garden. Evelyna had a passion that has become mine.
Formal Garden at Villa Pisani, Sketch
The terracotta walls change softly in the afternoon sun,
The cat and I sat watching sunlight move across flag stones. On the breeze Evelyna whispers: your time is almost over. The cat purrs in agreement.
When walking from the English Garden back to Villa Pisani there is a moment where worlds collide. This is the rose garden.
Villa Pisani through the Rose Garden
Just before a storm there is an intensity to colours in Italy. Shadows darken and deepen to indigo and violet.
Villa Pisani garden from the front entrance
On a hot afternoon, at Villa Pisani, time stops.
A set of illustrative sketches painted on a hot August morning at Villa Pisani.
Hot August morning at Villa Pisani
An end of days thunderstorm had me ask what will I leave behind? These paintings are a remembering that will say Villa Pisani was loved.
Villa Pisani Gates through Trees
Ivy covers Villa Pisani like thick green petticoats that hang down the front of the hose, hunched up without ceremony.
The first visit to Villa Pisani stays with you. As you walk up to the towering gates there is a sense of time having stood still.
Entrance Gates to Villa Pisani
This sentinel guards a huge patch of lavender, in the garden at Villa Pisani, that is slowly being destroyed by the heat.
The theatre entrance at Villa Pisani along with the rest of the theatre is buried deep in the English garden.
Theatre Entrance at Villa Pisani
The Barchesse at Villa Pisani have a similar sense of calm to the cloisters in churches and cathedrals; without thought your voice is lowered.
The stone peacocks in the gardens at Villa Pisani Bolognesi Scalabrin reflect Countess Evelyna's love of Turkey and time spent in Constantinople.
Villa Pisani Peacock and Loggia
A painting I needed to paint. Sometimes a moment speaks and it haunts you.
Duchess Evelyna replaced the entrance stairs at Villa Pisani with a loggia, now covered in vines.
An experiment with shadows, colours, patina and a new shape of canvas, at Villa Pisani.
Evelyna, wife of the last Duke Pisani, filled the Doges farm with life.
A moment in shadows at the Doges farm (Villa Pisani).
A majestic house with porticoes is not what 20th century eyes would expect for the Doge's farm.
Villa Pisani, home to magical gardens and rich deep shadows that swallow the afternoon sun.
Villa Pisani Bolonesi Scalabrin is the most glorious of places, with a garden to die for and frescos in every room. It is the stuff of fairy tales and dreams.
Storm clouds will gather across the lagoon and dystopian rain will fall. A view from the Doge's palace.
Curiosity leads to experiments, pushing boundaries and learning.
Rain and spring growth lead to intoxicating colours that are so sharp they cut your soul to its being. Another experiment, this time with knives.
Texture lurks in shadows and windows hide secrets.
The light in Italy and the endless shadows that drift across the landscape grab the tired soul.
When I was young fields were always waist high with corn and poppies.
With spring come poppies in the hedgerows and astonishing bird song.
The first of it's kind.
New Light on an Iconic building.
Trip on the grand canal.
Gondolas moored on the grand canal
Corner of reflections in a city of water.
Designed by Palladio, rebuilt by love.
Ponte Vecchio, Bassano del Grappa
Winter Sunset.
The Duamo Cremona.
