Travels

Brunelleschi's Dome - fresco designed by Vasari & Zucchari

Head of Medusa - Caravaggio

Lino cut - Fire extinguisher print

Harden, NSW - Bridge sketch

So as I stand here listening to Higher State of Consciousness by Josh Wink (Winx), an old track but one I'm still in awe of, as if I just heard it yesterday, I'm reflecting on the past few months since I last posted. Or I have been reflecting. I've decided it is time to stop thinking and just do what I need to do. Get on with it. To be honest, I have barely "done" much art lately.

In Italy, I saw some of the most amazing frescoes (particularly Brunelleschi's Dome in Florence - designed by Vasari and Zucchari), paintings, had a conversation with an Italian artist in Italy, Verdirosi, when all I could speak was 5 words of Italian and somehow I understood his theme, what his work was about. I also saw some of the most amazing scenery and things so old, that I am astounded with the care and love of craftsmanship that these buildings and monuments are still standing. I have gained a new love of Caravaggio's work. His Head of Medusa (above), which was on exhibition on the Uffizi gallery in Florence of course blew me away. Some of the facial expressions he has in his paintings are completely unexpected; take Boy Bitten for a Lizard for example. I bought a number of art books I have to read.

And yes, I am finally getting my act together and going to work through a painting book to improve my technical skills. Which I will post as I go. When I got back from my travels I did a weekend course on lino printing (I like colour so chose the red fire extinguishers). I also did a few hours quick sketching in Harden, in New South Wales (I liked the bridge). I've got some art courses coming up early this year which I am very much looking forward to. Apologies for the long ramble of this post, but something in me wanted to speak so speak I must!