Dreaming of the Sun
I am writing this in the middle of the grey, dismal English winter. And it is just this kind of dreary midwinter dullness which makes me think of my favourite place. In the summer I almost always go down to Puglia, one of the most beautiful warm sunny seaside places in Italy. It’s a simple life there, always going to the seaside, living in the sunshine looking at the beautiful azure Mediterranean Sea.
Paint Where You Are
So sometimes I feel like ‘well, I am here so I will paint here’. So I bring my little sketchbook to the beach and my watercolour paints to the seaside. And looking around, I begin to paint all people around me. There is an endless collection of subjects to paint. It is like the perfect life drawing session. So many types of bodies – large, small, tanned, and pale.
A Life Drawing Class
Many people of all descriptions – some sitting, some running, some swimming. It is absolutely wonderful to observe the many ways that people relate to each other physically – the old friends talking at the edge of the sea, the lovers rubbing oil on each other, the large families in the shade of large umbrellas eating their lunch together. It is better than a life drawing class.
And best of all, the Italians don’t seem to be modest or shy in any way. In fact, they usually come up to me and give me expert criticism and suggestions. It is a pleasurable experience for all.
Summer Sun in Winter
And so, while I look outside and look at the grey skies, the barren trees, and the wet and muddy ground, I think of those lovely summer days on the south Italy coast.
If the idea of having a little sunshine in the midwinter appeals to you, perhaps you would like to own one of these drawings to keep you warm.
I have decided to make all of the images here and a few more besides, available for purchase in small editions at a very reasonable price. If this appeals to you, head on over to the online shop and treat yourself to one of the prints there. The link is here at Italy and Sea.