September 13, 30 in 30

Day 13, 30 painting in 30 day
hosted by Leslie Saeta.

I think some paintings have a life of their own. They let you know when they're done. Sometimes they aren't ready and they need to be put away for awhile. Sometimes they get forgotten.

Today's work is such a painting. Over a year ago I was inspired by a technique I found in a watercolor magazine. I liked it but I just wasn't quite ready to finish it and I moved on. Recently, a friend of mine went to Florence and through her phone was able to share her trip with me as it unfolded. What a thrill it is to see real time videos of the music and happenings of Piazza della Signoria!  It brought the trip my husband and I took several years ago back to mind. And as I walked into my studio one day, there it was. This painting waiting for the right time. Waiting to be penned. I wasn't even sure if I could find the photograph that was used for the painting. But there it was, patiently waiting, in my store of photos under Europe.

So today's painting was several years in the making but I am so grateful to it. With it, I was able to travel back to the banks of the Arno on an evening Mark and I enjoyed a walkabout. On top of the hill you can see a bit of Piazzale Michelangelo.

Florence, Along the Arno

Watercolor on heavy Watercolor Paper

11.5" x 17.75"

$155 + S&H

Buy Me Now

 

Day 27, Pen and Watercolor, Lunch with a View

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Lunch with a View

Pen and Watercolor

8 x 10

$65

When we went to Florence we had the tiniest of rooms at Hotel Medici. In fact, my husband was able to lay across  the bed and touch both the walls with his hands and feet. But this hotel was located 3 blocks from the Duomo, Piazza della Republica, and from Plazzo Vecchio. We were stunned when we went up on the roof for the first time. The view was breathtaking. I think we only went out to eat once or twice. We much preferred to pick something up and go to the roof. Sometimes we were the only ones up there. Certainly a hotel worth returning to.

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 11, Oils, Orange Tree

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Orange Tree

Oils, with pallet knife

8 x 10

$55

This is a tree we found in Florence as we were walking to the Pitti Palace. I loved the pealing paint on the walls and the oranges peaking through the foliage. I have kept this photograph for several years now knowing that one day I would paint it. That's one of the great things about a 30 in 30. The opportunity is there to paint all those pictures you haven't had time to or to try all those new techniques that inspired you.

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu. Please note that oils take a few weeks to dry. I won't be sending this painting out until it is dry and varnished.