Bonjourno!
From the bustling laneways of Venice and Rome to the charming hills of Lake Como, Italy is a special place I cannot wait to return to. The soft colours of this country full of life will continue to provide endless inspiration, let's see what I've captured so far.
The autumn air is crisp, you've just stepped off a long train from Switzerland and you're slowly making towards the waters edge.
Suddenly the buildings pull back and you are greeted by blue skies and the clear waters of Lake Como.
It was my first taste of Italy, quite literally, and I remember the hot chocolate being served like molten pure chocolate with whipped cream on the side to lighten the dense flavour.
I remember wandering winding cobblestone lanes, discovering old churches and hidden shops. In fact I have a distinct memory of walking past an artist's shop as they painted and being amazed that it was their life to live and paint every day in a place like this.
Acrylic on Canvas
51cm x 51cm
$940
The old buildings fascinated me, there were just so many stories you could sense had lived in this place. You could spend a lifetime soaking in all the details.
I loved the terracotta roofs, the soft colours of the environment, it all sung in harmony.
Of the three places we stayed in Italy (Lake Como, Venice and Rome), this was my favourite. I think even as a child I knew that places that not only buzz with human energy but are also immersed in nature, those are the environments that I'm happiest in.
Suddenly you turn down a little street and for a moment there are no crowds of tourists.
Simply old architecture, locals going about their everyday lives and stories found in every detail your eye can capture.
The water gently ripples, reflecting the buildings above and a few boats float tethered to nearby buildings.
As I found all my experiences in Italy, Venice had a lived-in feel to it. With a bit of wear and tear on the buildings it certainly didn't feel dilapidated, rather it gave a warm and story-rich energy to the space.
Venice may have a million people passing through its streets but how often do we think about the stories of the people who live there each day? To us it's a magical foreign place, to them it is their home that they see through all the ups and downs and changes of the seasons.
Perhaps this is your reminder to find the spark of your home town and see it through a tourist's eyes.
Watercolour on paper
35cm x 20cm
$165