caserta PROJECT
I loved so many things about the Reggia di Caserta.
It's incredibly ornate, gilding everywhere, all very opulent.
I was fascinated by the variety of antique chairs.
The collection based on this visit will be larger but for now I have these two.
It's incredibly ornate, gilding everywhere, all very opulent.
I was fascinated by the variety of antique chairs.
The collection based on this visit will be larger but for now I have these two.
Private. Keep Out!
Caserta Palace, Naples. 2019. Never exhibited. Watercolour, gouache, pastel on Arches 300gsm hot pressed cotton paper. Size: 47cm x 33cm
I tend to compose images through my camera lens rather than later in the studio and was immediately drawn to the simplicity of the composition and tones of this scene.
The two chairs - one slightly larger and higher than the other, which we only see partially, positioned in front of a hidden door built into surrounding wood panelling
seem like body guards, there to keep people out.
I am intrigued by the realisation that even I - as the artist - don't know what goes on behind these doors...a theme that reappears in other of my paintings.
The two chairs - one slightly larger and higher than the other, which we only see partially, positioned in front of a hidden door built into surrounding wood panelling
seem like body guards, there to keep people out.
I am intrigued by the realisation that even I - as the artist - don't know what goes on behind these doors...a theme that reappears in other of my paintings.
Griffin Vultures
Caserta Palace, 2019. Naples. Never exhibited. Watercolour, gouache, pastel on Arches 300gsm hot pressed cotton paper. Size: 47cm x 33cm
I wasn't familiar with these birds of prey until after I'd painted this and had always wondered why there would be fictitious griffins on chairs near Naples,
but apparently this species lives in the Abruzzo-Lazio-Molise National Park and they are truly magnificent.
The aspects of this image that called to me were the gaudy colours, like something from a Victorian circus or fairground.
but apparently this species lives in the Abruzzo-Lazio-Molise National Park and they are truly magnificent.
The aspects of this image that called to me were the gaudy colours, like something from a Victorian circus or fairground.
