Venice: Secrets of the lagoon
Venice is the only city I've visited that has barely changed. When you view paintings from 300 years ago or more, it all looks as it does today. You can view a Canaletto and then 'be' in that painting on your next visit.
This black series was originally inspired by night-time Winter wanderings through Venice but as with the red, the use of black was not a conscious decision. Perhaps the darkness reflects Venice's decaying beauty: a melancholic Grande Dame, with hidden secrets, or my own preference for shadows, finding a strange comfort in the dark. But upon later reflection, I believe that the black - especially the skies - represent oppression, and the glaring lack of people relates to a feeling of aloneness, since these were completed during the Covid-19 outbreak and consequent lockdown.
Some of the pieces were started around 2017 but not finished until 2020
Some of the pieces were started around 2017 but not finished until 2020
GUARDIANS OF THE LAGOON
Watercolour, charcoal, pastel, gold acrylic on paper - 40cm x 60cm 2017
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The Red Room
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Watercolour on paper - 2020
There is a certain loneliness to this piece which I identify with.
There is a wrought iron gate barring the way and a sense that whatever is on the other side is out of reach.
To the right there is a dimly lit room with curtains drawn - nobody knows what is happening inside and maybe it's best not to know.
I believe this reflects part of my inner self - not fully understanding who I am or a need to conceal my true nature from others or even myself.
The image is quite cramped too as though being 'boxed in' ... feeling restrained.
There is a wrought iron gate barring the way and a sense that whatever is on the other side is out of reach.
To the right there is a dimly lit room with curtains drawn - nobody knows what is happening inside and maybe it's best not to know.
I believe this reflects part of my inner self - not fully understanding who I am or a need to conceal my true nature from others or even myself.
The image is quite cramped too as though being 'boxed in' ... feeling restrained.
untitled
Watercolour, pastel, charcoal on paper - 2020
Coven
Watercolour, gold acrylic, charcoal, gouache on paper - 2020
It occurred to me after I'd finished this that the gondolas seem like animate objects huddled together for warmth and comfort.
And I gave the title 'Coven' because with them being black they are like witches at a gathering...waiting for some ritual to begin.
And I gave the title 'Coven' because with them being black they are like witches at a gathering...waiting for some ritual to begin.
