Celebrating one year of plein air painting in the Ortigia peninsula, Sicily, Italy. Initially a quick covid escape turned into a one year long journey. Enhancing the Sicilian culture, Mediterranean colors and translating the slow pace lifestyle into a more classic approach to of painting. Moving to Sicily in the midst of worldwide lockdown gave the opportunity to really engage in the authenticity of local culture, away from any distractions. 

I visualize the local culture through the architecture and the way people live. The texture of the walls, the theatrical element in both the dramatic facades and the theater in which Sicilian people show themselves. The sun dictating the matter of warmth of the colors and the sharpness of the light, in contrast with the darkness from the shades.  The sense of warmth and cold form a dialogue to the beauty versus the drama that fills some of these same walls. With all malafide things seemingly invisible, but ever present.

Housing is small, live is centered to the streets and the outside world. It fits the Italian culture were the ‘acte the presence’ is the leading factor.