For many years, I have dreamed of Painting in Venice
Well I made that dream come true in April. 2018
I was very determined not to study the Venetian paintings of JMW Turner or John Singer Sargent, before I went. As I did want to look for my own vantage points, so I decided to just let myself roam and discover them myself. This way, I found some super views just dying to be painted, and almost by accident.
How did I start?
I had spoken to friends recently back from their own Venice painting trip fresh with advice and enthusiasm. So I packed my oil painting gear, into one bag. My clothes and everything else went into another cabin bag.
What equipment did I take?
My equipment for painting in Venice was exactly the same as I use every other day. I took a size 10″ x 12″ pochade box containing about 12 tubes of paint, 2 reds, 3 yellows, 3 blues. Also included were some earth colours, unbleached titanium, burnt sienna, van dyke brown, and titanium white.
A palette knife, about 4 brushes, a small jar for solvent and a brush cleaning pot (empty). Solvent can’t be taken on a plane as it is too flammable, but pigments (paints), are fine. I did take the precaution to include manufacturers data sheets giving their flashpoints, etc.
I also took a camera tripod, and some kitchen roll in lieu of rags. Twelve Daler canvas boards, and my home made wet panel carrier.
Choosing a simple hotel near to the waterbus (alilaguna) stop at Ospedale, in a quiet part of Venice, was a great idea. It was about 15 mins walk from San Marco and the Art shop, where I could buy solvent, as soon as they opened the next day.
Thereafter each day I would go out after breakfast find a spot in the shade and start painting in Venice After a lunch stop, often a slice of freshly made pizza, and a cold drink. I would wait while the sun is too hot, and there are no shadows. Later, I would find for my next subject.
Painting in Venice is fabulous
Luckily, Venice has plenty of subjects, round every corner are fresh surprises. What a delight! Usually, I’d find a shady spot, hopefully with an uninterrupted view and not too busy with passing tourists. My painting afternoon was now assured.
Experience says that 2 to 3 hours is ample time to complete each painting at this size, and my reward came each evening with a meal under an umbrella and a glass of Soave or Prosecco.
On this trip I managed to complete nine oil paintings and some sketches of the gondoliers. Quite tricky as they deftly wove about the narrow canals laden with happy customers. Speed was essential.
Here are some of my paintings, which can be seen here in my online Gallery!
Next time I’ll show you my equipment and oil painting set up!
Till then, enjoy the summer!