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Many artists dream about painting in Italy. Now, as retiring baby-boomers are increasingly taking up “brush and pallet knife,” more than ever, painting in Italy is the “thing.” Every day, a new “Artist’s” tour of Italy crops up in travel sections of the newspaper and on the Internet. But there still remains a majority of artists who prefer to “go it alone.” They are independent in their artistic styles, and prefer to be independent regarding their travels in Italy . This blog intends to target these free spirited artists who still need guidance to the best places to paint, especially those idyllic gems that are little known and less traveled. Certainly, independent travelers who are not artists will also benefit from this blog.

With a few exceptions, this blog is not a guide to restaurants, lodging, rental cars, or shopping, (except for art supplies.)

Sprinkled among the posts are: my paintings, and a few Italian proverbs and poems written by notable Italian authors for whom I work as a translator.



Please visit my website to view my original art:

http://www.pamelaallegretto-franz.com/

Giclee prints of my paintings, ranging from greeting size to poster size, can be purchased at:

http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com/



Tuesday, September 22, 2015





BRIDGE OF SIGHS AND DREAMS


I have recently published a novel: Bridge of Sighs and Dreams. In addition to the general public, readers interested in Italian history and World War 2 history should enjoy this novel. Also, I believe this novel would be of special interest to artists, as the protagonist is a political cartoonist and portrait artist who uses her skill to help survive World War 2 Nazi occupied Italy.  The book is available in paperback and eBook at:
BookLocker.com,   Amazon.com , barnesandnoble.com, iTunes.com  and most other online bookstores. An excerpt is available at:  http://booklocker.com/books/8228.html
More information is available at:
Bridge of Sighs and Dreams


Below is a short description:

Nazi-occupied Rome sets the stage for Bridge of Sighs and Dreams, where the lives of two women collide in an arena of deception, greed, and sacrifice.  
Following an allied attack, Angelina Rosini flees to Rome from her bombed-out village and a ruthless Nazi officer bent on revenge. In Rome, the spirited portrait artist channels her creativity into the art of survival for herself and her young daughter. Unwilling to merely endure, and armed with ingenuity, wit, and unyielding optimism, she enters the shadow world of the Resistance where she zigzags through a labyrinth of compassionate allies and cunning spies. 

Meanwhile, Lidia Corsini quenches her lust for power and wealth by turning in Jews to the Nazi Police attaché with whom she has formed an alliance. Her spiral into immorality accelerates as swiftly as the Jewish population dwindles, and soon neither her husband nor her son is immune to her madness. 

Once Angelina discovers the consequences of Lidia’s greed, she conspires to put an end to the treacheries; but in doing so, she becomes the target of Lidia’s most sinister plot.


Bridge of Sighs and Dreams is a story of betrayal, dignity, and purpose that highlights the brutality toward Italian citizens, under both Mussolini’s Fascist regime and the Nazi occupation, and illustrates the tenacity of the human spirit.
Posted by Allegretto at 4:59 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

PAINTING IN ITALY/PAINTING ON ISCHIA








PAINTING ON ISCHIA



The Island of Ischia is located in the Mediterranean Sea 21 miles west of Naples. 
Also known as the Emerald Island, Ischia is bathed in radiant light and surrounded by luminous waters.  The island, studded with pine groves and ablaze in vibrant bougainvillea, poses abundant subject matter for artists. 
The easiest access is from Naples, where you can take a hydrofoil or ferryboat, depending whether or not you’re taking a car. Even though during the summer months traffic and parking can be a challenge, I recommend bringing a car to facilitate travel throughout the 18 square-mile island. 
If you spend the day painting in Forio, a favorite among artists, stay for sunset and witness the famous “green flash” over the Gulf of Gaeta. Even with a car, you’ll still be doing a fair amount of walking and hiking, so pack your art supplies on the light side and don’t forget to bring water and snacks. Note to oil painters: Dispose of your mediums responsibly. The Ischitani will slap a hefty fine on any artist who dumps turpentine or any other chemical medium no matter how minute the quantity.
Buon Viaggio!
The painting above is a watercolor of Sant’Angelo, which is joined to the “Mainland” of Ischia by a 300-foot-long lava and sand isthmus. The painting can be viewed at my website:
http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com




 

Posted by Allegretto at 4:06 PM 0 comments
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