Posts
TAKING TIME OFF
To my loyal readers: I apologize for leaving you stranded in the Marches region of Italy (not that the Marches region would be such a bad place to be stranded).
Due to family issues, I have been away from my computer for over a month, and it’s looking like it may be another month before I can have access to a computer so that we can resume our trek up the boot.
To you new readers, please go back and enjoy our journey thus far, from Sicily up through Basilicata, Apulia, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples, Campania, Rome, Latium, Florence, Umbria, and Tuscany.
When I return, we will head up North to Liguria, Piemonte and Lombardia, the lake regions, the Dolomiti, the Veneto region and of course Venezia.
Best wishes and happy painting to you all.
Tanti auguri,
Ciao, Pamela
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
ITALIAN POETRY/LUCIANO SOMMA
I get excited each time I begin to translate a new poem by Luciano Somma. In honor of Mother’s Day I’d like to present three of Luciano’s poems in we feel the sentimental spirit of one of Italy’s foremost poets. His poem “IMMAGINI/IMAGES” can be found in his dual language poetry book: “L’ALBA DI DOMANI / TOMORROW’S SUNRISE.” It gave me great pleasure to write the English translations in this book as well as to paint the cover art for the book and CD.
You can view more of Luciano Somma’s poetry at:
http://www.partecipiamo.it/Poesie/Luciano_Somma/1.htm
http://www.scolastica2000.it/MUSICALMENTE/somma/somma.htm
Mi eccita ogni volta che inizio a tradurre una poema scritta da Luciano Somma. In onore delle festa della mamma vi presento tre delle sue poesie nella quale sentiamo lo spirito sentimentale d’un poeta molto noto in Italia. La sua poema “IMMAGINI” si può leggere anche nel suo libro L’Alba di Domani, nella quale mi ha fatto un grand piacere scrivere le traduzioni.
Si può trovare Luciano Somma a:
http://www.partecipiamo.it/Poesie/Luciano_Somma/1.htm
http://www.scolastica2000.it/MUSICALMENTE/somma/somma.htm
GRAZIE DI ESISTERE
Come sei bella mammina
nel tuo sorriso c'è il sole
vorrei trovare parole
per dirti quanto ti amo!
Come sei dolce la sera
quando carezzi il mio viso
io sfioro sai il Paradiso
e mi addormento felice.
Quanto sei cara al risveglio
quando mi baci la fronte
si apre un nuovo orizzonte
davanti agli occhi col giorno.
Grazie di esistere mamma
restami sempre vicino
guidami lungo il cammino
tu la mia luce sei vita.
Luciano Somma
THANK YOU FOR EXISTING
How beautiful you are Mamma
In your smile there is the sun
I would like to find words
To tell you how much I love you!
How gentle you are in the evening
When you caress my face
I glimpse heaven
And I sleep content.
How dear you are upon awakening
When you kiss my forehead
It opens a new horizon
In front of my eyes with daybreak.
Thank you for existing Mamma
Always stay near me
Guide me along the way
You my light, my life.
(Traduzione) Pamela Allegretto
IMMAGINI
Mi sei apparsa vestita di sole
con addosso il tuo nudo integrale
un ricordo fantasma d'estate
che ritona superbo e io sto male.
Mi riporta lontano nel tempo
con la bocca attaccata a quel seno
che succhiavo ingoiando il mio latte
mi vegliava uno sguardo sereno.
Era amore l'amore di madre
proteggeva il suo cucciolo ed io
ero là coi miei occhi di bimbo
che stringevo quel mondo era mio.
Sulla sabbia infuocata d'agosto
non mi brucia soltanto la pelle
ma memorie oggi cenere al vento
foglie morte frammenti di stelle
che comunque tra ortensie e le calle
il pensiero riporta alla mente
quanti brividi caldi d'estate
le mie lacrime piante per niente.
Muore il giorno compare il tramonto
eri solo una statua di cera
sei confusa tra i grani di sabbia
Dio in un lampo già è scesa la sera.
Luciano Somma
IMAGES
You appeared to me dressed in sunlight
on you bared completely
a ghostly memory of summer
that returns proud and I am pained.
It takes me back in time
with mouth attached to that bosom
I suckled swallowing my milk
while a serene gaze watched over me
it was love a mother’s love
it protected her cub and I
was there with my infant’s eyes
I held tightly the world that was mine.
On the sand inflamed by August
not only my skin burns
but today’s memories ashes to the wind
dead leaves fragments of stars
however among hydrangea and bell flowers
the memory returns to mind
how many warm shivers of sunrise
my tears cried for naught.
The day dies to achieve sunset
you were only a statue in wax
confused among grains of sand
God in a flash let evening fall.
(Translation) Pamela Allegretto
ORA NEL VENTO
Nell’oceano
Dei tuoi desideri repressi
Navigava il tuo credo di madre
Per istinto felina e protettiva.
“ Donna partorirai con gran dolore “
e lo sapevi quando , per vocazione ,
sentivi dentro al tuo ventre
ad ogni parto
i palpiti e gli spasmi
e tu stringevi i denti
senza un lamento piena d’emozione .
Poi ad uno ad uno , col passar degli anni ,
ti lasciarono sola per andare
in una terra dove il pane è duro
a fare i vu’ cumprà o gli accattoni
ma tu non lo sapevi .
Nell’ultimo sospiro li chiamasti
come un appello antico , una preghiera ,
e in quel momento
non tutti li vedesti al capezzale .
Ora madre senza confini , senza più desideri
tu certamente ascolti
echi dei vu’ cumprà , di quei tuoi figli ,
nel vento , nell’azzurro , nella pace
dei tuoi incomunicabili silenzi…
Luciano Somma
NOW IN THE WIND
In the ocean
Of your repressed desires
You navigated you mother’s creed
For feline instinct and caring
“Woman you will bear with great sorrow”
And you knew when, for vocation,
You felt inside your womb
To every part
The beats and the spasms
And you grit your teeth
Without a lament full of emotion.
Then, one by one, with the passing of years,
They leave you alone to go
To a land where the bread is hard
To be immigrant street vendors or beggars
But you didn’t know.
In the last breath you beckoned them
Like an ancient appeal, a prayer,
And in that moment
You did see them all at your bedside.
Now mother without bounds, without more desires
You surely hear
Echoes of the immigrant street vendors, of these your children,
In the wind, in the heavens, in the peace
Of your incommunicable silences...
(Translation) Pamela Allegretto
You can view more of Luciano Somma’s poetry at:
http://www.partecipiamo.it/Poesie/Luciano_Somma/1.htm
http://www.scolastica2000.it/MUSICALMENTE/somma/somma.htm
Mi eccita ogni volta che inizio a tradurre una poema scritta da Luciano Somma. In onore delle festa della mamma vi presento tre delle sue poesie nella quale sentiamo lo spirito sentimentale d’un poeta molto noto in Italia. La sua poema “IMMAGINI” si può leggere anche nel suo libro L’Alba di Domani, nella quale mi ha fatto un grand piacere scrivere le traduzioni.
Si può trovare Luciano Somma a:
http://www.partecipiamo.it/Poesie/Luciano_Somma/1.htm
http://www.scolastica2000.it/MUSICALMENTE/somma/somma.htm
GRAZIE DI ESISTERE
Come sei bella mammina
nel tuo sorriso c'è il sole
vorrei trovare parole
per dirti quanto ti amo!
Come sei dolce la sera
quando carezzi il mio viso
io sfioro sai il Paradiso
e mi addormento felice.
Quanto sei cara al risveglio
quando mi baci la fronte
si apre un nuovo orizzonte
davanti agli occhi col giorno.
Grazie di esistere mamma
restami sempre vicino
guidami lungo il cammino
tu la mia luce sei vita.
Luciano Somma
THANK YOU FOR EXISTING
How beautiful you are Mamma
In your smile there is the sun
I would like to find words
To tell you how much I love you!
How gentle you are in the evening
When you caress my face
I glimpse heaven
And I sleep content.
How dear you are upon awakening
When you kiss my forehead
It opens a new horizon
In front of my eyes with daybreak.
Thank you for existing Mamma
Always stay near me
Guide me along the way
You my light, my life.
(Traduzione) Pamela Allegretto
IMMAGINI
Mi sei apparsa vestita di sole
con addosso il tuo nudo integrale
un ricordo fantasma d'estate
che ritona superbo e io sto male.
Mi riporta lontano nel tempo
con la bocca attaccata a quel seno
che succhiavo ingoiando il mio latte
mi vegliava uno sguardo sereno.
Era amore l'amore di madre
proteggeva il suo cucciolo ed io
ero là coi miei occhi di bimbo
che stringevo quel mondo era mio.
Sulla sabbia infuocata d'agosto
non mi brucia soltanto la pelle
ma memorie oggi cenere al vento
foglie morte frammenti di stelle
che comunque tra ortensie e le calle
il pensiero riporta alla mente
quanti brividi caldi d'estate
le mie lacrime piante per niente.
Muore il giorno compare il tramonto
eri solo una statua di cera
sei confusa tra i grani di sabbia
Dio in un lampo già è scesa la sera.
Luciano Somma
IMAGES
You appeared to me dressed in sunlight
on you bared completely
a ghostly memory of summer
that returns proud and I am pained.
It takes me back in time
with mouth attached to that bosom
I suckled swallowing my milk
while a serene gaze watched over me
it was love a mother’s love
it protected her cub and I
was there with my infant’s eyes
I held tightly the world that was mine.
On the sand inflamed by August
not only my skin burns
but today’s memories ashes to the wind
dead leaves fragments of stars
however among hydrangea and bell flowers
the memory returns to mind
how many warm shivers of sunrise
my tears cried for naught.
The day dies to achieve sunset
you were only a statue in wax
confused among grains of sand
God in a flash let evening fall.
(Translation) Pamela Allegretto
ORA NEL VENTO
Nell’oceano
Dei tuoi desideri repressi
Navigava il tuo credo di madre
Per istinto felina e protettiva.
“ Donna partorirai con gran dolore “
e lo sapevi quando , per vocazione ,
sentivi dentro al tuo ventre
ad ogni parto
i palpiti e gli spasmi
e tu stringevi i denti
senza un lamento piena d’emozione .
Poi ad uno ad uno , col passar degli anni ,
ti lasciarono sola per andare
in una terra dove il pane è duro
a fare i vu’ cumprà o gli accattoni
ma tu non lo sapevi .
Nell’ultimo sospiro li chiamasti
come un appello antico , una preghiera ,
e in quel momento
non tutti li vedesti al capezzale .
Ora madre senza confini , senza più desideri
tu certamente ascolti
echi dei vu’ cumprà , di quei tuoi figli ,
nel vento , nell’azzurro , nella pace
dei tuoi incomunicabili silenzi…
Luciano Somma
NOW IN THE WIND
In the ocean
Of your repressed desires
You navigated you mother’s creed
For feline instinct and caring
“Woman you will bear with great sorrow”
And you knew when, for vocation,
You felt inside your womb
To every part
The beats and the spasms
And you grit your teeth
Without a lament full of emotion.
Then, one by one, with the passing of years,
They leave you alone to go
To a land where the bread is hard
To be immigrant street vendors or beggars
But you didn’t know.
In the last breath you beckoned them
Like an ancient appeal, a prayer,
And in that moment
You did see them all at your bedside.
Now mother without bounds, without more desires
You surely hear
Echoes of the immigrant street vendors, of these your children,
In the wind, in the heavens, in the peace
Of your incommunicable silences...
(Translation) Pamela Allegretto
Sunday, April 24, 2011
PAINTING IN ITALY/MARCHES/SIBILLINI MOUNTAINS/MARCERATA/POTENZA VALLEY/ MONTE SIBILLA/GRAN SASSO
For a full-on scenic drive and endless painting-ops, take the drive through the Sibillini Mountains from Macerata to Ascoli Piceno. Before you head out, be advised that the road will dip and dive and climb and drop, and unless carsickness is your nemesis, you’ll come away with one-of-a-kind sketches, paintings, or photos.
From Marcerata, the road leads to Passo di Trèia, but be sure to take a detour to the village of Trèia. This medieval town sits on a ridge in the central Potenza Valley, and it has walls and towers and gates that are all ripe for painting, on canvas of course. Don’t try to paint the walls and towers and gates themselves or you may encounter fierce opposition from the otherwise gentile town folk. The Piazza della Republica is an ideal location to set up and paint, as it opens toward the fertile valley below.
Another short diversion climbs to the abbey of Santa Maria di Rambona. (No, there is no correlation to Rambo) The views from the Abbey are spectacular and there are nice level sites to set up an easel and paint.
The next stop brings you to Tolentino, which sits on the banks of the Chienti River. This is another tranquil little gem that is unknown to most artists seeking river scenes to paint.
At San Severino Marche, (which I wrote about on my April 12th blog) this route turns into the Potenza Valley. It passes through rolling hills until you reach Castelraimondo, and then the road climbs the ridge between the Chienti and Potenza valleys. The views from this summit will set your heart thumping, or perhaps it’s the drive itself, in either case, take a breath and choose a spot to set up and paint the exquisite landscape below. Next, the road plunges to Sfercia on the floor of the valley. It crosses the Chienti and climbs to San Maroto and from here the undulating road leads up to Fiastra that sits on the Lago di Fiastra.
This lake is a great place to stop and regain your sea legs. It also offers a serene and lovely location to paint. When you’re ready to twist and turn instead of dive and climb, continue through this picturesque alpine landscape toward Bolognola, the highest community in the Marches. Certainly, you’ll be ready for another break to paint the 360 views; but hold the wine, you’re not out of the woods yet, and you’ll need all your faculties to maneuver the twisting, panoramic road to Sarnano: this is one very cool medieval town with steep, narrow streets that lead to the main piazza.
Depending on your time, there are certainly a multitude of scenic and historic side trips you may chose to take anywhere along this route; I only like to write about places I have personally visited. It’s possible to drive the panoramic road up to the summit of Monte Sibilla (7,135 feet), where you’ll find a famous cave you might like to explore. And if the drive didn’t already take your breath away, certainly the views over a majestic sweep of mountains to the Gran Sasso will finish you off. (But in a good way)
BUON VIAGGIO!
From Marcerata, the road leads to Passo di Trèia, but be sure to take a detour to the village of Trèia. This medieval town sits on a ridge in the central Potenza Valley, and it has walls and towers and gates that are all ripe for painting, on canvas of course. Don’t try to paint the walls and towers and gates themselves or you may encounter fierce opposition from the otherwise gentile town folk. The Piazza della Republica is an ideal location to set up and paint, as it opens toward the fertile valley below.
Another short diversion climbs to the abbey of Santa Maria di Rambona. (No, there is no correlation to Rambo) The views from the Abbey are spectacular and there are nice level sites to set up an easel and paint.
The next stop brings you to Tolentino, which sits on the banks of the Chienti River. This is another tranquil little gem that is unknown to most artists seeking river scenes to paint.
At San Severino Marche, (which I wrote about on my April 12th blog) this route turns into the Potenza Valley. It passes through rolling hills until you reach Castelraimondo, and then the road climbs the ridge between the Chienti and Potenza valleys. The views from this summit will set your heart thumping, or perhaps it’s the drive itself, in either case, take a breath and choose a spot to set up and paint the exquisite landscape below. Next, the road plunges to Sfercia on the floor of the valley. It crosses the Chienti and climbs to San Maroto and from here the undulating road leads up to Fiastra that sits on the Lago di Fiastra.
This lake is a great place to stop and regain your sea legs. It also offers a serene and lovely location to paint. When you’re ready to twist and turn instead of dive and climb, continue through this picturesque alpine landscape toward Bolognola, the highest community in the Marches. Certainly, you’ll be ready for another break to paint the 360 views; but hold the wine, you’re not out of the woods yet, and you’ll need all your faculties to maneuver the twisting, panoramic road to Sarnano: this is one very cool medieval town with steep, narrow streets that lead to the main piazza.
Depending on your time, there are certainly a multitude of scenic and historic side trips you may chose to take anywhere along this route; I only like to write about places I have personally visited. It’s possible to drive the panoramic road up to the summit of Monte Sibilla (7,135 feet), where you’ll find a famous cave you might like to explore. And if the drive didn’t already take your breath away, certainly the views over a majestic sweep of mountains to the Gran Sasso will finish you off. (But in a good way)
BUON VIAGGIO!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
SELF-PROTRAIT IN PROGRESS
At some point in each artist's life an attempt at a self-portrait is expected. The painting above is my idea of a true self-portrait: a portrait painting itself. The original 16”x20” wrapped canvas is available on my website: http://www.pamelaallegretto-franz.com
Giclee prints are available at: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com
Giclee prints are available at: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com
Saturday, April 16, 2011
PAINTING IN THE CARRIBEAN
ISLAND BEAT This is Winston, one rockin’ conga drummer. His red-hot, reggae rhythm is as cool as a tropical breeze. You can view this original 16"x20" acrylic on canvas painting on my website: http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com or purchase a giclee print at: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com Ecco Winston. Un batterista di conga che suona con brio la musica di reggae. Si può` vedere il quadro originale dipinto con acrilico su tela al mio website: http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com Oppure si può` comprarne delle stampe a: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
PAINTING IN ITALY / MARCHES / OSTRA VETERE / SAN GINESCO / SAN LEO / SAN SEVERINO MARCHE
For a great workout after a eating a bit too much pasta, (the local cuisine boasts this delicious four-vegetable rigatoncini) take a drive to Ostra Vetere. (No, the drive is not considered the workout.) Park in the center and take the pathways that link this picturesque medieval village with terraces and flights of steps. The views at each twist and turn are absolutely “paint-worthy.” Leave any bulky easel back at the hotel; a sketchpad, watercolor block, or small pochade box will be more appreciated, (don’t forget you’ll also have a full stomach). If you are interested in painting wine cellars and casks (and maybe having a taste or two while you’re at it) visit Fratelli Bucci cellars. If you are aching to paint a medieval village, then make a point to visit San Ginesio. It is surrounded by a defending wall with towers dating from the 14th – 15th centuries and holds a commanding position on the Fiastrella River. The Piazza Gentile is an ideal location to sit and paint the impressive Gothic campanile. The village is virtually tourist-free and thus, the local people will shower you with both curiosity and generosity. San Leo is another typical medieval town. It is positioned on an enormous rock mass above steep cliffs that over hang the lower reaches of the Marecchia. The Forte, with its majestic cylindrical towers, is set on the highest point of the rock and Machiavelli considered it to be the finest example of a military fortress. (Hey if it’s good enough for Machiavelli...) And I consider it an excellent location to paint. In town, climb the bell tower for exceptional views. San Severino Marche is another picturesque little town in the Potenza Valley. The old center (il Castello) dominates the town on the peak of Montenero. From this center you will find multiple vantage points to set up and paint the magnificent view of the surrounding hills. BUON VIAGGIO!!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
PAINTING IN ITALY /MARCHES/Conero/Fermo/Gradara/Grottamare
A large section of the “calf” of the Italian boot is taken up by the Marches Region, which stretches between the Abruzzo and the Emilia Romagna regions. Sandy beaches line the coastline while inland green hills and river valleys run down the eastern slope of the Apennine chain to the Adriatic Sea. This region is still not well known to visitors, and thus, an artist with even only a few basic words of Italian is treated as an honored guest. Although Ancona, the capital, which poses a theatrical setting above the sea, may be a great place to put down roots for the night, for painting I recommend driving to Cingoli. Its impressive hilltop position has earned the little town of Cingoli the title of “Balcony of the Marches.” Set up your easel at the belvedere, just behind the apse of San Francesco, for spectacular views over the hills and as far as the Adriatic. Surrounded by walls, the town is secluded and quiet. The Conero promontory has magnificent views and cliffs that drop to the sea. The flora is interesting and rare and the abundance of birds includes the peregrine falcon and sand martins. Drive up the road that climbs the mountain ridge to the church of Santa Maria di Portonovo. In this enchanting setting your plein air mojo will go into over-drive. Just be sure to bring water and snacks: it really sucks to cut a painting secession short due to lack of sustenance. Fermo is another well-placed hill town that commands wonderful views. In addition, the steep alleyways of this medieval town offer architectural artists and photographers a plethora of inspiration. Gradara is a scene-stealer when it comes to turreted walls and magnificent views. According to tradition, the Rocca at Gradara was the setting for the tragic tale of Francesca da Rimini, related in Dante’s “Inferno.” So how cool is that? To walk around the walls as far as the highest tower, get out you sketch pad, and capture the amazing view while imagining where Dante stood when he conjured up his “Inferno.” When you have had you fill of damnation, drive to the seaside resort of Grottamare. From the center, a narrow street climbs to the remains of a 14th Century castle with excellent views and no signs of hellfire and damnation. BUON VIAGGIO!!!
Monday, March 7, 2011
MATERA / BASILICATA / SOUTHERN ITALY
I am running a "limited time /limited number" special price for a giclee canvas print of the above painting Matera at: http://fineartamerica.com/weeklypromotion.html?promotionid=59806
Please click on this link to check it out.
To go along with this special price, I decided to re-post below my Matera article that I wrote last March.
PAINTING IN ITALY/BASILICATA / MATERA
For those adventurous artists who have squeezed the last drop from your yellow ochre and burnt sienna while painting Tuscan sunrises and sunsets, head south. I’m not talking Rome or Naples or Salerno, I mean the Deep South that Carlo Levi wrote about in Christ Stopped At Eboli.
In 1935, The Fascists exiled Levi to this region as a political prisoner. For those unfamiliar with this book, it has nothing to do with religion or of Christ making a weekend get-away to the Basilicata region. It refers to the idea that if Christ was traveling south in Italy and doing his Godly thing along the way, then he stopped when he reached Eboli. Levi wrote: “upon my arrival, the peasants said, ‘we are not Christians, Christ stopped short of here, at Eboli.’ Christian, in their way of speaking meant human being.” This “God-forsaken" region remains today a land outside time.
So, what do I like about this earthy and primeval region? Just that. It’s earthy and primitive. And the architecture is fun and challenging to paint.
In addition to being an accomplished writer, Carlo Levi was also a doctor and a gifted painter. If you go, don’t miss the Carlo Levi Gallery in Matera, where on exhibit you’ll find some thirty or more of his oil paintings, all of them portraying scenes from Basilicata life.
I recommend traveling by car, as some of the smaller villages are without rail stations. There is a respectable bus service, but in some cases you have to transfer 3 or 4 times to get to one village. If you drive, give the right-of-way to the donkeys that are burdened with bushels of firewood and clip clop down the cobblestone streets.
Buon Viaggio!
The original of the painting above can be viewed at my website: http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com
Giclee prints from greeting card size to poster size can be purchased at: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com
Please click on this link to check it out.
To go along with this special price, I decided to re-post below my Matera article that I wrote last March.
PAINTING IN ITALY/BASILICATA / MATERA
For those adventurous artists who have squeezed the last drop from your yellow ochre and burnt sienna while painting Tuscan sunrises and sunsets, head south. I’m not talking Rome or Naples or Salerno, I mean the Deep South that Carlo Levi wrote about in Christ Stopped At Eboli.
In 1935, The Fascists exiled Levi to this region as a political prisoner. For those unfamiliar with this book, it has nothing to do with religion or of Christ making a weekend get-away to the Basilicata region. It refers to the idea that if Christ was traveling south in Italy and doing his Godly thing along the way, then he stopped when he reached Eboli. Levi wrote: “upon my arrival, the peasants said, ‘we are not Christians, Christ stopped short of here, at Eboli.’ Christian, in their way of speaking meant human being.” This “God-forsaken" region remains today a land outside time.
So, what do I like about this earthy and primeval region? Just that. It’s earthy and primitive. And the architecture is fun and challenging to paint.
In addition to being an accomplished writer, Carlo Levi was also a doctor and a gifted painter. If you go, don’t miss the Carlo Levi Gallery in Matera, where on exhibit you’ll find some thirty or more of his oil paintings, all of them portraying scenes from Basilicata life.
I recommend traveling by car, as some of the smaller villages are without rail stations. There is a respectable bus service, but in some cases you have to transfer 3 or 4 times to get to one village. If you drive, give the right-of-way to the donkeys that are burdened with bushels of firewood and clip clop down the cobblestone streets.
Buon Viaggio!
The original of the painting above can be viewed at my website: http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com
Giclee prints from greeting card size to poster size can be purchased at: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com
Sunday, February 20, 2011
LATINA JAZZ DIVA
This is Rita, one hot Latina Jazz Diva. She rocks Jazz and wails the Blues and loves to “glam” it up. You can view this original 16"x20" acrylic on wrapped canvas painting on my website: http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com or purchase a giclee print at: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com
Ecco Rita. Una cantanta Latina molto caliente. Lei canta il Jazz ed i “Blues” con brio. Si può vedere il quadro originale dipinto con acrilico su tela al mio website: http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com
Oppure si può` comprarne delle stampe a: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com
Ecco Rita. Una cantanta Latina molto caliente. Lei canta il Jazz ed i “Blues” con brio. Si può vedere il quadro originale dipinto con acrilico su tela al mio website: http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com
Oppure si può` comprarne delle stampe a: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com
Sunday, February 6, 2011
PAINTING IN SPAIN / TURRE / ANDALUCIA
Today, I’m taking a little detour from Italy to Spain. I want to announce that the art gallery, "El Retiro" in Turre, Spain, is hosting an artist's exhibit on Friday, February 11, 2011. The theme for the exhibit is Valentine's Day and all the art will have with Love as its theme. It's a great honor to be included in this exhibit, and I give great thanks to my dear friend Miki Fonvielle for making this happen for me. I also thank Curtis Helm, the proprietor of "El Retiro" for including me in this exhibition. My painting is "Island Love." See painting above. Giclee prints and greeting cards of this painting are available at: http://www.PAMELA-ALLEGRETTO.FINEARTAMERICA.COM I am very excited to be included in the exhibit with my dear friends and amazing artists: Miki: http://www.artmiki.com and Kev: http://mooremusic.biz
If you are lucky enough to be in this delightful town on Friday, please stop by the gallery. To view paintings of Turre, please visit: Http://www.paintingbycountries.com
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
If you are lucky enough to be in this delightful town on Friday, please stop by the gallery. To view paintings of Turre, please visit: Http://www.paintingbycountries.com
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
PAINTING IN AFRICA / CAMEROON / EMMANUEL BALIYANGA
My friend Emmanuel Baliyanga painted “Food Market In Cameroon” shown above. Giclee prints from greeting card size to poster size of this painting and other colorful paintings of Africa and African life can be viewed and purchased at: http://www.emmanuel-baliyanga.fineartamerica.com/.
Emmanuel was born in the north of Rwanda where at a very young age he was admitted to an elite art school run by Belgian monks. There he learned everything about drawing, painting, and sculpture. He obtained with honors his arts diploma 6 years later.
In 1994, his parents and his eight siblings perished in the Rwanda Genocide. Emmanuel fled to Zaire. In 1995, to escape the tough life and epidemics of the refugee camps, he and other refugees tried to flee to the French Congo, but were forced to retreat. Back in Zaire, a Nun’s charity organization helped them to reach Cameroon, where he now lives.
Having won an art competition for AIDS awareness, he used the prize money to put himself through art school in Yaounde’.
In viewing Emmanuel’s vibrant, joyful art, one would never imagine that his life has been wrought with unthinkable hardships and sorrow.
Sadly, Africa is not a good market for selling fine art; however now, thanks to the kindness and assistance of French artist Miki Fonvielle, Emmanuel has his art on the Internet for the world to enjoy and purchase.
Please take time to visit Emmanuel’s site. In addition to depictions of African life, he paints remarkable portraits of African American celebrities, and his wood sculptures are breathtaking.
BON VOYAGE!
Emmanuel was born in the north of Rwanda where at a very young age he was admitted to an elite art school run by Belgian monks. There he learned everything about drawing, painting, and sculpture. He obtained with honors his arts diploma 6 years later.
In 1994, his parents and his eight siblings perished in the Rwanda Genocide. Emmanuel fled to Zaire. In 1995, to escape the tough life and epidemics of the refugee camps, he and other refugees tried to flee to the French Congo, but were forced to retreat. Back in Zaire, a Nun’s charity organization helped them to reach Cameroon, where he now lives.
Having won an art competition for AIDS awareness, he used the prize money to put himself through art school in Yaounde’.
In viewing Emmanuel’s vibrant, joyful art, one would never imagine that his life has been wrought with unthinkable hardships and sorrow.
Sadly, Africa is not a good market for selling fine art; however now, thanks to the kindness and assistance of French artist Miki Fonvielle, Emmanuel has his art on the Internet for the world to enjoy and purchase.
Please take time to visit Emmanuel’s site. In addition to depictions of African life, he paints remarkable portraits of African American celebrities, and his wood sculptures are breathtaking.
BON VOYAGE!
Friday, January 21, 2011
PAINTING IN ITALY / TUSCANY / FLORENCE / PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO / SAN MINIATO AL MONTE
When you’re ready to paint your personal interpretation of the Florentine view seen in many a Renaissance painting, travel up the Viale dei Colli to Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the best known and most popular of the vantage points offering a view over the city and its basin. The Viale dei Colli was specifically laid with the intention of offering Florentines and visitors an incomparable scenic route. The road curves along the slopes of the hills with some sections cloaked by lush vegetation. If you aren’t driving and aren’t up to the steep walk up from the city, you can reach Piazzale Michelangelo via bus #13.
The best time to visit the Piazzale Michelangelo is at dusk, when the purple-fringed Tuscan hills frame Giotto’s bell tower, Brunelleschi’s dome, and Palazzo Vecchio. Certainly, at various times of the day the Piazzale can be overcrowded with tour buses, usually midday during the summer months, but it’s rare that you can’t find a place to park your car, and there’s always space to set up an easel; and most importantly, the view of Florence will make you forget about any hubbub going on around you.
In the center of Piazzale Michelangelo is an impressive replica of the David. Speaking of the David, here’s a great little story regarding the nose of David. According to art historian Giorgio Vasari (1511-74), after Michelangelo had finished the David and was working on the scaffolding, the Gonfalonier, Pier Soderini, the highest authority of the Republic and therefore the patron of the sculpture, praised Michelangelo but added that ‘it seemed to him that the nose was too big.’ Michelangelo, who understood the patience necessary when working with a client, took a handful of marble dust and pretended to chisel away at the nose of David, allowing dust to trickle out of his hand. After the supposed finishing touch was complete, the Gonfalonier said ‘it pleases me more, you have given him life.’
From Piazzale Michelangelo you can continue on foot up to San Miniato al Monte. This clearly must be one of the best-loved churches in Italy: for it’s dramatically placed hilltop location overlooking Florence, for that same position as an eye-catcher up from the Florentine center, and for its brilliant black, green, and white marble façade. The church is dedicated to Saint Minias of whom legend has it that after martyrdom by decapitation the saint’s corpse was seen to carry his severed head over the river and up the hill (no, not to grandma’s house) to this spot. Look up the Church of San Miniato al Monte in your travel guide and take time to go inside. It is the oldest surviving church building in Florence after the Baptistery and it’s like no other church in the city. From the church grounds you’ll find many convenient vantage points for painting the Florentine vista.
Buon Viaggio!
The best time to visit the Piazzale Michelangelo is at dusk, when the purple-fringed Tuscan hills frame Giotto’s bell tower, Brunelleschi’s dome, and Palazzo Vecchio. Certainly, at various times of the day the Piazzale can be overcrowded with tour buses, usually midday during the summer months, but it’s rare that you can’t find a place to park your car, and there’s always space to set up an easel; and most importantly, the view of Florence will make you forget about any hubbub going on around you.
In the center of Piazzale Michelangelo is an impressive replica of the David. Speaking of the David, here’s a great little story regarding the nose of David. According to art historian Giorgio Vasari (1511-74), after Michelangelo had finished the David and was working on the scaffolding, the Gonfalonier, Pier Soderini, the highest authority of the Republic and therefore the patron of the sculpture, praised Michelangelo but added that ‘it seemed to him that the nose was too big.’ Michelangelo, who understood the patience necessary when working with a client, took a handful of marble dust and pretended to chisel away at the nose of David, allowing dust to trickle out of his hand. After the supposed finishing touch was complete, the Gonfalonier said ‘it pleases me more, you have given him life.’
From Piazzale Michelangelo you can continue on foot up to San Miniato al Monte. This clearly must be one of the best-loved churches in Italy: for it’s dramatically placed hilltop location overlooking Florence, for that same position as an eye-catcher up from the Florentine center, and for its brilliant black, green, and white marble façade. The church is dedicated to Saint Minias of whom legend has it that after martyrdom by decapitation the saint’s corpse was seen to carry his severed head over the river and up the hill (no, not to grandma’s house) to this spot. Look up the Church of San Miniato al Monte in your travel guide and take time to go inside. It is the oldest surviving church building in Florence after the Baptistery and it’s like no other church in the city. From the church grounds you’ll find many convenient vantage points for painting the Florentine vista.
Buon Viaggio!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
PAINTING IN ITALY / TUSCANY / FLORENCE / FIRENZE / BOBOLI GARDENS
I lived in Florence for two years and believe that I still only scratched the surface of “paint-worthy” locations.
Certainly, before you even pick up a brush, you’ll want to visit the “heavy hitters”: Michelangelo’s David, Il Duomo, The Baptistery, The Uffizi, Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, The Ponte Vecchio, etc., etc. There are a whole host of guidebooks available that offer in depth information on these sites and the multitude of piazzas that are all worthy of your attention and your paint time. My purpose is to tell you about my favorite, lesser-known sites where you can set up your easel or sit with your sketch pad.
Florence’s city center is situated on the “Right Bank” of the Arno River. On the “Left Bank,” known as the Oltrarno, and behind the Palazzo Pitti, you’ll find the Giardini Boboli. It is said that the Marquis de Sade preferred the enchanting Boboli Gardens to Florence’s women whom he considered “arrogant, impertinent, ugly, dirty, and gluttonous.” Well, given his reputation, I suppose the Florentine women should have counted themselves fortunate to have been able to keep the Marquis at a safe distance.
The Boboli Gardens extend over eleven acres and occupy a hilltop position with awesome views over the city and its surroundings. The Boboli Gardens offer an overall impression of a refined integration of art and nature. Secluded paths lead to numerous resting places equipped with stone benches for sitting with a sketchpad or Pochade box. Surrounding these little tranquil pockets you’ll find grottos, fountains, and statues in close harmony with the emerald backdrop of cypresses, pines, laurel hedges, and lemon trees. Take time to visit the Grotta del Buontalenti where it’s fountains, frescos, and statues (Giambologna’s Venus in particular), are guaranteed to inspire you.
At the top of the gardens is the Giardino del Cavaliere with incredible views and more than enough convenient places to set up. You shouldn’t miss the fountain island, Isolotto, at the far end of the gardens. The most dramatic approach is along the central cypress avenue, Viottolone. Be aware that many of the statues along this path are Roman originals.
If you neglected to pack a picnic or drinks, don’t despair. There’s a charming little snack bar at the top of the gardens with lots of tables to sit and eat and drink and drink in the spectacular panorama. It’s also a great place to sketch or paint. But unlike other bars where you can get away with sitting and painting for hours for the price of one espresso, if you’re there on a busy day you’ll be encouraged to buy something more to eat or drink, or else pack up that Pochade Box and move on down the line. You can’t blame them. Given the plethora of artists who visit the city, the bar would quickly go belly up if every artist who sat at its tables only ordered one coffee and then proceeded to sit for four hours.
Buon Viaggio!
Certainly, before you even pick up a brush, you’ll want to visit the “heavy hitters”: Michelangelo’s David, Il Duomo, The Baptistery, The Uffizi, Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, The Ponte Vecchio, etc., etc. There are a whole host of guidebooks available that offer in depth information on these sites and the multitude of piazzas that are all worthy of your attention and your paint time. My purpose is to tell you about my favorite, lesser-known sites where you can set up your easel or sit with your sketch pad.
Florence’s city center is situated on the “Right Bank” of the Arno River. On the “Left Bank,” known as the Oltrarno, and behind the Palazzo Pitti, you’ll find the Giardini Boboli. It is said that the Marquis de Sade preferred the enchanting Boboli Gardens to Florence’s women whom he considered “arrogant, impertinent, ugly, dirty, and gluttonous.” Well, given his reputation, I suppose the Florentine women should have counted themselves fortunate to have been able to keep the Marquis at a safe distance.
The Boboli Gardens extend over eleven acres and occupy a hilltop position with awesome views over the city and its surroundings. The Boboli Gardens offer an overall impression of a refined integration of art and nature. Secluded paths lead to numerous resting places equipped with stone benches for sitting with a sketchpad or Pochade box. Surrounding these little tranquil pockets you’ll find grottos, fountains, and statues in close harmony with the emerald backdrop of cypresses, pines, laurel hedges, and lemon trees. Take time to visit the Grotta del Buontalenti where it’s fountains, frescos, and statues (Giambologna’s Venus in particular), are guaranteed to inspire you.
At the top of the gardens is the Giardino del Cavaliere with incredible views and more than enough convenient places to set up. You shouldn’t miss the fountain island, Isolotto, at the far end of the gardens. The most dramatic approach is along the central cypress avenue, Viottolone. Be aware that many of the statues along this path are Roman originals.
If you neglected to pack a picnic or drinks, don’t despair. There’s a charming little snack bar at the top of the gardens with lots of tables to sit and eat and drink and drink in the spectacular panorama. It’s also a great place to sketch or paint. But unlike other bars where you can get away with sitting and painting for hours for the price of one espresso, if you’re there on a busy day you’ll be encouraged to buy something more to eat or drink, or else pack up that Pochade Box and move on down the line. You can’t blame them. Given the plethora of artists who visit the city, the bar would quickly go belly up if every artist who sat at its tables only ordered one coffee and then proceeded to sit for four hours.
Buon Viaggio!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
PAINTING IN ITALY / TUSCANY / FLORENCE / FIESOLE
About a 25-minute drive from Piazza San Marco in Florence will take you to the hill town of Fiesole. As you take this panoramic drive you’ll pass fountains, statuary, and lush gardens. If you prefer to not drive, you can take the #7. However, if you take the bus, you won’t be able to pull off along the way and sketch the amazing views, which I highly recommend. Piazza Mino da Fiesole, Fiesole’s main square, is a great place to sit and have an espresso or sip Campari while you sketch the ochre-colored buildings with their charming green shutters. Character studies abound as visitors from around the world gather in this little slice of heaven.
When you’re ready for a short but steep hike, take Via San Francesco, which parallels a terrace that offers a show-stopping view of Florence. At the end of the goat trail, you’ll reach the Convent of San Francesco and the church of Sant’Alessandro. From behind the churches there is an idea spot to set up and paint another grandstand view of Florence. Do take a break from painting to visit the two churches, where you’ll find works by Piero di Cosimo and some gorgeous marmorino cipollino (onion marble) columns. From the front of San Francesco go through the gate that opens into a charming, wooded public park that makes for an enjoyable descent back to Piazza Mino. If you’re a nature painter, you’ll want to set up for a while in this delightful locale.
Back in the main part of town beyond the Duomo, in Via Marini you’ll find the entrance to the Teatro Romano. Built in the first century BC, this amphitheater is equipped to seat three thousand spectators. It was excavated at the end of the last century and is in such a good state of repair that it’s used for various theatrical and musical performances. As you arrive at the theater, you are at the top looking down onto the stage. Also from these upper seats there are views that beg to be painted. It’s an ideal spot to easily set up and paint the theater stage and the panorama behind it. Can you imagine anything much more remarkable than sitting in the same seat as Roman spectators sat over 2,000 years ago and drawing or painting the same view they witnessed? Okay, so maybe the trees have grown a bit higher on the distant hills during these past 2,000 years, but let’s not allow trivial details to spoil the mood.
Take time for a picturesque stroll to the outskirts of Fiesole and wander down the narrow Via Vecchia Fiesolana to the hamlet of San Domenico. This is another “must stop to paint” location, not only for it’s charm and amazing views, but also the local folks love artists who venture outside Florence to paint its environs. You will no sooner open your sketchpad or set up your easel, than a mini crowd will form to see what has caught your fancy. No matter what you have decided upon, there will be at least four or five other opinions on what you should have chosen. It’s always all in good fun and offers of wine, soda, water, cheese, panini, and etc. will no doubt abound. You may not get much painted, but you will have a wonderfully memorable experience.
Buon Viaggio!
When you’re ready for a short but steep hike, take Via San Francesco, which parallels a terrace that offers a show-stopping view of Florence. At the end of the goat trail, you’ll reach the Convent of San Francesco and the church of Sant’Alessandro. From behind the churches there is an idea spot to set up and paint another grandstand view of Florence. Do take a break from painting to visit the two churches, where you’ll find works by Piero di Cosimo and some gorgeous marmorino cipollino (onion marble) columns. From the front of San Francesco go through the gate that opens into a charming, wooded public park that makes for an enjoyable descent back to Piazza Mino. If you’re a nature painter, you’ll want to set up for a while in this delightful locale.
Back in the main part of town beyond the Duomo, in Via Marini you’ll find the entrance to the Teatro Romano. Built in the first century BC, this amphitheater is equipped to seat three thousand spectators. It was excavated at the end of the last century and is in such a good state of repair that it’s used for various theatrical and musical performances. As you arrive at the theater, you are at the top looking down onto the stage. Also from these upper seats there are views that beg to be painted. It’s an ideal spot to easily set up and paint the theater stage and the panorama behind it. Can you imagine anything much more remarkable than sitting in the same seat as Roman spectators sat over 2,000 years ago and drawing or painting the same view they witnessed? Okay, so maybe the trees have grown a bit higher on the distant hills during these past 2,000 years, but let’s not allow trivial details to spoil the mood.
Take time for a picturesque stroll to the outskirts of Fiesole and wander down the narrow Via Vecchia Fiesolana to the hamlet of San Domenico. This is another “must stop to paint” location, not only for it’s charm and amazing views, but also the local folks love artists who venture outside Florence to paint its environs. You will no sooner open your sketchpad or set up your easel, than a mini crowd will form to see what has caught your fancy. No matter what you have decided upon, there will be at least four or five other opinions on what you should have chosen. It’s always all in good fun and offers of wine, soda, water, cheese, panini, and etc. will no doubt abound. You may not get much painted, but you will have a wonderfully memorable experience.
Buon Viaggio!
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