 Ray and Ria Strolling Through the Streets of Rome, oil, 24 x 30" Today I want to share with you a painting and an excerpt from a current project I'm working on. I'm gathering the paintings, sketches and notes from my trip to Italy this year. At the end of April, I flew over to see my son Ray and his girlfriend Ria while they were spending a semester in Rome on a study abroad program. If you want to see more artwork and sketches head on over to the Italy Paintings page here. Italy Trip April 2018 - Excerpt: Day 2 -4/25/2018 Today is Liberation Day in Italy. A national holiday celebrated annually on April 25. It marks the fall of Mussolini’s Italian Social Republic and the end of the Nazi occupation in Italy in 1945. The streets were filled with both tourists and natives soaking in the sunshine, enjoying the sights, shopping, listening to music - like one big street party. The temperature peaked around 65 to 70 degrees. The blue sky gave way to just a few white fluffy clouds. First stop on the agenda, the Vatican. Ray and Ria have become so familiar with the streets in Rome. Since they arrived a few months ago for their study abroad program at JCU they have called Rome their home. As for me, I had to put a little pep in my step to keep up with them. I did the best I could to capture the scenes with my iPhone. A photo here, a short video clip there. I don’t think they realized I needed to do double time to keep up with their longer strides by their longer legs. But that’s ok, they would move ahead through the crowds and then instinctively know to turn around to see where I was at. Allowing me time to shot a few photos here and a few videos there and then scurry up to them. They patiently waited for me... what lovely tourguides they made. They also didn’t realize how in shape they were from their daily walking routines and how out of shape I was. (puff - puff) Every street we turned down there was either a trattoria, ristorante or cafe or sometimes all three! Each one set and ready to serve. The vibrant overhead awnings stretched out just a little past the dining tables offering a comfortable shady spot from the bright sunlight. The tables set with rolled up white napkins and sparkling wine glasses, sometimes a tiny bouquet of flowers in a glass vase graced the table. The string of lights were definitely for ambiance and character, and I must say they played their part well. As we strolled past each establishment we could hear a friendly voice call out "Buongiorno" - "Good Day". From the savory aromas, to the abundant visual scenery and the romantic sounds of the Italian language - a stroll down the streets of Rome is sheer bliss. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog - I'll be sharing more of my Italy adventures in upcoming posts. Ciao! From the streets of Rome Linda Side note: A funny little story to share. The stretched canvas that this painting was painted on I gave to my son for Christmas. I wrapped a blank canvas with a note attached "Future home of a Linda S. Marino Original Oil Painting" - and 5 months later I gave this painting to him for his birthday.
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 "Pink Lilies, Limes and Tea" Floral Still Life, 12 x 12", oil, available This original painting was created in 2012, it's been in and out of a few art shows and exhibits but has remained a loyal companion in my studio. Last week I decided to give it a fresh coat of paint, pop the colors and glaze the background color to lean more toward an orangey coral. Why you ask? and I'll answer.... why not? (I hope that didn't sound too snarky?) I've learned over the years that as we grow in our art journey we see things differently, we're evolving and hopefully, learning, developing and building. With each painting we create we learn a little about ourselves, we develop our skills and build our confidence. And sometimes as we reflect on a piece created a few years ago we can see where some improvements could be made. There is a risk involved, especially if you've become attached to the piece and like I said earlier it's become a friendly companion. But never the less, when the desire for making a change outweighs the familiar, it's time to put the brush in motion. I think a lot had to do with the announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year. In early December the international color company Pantone announces their pick for 2019. Living Coral.  As I was sitting in my studio, contemplating the Pantone press release article that read, "how colors can embody our collective experience and reflect what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time" and "Living Coral, is an animated shade of orange with a golden undertone, which reflects the warmth, nourishment, and shelter of coral reefs to sea life." Pantone states that this year's selection symbolizes an "innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits". ohhhh... I like that. Definitely worth repeating a few times... an innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits. Couldn't we all use a fresh coat of optimism and a pop of joyful pursuits as we look to open the book to a new chapter, new year. I know I could. Thanks for reading my post. Let me know what you think about the Color of the Year - Living Coral. How does it make you feel? What images come to mind when you see this color. And believe me you're going to see it pop up everywhere. In graphic design, packaging, clothing, make-up, fashion design, interiors and decor and yes..... ART. If you continue to read this blog I'm sure you'll see a few more posts about this blushing, pinky-orange hue as we joyfully leap into 2019! I'm quit certain it will be a "regular" on my palette. Cordially.... or should I say "Coral-dially" yours, Linda
 The Art Lesson - Thimble Islands, Branford, CT, oil, 12 x 16" This painting was created during a three-day workshop on the Thimble Islands with Bob Noreika. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Sunny with a slight breeze. On the third day, we were at the tail end of Governor's Island. I love to paint and sketch my fellow artists as they work. For the most part, they stay still and they're concentrating so much on their own work, they have no idea I'm painting them.
This piece has gone through the editing and refining process twice! And I'm happy to say it's finished... I think... :) 12 x 16" oil on canvas framed in a silver/gold champagne finish frame for purchasing information click here  "Afternoon Kitchen Glow" 7 x 9" acrylic I love painting interiors! What I often do is flip through design magazines and when a photo has the right light effect I use that as my starting point. I love the way the light streams through the windows and casts a warm glow across the counters and wood floor. From there I like to put my imagination to work and re-decorate the room. I'll add my own elements, change the light fixtures, add different accent pieces. Change the fabric or window treatments. It's like redecorating but without the fees or the mess! Just a little paint a brush and my imagination.
For more information on purchasing this painting click here |
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ContactLinda S. Marino Art
Branford, CT 06405 Phone: 203-444-5705 Art Studio Art Gallery Email: Linda@LindaSMarinoArt.com Follow |
Linda Marino Live Wedding Painter and Event Painter from Branford, CT serving the New England, New York and New Jersey area.
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