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Grazie Mille, Associazione Romana Acquerellisti!

7/31/2016 1:02:25 PM

I must have left my heart in Rome because I can't stop thinking about it. From a daily walk to a neighborhood bar for my morning (strong Italian) coffee, to hauling all the plein-air painting gear across town in the 98-degree heat (and in the sun), to an evening stroll (with a gelato) to chill out feeling a breeze from the Tiber, to a nightly summer rock concert in Piazza del Popolo - just to name a few. There was so much to experience, discover and learn in this city that is simply amazing on so many levels; the best way [...]

Venice Without a Mask

1/28/2016 2:23:39 AM

Every winter Venice celebrates its famous Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia). I was fortunate enough to be there this year while doing work in and around the city. During the festivities, you see some people walking on the street wearing masks, elaborate gowns and beautiful dresses from the old times. There are events, balls and banquets to attend. It’s one of those times when Venice really shines with its glamour and splendor. The whole atmosphere feels almost unreal when this city shows its magical side. When I travel, I like getting to know people who live there. For a short “living like a [...]

6th Annual Signature American Watermedia Exhibition

2/23/2015 10:28:08 PM

Among many juried exhibitions for watercolor/watermedia paintings, the Annual Signature American Watermedia Exhibition holds a unique place as it is probably the only one open to painters with signature status in any watercolor society in the U.S. In its sixth year, the Fallbrook Art Center opened its doors on February 7 to the visitors to their popular annual watermedia exhibition who attended the opening reception. I am deeply honored that my entry "Masquerade, Venice, Italy I" was selected by juror Stephen Quiller to be in the show but he also chose my work as a recipient of one of the top awards. [...]

Exhibition and Workshop in Milan, Italy

10/9/2014 10:00:55 PM

Milan has been one of my favorite cities in the world ever since I first made a visit a long time ago as a student. Little did I know then that I might be back for a wonderful exhibition/workshop opportunity one day. Immagini dell'Acqua, the 40th anniversary international watercolor exhibition organized by the Associazione Italiana Aquarellisti (AIA), opened its doors to the public on October 2. It was a huge honor that I was able to be present there on the opening day, which was a full house, as an invited guest artist of the AIA. The exhibition demonstrates excellency and brilliance [...]

International Watercolor Exhibition - Thessaloniki, Greece

9/29/2014 11:42:39 PM

I am honored to have my work included in the Second International Watercolor Exhibition, which opened on September 15 in Thessaloniki, Greece. This show was organized by George Politis, a wonderful Greek watercolor artist and a dedicated teacher, and will run until October 7. I have "Afternoon, Venice, Italy IV" and the other piece of Venice in this exhibition. Showcasing small- to medium-sized watermedia gems from both Greek and international artists, who were selected by a panel of international jurors, the exhibition is worth visiting if you are near the Gallery of Society of Macedonian Studies in Thessaloniki, the second-largest Greek city. Thessaloniki [...]

Immagini dell'Acqua, Milano, Italy

9/8/2014 4:08:02 AM

It is with a great honor that I am participating, as an invited guest artist, in the 40th anniversary exhibition of the Associazione Italiana Acquerellisti (AIA). Mr. Fernando Cavalieri, the AIA's President, together with Ms. Cristina Bracaloni, the AIA's Vice President, very kindly extended the invitation to me earlier this year to take part in the events including the opening of this special exhibition and live demonstrations. The theme of the exhibition is Immagini dell'Acqua (Images of Water), and it will take place at the Acquario Civico in Milan, Italy from the 2nd to the 26th of October. An international watercolor exhibition, the [...]

A Week Under the Tuscan Sun, Italian Landscape Paintings

6/3/2014 11:05:51 AM

Whenever you mix friendly, adventurous artists, good food and wine, beautiful landscapes and the sun, you can be sure the good times will be had. These artists may not necessarily know each other at first, but usually it doesn't take long before they start talking to each other as if they were close friends. My recent workshop experience in the Northern Tuscany was just like that. I was at the Watermill at Posara, a lovely painting holiday venue run by Bill and Lois Breckon, together with 12 artists who came from all over the world to attend my course there. In the secluded corner of Tuscany, [...]

From Plein-Air Sketch to Studio Painting

3/2/2014 10:16:52 PM

About nine years ago, I started out both as a plein-air painter and as a studio artist. As a watercolorist who paints in both environments, I have come to realize that there are unique qualities in each type of work. A painting done on location is my direct response to the landscape. I attempt to capture the whole experience of being there. For that purpose, I need to concentrate intensely to work fast. I so enjoy getting absorbed in the environment when the inspiration cannot be any fresher. As a result, the painting may look looser, more simplified or sketchy, and perhaps [...]

Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy

11/21/2013 3:56:53 AM

One of my favorite paintings is John Singer Sargent's piece that depicted the façade of the Salute. Rather, this painting is much more than just "favorite." Early on in my career as a watercolor painter, I was simply in awe when I saw it for the first time. I would even call that a life-changing experience. Almost anything my eyes see in Venice can be a painting. At least that's how I feel. But scenes involving Santa Maria della Salute are especially magnificent... "Santa Maria della Salute, Venice III" (10"x29") - available "Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy IV" (19"x13") - sold "Venetian Sunset VII" [...]

Al Ponte di Rialto, Venice II, Italian Landscape Painting

10/31/2013 8:21:42 PM

My travel sketchbooks vary in size but my favorites are 8.5"x5.5" or 12"x9". If my primary purpose of going somewhere is solely to paint, I, of course, carry with me all the plein-air painting gear, a tripod and a watercolor block of much larger size up to 18"x24, " which can be quite a handful. If I want to visit a place first, I like the portability of my small sketchbook just to make quick studies in whenever and wherever I want. And I do this sometimes with just lines, or sometimes with a few colors. My 12"x9" is actually a watercolor [...]

Al Ponte di Rialto, Venice I, Italian Landscape Painting

10/29/2013 10:09:39 PM

No matter how touristy, Venice never ceases to amaze and inspire us artists. I have been to many places in the world to paint, but honestly, there is only a few where I can truly feel like a kid in a candy store. Almost everything is overpriced in Venice and some things look too tacky even to attempt to paint, but knowing that it can be a big tourist trap is never enough to keep us - or at least me - from going there. There's no denying this canal city has the magical power to mesmerize us. In fact, when I'm [...]

Fish Market, Venice, Italy I, Interior Painting

7/17/2013 9:11:21 AM

Being an artist, by and large, is a solitary profession but it is good to get together with other like-minded artist friends from time to time. When I do, I may paint with them, visit an exhibition, attend an opening, exchange information and ideas or share a meal. Whatever that may be, the experience can be really inspiring and uplifting. Last year, I spent some time in Venice, Italy, painting together with my artist friend, Eugen Chisnicean. We did a lot of painting en plein-air in many spots in the city, and made a book VENICE AND VERONA with those paintings, including [...]

San Giorgio, Venice II, Italian Landscape Painting

7/3/2013 10:44:13 PM

The church of San Giorgio Maggiore (the same name as the island where it stands) looks strikingly beautiful with its bell tower soaring into the sky. It looks as if it stands right on the water of the Venetian lagoon when seen from across the lagoon. The view, especially from the waterfront promenade by Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark's Square), is one of the most photographed of Venice. Curious what the view might be like from the other side, I hopped on a boat and went over to San Giorgio Maggiore. It was breathtaking as I imagined. We could see the similar-looking bell tower of San Marco, [...]

San Giorgio, Venice I, Italian Landscape Painting

7/1/2013 11:21:18 AM

Painting en plein air in Venice may be every painter's dream. But, compared to painting in the comfort of an indoor studio, painting outdoors has more elements to factor in, so it can be quite challenging. For one thing, in Venice, there is a constant flow of people, mainly tourists, virtually everywhere. Yet with careful planning and a bit of luck, we can manage to set up an easel and paint without fighting a crowd even near a popular spot like San Marco. Get up and go out to paint before tourists finish their breakfast, or try it when day-trippers leave at the end [...]

Fish Market, Venice, Italy II, Interior Painting

6/29/2013 6:18:39 AM

One thing watercolorists should never forget when painting outdoors is a bottle of water. Water to paint with, that is. I always pack a bottle for painting and another for drinking. But when we are outdoors, we often face a situation where we need more clean water than we brought. Sometimes it's readily available but sometimes we have to look really hard. I have used water from a kitchen of a nearby restaurant, somebody's backyard, a sprinkler head in a public park, a canal, a mountain stream, etc. Sometimes a friend who's painting with me spared some. Here at Mercato del Pesce, [...]

Venice Reflections XI, Italian Landscape Painting

1/25/2013 12:02:25 AM

I am delighted and honored to announce my participation in the Les Aquarellades 2013, an international invitational watercolor exhibition. It takes place in Mons, Belgium, about 50km SSW of Brussels, from today through February 10. Four original paintings of mine, including this one, are on exhibit, together with works of other fine watercolorists selected for this show. I will also have the pleasure of doing a 2-day workshop, Saisir l'atmosphere et la lumiere en aquarelle and a demo during the event. Venice Reflections XI Click for an enlarged view. Media: Original watercolor on paper Image Size: 29 x 10 inches (74 x 25 cm) Frame/Mat: Yes Purchase: Available during exhibition. Please send me an [...]

A Room with a View - Italian Landscape Painting

1/21/2013 2:19:06 AM

A Room with a View - when a young English woman and her cousin/chaperone didn't get a room with a view they had requested at a hotel in Florence, Italy, fellow guests from England, a father and his son, offered to trade their room. Theirs had a view and the older man believed that "women like looking at a view and men don't." The view in question was the one with the Arno River and cityscape of this Renaissance city. The movie A Room with a View, based on the novel by E.M. Foster, was beautifully done, making viewers want to visit [...]

Loving You the Way I Do by Ron Savage

11/26/2012 12:00:42 AM

I am pleased that my watercolor "Torino, Italy II" was chosen as the cover art for Loving You the Way I Do, a new book by Ron Savage (ISBN: 978-0-9826364-3-5; Black Lawrence Press, New York). The book is now available online. "We don't love each other the way we'd like. We love each other the way we do." - Ron Savage [...]

artmatch4U October Artist of the Month

10/22/2012 3:02:13 AM

I am honored that Cindy Salaski, the founder of artmatch4U and a very versatile artist herself, has chosen my work to be featured on her comprehensive art website this month. As October Artist of the Month, I have three of my paintings published. Thank you, Cindy - it was such a pleasure working with you for this feature article. Roma, Italia XLI Media: Original watercolor on paper Image Size: 55 x 74 cm Frame/Mat: No Purchase: Sold - Join me on Facebook and follow my blog on NetworkedBlogs. - Follow me on Google+.- Visit my gallery at Daily Paintworks.- Follow me on Twitter- FASO Artist Websites - Easy, Professional Art Websites [...]

Venice Canal XII, Venice Italy Painting

10/5/2012 5:59:02 AM

If anyone has traveled with me, they know that I don't generally rely on maps. Even in a new place, I may look at a map just to get an idea in which direction to go, but after that I venture out while maps usually stay inside my backpack. It is not due to a lack of spatial ability or my gender that I don't like them. I think it has more to do with my adventurous nature, or wanting to be surprised by unexpected discoveries. I don't normally plan my route following tourist attractions, so that's another reason maps are not [...]

Morning, Piazza San Marco II, Venice Italy Painting

9/28/2012 7:39:44 AM

Judging from how crowded Piazza San Marco always is, an astronomical number of people must visit Venice's main square each day. Ironically, however, they go to the square but not see the square. The Basilica, the Campanile and other elegant buildings that surround Piazza San Marco - they are always in plain sight. And most visitors stand or sit inside the square to marvel at the magnificent architecture around them while their small children, if any, chase the pigeons. But what kind of pavement is laid there on the floor? What about the design work? Not many people actually remember simply because [...]

Trattoria V, Venice Italy Painting

9/25/2012 3:19:43 AM

It is the quality of light that makes the brief period of time before sunrise and sunset so attractive. When the sun is low on the horizon, light is soft and diffused, blending lighted areas and shadowy areas nicely. It has such a soothing effect that most of us respond to this type of lighting very positively. Landscape painters and photographers have known this as "golden hour" and think this is the ideal light condition to work in. Colors look richly saturated and it is easier to capture the true atmosphere of a place in soft light. A downside may be that golden [...]

Canal Grande VII, Venice Italy Painting

7/3/2012 6:36:43 AM

Spend 10 minutes on top of the Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal, and you will perhaps see a dozen different kinds of boats that go up and down this city's major water corridor - waterbuses, taxis, barges, private boats of local residents and of course gondolas, etc., all navigating their way through each other. The Grand Canal is said to follow the course of an ancient river and the area around the Rialto Bridge is the place of the first settlement that later became the city's center of trade. From what we see today, the area is still the scene of [...]

Firenze XI, Italian Landscape Painting

6/24/2012 8:55:29 AM

Around this time of the year, Calcio Storico is the talk of the town in Florence, Italy. For several days, Piazza Santa Croce is the place of this uniquely florentine sport event. Calcio can be described as a combination of football, soccer and rugbybut it's more than a sport event; it's a huge festival. With players in historical costume, four teams representing four districts in the city play against each other until they have a winner on June 24. Piazza Santa Croce was packed with an enthusiastic crowd watching a calcio tournament under the sun. It's really something to be part of it but, for [...]

Napoli II, Italian Landscape Painting

6/21/2012 4:49:31 PM

To anyone traveling to Italy, I won't hesitate to say, "Italy is so beautiful, wonderful, magical; you'll have the time of your life; have fun." I don't think anyone will come back later and blame me for being a liar because, most likely, it's true. In fact, before I go to Italy, friends tell me the same things. Before my planned visit to Naples, however, more than a fair share of my friends said something along the lines of "Be careful" rather than "have a great time!" It got me worried a little but I had a great time there anyway. OK, I won't sugarcoat [...]

Lago Maggiore IV, Italian Landscape Painting

3/27/2012 2:43:31 AM

Isola dei Pescatori is an island on Lake Maggiore and easy to get to from the town of Stresa. It is so small, about 380 meters by 100 meters, we can survey its entire length in a few seconds as our boat approaches the island. As its name implies, there used to be a community of fishermen here. Compared to nearby islands known for elaborate gardens or a baroque palace, on Isola dei Pescatori, it is still possible to feel traditional way of life from the past. Although we may see more tourists walking on narrow streets on the island today, old [...]

Lago Maggiore III, Italian Landscape Painting

3/21/2012 10:49:31 PM

I was looking out the window from a train into Northern Italy when I had a glimpse of the picturesque town of Stresa by Lake Maggiore. I remember the amazing colors of blue green water as a backdrop of red, sun-lit roofs of the houses and lush green landscape there. From the fast-moving train I was able to enjoy the almost dream-like view for only a few seconds, but the image was so ingrained in my mind I was determined to get off a train there if I ever had another chance. A few years later, very unexpectedly my wish came true [...]

My Workshop in Dallas, Texas

3/17/2012 6:07:24 AM

When they talk about the Texas hospitality, they are telling the truth. It was such a pleasure working with 27 very enthusiastic artists who took my workshop in Dallas this past week. Most of them were from the Dallas area and members of the Southwestern Watercolor Society (SWS), but some students traveled from other cities and states. I was delighted to learn some of them had been following my art online for several years. I also did a demo for the members of the SWS at their monthly meeting on Wednesday night. Cheryl Devoto, one of the local artists whom I [...]

Cortona IX, Italian Landscape Painting

2/22/2012 3:25:01 AM

Some sleepy villages became well-known to the outside world after being discovered by travelers who got off the beaten path and wrote about them. Some went from virtually unknown to known to the general public after a movie was filmed there. The story of Cortona was the latter case: after a popular movie, tourism to this small Tuscan hilltop village grew significantly. According to the genius of a place, while some of the changes have been welcomed by locals, economical and social impact of tourism has brought more challenges. For one thing, they said, foreigners are willing to pay much higher real [...]

Living Like Sunflowers

2/19/2012 5:49:00 AM

If we are artists by profession, it's because we want and need to create and we take it seriously. So we get up every morning and create just like office workers commute to their workplace each day - this is what we do, or is it really? Artists are not machines that can crank out quality products regularly. Regardless of our level of experience, we do get hit by some sort of creative block once in a while. I had my share during my not-so-long artistic career. Each time it happened, it was quite a struggle but, gladly, I was able to [...]

Japan Watercolor Society Second Exhibition in Yokohama

1/31/2012 3:36:07 AM

I am pleased to announce that I have two paintings, "Le Panier, Marseille, France I" and "Orvieto, Italy VII" included in the Second Exhibition of the Japan Watercolor Society (JWS). The show starts on February 1 and ends on February 7. All the paintings hung in the show are original watercolor works by 24 members of the JWS. Venue: Gallery Dada, Yokohama Sogo Department Store 9th Floor, Yokohama, Japan Merchandise: Two sets of postcards (with images of artwork of the exhibitors) available for sale at the Gallery or online (order form). Postcards with images of the artists' work - already selling quickly Le Panier, Marseille, [...]

Portofino VI, Italian Landscape Painting

12/29/2011 3:52:38 AM

It is often said that being an artist is a lonely profession. It is true. To grow as an artist as well as to raise our skill level, we do need plenty of "alone" time - with our art. But many of us also seek ways to connect and socialize with our peers. Even if one lives in a remote corner of the world, with today's technology, it is not difficult to find colleagues. For me, personally and professionally, meeting and making new artist friends at art openings, workshops, paint-outs and also on my blog, facebook, twitter, etc. was one of [...]

Milano, Italy XI, Italian Landscape Painting

11/14/2011 10:58:50 PM

Not all sunsets are created equal. Some are more colorful, more dramatic, more poetic, more... well, beautiful. But then again, everyone's perception is different. If we ask anyone where they would go for a beautiful sunset, their answers will vary. I, for one, like spending that glorious last hour of sunlight, surrounded by the bustling cityscape. In Milan, Italy's trendiest city, I had one of those exciting moments -- The last rays of sunlight kissing the city's skyline good-night was simply irresistible beauty to me. I am pleased to announce that I will be a featured artist demonstrator at the Watercolor West [...]

Carnevale in Venice

3/3/2011 11:05:35 AM

It's time for carnevale in Venice. This year's festivities have already begun last month and will end on March 8 with a huge party to end all parties. People walk on the streets, wearing costumes and traditional Venetian masks. There are extravagant balls, concerts, parades on canals. This is a big winter celebration, 40 days before Easter, when Venice transforms itself into a mysterious world of elegance and magic. Gondolier, Venice, Italy XI Click here for an enlarged view. Media: Original watercolor on paperImage Size: 10 x 6 inches (25 x 15 cm)Mat: Yes (15 x 10 inches; white) Frame: No Purchase: Sold Venice Reflections X Venice Reflections [...]

Gondolier X, Venice Italy Painting

2/28/2011 7:02:09 AM

San Bartolomeo is a church tucked away behind the Rialto Bridge. Some time after its foundation in the 9th century, it became the church of the German trading community that enjoyed an active commerce in this area. The bell tower was constructed when the church was rebuilt following the 1688 earthquake. The onion shaped dome with an octagonal drum is visible from the Grand Canal. The traffic on the Grand Canal, Venice's main waterway, is always very busy near the Rialto Bridge, with all kinds of boats going up and down and across the corridor. But skilled gondoliers would just paddle their [...]

New Watercolor Workshop in San Diego

1/30/2011 6:28:46 AM

I am pleased to announce that my new class has just been added to the San Diego Watercolor Society's workshop list. I'll be teaching "Landscape and Perspective" in the SDWS Education Center, May 9-11, 2011. Each day duing class I will also do one or two demonstrations, such as this painting (a demo from my recent workshop). For a class description and more information, please check out My Workshops and register online at www.sdws.org. Firenze, Italy IX Click here for an enlarged view. Media: Original watercolor on paperImage Size: 21.5 x 14.25 inches (54.5 x 36 cm)Mat/Frame: NoPurchase: Please send me an email for more information. [...]

Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy III, Italian Landscape Painting

1/22/2011 11:10:16 AM

Right next to Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure is another lovely town by the Ligurian Sea. Lured by the region's picturesque scenery and all that it offers, many tourists visit here. The popularity of these towns are attested by crowds at their beaches and waterfront promenades. But if we go further inland a couple of blocks, what we will see is just local people going about their ordinary life. Children playing soccer, neighbors chatting in a square, moms busily shopping for dinner, a pizza delivery man on a Vespa... I just love seeing slice of life stories like these unfold. In a residential neighborhood [...]

Portofino, Italy V, Italian Landscape Painting

1/20/2011 11:44:38 AM

One of the rewards for traveling is that we realize there are many lessons to be learned out there. We can read or watch dvd's about different places, people and cultures, but the first-hand experience makes it so much easier to learn about them that it often doesn't feel like we are making a conscious effort. For example, Portofino is a perfect place to understand the meaning of la dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing, that I heard the Italians had perfected as an art form. Sitting at a cafe near the harbor surrounded by brightly-colored houses, the blue ocean [...]

Portofino, Italy IV, Italian Landscape Painting

1/17/2011 2:02:36 AM

The internet has allowed us artists to reach virtually all over the world. I, for one, have done business with many people, in the last few years, who are more diverse in nationality, geographical location, profession, age, and financial means than I can write in one blog post. Communication with them is usually by email. While some prefer keeping it strictly business, many tell me a bit of their background information - who they are, where they live, why they like a particular painting of mine, who they buy a painting for, etc. Each of their stories is so uniquely different, therefore [...]

Cortona, Italy VI, Italian Landscape Painting

1/14/2011 3:12:44 AM

Artists may have a constant need to create but it is not easy to stay inspired all the time to do so, or it may not even be possible. As they say, life gets in the way... often. And we let go of our senses or ignore our emotions for what's supposed to be the source of inspiration. At a time like this, I would go out or let my mind wander in those special places I visited. If I find something, in real life or in my travel memories, like a sweeping, panoramic view of the Chiana Valley, it usually [...]