Plein Air Painting Trip to Venice

Venice is a place that I have always wanted to paint. I have heard so much about the light and beauty, Venice did not disappoint.

Painting in different settings and typography is extremely challenging to me. Venice has elaborate architecture that must be dealt with. I simplified my painting the way I always do in large masses, then create calligraphy that makes more specific definitions.

I thought about researching all the iconic spots that great painters such as Turner, Sargent, Monet, and Whistler  have painted inVenice ; bringing something of my own to those motifs. When I arrived I was completely overwhelmed and decided that I should take it all in, rather than look for spots to paint.
It takes awhile to acquaint yourself with the light and a specific place as Venice.

Many artist friends had great suggestions as to whether I should bring watercolors (which would be lightweight to carry), or oils. I decided I am more proficient in oils. 

I brought a paint box, tripod, brushes and put my oil paints in a container and packed them in a suitcase. I brought canvas pads and masking tape as well. I through a backpack in the suitcase in the suitcase as well. Finding terpintine and extra paints was no problem I just started asking a local artist and he was kind enough to direct me to a store.

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

I spent the mornings taking in Venice and seeing some of the museums. I went into a number of churches to see some of the major works Giovanni Battista Tiepolo; who's works I have greatly admired for some time. 

Biennale Arte was quite interesting and took up two mornings to see the whole exhibit; many countries including USA where among the exhibiters.

The afternoons I carried my gear around looking for places to paint. I can be a little distracting with all the visitors Venice commands to find a spot to set up but people more out of the way so I could set up. 

Painting in Venice is an amazing experience due to the ehe ever changing light.  I hope to return another time in the future now that I have had a chance to absorb the light and get a sense of the surroundings and culture.

I painted twelve oil painting plus numerous drawings of Venice.