Thursday, September 21, 2023

The Mentor I Always Wanted

When I was very young I longed to have a mentor. My father, a good man in many ways, lacked the patience and character to be a guide, a beacon, a role model. His mission was to support five children! Not to support the artistic ambitions of a young hippie!

A wise guide since the antiquity

In the Odyssey, Ulysses entrusts his son Telemachus to the wise Mentor, to carry out the function that he will not be able to carry out by going to war against Troy. Me, I struggled alone for a long time in the search for who I was and in authorizing myself to be so. But I was lucky enough to meet a couple of 'fatherly' men in my journey. Thanks to them I built self confidence day by day, one experience at a time, in different countries and with different personalities. 

A painting lecture by artist Francesco Fontana in the UK

The answers you ignore to have

Today I am told to be a good listener, and be able to guide my mentees so that they reflect and discover by themselves the best choice for them. I became a 'father'. It's true, I ask more questions than giving answers! And they love it! Beyond the technique and practical advice in painting, I suggest different lens to look at their own works, and let them finally see what is 'hidden' before their eyes. This gives great confidence to those who follow the path of art!

Happy Art Life! -- Francesco 

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Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Love Museums Regardless The Art

I have been traveling quite a bit this year, mostly in Europe. Not much of business travels, except for inspiration hunting, which can be definitely considered part of an artist's job, right? Consequently skipped writing letters and posting on social media. Worse and shameful, a did no show at a couple of zoom meetings (sorry). But when your mind is off duty, no way! 

Rembrandt and the rockstars

Good news is now I am able to share with you a bunch of photos and some stories from those visits. Let's start From the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, well known for the masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. I love museums for regardless the art they display. They are often hosted in buildings which are piece of art in their own right. 

Time is suspended

People generally step in them with a religious attitude, in a quiet atmosphere, well.. untile they gather at their rockstar masterpiece for a selfie! Time is suspended fro me there, and I take it slow to admire piece by piece, soak the history and still some masters' secret. 

Hope one day I'll be able to include more write up. But for now my priority is to reconnect with you! So here is some beauty for you to enjoy: Masterpieces at Rijksmuseum

The Milkmaid, by Johannes Vermeer at Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Happy Art! -- Francesco