Happy to have new friends!

* Door County Plein Air Festival: back from Wisconsin (and forth)

With Debra Joy Groesser, Jeff Merrill and Nancy Tankersley

I won't forget my week at Door County Plein Air Festival that easily. Stunning scenery, very friendly people, and lot of painting work on the field (July 24-30, 2016)

An amazing staff at ‪#‎dcpaf‬ made the machine work smoothly. Thank you Cathy, Kay, Tori, Ginny and the others for helping and smiling at all times!

I was excited to catch up with old artist friends. Let me remember Andre Lucero the zen man, Charlie Hunter the genius, the sweet Margi Lucena, happy face Debra Groesser, the adventurous Patrick Saunders and my watercolor buddy Andy Evansen! 

Happy to have new friends. Great to meet you: Mitch Baird, Brian Blood, Shawn Cornell, Valerie Craig, Mari Ann Davis, Tim Horn, Eric Jacobsen,  Mat Barber Kennedy, Laurie Kersey, John John, Patrick Lee, Jeff Merrill, Tom Nachreiner, Michael Obermeyer, Kathie Odom, John Poon, James Richards, Dave Santillanes, Brian Sindler, Carol Strock Wasson, Bill Suys, Nancy Tankersley and Dawn Whitelaw. So honored to be in the company of such extraordinary talented people and rockstars! I lernt a lot! 

A special thank to my new collector Kaaren, Steve, Martha and Bruce. So grateful for your appreciation. A big thank you my exquisite hosts Sue and Kurt (and their dog) for making me feel home in their wonderful property.

How can I forget Gina Ward who's always ready to give advice, ideas and help in my US venture (in addition to treat me good pizza!) 

And last but very first my strongest hug goes to the awesome Shelby Keefe, who opened here new house to me and my jetlag, days before the event. She showed me the artsy Milawaukee, introduced me to her friends, took care of me and made sure I had all the stuff I needed and even more, to make it to the festival. Shelby your friendship alone worth the trip from Italy! XXX 

Thank you all, including those I missed to mention. Wish you the very best in life and art and hope to see you soon again!

Francesco

PS Will be again in Wisconsin a the end of August. Check that out!

Please leave a comment and visit www.francescofontana.com

American Dream - The return of the buffalo

And the winner is Stefano Zagaglia! with 'Revenge' -- oil on canvas 40 x 80 cms (15 x 30 inc).
Visitors of the show American Dream scored this painting as best of the group exhibit that closed yesterday at Spazio Fare Pittura, Milan, Italy.

I believe Stefano combined a strong concept with a technical execution of a professional level, perfectly functional to the meaning behind the idea. Stefano's approach to the subject, takes life from his love for the wild animal world -- proven by his frequent travels to Africa (where I suspect he's at this very moment) and the larger series in progress I had the chance to preview. The result of this 'wild life' viewpoint is an original way to question America's history.

Bravo! Stefano is rewarded with a plein air alumimium easel and is offered a solo show in 2013.

PS. What a better soundtrack than this wonderful tune

Crow has brought the message
to the children of the sun
for the return of the buffalo
and for a better day to come
[...]

Ghost Dance by Robbie Robertson -- Music for the Native Americans © 1994

[www.francescofontana.com]

The American Dream from an European viewpoint

The show just closed with a best of show prize

(C) Francesco Fontana 'Flags' -- Oil on Linen The painting shown here is the icon of the group show American Dream that is closing today here in Milan, Italy.  The theme was given to the students of my school of painting alla prima FarePittura as an essay of the prep of a professional show. It was also an assignment to question themselves about developing their own message and vision, as artists to be. They engaged with the history and influence of American culture, from an European point of view, and offered a variety of interesting solutions. While you're reading this, we are appointing the visitors best of show (called Premio Mano d'Opera) rewarded with the prize of a plein air aluminium easel. The show opened last Sept 13. My article as a curator can be translated here from Italian. Stay tuned and talk to me! Live in Painting : ) Francesco Fontana www.francesocfontana.com PS. The painting above is 'Flags' (details) a work of mine that happily sold during the show. I know that business kept me away from you for a while, so next week I'll start a daily newsletter. A painting a day from my recent plein air and studio work, will be featured for you to enjoy, share, comment and purchase if available. Often but less frequently you'll receive updates about my upcoming workshops in Italy, France and beyond.  If you think that will be too much information in your mailbox, please let me know your preferences. If you feel like Basta!feel free to cancel here.