Palazzo Carafa

The Good Will

It was a sunny Sunday in the heart of Lecce and I was inspired by the flags waving against the blue sky. 

As I sat up my easel at the corner of the sidewalk, I realize I had brought no turps to thin my paint. I lifted a tip to the porter of a nearby fancy hotel and after a while he got me some stain remover from the hotel storage. Sorry, I have to 'stain' the canvas not clean it! Wait -- he said, and 20 minuts later he brought me some kind of detergent. Never mind -- at least I can clean my brushes! Thanks for the good will.

 

Love all the ancient names of 2000 years old city: Palazzo Carafa (ex Monastero delle Paoline, right flags) and the Palazzo di Giustizia (left). In the background the Chiesa del Gesù or Chiesa del Buon Consiglio

 

Oil on Linen | 16 x 26 cms (6,4" x 10,4")

How to Buy it Now | Comment and Share | Bid at the Auction

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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

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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.

New scenaries to paint in Provence

This year I wanted to design a new itinerary in Provence for the next painting workshop 2 - 9 September. New scenaries yet within the same magical atmosphere of the sweet South of France we enjoed so much in the past four years.

Sign Up

We’ll be based just off Salon de Provence a key place as it is located just half hour from Marseille Airport, Aix en Provence – the native city of Cezanne --, St Remy and beyond in beautiful Luberon.

The 6 day painting workshop includes:

3 mornings of lectures + assignments
3 mornings of supervised autdoor painting
5 afternoons of outdoor painting along / free
1 afternoon off for shopping souvenirs

You only need to arrive in Marseille with the TGV train from Paris or land into Marseille Airport. Then we’ll pick you up to take you to the guesthouse. We’ll be accommodated in a tipical provencal Mas with swimming pool and have dinner at local restaurants. We only have one room left at the Mas. Sign up now!

Registration fee for this memorable experience is 690 Euro or 863 US$ which includes tuition, group transportation and the membership fee (benefits include revise of your works for a year after the workshop is finished).

Live in painting : ) Francesco
http://www.francescofontana.com/

Art making and shuffling the cards

This last week end I did not miss painting. I felt fulfilled with what I painted last week: a work that took me four morning sessions. Every one crossing the door of my studio noticed it. “Wow! Different, there's something.. don’t know.. more luminous!” I am surprised myself. It was an attempt to renew my style. Several weeks of studies and headaches turned with a simple resolution: if I wanted something new I should simply do not do what used to do in my art making routine. I took a different support, watercolour paper instead of canvas, acrylics rather than oils, different size (much larger) and even a different position in the studio. And at the end of every session I go: wow! This is making its own way!

Finding new ideas sometimes is just about changing old habits, shuffling the cards

Live in painting : ) Francesco
www.francescofontana.com

PS. Additional surprise: I used three tubes from the acrylics box just to discover -- once finished -- they were water mixable oils.
PPS. The actual image don't matter!

Yellow Resting Boat

This painting is part of the current selection on the Art Promo wall of my website Portfolio. It is reserved only for my Newsletter subscribers. The deal includes a flat price independent of the current market value, -- plus free shipping worldwide. In appreciation for your support, this offer is reserved especially for you but will end soon without notice -- so don't wait! You can only reach it by logging in the Members area of my website or via the link below: Art Promo

Live in painting:) Francesco
www.francescofontana.com

P.S. If you aren't currently signed up for my newsletter, sign up today and become eligible for this special promotion today!

Three day special in Cefalù, Sicily

 

My workshop in Sicily last year, included a day painting trip to Cefalù. People loved it so much, I decided to schedule a three day stay in Cefalù during my new expedition to Sicily next May. Requests to date are already close to the group size limit. If you are considering this truly unique experience, do not hesitate any longer and signup now!

Book your Sicily experience

PS. Fall in love with Cefalù, view these photos by Fiammetta Negri

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