FIVE ROMAN ARTICHOKES { A Year In Painting}

JAMES APONOVICH

A YEAR IN PAINTING

La vita e breve

L'arte e lunga

As our planet makes its journey around a star we call the Sun, I make my own journey in painting. Each week I present some aspect of our shared life experiences through the medium of paint on canvas.

"Old men ought to be explorers."

-T.S. Eliot, The Four Quartets

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FIVE ROMAN ARTICHOKES

James Aponovich

Five Roman Artichokes

Oil on Canvas, 18" x 24"

When I arrive in Italy, there is a period of transition, usually about three weeks, 

where everything is left behind and I await new prospects. This time is not fallow, 

Elizabeth and I draw quite a bit  as I search out new subject matter to keep the brush moving.

Since we arrived in the middle of artichoke season......

copyright 2017 James Aponovich

all rights reserved

POSTCARD FROM UMBRIA {Panicale}

Panicale is in bloom! 

Wisteria draped along walls and not to outdone the lilacs add their perfume to the air.

Fruit trees flowering as we await the fruits from their branches in the weeks and months to come.

And yes, tulips are a colorful addition to walkways and gardens.

Lady Banksie roses are just beginning to share their yellow flowers with us and they

climb walls and pergolas.

This is a gorgeous time to be in Umbria!

Ciao from Panicale !

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR / LA CELLA {A Year In Painting }

JAMES APONOVICH

A YEAR IN PAINTING

LA VITA E BREVE

L'ARTE E LUNGA

As our planet makes its journey around a star we call the Sun, 

I make my own journey in paintings. Each week I present some

aspect of our shared life experiences through the medium of paint on canvas.

" Old men ought to be explorers."

- T.S Eliot, The Four Quartets

________________________________________________________________

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

LA CELLE

THE CELL

I was never one for a grand studio, in fact I often described my needs 

as a  9' x 6'  'cell', just enough for me, an easel and a painting table.

Well, here in Italy it's my dream come true. It kinda reminds me of the

Monks cells in San Marco in Florence.

We are going soon.....I'll show you in a couple of weeks....and

a few words about the Mad Monk from Ferrara. 

ROAD TRIP SOUTH ITALIAN STYLE- PART 2- Matera

MATERA ( Basilicata)

Behind these facades are caves that are believed to have been inhabited 

as far back as the Palaeolitic. These caves that have been created in part by nature with the rest of the work by human hands

digging into the rock on both sides of a deep ravine.  In the 7th and 8th Centuries, Monastic orders, like the Benedictines and Basilian monks lived with their followers in the caves along the ravine. This place speaks of the ancient past, yet, up until the 1950's people lived in these caves under cramped and unsanitary conditions when the  Italian government stepped in and moved the cave dwellers to more favorable housing.

 The amazing  city is eye-squinting brilliant in the morning sun. 'The Sassi', or Historic Center of Matera 

seems to rise out of the rock in layer upon layer of block structures, stairs and grottos . 

At times the city looks a little M.C. Escher like.

Things here have greatly improved for the residents of Matera. The homes, although most still have caves incorporated into them, have been revitalized. Tourism has helped to strengthen the ecomomy, Hollywood has used the city as settings for films and in 1993 Matera became a

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

WAITING FOR THE LIGHTS TO COME ON.......

Back at our hotel we sat on the terrace, carved into the stone, waiting for the lights to come on over the Sassi.

Then it was time to walk to dinner...... the restaurant was in a cave,

but of course!

Taking A Trip To Matera....

We recommend:( with a thanks to Roberto & Giulia, and also to Aldo )

Hotel Belvedere

Soul Kitchen ( American name, Regional Italian food)