Most visitors to Florence go up to Piazza Michelangelo to enjoy this panoramic view of Italy's Renaissance city.  Almost everyone takes pictures there.  The sight is just incredible.  It's a natural response to something as beautiful as this view that we want to capture the experience of seeing it and being there.

What about us painters?  When moved by what we see, our first thought is usually, "Oh, I want to paint it," isn't it?  It didn't matter that hundreds, or possibly thousands, of paintings have been made of this view of Florence.  I had to paint it, too, simply because I was moved.  So I thought.

As I was painting this, I began to ponder the age-old question of "Why we paint."  So why am I painting this?  Is it because I have been inspired by the atmosphere?  Is it because I want to record the beauty of something transient?

Artist Jerry Fresia said something of note on this question - "The painting is not the most important thing.  Even more important than the painting we make is what happens to us when we make it.  So this is the important truth: to make a mark on a canvas is to open the door of possibility of being moved profoundly and to move others.  That is what painting is all about.  That is the heart and soul of painting."


Firenze, Italy VI

Click here for a larger image of "Firenze, Italy VI" painting.

Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in.
Mat/Frame: Yes/No
Mat Size: 14 x 18 in. (color: off-white)
Purchase: Sold


Visit my gallery page at Dailypainters.com.