It does not seem to matter how many documentaries you have seen or how many holiday magazines you have read in the dentists waiting room. Frankly nothing can prepare you for your first view of Venice as you emerge from Venezia Santa Lucia Train station. The feeling is certainly akin to stepping into a parallel universe because one minute you are struggling with your rucksack in the train station and the next you are being plunged into the bright Venetian sunshine and a scene which can only be described as astonishing.
So it was for my wife and I as we emerge from the station onto the marble steps leading into Venice.
So it was for my wife and I as we emerge from the station onto the marble steps leading into Venice.
Our trip had been arranged by our daughters as part of our 30 year wedding anniversary celebration and what better gift than time away in such a magical and romantic city. Venice is every bit as beautiful as any creative imagination can believe with a new view around every corner, and there many corners in Venice. As we strolled through the streets and alleys, over bridges and under arches, through shops and between churches, we were spoiled for photo opportunities. It seemed that every time I turned around a new photo emerged from the view before me. I do not believe I've ever been so grateful for the coming of the digital age and digital photography. 20 years ago I would have bankrupted myself trying to pay for the zillion rolls of film which I would have consumed trying to capture all the interesting angles and sites.
There were many highlights on our Venetian adventure but the one I'd like to share with you is all about the 45 minutes I managed to snatch to do a small plein air watercolour of the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Although the Waterside was busy and crowded with other tourists, I managed to find a small bench which I shared with two or three people. There, perched like a sparrow I unpacked my small traveling watercolours and brushes and set about trying to capture a quick impression of the scene before me. I felt like I was in good company as behind me in the spacious halls of Doge's Palace was an exhibition of French Impressionist Edourd Manet's work entitled "Manet. Return to Venice." Under the watchful eye of a life-size poster of Manet and perched on my marble bench I thoroughly enjoyed completing this small watercolour.
There were many highlights on our Venetian adventure but the one I'd like to share with you is all about the 45 minutes I managed to snatch to do a small plein air watercolour of the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Although the Waterside was busy and crowded with other tourists, I managed to find a small bench which I shared with two or three people. There, perched like a sparrow I unpacked my small traveling watercolours and brushes and set about trying to capture a quick impression of the scene before me. I felt like I was in good company as behind me in the spacious halls of Doge's Palace was an exhibition of French Impressionist Edourd Manet's work entitled "Manet. Return to Venice." Under the watchful eye of a life-size poster of Manet and perched on my marble bench I thoroughly enjoyed completing this small watercolour.
I do not know if I will have the opportunity to return to Venice again but should I do so I know that they are an infinite number of scenes still waiting to be captured. Venice truly is a cornucopia for any artist, photographer or writer. Not only does the city feast the eye with one tasty meal after the other but it also stimulates the senses, opens the creative floodgates and invites the creative mind to "capture me if you can".
I have returned to my studio inspired by the light, the colours, the new impressions and armed with a catalogue of great photos that will make Venice the subject of many more canvases. Watch this space ..."Arrivederci.
I have returned to my studio inspired by the light, the colours, the new impressions and armed with a catalogue of great photos that will make Venice the subject of many more canvases. Watch this space ..."Arrivederci.