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Welcome to Polly's Blog
Watercolour, humour, this and that

Saturday 19 October 2013

VERONA PAINTING AND SKETCHES

These are done without the safety net of Hazel, and were done in and around Verona before breakfast, and after the demo paintings, later in the afternoon.  I apologise here if I may be boring you with my work, but it is nice to share work rather than just shove it in a draw.  Also, for people who have never been on a course, will give them an idea of what you can do. These were all done on the spot .....................
Wonderful stairway in a little piazza. As soon as I saw this I knew I had to paint it carefully, and did so on the last morning before we caught the coach for Lake Garda.

This one tells a story, was painting this before breakfast, suddenly looked at the time and quickly packed up. Now the drawing below continues this story .....................

As I was packing up a young girl, about 12 or 13 came over and gave me this signed drawing she had done of me sketching, what a lovely arty memory and I shall keep this forever!

Fit this in between rain showers, and is a lamp that was in front of the famous arena in Verona where the opera is performed.

The camera angle I took of my painting has distorted this even more as the right hand shop wall IS straight. I was drawn to the crooked balcony that was in the market square.

This is a statue of Dante, but you know what, every time I looked at him whilst drawing, I swear he moved!  The folds were always in a different place

A view across the river from Verona of the  Roman Teatro.  Done in water soluble black and brown pens and softened with a water brush

Just had to paint this Fabriano Shop near the hotel.

Right near the hotel, just inside the city wall. Water soluble pens again

And finally, Phew I hear you say, something carved in the wall.


I hope you have enjoyed this little journey around Verona with me, memories far more precious than photographs. I haven't finished yet as there are some from Lake Garda (not as many) and then I will post my little sketches done in my favourite Khadi pad that I did in the room at night.

31 comments:

  1. Oh I would so much like to visite Italy too! I have never been there. Looks like it holds many beautyful buildings. Like the gorgeous stairway you painted. And such a nice present to keep of you sitting there painting! One you must keep for memory! Thank you for the lovely post! Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

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  2. What a sweet gesture from that girl! Your paintings and sketches really give a flavour of the place, and I guessed Dante straight away from your lovely painting. The crooked balcony is especially fascinating (I must apologise for thinking you had the perspective out, before I read your comment, lol!)

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    1. I was very touched by her gift. Thank you for reading my post

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  3. i've never been to Verona but now I want to go, great work!

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  4. All of these are incredibly beautiful! And I'm so impressed that they were painted on site. I can't do that, for some reason. How long do you sit in the spot? Do you finish the whole piece, or just get it planned while you're there? My favorites are the stairs and the view across the river, but they are all exquisite! This would be a great little coffee table booklet!

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    1. Thanks Katherine. Some sketches may only take perhaps 15 mins but the staircase took probably 2 hrs. I may never finish the work as these are mostly just memories and fun sketches. Using the water soluble pens makes the time shorter, as I draw and then soften with water for shadows, job done! I have had a lot of practice painting on the spot as I have been on several courses. It does get easier.

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  5. Thanks for sharing and give us the opportunity to have a look at Verona. Beautiful memories of the site.

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  6. Dear Polly, Hazel must be a lady of steel, and you have accomplished feats worthy of the "students" of steel!
    How much you have done and how WELL DONE!

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    1. Oh Rita thank you, you have a wonderful way with words. And yes I think students of steel sums the holiday up.

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  7. Lovely seeing these all here Polly. What a beautiful way to keep your memories of Verona alive with painted captured moments of your holiday. xx

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    1. Thank you Laura. These paintings and sketches mean far more than any photograph would. I can remember so much more about each place I sketch. So each one is very special. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. xx

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  8. You have been so busy ! Some great stuff here and some great memories that will arise whenever you look at your works :-)

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    1. Thanks. Yes I was busy but loved it. And now have some very special memories

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  9. a delightful post...I feel like I went there with you!

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  10. Lovely work Polly and what great memories you have, so much better than photos or postcards.
    and yes definitely hold onto that Dumy masterpiece ... I predict she'll go far and her early works will be worth an absolute fortune in a decade or so LOL

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    1. Thanks for your visit, hope you are feeling much better

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  11. Polly, don't worry...I won't get tired of seeing your sketches and paintings. These are really nice! I really love the ones done with the water soluble inks. They have a certain sense of ease to them with the washy ink look. The ones of the view across the river and the Fabriano store are two of my favorites. I can't wait to see what you did on your own at the lake. Thanks for sharing so many pieces.

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    1. Thanks Joan. The water soluble pens are my favourite way of doing sketches quickly and is less obvious than getting out paints, water etc..

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  12. Wow, Polly, good on you! First work should have taken a long time and turned out beautiful. The girl and your story is so lovely and made me smile. Your eyes are so sensitive and good at picking up interesting subjects!! Thank you for the wonderful post.
    Best wishes, Sadami

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    1. Oh Sadami, thank you for your kind words. I call the girl giving me a painting 'An Arty Moment'. So glad you enjoyed the post and took the time to comment, you being so busy.

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  13. Lovely paintings and sketches! What a lovely memento from the young girl, too! xx

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    1. Thank you. Especially loved the Arty Moment from the young girl

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  14. You took great advantage of being in such a fantastic place, Polly. Your watercolor sketches are fresh and lovely. I can feel your joy in being there.

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  15. Dear Polly - never bored when I visit...all are wonderful - my favorite is the view over the river from Verona. Just fabulous - thanks for sharing. Hope you have a beautiful day.

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    1. Thanks Debbie. Glad you are not bored as there is more to come ha ha.

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  16. Hello Polly:) No, you didn't bore me with your lovely sketches and paintings. Beautiful! My favorite is the statue. And if you say that it moved, then I believe you!..Hugs:)xx

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