More Jesus!
i didnt think i could do more christian paintings but being here in Italy, the subject matter is simply the vehicle for technichal advancement. I loved watching the light change when oils overtook tempera and Michaelangel0, Raphaelo, Parmiaginino and other high renaissance artists began exploring with these new colours!
Florence is a haven for Art and im not phased by the religous manner of the art or the artists, but marvel at the place where artists began gaining respect as artists. The place where they stood up and took a role bigger that craftsman. This place is so full of Art and History i am overwhelmed by the Ufizzi and the endless symbols. The best thing about these galleries, as i have said before, is the obvious references to the environment. the backdrops for so many paintings are the very backdrops to our days here. the faces in these paintings are the very faces we are surrounded by. bar the tourists. As i marvelled at this rise of skill, this development of visual consiousness, and this expoloration of concepts and meduims, i was taken back to the vatican.
In the vatican city museum, which holds probably one of the most valuable historical collections of all times, i found the mystical relics which truly touched me.
Looking apon artworks of the Egyptians took me into a mystical world of distant conciousness and deep symbol. Mummefied cats, animal gods, sacred hybrids, goddesses and mummies and 10,000 year old ART. I cant beleive this kid of stuff still exists, and after this i look at 600 year old art as young and realise more about how history works..in waves.
Amongst all these galleries, these vibrant and moving van goghs, these dark eyes Madonnas, elongated baby jesus', Mythological movements, natural wonders and imaginative ponderings, i see now at the close of this journey, what has truly touched me the most.

firstly, its been the Places where these people drew inspiration and being amongst these environments, sitting amongst the forests of barbizon, the trees of Ancient Roman ruins, the Mosaics of the Alahmbra, the HARMONY of these environments and how harmony has been captured and created by these artists. Ive come to understand the Harmony of Art and its environtment, and the role of the artists in this beautiful exchange. This discovery has come with an appreciation of the mystical strings attatched, the symbols and the language of this harmonious world. I read a book about picasso and remember a quote of his ' being an artist is not to immitate nature but to use what she has to create new and removed creations'. In a way i dont agree with this because i beleive its about being in harmony with creation, and this is why the environments have touched me. What a delight to know that in the world, for centuries, there are places that are, have, or tried, to live in complete harmony, and the role that rt has taken to be the tool is which to create this.
I will always be taked back to these forests, these castles and these villages.
I'll dwell in the rhythms of europes tidal creativity and lively cultures.
Ill feel at ease with these rhythms of the creative universe.
Harmony!