Day 78: Glory Days
I was happy to be back in Rome today and went straight to paint something after getting off the train from Florence. I almost stopped to paint a great t-shirt/purse/souvenir stand because of that strong light and shadow effect that I’m so addicted to. Instead this time I decided to look for something a little more unpredictable.
Fountain, Baths of Diocletian8×6″Oil on Panel© Kelly Medford, 2012This is just part of the entrance to the largest of the Ancient Roman Baths in Rome. In fact, the entrance is a gorgeous garden full of sculpture and vine covered walks with this giant amphorae-shaped vase fountain in the center. And it’s directly across the street from the Termini train station.I really debated this and how to approach painting it. Finally I just got to work and thought to myself that I would figure it out as I went. I orginally had thought to do something entirely different by just painting/drawing the fountain without any background. When I had that in it just lacked life and so I painted in the background as semi-abstract washes of color to offset the fountain.I was attracted to the rich browns and greens in this as well as the shape of the fountain. I also loved the deep blue-green of the water.You can buy today’s painting here:https://kellymedford.com/works/955000/fountain-baths-of-diocletianThanks for following the 120 Day Project!