Finding Shadows in the Roman Forum
House of the Knights of Rhodes- what would that be you ask?I didn’t know either.All I knew is that I had to stop and paint those shadows through the arches and that red flag flying right in the center of it all.
House of the Knights of Rhodes, detail study
8×6″Oil on Linen Panel
©Kelly Medford
The signature red flag with the cross in the middle let me know that this loggia was somehow affiliated with the Knights of Malta, that is their flag and symbol, and it turns up in the most unlikely places all over the city.Walking along the highly trafficked road along the Roman Forum, finding something to paint as a quick study or sketch is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the columns, arches, ruins, monuments, noisy traffic and hoards of tourists, finding something to paint seemed unlikely at best.Trajan’s Forum, just “across the street” from the Roman Forum (which was all one until Mussolini built this road between 1924-1932 separating it) is one of my favorite places to visit and maybe gets a little shadowed by the Forum in terms of numbers of visitors.This actual loggia that I painted was built on top of the ruins of Trajan’s Market in the 12th century and was restored in the 1460s and is attached to a house that was the seat for the Knights of Malta (in ancient times known as the Knights of Rhodes). More than that I cannot tell you, but most likely our Roman readers will have more insights and wisdom to share.
Upcoming Exhibition Itenirari d’Amore: Tavolette, Taccuini e Fotogrfie di Viaggio Studio-9 May 10-30 Opening Reception Friday, May 10 6:30 p.m. Gallery Opening Times:Tuesday-Saturday 11-13 and 17-19 Sunday open by appointment RSVP Here
Too many to list here, click here to see and participate in upcoming sketchbook journaling or plein air oil painting workshops in various locations around Italy.