Painting Views in Naples

Painting Views in Naples

I recently collaborated with Napoli Unplugged to paint a series of paintings for their upcoming comprehensive guide to the city on the bay.The idea was first and foremost to get a sweeping view of the bay, Vesuvius, the color of the houses and luckily I was able to include Castel dell’Ovo and some boats in this spectacular view.

 

 

View to The Bay of Naples and Vesuvius from Posillipo
14×11″ oil on linen panel
SOLD

In the quest for the perfect view, I explored the many hills of Naples and paint from all around. What an incredible city and a total thrill to be out there with my easel painting.

 

Painting The Bay of Naples from Posillipo
Photo courtesy of  Napoli Unplugged

Though this city is jam packed with life, culture and history, I didn’t see a soul out there painting it, though I know Naples has a wonderfully active Urban Sketchers group. Painting drew lots of local attention, which was an added bonus to the trip and it is always a pleasure to have the chance to interact with locals who love and are proud of their city.

 

Via Chiaia
12×9″
oil on paper
SOLD

This was a lucky day. We had a rainy afternoon so I headed back to my hotel to dry off and regroup. Luckily becauseI had this perfect balcony overlooking the major shopping street of Naples below called Via Chiaia. I managed to squeeze myself and easel both out onto the balcony and capture this painting not wasting an afternoon just because of the rain. Painting this brought back to mind all the French Impressionist paintings painted from balconys looking down into the street. And then I understood why- it’s a great vantage point and one a plein air painter does not get everyday.

 

Vomero, View from San Martino
12×15″
oil on linen
SOLD

This view, unbelievable when I first laid eyes on it, was painted from the balcony of the San Martino musuem and looks down to the Vomero neighborhood in Naples.When I arrived at the museum with the editor of the book and another writer, we were refused entrance with a plein air easel in tow. Good thing that Neopolitans are kind and understanding. It took about 5 min of talking with the director to get permission to go in and paint anywhere I wanted in the gardens behind the museum.

 

Vesuvius from Il Lungomare 
oil on linen mounted
SOLD

This was a thrilling project and one I had never attempted before. Painting for a book and capturing the best views of the city was exhilirating and a true sense of collaboration that I so enjoyed. The next time you are in Italy, I highly recommend making Naples and the surrounding area a key part of your travels. You will NOT regret it. Learn more about Naples history and current happenings at Napoli Unplugged.