Friday, March 21, 2008

Tuscany


Tuscany
Originally uploaded by linfrye
While not my best attempt at landscape painting (darn!), I still myself returning again and again to painting (or attempting) the landscapes I love -- the lands of this good earth.

I find the landscapes of Italy, from the beaches of Sicily to the high, mountains of the Dolomites, and here, Tuscany in particular, so evocative of my dreams and longings for places I wish to know better and experience again and again.

These magnificent lands (and the people who live there) seem to hold magic for me -- inspiration, warmth, the cradle of what I feel as 'home' ... a return perhaps to lands of my ancestors that I've been too long removed ... They represent for me that 'other life' I suppose we often wish for ourselves -- a slower pace, a closer tie to the land, family and friends less far flung across the globe ...and I hold these places as such. I am soothed by the special place I hold them in my heart as I try to paint that love and mystical quality I have for them ....

7 comments:

Lorraine said...

Your writing is just lovely Lin, and so true. I feel the same way about the land -- and not just the land of my ancestors, but landscapes of all types. I still can't quite get into seascapes or want to be by the water, but do find the land very soothing, whether in reality or in photos or paintings. Yours is very evocative of where you live now. Perhaps you cannot see that but I can and I can see why you chose your current occupation!
Hugs,
Lorraine

Teri said...

Beautifully said Lin. And a beautiful painting!!

Tami said...

This has such an open "farm" feeling. Very nice.

Joan said...

Well said, Lin! Although Tuscany isn't part of my ancestral heritage, I feel very attached to it. I loved traveling through Italy and Tuscany was one of my favorite places. It is calming and makes you feel like you're part of the place, not just passing through. You did a lovely job on this landscape. Your colors really capture the "earthiness" of the Tuscan landscape. Well done.

Linda said...

I don't know which I like best -- the painting or the description! How wonderful!

Laura Frankstone said...

I agree with Linda, but then, I always do ;D. I so hope you get a chance to go back to Italy soon---didn't you say you were going to this year or early in 2009? Happy Easter, cara.

Anonymous said...

You paint as well with words as you do pictures, both go right to the heart!