Season’s Greetings,
2019 marks a milestone year for me. I was able to realize a longtime dream of mine and spent 6 weeks in Florence, Italy studying at the Florence Academy of Art. What an amazing ride! Florence is widely considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello, Dante — all from Florence. This was a trip I absolutely had to take, to see this place for myself. So when things aligned and the opportunity became clear, it was a no-brainer. In fact, I think every artist, no matter where you are on your artistic journey, needs to visit Florence at least once. It can change your life. Truly it still feels a bit like a dream. I also met some of the most amazing new friends from around the world, whom I will never forget. Since this experience is well beyond sufficient words to describe, I thought I would share a short bit of poetry I wrote — a love letter, really. I’ve also posted a few pictures I took from my trip at the bottom. I hope you enjoy, and have a wonderful holiday season.
My Heart In Florence
A winter in Minnesota
And I, discontent
I want to be where painters spent
And sculptors filled
The streets with awe
For their great skill
Beheld no flaw
Piazzas, churches,
And sidewalk treats
Museums, music,
And artists meet
The Arno, the Pitti
The majestic Dome
Leonardo and Michelangelo
For they, ‘twas home
So in these words
I place my love
Where hopes and dreams
Fall from above
A day may come
To meet again
But until then, my heart is yours
Until the end.
Grazie, Firenze.
A statue of Dante Alighieri stands outside the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce. This is one of my favorite places in Florence. Both Michelangelo and Galileo are buried here.
After climbing the Bell Tower of the Duomo, I was able to see the majesty of Brunelleschi’s Dome at eye level.
Officially called the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Florence Cathedral is more commonly known as the Duomo. This enormous structure left me utterly speechless when I first came upon it, and Piazza del Duomo became one of my favorite spots in Florence.
Day or night, I never tired of seeing the light and reflections from the Arno River.
A beautiful view while walking along Viale Galileo.
One of the most picturesque views of Florence.
The Loggia dei Lanzi sculpture gallery is one of the few places in Florence that has original sculptures out in the open for the public to enjoy. My friend and I thought these were replicas until a security guard told us that they are, in fact, originals. The city wanted to have at least one place where the people could enjoy some original works without having to pay for it.
Inside the Bargello is Donatello’s bronze sculpture of David. Even though Michelangelo’s David is the most famous, his wasn’t the first. Donatello was commissioned for two David sculptures before Michelangelo was born.
Standing tall within the Accademia Gallery, is Michelangelo’s David. A mere photograph doesn’t tell the complete truth. This statue is a giant and every bit as magnificent as what people say.
My large Still Life painting at The Florence Academy of Art. Oil on wood panel.
More to come.
In art,
-jw