Saturday, January 11, 2014

Croatian Inspiration


"Late Day Near Pitve"
Island of Hvar, Croatia
15" x 20" Watercolor

I've spent the last 8 days in my attic, cleaning out several decades of possessions and paper records. Finally, the true treasures are in labeled plastic bins, the paper is shredded, cardboard boxes went out with the recycle, and Goodwill is happily counting their proceeds for the donations. I closed the door on the attic and returned to my neglected art studio.

Thursday night my small art club got together at my home so I hastily pulled up one of my many photos from September's Artist Retreat on the island of Hvar in Croatia. I loved this view of the church with the golden sun catching the steeple and tinging some of the rocks, mountains, and foliage. The shapes attracted me and I emphasized them in the painting. I recalled our hike up into the Dubokovik vineyards to sketch before having a traditional Peka dinner cooked under a dome covered with hot embers. We had beautiful sea and mainland views.


Here we are headed back into the village. I look very focused on getting to the restaurant.



The Retreat is being offered again this year and it is truly a lovely experience. Marion and Zdravko are terrific hosts. Read our leader's description of the 2013 retreat and check out the 2014 brochure.



2 comments:

Autumn Leaves said...

That church is gorgeous, Mary! I'd love to do this trip but alas, time and money doesn't allow.

hw (hallie) farber said...

Mary, your "Late Day" painting is wonderful, and that' same great photo of you headed towards the restaurant.

My 2014 paper clearing is still in the where-should-I-start stage. Congratulations on getting it done so early in the year.