Showing posts with label Francesco Fontana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Francesco Fontana. Show all posts

Friday, December 29, 2023

Masters Who Inspire Artists (Me)

What makes a painter a great role model? ~ 

I am often asked who my reference artists are, great masters of the past and contemporary authors. Not an easy answer, artists in history are endless! And just as many today, when visual access to art is global and often overflowing. I look with admiration at Turner, Monet, Hopper, Fattori, Segantini. But also living artists the like of Dean Mitchell or Sean Cheetham. Each of them has something specific that inspires me and pushes me to learn.

Under the Awning, on the Beach of Zarautz

See more of Sorolla's works

However there is one who somehow represents them all: Joaquin Sorolla (b. 1863, Valencia, Spain). I was blown out at his exhibition at Palazzo Reale in Milan in 2022. It completely overwhelmed me! Not even the visit to the Sorolla Museum in Valencia had such an impact on me. 

Why Sorolla?

Because his work expresses a complete range of fundamental aspects of pictorial art, in his case in oil but not only.

  • The composition of his scenes, often complex, with unusual angles and a combination of figures and landscape, never intimidated by very large size. 
  • The absolute mastery of drawing, which emerges from proportions and anatomy.
  • His tonal strategy and his sense of light. For me his dynamic power surpass Caravaggio, the monument to tonalism.
  • Sorolla's palette is an infinite vocabulary of colours, warm and cool, often high key -- which make his phrasing very rich, like the timbres of an orchestra.
  • Finally his alla prima brushwork, energetic, fat and sensual. It ties everything together in a rhythm and a fantastic dance!

As if that weren't enough, many of Sorolla's masterpieces were painted en plein air. He's not the only artist to do this for sure -- Monet and Cezanne even a little before him. But he worked outdoors on larger formats and in challenging conditions, on the seashore, under blinding light and with water, boats and figures in motion. For days.

He was able to transfer this vibrancy to his studio works as well. 

Studying Joaquin Sorolla therefore means for me studying almost everything about the artistic practice of painting. He   became a model later in my career. This means to me that reference models change over time and are perhaps an achievement of maturity. Just at the stage where you no longer need to imitate them.

Happy Art Life! - Francesco

PS. Sorolla is a genius of  alla prima painting, which was re-actualized by a great personality of recent times, Richard Schmid. The American master who passed away a few years ago, influenced a couple of generations of oil painters around the world with his iconic book Alla Prima.

PPS. There are so many historical and contemporary artists that I admire. I think I will need more posts to talk about it. So be ready by signing up now and receive my (News) Artist Letters!

Send Francesco an email

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

A Story of Everyday Love

Why Art makes people so happy? ~


A couple of Sundays ago I was in my hood church to host the charity sale of 60 paintings that a local painter bequeathed. The exhibition is set up in the room right next to the altar where kids are babysitted during the mass.

Here I meet Marco and Monica, middle-aged parishioners who help with the exhibition. He tells me about his amateur watercolorist father, she tells me about his talented mosaicist father, who disappeared mysteriously years back. Kind people, can't help but invite them for coffee in my studio a few days later.

Love in little everyday things

While chatting about the neighborhood, they browse trough my larger figurative paintings. They love at least a dozen of them but often return to the same piece. An image of a senior couple in the kitchen getting coffee. It's the portrait of Bill and Randy, who hosted me as invited artist at plein air Texas festival. Two sweet people, who collected at least two of my paintings.

-- Marco says: See how in the painting she looks at him sweetly, while he pours the coffee into the cup for her.

-- You can see that he takes care of her, who is probably a safe harbor for him for many regards -- replies Monica.

I let them comment for a while. I could feel something is making its way into their hearts. I tell myself that this couple play in unison! Than I say:

-- Do you know how this painting is called? Ordinary Love

Geometrical shapes in a watercolor by Francesco. Fontana

Ordinary Love ~ Watercolor by Francesco Fontana, 50 x 65 cm

-- Yes, they reply -- that's exactly how we feel! This painting is the perfect representation of how we want to grow old together!

We are overjoyed to purchase it!

I smile to myself proud to have captured a moment so full of meaning for me, and apparently important for others too. They can totally identified with the subject. When this happens people's emotion and gratitude are gigantic. For me as an artist that is the greatest reward! 

Now it's your turn

You too can find the painting that resonates with your feelings in my Small Works Studio Sale 50% Off Black Week. This is valid only until Tuesday, Nov 21 at midnight PT. The discount is automatic and includes free shipping! Get your slice of love now!

Don't feel guilty if you like a painting simply because it decorates your living room. This too is daily love! Choose your favorites now!

Hundreds of small paintings by Francesco Fontana available at the artist Studio Sale

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Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Art Against Cruelty

What artists can do in war times? ~

Writing frequent letters involves opening eyes and hears to find inspiration and ideas in the environment. And of course trying to cherry pick interesting topics for a conversation with art enthusiasts.

Pretending it's business as usual

Hold my Hand - Watercolor by Francesco Fontana
Today I feel a certain discomfort because what is going on in the world shake my soul to the core. It is impossible to ignore the atrocity of war, and pretend this is business as usual. I can't get used to human cruelty, I guess I am too naive to not be surprised to hear someone feels rewarded or have good reasons to inflict pain to others.

Universality of art

Artists are very sensitive to the human condition, but at the same time we are warned not to openly take a political standing. In same cases we don't want to upset segments of the public or customers. In the best cases it's because being partial seems to betray a sense of universality and connection with the condition of all humanity.

To me establishing who is wrong and who is right seems to be  mere speculation. My ethical position is simple: 

Anyone who attacks defenseless people is wrong. It doesn't matter it's an action or a reaction. Killing innocents is never justified.

I don't think I'm politically biased if I say that those who attack young people at a music festival and kill in cold blood more than 1,000 in their household, are dead wrong. And I don't think I'm being politically partial if I say that murdering thousands of civilians, including 3000 children as an unavoidable price to target terrorists, is not less wrong. More than wrong. These actions are mass crimes!

Life to resists death

People here seem trapped in their own daily business, and although they are hunched over their cell phones, they look like no one has told them thousands of people are dying. I don't want to think that it's just selfishness. Perhaps silence is a form of resistance, of emotional defense. Ultimately, not losing sight of the path of a constructive life can be our most powerful weapon, the life that does not recede in the face of death.

Grow the beauty that unites

As artists, between our ego trip and our sense of guilt, there is a third way. Feel responsible and honored to exalt, defend and propagate the expression of vitality in the world through our creativity. Insist with our artworks on the universal value of a deeper truth and beauty, cultivate a form of love that unites all people. We did it during the pandemic. Looks like our job is not over. 

Happy Art Life! -- Francesco

Learning Opportunities
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Monday, October 16, 2023

What price for your art? Know your value

How to ask more for your talent

~ I was around 25 when I was called by the boss I was already working for, in a famous live jazz organization. He wanted to hire me as press secretary, for he had noticed that as a junior manager of their jazz club, I had shown good communication skills and some attitude I had brought from my time in Paris and London.

Francesco Fontana Artist - Collector in the Studio
Fontana with a collector in the studio

Stellar artists

At theaters and large outdoor venues, headliners were stellar names. One for all Myles Davis! I thought it  was a cool opportunity. I would have had relationships with the media and interviews with music legends! Seeing me excited, the boss asked me point blank:

~ How much do you want?
~ What do you mean?
~ How much per year do you need to live well?

I mumbled something but I wasn't able to put a figure on it.

~ You tell me.. - I said

I accepted the offer he made, it seemed great. But what if I was prepared to figure my value? Years later I would understand that, for funding reasons, he had no interest in keeping costs low. (Italian politics, don't try to understand!). So I could have shot high! 

Millionaire until proof to the contrary

It took me years to make a psychological change and stop basing my requests on the economic standard of my social class. I have learned to value my work more, never less! As far as I know, the potential customer in front of me, it's not the small official my father was, he's by default a millionaire - at least until proven otherwise!

Time for pro bono

I hate having a rich guy pay peanuts for my art, more than I hate losing a client who can't afford it. In this case I always have time to be generous, or do some charity. How do I practically calculate the price of my paintings? Well, ask me and I will explain it to you.

Happy Art Life! -- Francesco

PS: I'm not selling anything today (check my site on weekends for that). I will just be happy to hear your comment on this post and what topic you want to read about next. 

www.francescofontana.com

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Alla Seconda: The Game Changer in My Style

This summer I spent some time in Berlin, my new fav getaway city in Europe. There I joined a huge gathering of 1,070 Urban sketchers and loved it! This refreshed my old love for drawing. But also the memory of another experience I had in America. 

Urban Sketchers in Berlin BUSK 2023
Drawing outdoors in Berlin

Years ago I recorded a DVD in Texas about my Alla Seconda Method. It contributed a lot in changing my style in recent years, especially with regard to plein air painting.

The 4 critical steps:

1 - Wander and draw one or more sketches, even before I decide the subject matter I will paint 
 
2 - Pick the most convincing of these monochromatic studies, often the size of a credit card.  

Memory as a tool 

3 - Transfer my drawing on paper or canvas, then paint it. But most importantly, this can happen either immediately or days later, on the spot or in the studio, looking at the subject or even with my back to it.  
 
4 - My reference will only be my sketch and my selective memory. We only remember what really resonate with us, and forget worthless details. A great natural tool! 

Reinventing the scenery

Painting Alla Seconda it's my highway to creativity and abstraction. I let myself be inspired by reality, but use this approach to be taken where colors and design reinvent the scene and make it mine and unique!

Waterocolor alla seconda by Francesco Fontana

Big or small make it a project

Many people think you grab a brush and start painting. I ask my students: do you know any art such as music, dance, theater, writing -- where artists do not draft a project first?  Rework it many times over? Rehearsal for hours before making it final for the audience? 

Move towards originality

If you are an emerging artist, these ideas might encourage you to move towards greater originality. And if you are not an artist but love art, you might use this angle for a better understanding of my painting.

Happy art! -- Francesco

PS. If you want to know why I call it Alla Seconda just ask questions. On this topic alone I prepared a fantastic workshop. Please consider hosting a Painting Workshop Alla Seconda. Cheers!

Prep sketch by Francesco Fontana

Plein air painting ordinary reference

Francesco Fontana Recording DVD in Austin, TX

Thursday, September 21, 2023

The Mentor I Always Wanted

When I was very young I longed to have a mentor. My father, a good man in many ways, lacked the patience and character to be a guide, a beacon, a role model. His mission was to support five children! Not to support the artistic ambitions of a young hippie!

A wise guide since the antiquity

In the Odyssey, Ulysses entrusts his son Telemachus to the wise Mentor, to carry out the function that he will not be able to carry out by going to war against Troy. Me, I struggled alone for a long time in the search for who I was and in authorizing myself to be so. But I was lucky enough to meet a couple of 'fatherly' men in my journey. Thanks to them I built self confidence day by day, one experience at a time, in different countries and with different personalities. 

The answers you ignore to have

Today I am told to be a good listener, and be able to guide my mentees so that they reflect and discover by themselves the best choice for them. I became a 'father'. It's true, I ask more questions than giving answers! And they love it! Beyond the technique and practical advice in painting, I suggest different lens to look at their own works, and let them finally see what is 'hidden' before their eyes. This gives great confidence to those who follow the path of art!

Happy Art Life! -- Francesco 

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Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Love Museums Regardless The Art

I have been traveling quite a bit this year, mostly in Europe. Not much of business travels, except for inspiration hunting, which can be definitely considered part of an artist's job, right? Consequently skipped writing letters and posting on social media. Worse and shameful, a did no show at a couple of zoom meetings (sorry). But when your mind is off duty, no way! 

Rembrandt and the rockstars

Good news is now I am able to share with you a bunch of photos and some stories from those visits. Let's start From the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, well known for the masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. I love museums for regardless the art they display. They are often hosted in buildings which are piece of art in their own right. 

Time is suspended

People generally step in them with a religious attitude, in a quiet atmosphere, well.. untile they gather at their rockstar masterpiece for a selfie! Time is suspended fro me there, and I take it slow to admire piece by piece, soak the history and still some masters' secret. 

Hope one day I'll be able to include more write up. But for now my priority is to reconnect with you! So here is some beauty for you to enjoy: Masterpieces at Rijksmuseum

The Milkmaid, by Johannes Vermeer at Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Happy Art! -- Francesco

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Watercolor in One Stroke, The Article

Learn how to make the less is more concept effective

Very nice to receive The Artist magazine from UK. The March issue features a four page demo I did to demonstrate my concept of One-stroke watercolor. It tells a fascinating story about the court artist at the times of the Chinese Empire. A legend that will inspire you strongly! My article also provides a lot of practical instruction for key exercises, to learning how to optimize your brushwork, and be more effective and economical. 

The task is to create a painting with a given number of brushstrokes. 

Every medium has got its own way to apply the paint. More often than not students and even mid experienced painters, have bad habits that make them do a lot of work for very poor paint application and even poorer expression. Their gesture is often unnatural. My watercolor in one-stroke training is one of my all time students' favorite. The one that make you have your unique calligraphy and signature! 

This is my second demo for this UK based magazine, and I am already preparing a new exciting article! Thank you  Sally Bulgin editor of The Artist! 

Francesco

PS. The Artist was founded 1931 and provides you with tons of tips and news on different painting mediums. You can get this March 2019 issue and a all year subscription here 

PS.  Best choice for you would be to reinforce this read with a the aid of the master. Check out my workshop calendar and join me in a fantastic location such as Giverny, Amsterdam, Palermo and beyond.



















Please leave a comment and visit www.francescofontana.com

Monday, January 2, 2017

Giverny, France Workshop in Monet's Paradise

New dates: now booking for 17 - 22 July 2017 

Painting by the japanese bridge at Claude money residence in Giverny, FranceA lifetime experience, right where Monet’s masterpieces were created
This Giverny experience is designed to learn and get inspired by the father of Impressionism Claude Monet. We’ll spend five days in Giverny, north of Paris, where Monet lived for 30 years. Here we’ll be painting in the village and in the gardens along the water lily pond the master had built. These are the real locations where Monet’s masterpieces were created. We are in love with this magical place, coming here for the fifth time. Get your post now, very limited space!

Get all the info now at workshops@francescofontana.com


Calss in Giverny, France, by  the residence of Claude Monet
More about the Monet's story

To prepare for the culture and spirit of Impressionism, you would want to visit two Paris museums: Le Musée Marmottan e l'Orangerie. The first one displaying Impression du Soleil Levant, (Impression of the Rising Sun), from which the term Impressionism was conied. At Musée de l'Orangerie you can admire a selection of giant paintings among the 250 that Monet painted of the lilies and the reflections on the waters of the Giverny pond. I will not guide your visit of Paris but you can ask for tips as I lived there. Get all the info now at workshops@francescofontana.com

Read my interview to Outdoor Painter

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Back to Giverny, Workshop in Monet's Paradise

Now Booking for June 2017
Masterpieces were created here
Watercolor Workshop in Monet's Giverny with Francesco FontanaThis Giverny experience is designed to learn and get inspired by the father of Impressionism Claude Monet. We’ll spend five days in Giverny, north of Paris, where Monet lived for 30 years. Here we’ll be painting in the village and in the gardens along the water lily pond the master had built. These are the real locations where Monet’s masterpieces were created. We are coming here for the fourth time. You can add extra days to your vacation, prior and after Giverny. 
The Monet’s Paris
To prepare for the culture and spirit of Impressionism, you would want to visit two Paris museums: Le Musée Marmottan e l'Orangerie. The first one displaying Impression du Soleil Levant, (Impression of the Rising Sun), from which the term Impressionism was conied. At Musée de l'Orangerie you can admire a selection of giant paintings among the 250 that Monet painted of the lilies and the reflections on the waters of the Giverny pond.
I will not guide your visit of Paris but you can ask for tips as I lived there. I will connect you with other participants who wish to share the Parisian experience. Welcome in Giverny


Read my interview to Outdoor Painter
Once you arrive the Vernon station, a group taxi can be shared. The same day a visit to the house and gardens of Monet is scheduled. Followed by a ice breaking drink and a good dinner.


The following mornings the class will be hold in the hotel garden. Then will return to Monet’s the next four afternoons, with a private pass to paint in the property after tourist hours. These sessions have no structured instruction, just some advise and great deal of inspiration from the golden light of the day!
Watercolor Workshop
Watercolor is the official media and beginners are welcome. Oil or acrylic are allowed for outdoor experienced painters only. Instruction is mainly based on demos. Francesco will be available for individual advise. An open feedback will take place on the last day, followed by a farewell dinner. On departure day a bus is available or a taxi can be scheduled to Vernon station for Paris, or directly to the airport.
A detailed day schedule will follow after signing up.

2016 Upcoming Events
    • Feautured Artist at Lighthouse Plein Air Festival, Jupiter, Florida 9 — 13 March, 2016
    • DVD Release  & Faculty at 5th Plein Air Convention & Expo, Tucson, AZ 15 — 19 April 2016
    • Exhibiting in Fabriano, Italy – International Watercolor Society Festival, April 2015
    • Featured Artist at Door County Plein Air Festival, WI, Fish Creek 24 — 30 July 2016
    • Workshop Instructor at MISA Madeline Island School of Arts, WI, 29 Aug— 2 Sep 2016
    • Extended Article on Watercolor Painting Process on The Artist Magazine, UK Sept 2016
    • Judge and Instructor at Watercolor Society of Oregon Conference, 7 — 14 October 2016
 

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

All You Need to Meet the Artist

Here you have all the links to images, videos, credits and events about the art and business of Francesco Fontana



Main Events and Credits
  • Dallas, TX, USA Watercolor Workshop for Southwest Watercolor Society, April 2022 
  • Article on American Watercolor Weekly (Mountain M) April 2020
2019
  • Feautured on The Artist Magazine, #1Uk Magazine, London, Jan 2019
  • Feautured on Plein Air Magazine,  USA, March 2019 
  • Fabriano in Acquerello International Festival, Invited in Italy's 20 Representative Masters, April 2019
  • Exhibiting at Galleria Labor Limae, Torino, Italy, May 2019
  • Palermo, Sicily w/c Workshop 22 – 27 May, 2019
  • Valencia, Spain, w/c Workshop, July 2 — 9, 2019
  • Giverny, France w/c Workshop 22 — 27 July, 2019
  • Philadelphia, PA, USA Exhibition at PWS 40th International Juried Show 31 Aug - 26 Oct, 2019
  • San Pedro, CA USA Exhibition at NWS 99th International Juried Show 3 Oct - 17 Nov, 2019 
  • Don Demer's presentation on excelence at San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, Oct 2019 (Video)
2018
  • Article on American Watercolor Weekly, Feb 2018
  • Galleries on The Cyber Art Show, March 2018
  • Demo Article for Daniel Smith Fine Art Supplies, June 2018
  • Workshop in Sidmouth, East Devon, UK, June 2018
  • Winner 1st Place, Monreale Sicily Plein Air Festival, Sept 2018
  • Workshop in Valencia, Spain, 8 - 12 Oct 2018
  • Exhibiting Solo Show at La Comune, Milano, Oct / Nov 2018
  • Exhibiting Finalist at the International Watercolor Prize, Cagliari, Galleria Esdé, Nov 2018
  • Feature on The Art of Watercolour, world #1 watercolor magazine, Paris, Dec 2018
  • Paintings as Interior Design on the Prime Time RAI 1 Series 'La Compagnia del Cigno' 
2017
  • Exhibiting at City of Bengigamin, Valencia, Spain, International Show, Jan 2017
  • Exhibiting at Jack Meier Gallery, Houston, TX, USA, Feb 2017
  • Exhibiting at Bankside Gallery, London, UK for Royal Watercolor Society, March 2017
  • Winner, The Joe Carmichael Award at National Watercolor Society, June 10, 2017 San Pedro, CA
  • Winner Best Overall Watercolor, Plein Air Salon July 2017 (The Shop Window)
  • Featured in Fine Ar Connoisseur Magazine, Nocturne - Aug Sept 2017
  • Workshop in Valencia, Spain, Watercolor in One Stroke, 10 - 16 Sept 2017
  • Workshop in East Devon, UK, Watercolor in One Stroke 4, 5, 6 Oct 2017
  • Exhibiting at Mall Galleries, London, UK with Royal Society of Marine Artists, 4 - 15 Oct 2017
  • Featured Artist at En Plein Air Festival, San Angelo, TX, USA, 22 - 29 Oct 2017
  • Featured in Fine Ar Connoisseur Magazine, Industrial - Nov Dec 2017
  • Watercolor Workshop ‘Alla Seconda’, Padova, Italy 10, 11 December 2017
2016
  • Feautured Artist at Lighthouse Plein Air Festival, Jupiter, Florida 9 — 13 March, 2016
  • DVD Release ‘Watercolor the Italian Way — Alla Seconda Method’ — 15 April 2016
  • Faculty at 5th Plein Air Convention & Expo, Tucson, AZ 15 — 19 April 2016
  • Exhibiting in Fabriano, Italy – International Watercolor Festival, April 2015
  • Workshop in Giverny, France, by Monet’s Lily Pond, June 27 —July 2, 2016
  • Invited Artist at Premio Marche d’Acqua - Permanent Oeuvre at Museo della Carta, Fabriano
  • Featured Artist at Door County Plein Air Festival, WI, Fish Creek 24 — 30 July 2016
  • Workshop Instructor at MISA Madeline Island School of Arts , WI, 29 Aug— 2 Sep 2016
  • Extended Article on Watercolor Painting Process on The Artist Magazine, UK Sept 2016
  • Judge and Instructor at Watercolor Society of Oregon Conference, 7 — 14 October 2016
  • Top 15% in the Bold Brush Painting Competition, Nov 2016 (The Installation)
  • Winner Art Muse Contest, Master Class Prize, Nov 2016 (The Art Lover)
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Mail contact
Francesco Fontana Fine Artist
Alexandria VA, USA 20124
Via della Capinera 5 — Milano, Italy 20147
Cell +39 3381328003