Artist Residency in Montecastello di Vibio Intro

9-4-11, SundayWell, I made it in one piece to Montecastello di Vibio! We’re all the way up on a hilltop, with a view that makes me feel like I’m on top of the entire world. The layout of the city is in a circle, with views all around and the buildings, walkways, and walls are all crafted in the classic Medieval style.

Steep, narrow walkways curve around brick buildings and colorful flowerpots like a stream moves around rocks. It’s very enchanting here, so I’m sure I have a great adventure ahead of me.

My studio is all the way at the top of the building, hidden away from the others and accessible only through a (very creepy) and steep staircase. I have the entire attic floor, which is divided into three and a half rooms. Today I went in just to get acquainted with the space and to let whatever energy is in there know that I’m going to be there for a bit, and I’d appreciate sharing the space :P I’m just being paranoid perhaps, but it did feel good to spend time in there, looking through all the windows to see the variety of views the studio has to offer, and to sit in silence, listening to nothing but the bell, people chatting below, and the occasional footsteps of passersby below.

There is a collection of artists’ palettes in my studio, which makes me feel more comforted. I just love seeing the colors other artists use to interpret their surroundings.

Since I’ve never done landscapes before, I decided I’d plunge in head first and confront the details that have been scaring me: Italian tiled rooftops and brick. The result was this overly-detailed drawing of the belltower from my studio window. Now that my feet are wet, I’m ready to make some art!