Greece Orthodox Church in the Village of Kattavia
I was attracted to the wonderful combination of shapes and colours as light played across them in the latter afternoon light. Triangles, cones and rectangles in a measured balance are the ingredients of good architecture and I think this painting demonstrates the commit to this principle. Together with colour, neutralized with whites, greys and soft browns create a harmonious balance to the painting. Strong geometric shapes bring weight to the idea of the institution of the church as a fundamental foundation of the society. Doing this painting made me feel grounded for some reason.
Village Woman Working 'Village Life', My Greek Collection, 1997.
Spending time in Greece and Turkey, painting on the island of Rhodes, in the little village in the south east of the city of Rhodes.
Encountering for the first time 'the Aegean and Mediterranean Light'. the special light, the ubiquitous blue haze of the surrounding sea drenches the shadows and reflects onto the bleached whites of clothing and whitewashed houses. This aspect and the signs of a village life working with the flow of the natural world and age old knowledge and customs handed down offer centuries became the aim of a painting style I would take away from this experience with such effects as patinas , distressed renders and of course 'blue haze'.
Springs and Bathes of Kallithera, Rhodes Island 122x150cm
Since ancient Greece, the Springs of Kallithera, , 9km from Rhodes city, on Rhodes Island have been renowned for their therapeutic powers for such conditions of arthritis, obesity, diabetes and many more. Peoples from the surrounding islands and coasts of Asia Minor would come to Kallithera for healing. Set in the beautiful bay of Kallithera’s natural environment was also a factor in the healing process.
The first manmade structure above the spring was built by the Italians in 1928 by architect Pietro Lombardi.
When I visited in 1997 the structures where is semi ruin, which for me made them so beautiful and added to their charm as a painting subject.
I read on the internet they have been fully restored and are a working tourist and health resort which is a wonderful attribute for the island economy.
The technique adopted for this painting thin transparent layers overplayed with thin white paint to allow the underpainting to be revealed and in parts where there is more solid light thicker white is used. Details of the arch and columns require strong definite shapes.
Earth Goddess, tending her garden. 137 x 107cm
The Aunt of my student was kind enough to give me a tour of her extensive vegetable garden. Here she is showing the fruits of her and her families labours, shining Aubergine ready for the table. We ate very well. The food we ate was mostly grown or raised on the land around the village. Fresh vegetables, legumes, breads, feta cheese with herbs gathered from the surrounding hillside. I was thrilled to be given access to the local knowledge of the vast varieties of herbs for cooking and medical purposes growing wild on the hillsides surrounding the houses. That was very special.
Lindos Beach 60x76mm
The stability of the triangular structures in the painting warmly welcomes you as a beachcomber. The white sandy path invites your imagination leading you to the pristine mirrored waters, lapping gently, caressing the edges of the sheltered bay as the eye is enfolded by the
the triangular headland whose rocky cliffs of mineral rich limestone glows pink in the evening's setting sun sunset. A benevolent peace to the end of the day.
Homeward Bound. 91.4x76.2cm A fleeting moment in the village at the end of the day. The farmer leads his cows home after they have spent the day grazing on medicinal herbs, like sage and thyme that cover the hillsides around Kattavia as well as barley and leafy legume. Well fed contented cows are the pride of the farmer whose livelihood is enmeshed so closely with his animals.
https://www.greece-is.com/back-to-the-roots-tastes-of-rhodes/ The structure of the painting is that of a frieze which is an ongoing linear composition like a possession for example the Greek Parthenon, Athens had a frieze, (originally 160 meters) - sculptural relief carved c.443 and 437BC adorning the upper part of the naos of the building depicting stories of the Athenian wars, warriors, priestesses, ritual practices and gods and goddesses. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenon_Frieze The shadows of warm deep red transition to blues across the foreground road which leads home adds to the frieze structure of story telling as does the continuous row of blue whitewash houses across the middle distance.
The intense colours of the setting sun reflect across the painting giving it a golden glow, accented by the soft blues and pinks and greys which are resting quiet places for the eye and the mind as we come to the end of the day.
Woman with Donkey Heading to Kattavia Centre. 152.4 x 182.88cm The blue and orange triangular shadows of the wall and grass tufts counter the brilliant whitewash walls and road bringing focus to the woman figure and donkey with pannikin bags bulging happily on its’ sides. It’s a stable contented scene, a snippet of village life.
Woman with Donkey Heading to Kattavia Centre. 152.4 x 182.88cm The blue and orange triangular shadows of the wall and grass tufts counter the brilliant whitewash walls and road bringing focus to the woman figure and donkey with pannikin bags bulging happily on its’ sides. It’s a stable contented scene, a snippet of village life.
Near Lindos, Rhodes Island, Greece. 76.2x91cm On this day of exploring the beautiful Island I came around a corner to happen on this very domestic scene bathed in late afternoon light, where a little farm carved out of the limestone rocky landscape, its stone fences and buildings nudging against the pristine waters of the inlet near Lindos, 3 km from the City of Rhodes (Capital). Once again I felt compelled to not lay too much of myself in the painting, leaving only the bare essential content, leaving only a hint of my presence by trying to express the understated activities of a sustainable life on an island whose crisscross history is one of possession and repossession and its barren appearance which hides mineral rich rocks and water tables used for sustenance, healing and beneficial properties not seen on the first encounters.
Near Lindos, Rhodes Island, Greece. 76.2x91cm On this day of exploring the beautiful Island I can around a corner to happen on this very domestic scene bathed in late afternoon light, where a little farm carved out of the limestone rocky landscape, its stone fences and buildings nudging against the pristine waters of the inlet near Lindos, 3 km from the City of Rhodes (Capital). Once again I felt compelled to not lay too much of myself in the painting, leaving only the bare essential content, leaving only a hint of my presence by trying to express the understated activities of a sustainable life on an island whose crisscross history is one of possession and repossession and its barren appearance which hides mineral rich rocks and water tables used for sustenance, healing and beneficial properties not seen on the first encounters.
Walls, Olive and Fishes of an Island Home. 60.96 x 76.2cm Stone walls, olives and fish are a feature of this little island home. Raised out of the sea 3 million years ago the land and the sea became inextricably linked by human initiative and imagination cultivating the land, harvesting the sea and building walls and houses for survival of the clan.
Walls, Olive and Fishes of an Island Home. 60.96 x 76.2cm Stone walls, olives and fish are a feature of this little island home. Raised out of the sea 3 million years ago the land and the sea became inextricably linked by human initiative and imagination cultivating the land, harvesting the sea and building walls and houses for survival of the clan.
Aubergines and Pomegranates on a Windowsill 50x40cm
Village Windows and windowsills are amazingly lovely little niches with deeply recessed blocks of stone which create deep shadows and strong light.
The Greeks love to grow things and find places to do this. Typically, windowsills are a prized location for showing off skill and artistic talent for growing and arranging things, becoming receptacles for all sorts of pots and baskets growing colourful flowers and herbs, and sometimes hanging baskets are dangled over their edge providing another place to grow something. This day in the village of Kattavia, I came across this little vignette of an Aubergine, Hibiscus Flower in a stone jar and Pomegranates. This was another great opportunity to document something current and authentic.
Aubergines and Pomegranates on a Window SillAubergines and Pomegranates on a Windowsill 50x40cm
Village Windows and windowsills are amazingly lovely little niches with deeply recessed blocks of stone which create deep shadows and strong light.
The Greeks love to grow things and find places to do this. Typically, windowsills are a prized location for showing off skill and artistic talent for growing and arranging things, becoming receptacles for all sorts of pots and baskets growing colourful flowers and herbs, and sometimes hanging baskets are dangled over their edge providing another place to grow something. This day in the village of Kattavia, I came across this little vignette of an Aubergine, Hibiscus Flower in a stone jar and Pomegranates. This was another great opportunity to document something current and authentic.
Springs and Baths of Kallithera 122x150cm
Since ancient Greece, the Springs of Kallithera, , 9km from Rhodes city, on Rhodes Island have been renowned for their therapeutic powers for such conditions of arthritis, obesity, diabetes and many more. Peoples from the surrounding islands and coasts of Asia Minor would come to Kallithera for healing. Set in the beautiful bay of Kallithera’s natural environment was also a factor in the healing process.
The first manmade structure above the spring was built by the Italians in 1928 by architect Pietro Lombardi.
When I visited in 1997 the structures where is semi ruin, which for me made them so beautiful and added to their charm as a painting subject.
I read on the internet they have been fully restored and are a working tourist and health resort which is a wonderful attribute for the island economy
The Beach, Lindos Harbour 60.96 x 76.2cm The bleached sand and sea haze rising from the blue and the pink light soaking into the white umbrellas and the sand. The stable inverted wineglass shapes of the umbrellas, in row, fringe the edge of beach and beachgoers rest comfortably in their shade. An idyllic arcadian scene which reminded me of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, 341-270BC Greek philosopher observed himself and others were susceptible to anxiety, depression and other emotional states at some time in their lives. He went on the establish the Epicurean school of Philosophy which promoted the ‘Art of Simple Living. This philosophical doctrine expounded the virtues of ‘how to live the happiest possible life.
Roman Archway. 50 x 40cm Blue and green and white wash walls highlight the decorative arch and are a hint of the Roman occupation around 164BC and later the Italian in the pre WW11.
Cobbled Laneway in Katavia. 40x50mm Wheeling my paint box/easel exploring the streets of the little village was like being an adventurer on high alert, with eye and brain wired for the minutest detail of curiosity, searching exploring around every corner. The hardest part was to choose one or two out of the myriad of choices before me. It’s like asking which country will I discover first?
Warm and Fuzzy in Greece. 137.16 x 106.68cm
Windowsills and cats – there are lots of them both in Greece and here the two combine, creating a great scene. While some cats are not as lucky as this one, who obviously enjoys privileges, protected from the elements.
This painting captures the cool blues and greens of the sea and the ubiquitous whitewash walls of the Greek Islands. The distressed, worn effect of time and the elements are apparent on the shutters, window frames and walls. The simple shapes gently caress over each other as waves kiss the shore because I feel at peace here.
Village Laneway in Kattavia. 60x76mm Shadowed walls along laneways bring lively brushstrokes to an immediate ‘alla prima painting’ this bright sunny morning in the village. Once I started the painting, the seemingly colourless tone the walls and cobbled laneway become alive with colour and there is a lightness in my heart as I enjoy the speed of execution with nothing stopping me. The painting feels honest, without pretence, as it falls off my brush by magic. I am on a roll in a heady state of existence embracing everything around me.
Grandmother of Katavia, Rhodes Island Greece 50x40cm
While merely a visitor I was honoured and felt accepted by the village when I was invited to paint ‘Grandmother’, (Ya-Ya or Gaigia).
As I set up my painting box easel, paints and canvas in the courtyard of ‘Grandmothers’ house, the shy, gentle elderly lady appeared from within the cool shadows of her house. She smiled, reassuring me she was happy I was going to paint her. I smiled back as that was the only way to communication with her. In the process of painting the portrait, she was brilliant as a sitter, sitting so still, made it very easy to achieve a good result. Her grandchildren bought the painting.
Café Katavia, 50x40cm
The bright orange render of the café walls spark up the appetite and also imbue the visitor/viewer with images of adventure as all Greek Island seaside café/restaurants do. An invitation to enter through the open door, the plants holding your anticipation for ‘what could be inside’, maybe a stranger, a new friend, a poet or an artist or locals telling stories of their island home. Maybe to have a cup of sweet Greek coffee serviced with a desert of Lemon Bougatos or Honey and Rosewater Baklava or walnut Karythopita, awaits the visitor willing to step inside the door. It’s all a mystery and I want to explore it all.
Outside the Kattavia Café 40x50cm Blue furniture and whitewashed walls in a cool shady garden setting is a perfeft place to end a day painting. One final painting before I leave the village of Kattavia on my journey around the island of Rhodes, Greece.
The Philosophers. 106.68x137.16mm A very typical scene in the village Plaza, three or four men sitting at a café table discussing the state of the world.
This image in my mind is iconic because it brings to mind the images of the ancient history and the famous Greek Philosophers we in modern times take so much inspiration from.
