"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Friday, June 10, 2016

European Odyssey Comes to an End

European Odyssey 24x30 oil on canvas


 The finished painting - I wanted to celebrate our trip in a painting that showed the exuberance and joy of our experience together as a family.

And some final photos of the magical city of Rome to share with you:



Ruins of the Roman Forum with rose garden in full bloom!

Piazza del Popolo with the Leonardo da Vinci Museum

The Vatican inner courtyard

Laocoon - what an amazing sculpture. I was mesmerized by the strength and emotion of this piece.

Some "marble taxidermy "and one of the most interesting rooms of sculpture in the Vatican Museum!

The Hall of the Muses

Raphael Room in the Apostolic Castle

The Sistine Chapel - what a masterwork it is! Much more impressive than any photo could ever show!

Entry to St. Peter's Basilica

The Pieta- sublimely beautiful and most definitely the highlight of the trip for me.

Inside St. Peter's


Bernini sculpture

Doorway relief sculpture

Inside the Tomb of the Popes underneath the Basilica - no photos allowed :0!

On this trip, our European odyssey, I saw and experienced things that I never dreamed or imagined. Upon returning home, I felt an overwhelming connection to the people of the past and to the history of mankind through the ages. This feeling came more through my experiences of living in the ancient cities for a time and sharing their cultures than it did from antiquities in a museum or a church. I found that people are open and friendly, are eager to share their own stories and to make connections. On the last day in Amsterdam before our long flight home, I had a chance to meet up with a Scottish friend of mine that I had not seen in almost 30 years. Seeing Gwen and her husband and introducing her to my family was perhaps the best ending that such a magical trip could ever have had.

30 comments:

  1. What a wonderful trip, Susan, and thank you so much for sharing your experiences and photos here! The painting is gorgeous!

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    1. Many thanks, Judy. Your visit to my blog is greatly appreciated!

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  2. Your painting certainly reflects bountiful joy and pleasure! May it always remind you and your family of the extraordinary trip you took. I appreciated your photos immensely imagining myself at all these locations witnessing the grandeur and immensity of these places and works. Thank you!

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    1. It certainly was unforgettable although the sharp memories have already softened around the edges. Still, I am left with a feeling of great wonder for all I saw and experienced.

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  3. Hi my friend.
    This painting is oustanding. Beautiful. Fantastic. All the best Susan.
    Vic.

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    1. Thank you, Vic. Your kind comments always make me happy!

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  4. This painting is absolutely beautiful Susan!!! Outstanding colors and finished perfectly with the books under them! Realistically I will never see Italy but through your eyes and amazing photos I just did!!!!!

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed the photos, Hilda but hope you do make there one day. Italy was quite a remarkably unique experience.

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  5. Susan, dit werk is echt fantastisch, het het getuigt van een mooie zomer en geweldige reis ..
    mooie kleur voor de bloemen...
    groetjes van Simonne

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    1. Your flower paintings are always so beautiful that your words mean a lot to me. Thank you, Simonne.

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  6. Bonjour chère Susan,

    Une composition florale qui m'époustoufle tant elle est superbe ! Des nuances de couleurs multiples... Un bouquet si vivant. En français on dit une nature morte et je n'aime pas ce terme. Ton âme, ton écriture flottent autour de ce bouquet fantastique.

    Merci pour l'ensemble de tes merveilleuses photos qui nous entraînent à Rome... Un chemin révélateur de découvertes... des quartiers, des fresques et des monuments incontournables...

    Gros bisous à toi

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    1. Many thanks for your kind comment, MartineAlison - and I wish you great success with your October show in Portland Maine!

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  7. A lovely post Susan!

    Three loves "bedded down" together; how much more perfect can life be???? Magnificent Art... Inspiring History... and the presence of one's loved ones - Family and old friends!

    Your painting is an exhuberant and fitting tribute to this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Thank you for sharing!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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    1. So nice to hear from you, Bruce. My mind is still whirling with all the inspiration I tried to absorb during those overseas days. Hope all is well in your neck of the Canadian woods!

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  8. A lovely painting to mark the end of such a wonderful holiday.

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    1. Many thanks, Laura and thank you as well for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment. Much appreciated!

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  9. Wow, that looks like some adventure! The photo's are lovely! And I love how your floral painting turned out. It's beautiful! :0)

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    1. Thank you, Sandra! Congratulations on the article and cover of the recent art magazine! How wonderful!

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  10. Susan, I am without words. All this incredible beauty!!! I am so glad you had such a fantastic trip with your family! Your dahlia painting certainly re-creates the immense joy of your trip.
    Kathryn

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  11. Glorious travels! Rome is a masterpiece everywhere you look--especially Borghese gardens. Your flowers reminded me of that particularly memorable afternoon years ago.

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    1. Glad to remind you of good memories. Linda. Rome is so unique - I think I could visit again and again and never have the same experience twice. What a magnificent city.

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  12. Don't disappear, Susan. Long time since you posted this.

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    1. Hi, John - I am moved that you noticed my absence. It's been a long and eventful summer that has tended to drain me of inspiration. I have been painting - but I have been discarding mostly everything that I have done. Perhaps soon I will have a work that I am confident enough to post. Thank you for thinking of me.

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  13. Rome is a magical city and what a wonderful trip this must have been ! I'm glad you didn't wipe this painting off...it is absolutely gorgeous !

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    1. Thank you, Jane - and yes, I could not agree more - Rome is quite magical!

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  14. Ciao Susan! I am still out here enjoying your wonderful blog and fantastic art! Sorry this post is a bit late. I thought I commented on this already! I love your beautiful flowers! Your art always makes me happy! Great photos of Roma! You captured so much of this wonderful city! We loved all our visits to Rome. Your great photos make me want to return.
    Abbracci amica!
    Michael

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    1. So happy you liked the photos, Michael - I took so many. It was hard to decide which ones to show! Hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer in Boston!

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  15. Hope you are well, Susan. You've left a big hole in blogland. Hurry back

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    1. I have been remiss, John and will try to begin blogging again soon. How time does get away from us if we are not careful - thank you for your thoughts and congratulations on your 57th anniversary.!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!