#161 – Monterosso al Mare Colour

During a summer day the five towns of Italy’s Cinque Terre can be bustling and crowded, but once the day-trippers and beach-goers depart, these towns take on a very different character and energy.

Most noticeably, the pace of life slows tremendously. For example, taking a leisurely stroll with no need to be anywhere becomes a joy – no trains to catch, no tour groups to dodge and dart, and only the scenery (and a bit of window shopping) to distract you. I love this time of day and taking that long pre-dinner passeggiata walk.

Inspired by a photo taken during one of those seaside walks in a much quieter Monterosso al Mare, my latest miniature is “Monterosso al Mare Colour”. Even though I had passed this exact scene earlier in the day on my way somewhere, I had completely missed noticing these blossoming trees and how gorgeous they made this little piazza. But during my passeggiata 10 hours later, I caught it all!

Slowing myself down to match the town’s more relaxed energy was such a gift – in addition to gifting me with a subject for this painting. Now the challenge is to learn to slow down more without needing to be in Monterosso al Mare!

2.5″ x 3.5″ ink and watercolour

(Original now sold.)