After the last 2 tumultuous years, is anyone else out there wondering what new doors to open for 2022? Or perhaps which old doors to close for good?

I’ve been thinking a lot about both these questions lately. Not surprising then that I chose this subject to paint as 2021 came to an end.

The photo subject was taken by my husband in Pitigliano, Tuscany this past summer when he travelled solo to Italy, as I stayed home to prepare for summer art shows. When I saw the photo, I connected to it on so many levels. Technically, as a painter I love creating all kinds of texture with pen work and watercolour technique, and this wall contained a delicious buffet of textures. As a traveller, I remembered the warmth and wonder I felt when I last visited Pitigliano, one of my favourite Italian towns – wandering through the narrow streets, frequently reaching out to touch those ancient walls with their smooth stones, jagged brick or sandy stucco.

Lastly, on an emotional level, this subject spoke to me of resilience, repair, faith, and renewal. It also wasn’t lost on me that the door number is 7 – this is my 7th year as a professional artist and my journey has kind of felt like this wall looks. LOL

But, despite the obvious grittiness of a Pitigliano wall or the ups and downs of an art practice, there is also beauty in this mess that time has created. So, bring on 2022! I’m going to open some new doors, close some old ones, patch up a few holes, and keep the faith that some beauty will come out of it.

You?

Artwork: “The Textures of Tuscany”, 5″ x 5″ ink and watercolour; available in shop now