Birth of Rome
Birth of Rome
This painting has two subjects. First, I depict the parasol pines, Lebanon cedars, and cypress trees that grace the skyline. The second image, which you will discover, references a celebrated bestial sculpture from Rome's mythical origins. She will emerge from the trees, almost like an apparition.
Once seen she cannot be unseen.
In May of 2019, I began a month-long Visiting Artist Residency at the American Academy in Rome, a research and arts institution located on the city’s Janiculum Hill. During this sojourn, I created an homage to the trees and history of this great city.
Entitled “Birth of Rome,” this large-scale imaginary landscape was painted in pastel wash on Fabriano watercolor paper. Measuring 66” x 150”, it is my largest painting to date. If I’ve learned anything from the history of Roman, it is that “grand is good.”
The final result was inspired by my time in the Eternal City.
The lush flora of the Roman spring, influenced my palette, as did
the dark green, terra-cotta and ocher colors found not only in
ancient frescoes but also in the urban fabric everywhere.
