Sicilian Citrus

 Something about peering down a narrow Sicilian alleyway under the hot sun and spotting a bowl of citrus fruit invokes a nostalgic feeling within in. For this painting, I used M Graham gouache, which is by far my most favorite medium. This is on a good quality watercolor paper made by Carson. 

The Glow of Ms. Etna

 Sometimes I'm amazed at some of the stories of my Sicilian family ancestry, how they came to America in the early part of the 20th century, the traditions they still carry on, and the pride of their heritage. The DNA test I took claimed I have 24% Italian in my genes. Whether that's accurate or not, I'm definitely of a Sicilian bloodline, and I think it's pretty cool 😊

What I love about Sicily is the blend of being a desert yet so fertile with citrus fruits, grapes and plumerias. Visiting Hawaii a few years ago, the scent of plumerias were everywhere and it is one of my favorite floral scents. I'm surprised plumerias grow in Sicily because I think of that flower growing in a more lush tropical environment. Blood oranges are also a thing in Sicily, and those are delicious. Sicilians grow the best tasting lemons too. And of course wine is another gift from this volcanic island.

This abundance is due to the rich fertile soil from the volcanos nearby, particularly the active Mt. Etna. In this painting, I refer to her as Ms. Etna, and the glowing flow of her lava and plumes of ash contribute to this soil. I also imagine standing at a market in Catania, indulging in the beautiful colors of this magical place.

Painted on 10x12 canvas board in gouache, fluorescent acrylic and other mixed media.

Trinacria of Sicily in gouache

This is a painted celebration of my Sicilian ancestry in bold gouache on 8x8 canvas board. I got the idea from the artful tiles made in Sicily, and combining the trinacria symbol from the Sicilian flag. The symbol is Medusa representing the the goddess who fought off evil (not just turning men to stone with her gaze), and stalks of wheat symbolize fertility (as in agriculturally). The three legs represent the basic shape of the island.

In 1913, my great grandmother (just a teen) immigrated to the United States from Palermo Italy. I've held a sense of pride that I have roots from this beautiful and bountiful island. This is my second painting using the black and white outline in gouache that has Sicilian inspirations behind them.

Palermo in gouache

If I were to ever put one of my pieces on public display, this would be the one. Well, actually that's exactly what I did when my college (SOU, go raiders!) had a call for student artists. Even though I attend virtually, they did accept my piece for display somewhere in the university. It will hang for a year there with my name on a little plaque, and I am quite tickled! 

I own an old Vespa currently, although it doesn't run. It doesn't go faster than 25 miles per hour, and it's loud. In Sicily, these mopeds are everywhere, and I tried capturing that nostalgia in this painting. Sicily is known for it's oranges (I think it is, right?), so how fun would it be to buy a bushel of oranges on your old moped in the old streets of Palermo?

Painted with gouache on canvas, this will eventually be displayed in my own with love and pride.

Sicily in Gouache

I had started this painting several weeks ago, but lost my inspiration. Today I got that inspiration back, and decided to go heavy with the bold gouache. I then used Staedtler's Triplus Fineliner by Johanna Basford to outline everything. It turned out 'cartoonish' my family told me, but they liked it. Still trying to find my style, and this feels right so far. Sicily is a place I would like to visit someday because of my maternal heritage.