1. Greece Collection
This collection was formed soon after we arrived in Greece on April 5th, 2022. Our journey from the Maldives to the Mediterranean was a difficult month long passage - and we were so excited to arrive here in Crete, Greece. I started painting the next day after our arrival and I think my enthusiasm definitely spilled over into this collection! We initially rented a car and toured the island to take in the sites, culture, food, ... and of course the architecture :) Crete is an amazing island - it's huge - and has so much history and culture - I'm sure it is one of the most archeologically richest places in the world. So much for me to paint!
I hope you enjoy this collection - it gives me great pleasure to bring an entirely new part of the world to you!
2. Italy Collection
This collection has a special place in my heart - well of course it should - I'm Italian and it's my home. Growing up with so much culture and history surrounding me is what started my passion for art and architecture. I think it also fueled my appreciation and desire to explore other countries - I realized that with so much beauty in my backyard - there must be much much more out there in the world.
Some of my first driftwood art pieces were of Italy - they are long sold but still remain as some of my favorite pieces. Now whenever i return for a visit - I seem to be aware of architectural details that I was previously blind to. I also see how centuries ago Italian builders influence other countries - it's all very interesting.
3. Portugal Collection
Portugal has a special place in my heart. I've visited briefly a many years back - but only recently have I really come to appreciate it. Now that we have our boat in the Mediterranean I have the opportunity to visit as often as I like and it is beginning to It feel like my second home.
My appreciation of Portuguese architecture started in SE Asia a number of years back. The Portuguese played a significant role there in the past, and cities like Penang, Malaysia have many buildings from those times. The combination and use of color I think is what attracts me so much to their buildings, also the country's culture is very much oriented around it's coasts and the ocean - definitely my style.
We hope to spend the winter of 2022-23 somewhere in Portugal - so look for my growing collection from there.
4. Malta Collection
Malta is so amazingly rich with history, culture, and architecture! What I love about this country is that they have made a real effort to preserve their history and historic structures - a concept very reflective of advanced thinking. It's also great for me because it gives me endless inspiration and so so much to paint :)
It looks like I may be spending some more time there as we sail west through the Mediterranean. I started early with the Malta Collection and created a few pieces to see how it all feels .... and so far very effortless and easy going .... always a good sign.
5. Door collection
I’ve always had a fascination with well used weathered doors, just like old majestic trees, they gather energy over time and have a presence about them. It seems like the older cultures placed more significance on their doors than the newer and more modern ones. Color, shape, size, ornaments, etc all were relevant and carried meaning - in those times people basically paid attention to doors and they were important to them.
Driftwood boards are the perfect canvas for these doors as they too have gathered energy with miles and years at sea. This combination of energy makes it a joy to paint these doors. I particularly enjoy adding some hardware (door knobs, knockers, locks, hinges, metal plates etc) to the doors if appropriate. Make sure you have a close look - some are painted on and some are real! Enjoy!
11. Chart Collection
Nautical charts were one of my first artistic undertakings after I moved aboard our sailboat in 2014. I moved aboard with absolutely no art supplies or tools, but after a few months a fellow sailor in Tonga gifted me his watercolor set. I still had nothing to paint on until Captain Doug suggested I paint on some old Nautical Charts he had on board. The effect was amazing! As we sailed through Micronesia I painted various scenes and people we met, and created my first collection. After arriving in Malaysia I attended local art markets and showcased these pieces in various galleries. The success was instant and I now wish I had photographed all my pieces before selling. This was the start to my Paint The World Tour!
France Collection
This collection is in it's initial stages - as you can see by the limited choice. These pieces were from photos I took a few years back - but soon we will be sailing the coasts of France - and have time to focus on the culture and buildings there. So much to paint .... and not enough time :)