#11 / Oppede le Vieux

#11 / Oppede le Vieux

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This wonderful village, abandoned during the 19^th century is slowly being repopulated. Each time we go it seems that another building has been carefully and lovingly restored, but much of the village is still covered with the pervasive ivy which creeps up the walls, pulling at the stonework and pointing of the ruined houses like a destructive sloth.

This is the bell tower, through whose archway you have to pass to access the narrow, winding streets of the village.

I started this painting with John Singer Sergent’s painting of Palazzo Labia in my head and tried to stick to the loose brushwork and subtle indications of form, light and shadow that he so effectively uses to create the image. My painting doesn't quite reach the heights that Sargent's painting does, but I'll keep plugging away until I get there or thereabouts!