Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Access: Greek Islands

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It was so much fun to walk through the old town of Naxos and take photos. The effects of history and nature are readily apparent.

There are the remnants of the conquerors: sea-etched marbles of Roman temples, rubble of Venetian castles with rusty brass door knockers, and deteriorating monasteries as remembrances of the Crusadesr_atencio_venetian-doorknocker

The town set high on a hill and faces out to sea, evidence of vigilance, allowing time to alert islanders of approaching sieges from pirates or conquerors. The streets are narrow, winding and twisting with low arches –- a labyrinth designed to slow armed advancements. Doorways are narrow and low – the better to defend one’s home.

Nature also exacts a price for its gifts r-atencio_crossed_saber-doorknob-oilof sun and sea life. Battering storms, wind, and salty breezes make all things metal rust. Paint flakes off. Plaster peels, revealing stones.
Vigilance of another sort, therefore, is required to maintain man-made structures.

Even new, white, angular buildings etched against azure skies eventually submit to sun, storms and the sea’s salt.

I took over 500 photos and will create a series of 30-35 in oil on canvas in keeping with classicism. My wordsmith friend and I arrived at a title for the series: “Access: Greek Isles,” including vignettes of the history and nature of life on the islands are shown through the portals of entry….doors, windows, streets, and gates.

Three more are in various stages of completion and I'll post them as soon as they're ready. This way, you can walk with me through the town and see what I saw. (Please go to http://www.r-atencio.com/gallery/access_greece/access_greece.html to see enlargements. I rushed to get the doors up for you to see. None of the others are ready yet. )

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16 comments:

  1. You're paintings are very good. Seems like you found a subject you are excited to paint. Ellen

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  2. Good going! I am glad to see so much new work. Doors, windows, knobs, hinges, etc are great subjects. I have done a similar thing in New Mexico, taking images from the adobes homes there.
    Thanks for sharing, I look forward to seeing the rest.

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  3. These paintings are absolutely gorgeous! You are so taltented. Thank you for sharing. I am glad you had a wonderful time in Greece. Blessings, Miriam.

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  4. Those are wonderful!!!!! Some of your best work yet. Nice work... very nice. Connie

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  5. What a wonderful experience and I love the style of your paintings. Waiting to see the rest of them. Keep up the great work. DJ

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  6. Wow! I am so thrilled that you are enjoying the trip to Greece through my eyes. Thank you so much for all your comments.

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  8. Good on ya mate. They all look gorgeous!

    SZ

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  9. Interesting. I love your narratives accompanying the art you display. Mary S.

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  10. The turquoise door is very soothing. I love it. Yuki

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  11. Interesting look at Greece, sort of a keyhole view. Well done. Anna

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  12. Very nice! Love them.
    Britt

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  13. These paintings are stunning! Truly some of your best work. Can't wait to see more!! Sherryce

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  14. Your comments are beautifully written, very lyrical as well as evocative. The Access paintings are my favorites, along with the beautiful flowers, and those interesting birds. I guess I like realistic. They are great! Love, JH

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  15. Great oils of Greece! Colleen

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  16. I really like the oils you painted and look forward to seeing the whole series. Any chance of showing them here? Jackie (Naxos)

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