Above: Classical landscape in fresco Frieze from the Academia Gallery Fresco copy of Yellow Bromeliad pastel Sybille, after Michelangelo in fresco
Below: Studies on perspective for fresco. The fresco artist at work!

Dear Friends and Collectors,

I returned to California after spending six weeks in glorious Venice, La Sérenissima, so named during the powerful era of the Republic of Venice because of its tranquility, prosperity, and lasting power.

Living in Venice is a completely different experience rather than being a tourist. There is no hurry to see everything, which is almost impossible anyway. At every turn there is beauty: painted masterpieces in churches, graceful architecture, an indescribable light on the water, the lyrical venetian language. It is a city of sweet temptations: hidden Bacaro bars for Spritz and cicchetti (little sandwiches with fish), a stunning café from 1700's for Italian coffee and pastry, intimate restaurants serving locally sourced food. The cultural life is rich: conferences to expand learning, exhibitions to see, gardens of Venice to visit, musical performances in gorgeous venues, and expatriate evenings to meet new friends.

Surrounded by art and beauty, I’m evaluating how I will continue to do artwork there. I had a fantastic opportunity for an in-depth fresco workshop that really stretched me. The five day experience in a professional studio (marianiaffreschi.com) was full immersion into this timeless art. It’s a medium I took to very easily; painting quickly on wet lime plaster, understanding the seduction of frescoes in timeless buildings. I even learned to remove frescos from the wall, called 'Strappare' (ah yes, that is how Napoleon stole frescoes from Venice). It was exciting to learn this technique and look forward to incorporating frescoes into my repertoire.

In addition to beloved holidays with family and friends, I’m in SoCal to prepare for some art events on my calendar.

Art and Nature at the Susie Q in Laguna Beach; a favorite piece in this show, Azaleas and Fern, painted at Hortense Miller Gardens in Laguna. (Available for purchase). The show closes December 18 and is open regular business hours.

I’m preparing for a large solo exhibition with 22 pieces at a hospital in Los Angeles, the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation. The show opens in February and will be in place for one year, curated by Julie Shadpa of the Healing Arts Committee. Details to come.

The Annenberg Sunnylands Foundation in Rancho Mirage has asked me back to teach two pastel classes January 10 (beginning to intermediate) and January 11 (intermediate to advanced). Sign up early for one or both because these classes always sell out. Links for the classes are below: https://sunnylands.org/event/art-workshop-introduction-to-still-life-in-pastel-beginners-class/ https://sunnylands.org/event/art-workshop-still-life-in-pastel-intermediate-advanced/

Next weekend, December 6 and 7 is open studio here in Laguna Beach. I will be there from 11 to 4pm both days. My studio is H4 and is located at 3251 Laguna Canyon Road. There is plenty of free parking! The open house is a fun way to visit many open studios and make some direct purchases from the artists. I will be selling some small plein air pieces for discounted prices to friends. https://www.lagunacanyonartists.org/events

Wishing you the spirit of La Sérenissima this joyous holiday season and sending you peace and love.

Yours In Art,
Gianne

www.gianne.org
https://www.facebook.com/gdegenevraye.artist
https://twitter.com/@gdegenevraye
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Above: Azalea and Fern, 2014 (Hortense Miller Garden), Available, please inquire 21x28 in, Oil on Linen
Laguna Canyon Artists' Studio invitation Please come!
La Sérenissima, Venice at sunset.