Timeless, glorious, beautiful -- Santa Maria della Salute emerges from the mist along the lagoon of Venice, Italy.
Built in the 17th century as a prayer to the Virgin Mary -- from the Republic of Venice for relief from the ravages of an especially devastating plague, the cathedral is one of the iconic symbols of Venice, La Serenissima, the serene city of creative and independent people.
Standing on the Riva degli Schiavoni, near the Piazza of San Marco, you look across the waters where the domes of the building capture your attention, on both clear days and misty ones.
This particular late afternoon is a misty one, but a determined sunlight breaks through, dappling gold across the surface of the water. Two gondolas glide gracefully by, and you stop in this perfect moment, at this perfect place, to fully take it all in.
La Salute is in no hurry. Neither need you be.
I am a fine art painter who focuses on creating images of light, life, joy and beauty. I live on a small farm in a rural area of the western U.S., where life is quiet, calm, and in tune with nature. I seek to paint.. Read more…