Piazza del Campo, Siena Original Paintings for Sale | Paintings of Siena Italy – Alan Reed
Siena Original Painting
Choose your favourite Paintings of Italy from our Italian Collection. Paintings of Siena, Tuscany, Umbria and more from our large collection to suit any budget.
This is an original painting of this beautiful city in Siena. Susan and I have visited the medieval city of Siena on two ocassions. On the second trip, I decided to spend time painting Piazza del Campo Siena in my tiny sketchbook.
On arriving back to my studio in Ponteland, I was eager to use these studies which inspired me to do this larger original watercolour of the Campo.
It’s a relaxing painting, I wanted to make the viewer feel as though they were in the piazza. Along with the other folk who were enjoying the sunshine. This has been achieved by framing the figures in-between the foreground shadow and the architecture.
After drawing out the scene in pencil, I laid a wash of Rose Madder over the sheet of paper. This set the tone and mood for the warm base colour of the distinctive architecture. The wash of pale blue for the sky provides the necessary space for the eye to rest. Read Alan Reed Painting Blog to discover more about Paintings of Siena.
I love adding figures basking in the warm Tuscan sun add life to the composition. For all your paintings of Siena Italy visit Alan Reed Art Gallery in Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Il Campo
The main square Piazza del Campo, is commonly called “il Campo” and hosts major events, namely the Palio.
After walking the romantic streets of Siena, il Campo is a beautiful area where tourists can come to sit. (Limited edition Print)
My first visit to Siena was in February 1999. It was a wonderfully bright and crisp, sunny but cold morning. We arrived at the shell shaped Piazza del Campo where the famous Palio horse racing is held twice a year. It was just a little too cool to do any painting. However, I spent quality time observing the locals wandering around the piazza. Most of the local people would often stop to greet each other cheerfully and stand chatting. It was lovely seeing them enjoying the bright morning sunlight and their conversations.
Story of the Piazza in Siena
One of the reasons why UNESCO recognises Siena as the ideal embodiment of a medieval city. I have to say, from an artist’s perspective, it is a visual delight.
Siena was built in the place where three antique hilltop towns sloped together. However, they eventually combined to create the community of Siena.
Il Campo was built on the intersection of the three main roads that lead to and from Siena. It was destined to be a neutral ground where political and civic holidays could be celebrated.
The homogenous architectural form of the square and the buildings facing indicate that it did not happen by accident. It was always the city leader’s intention to create a harmonious structure between the buildings and the square.
See more paintings of Siena and Tuscany by Alan Reed.
