Born Again
When I first me Susan, we talked about our faith and how we had become Christians. For Susan, her new birth experience began when she was living in Venice in the mid eighties. Our first meal together was at an Italian restaurant in Ponteland and she would often talk about her love for Italy.
In June 1991 we went to Venice together for the first time. We stayed for several nights at Susan’s friend’s home on the outskirts of Venice but travelled across to the islands linked by over400 bridges. I was completely in awe of the incredible architecture, the light and the overall feel of this unique Italian city. I couldn’t help but paint several watercolours on location which simply whetted my appetite for another trip.
Grand Canal
This view of the Grand Canal from Ponte dell’Accademia (one of only 4 bridges which cross the Grand Canal) is one of the most painted in Venice. Over the years I’ve painted several watercolours on location and many more in my Studio. I guess it was only fitting that this was the scene to represent one of the most significant events for Susan and I in 1991.