Beginnings — Jamie Davis Art

Abstract painting by Jamie Davis, Beginnings

Acrylic and pastel on canvas · 39 × 35 in · 2011

The Story

Since this series of paintings is about connotations that I have about my experience in Italy, the palette I started with, seen for example in this painting called "Beginnings," is darker in color. It is reflective of my perception of Italy my first two weeks there. I had a tough time adjusting to how slowly everything moved in the Italian culture. The people there seemed to take their time in everything, especially when something was time-sensitive. Businesses were closed over the lunch hour, sometimes from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm. I became quickly annoyed and impatient because I was used to America, where businesses are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The dark colors I painted in "Beginnings" are not light and airy like the culture of Italy. My palette is a color palette representing frustration with deep burgundies and dark blacks.