This two image commission was a celebration of Italy and a sentimental reminder of the client's visits to Florence and Venice. The Venice image was designed for install in the foyer leading into a grand room that featured the Florence image positioned upon a balcony. In order to create a visual harmony between the cities that, in reality are several miles apart, a lighting scheme was created that unified the skies with a central color scheme. The illusion was established that both imaginary cities were under the same sky with the glorious rays of the same sun.
The Venice image was designed to create the illusion that the foyer led to a dock just off of the Grand Canal. In the distance, the dome of the Doge's palace is seen reflecting the sunlight. Near the dock a gondola is tied to a vibrantly colored pole. A glass of wine and a beaded purse awaits the client.
Perhaps a night at the opera?
The Florence image was rendered as a balcony window view overlooking Florence lost in the haze of a brilliantly sunlit sky. Key elements such as the ponte de vecchio and the Il Duomo cathedral are visible among the numerous red tile roofed structures. Set upon the window's ledge, a vessel with Grecian motif and more glasses of wine reflect the warm light.
On a personal note: the glasses represented in the image are exact copies of 17th century Venitian carnivale glass that the client had in her possession. The glass was sent to the studio where is was included in each image to complement the actual collection located elsewhere in the residence.