Mitchell Johnson Amalfi Painting, Praiano, 28x40 inches

 

"Praiano," 2024 28x40 inches oil/canvas.

I made two painting trips to the Amalfi Coast in 2024. I stayed in Praiano, the village between Positano and Amalfi in February and March, when there is less tourism, but it's still possible to have mild days with gorgeous sun and changing light. The days are short but painting outside is possible if there's no wind, and you don't have to get up as early to catch the sunrise.

Praiano has lots of white buildings and houses and the very early light briefly turns the white into a mysterious honey color. Shadows on the white buildings can be unbelievably blue. 

For my second trip I stayed at the LeWitt Collection, a house called Casa L'Orto, which is the family home of Carol LeWitt. My residency was connected to Marea Art Projects which arranges host situations for visual artists, writers and musicians during the winter months when Costiera experiences a brief lull in traffic and visitors.

My residency at Casa L'Orto was included in an episode of the RAI 3 program, Generazione Bellezza.

Mitchell Johnson and Emilio Casalini in Praiano, February, 2024