"Santa Maria del Fiore, 2016" is 48x60", acrylic on canvas.  This was a specific assignment for an individual for whom this cathedral and the story of its construction has significant metaphorical meaning.  I enjoyed working on it at a personal level as well because I lived and studied in Florence for a semester in college.  The history behind this building is remarkable and well worth a little research.  This particular painting is not perfectly architecturally accurate.  I wanted to focus on shape and light-play more than detail.  There was no projecting or grid-work or sketching.  I used a large flat brush from beginning to end to force myself to stay loose with the brushwork.  The palette is rich but limited to the warm sienna and umber tones that prevail in Tuscany and the slate blues of the late afternoon sky.  This is only the second painting to come out of my studio this year, although I have several in progress.  It feels good to complete something!  Happy Cinco de Mayo!