I am very grateful to the Art Center Padula https://www.artcenterpadula.com/ for offering me a residency. It was a life changing experience. Set in the charming village of Padula in the province of Salerno, region of Campania, Italy. It is inside the Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni, the second largest park in Italy. Nearby is the magnificent Certosa di San Lorenzo, a Carthusian monastery founded in 1306. It is the largest cloister in the world. Padula is a charming hilltop village that offers a slower paced life. It is interesting that most of the villagers do not speak English or even Italian but use their own local dialect. You can really feel the rhythm of the village which has remained unchanged for centuries. Because of its isolated location, there are not many foreign tourist. Perfect for exploring, hiking and painting undisturbed. It is truly a “Painter’s Paradise”.

There are so many beautiful churches in Italy. It is a very religious country. Every time I hear the bells toll, which is quite often here, it brings joy and a mixed reminder that we are not permanently here on this earth. This little hilltop town is like stepping back in time. You are forced to slow down, especially climbing the “Virgin Mary Trail of Tears” a name I gave to the main street back to the art center.

A special thank you to my “painting buddy” Chris Willey who accompanied me on this trip. Chris and I have taught plein air workshops together in the past and we both welcomed the idea of coming to Italy to share a residency that proved to be a great experience for both of us.

Chris Willey, Painter Resident Artist. A longtime artist colleague
See Chris’s work at: https://www.christinawilley.com

Lily Platts and Damon: Resident Artist. A lovely couple from Australia. Lily a talented visual artist and Damon an aspiring singer songwriter who graced us with his music.

Overlook from village of Padula. Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni, the Certosa di San Lorenzo.

“Morning View of Padula from my Studio” (11×14) oil on linen birch panel.

“Misty Morning in Padula”

“Padula Light” oil on linen panel (12×16). Chanelling Corot. My favorite so far. Sometimes less is more.

“Back door to the Garden”

“In The Garden”

Fun visit to the Jolly Bar for coffee and fresh doughnuts.

From last night’s community apperativo at Casa Padula. I will miss this lovely studio. Thank you to the staff: Astrid Meijer, Darcy Melton, and Melinda Borysevicz, Director

I encourage all visual artist, performing artist, writers, poets to apply for 2024 residency. See: @Art Center Padula. https://www.artcenterpadula.com

See Jeanean Songco Martin Website: https://www.jeaneansongcomartin.com