In December 2014, we have been in Venice and stayed on the Giudecca, the former worker's island opposite Piazza San Marco. Here, it is possible to find remains of a Venetian normal course of life. And from time to time the municipal gallery Tre Oci presents great photographic exhibitions.
There, we found the photobook 'NeoRealismo - la nuova immagine in Italia 1932-1960'. It was a time of great black and white photography. On the cover of the volume there was a photograph by Tranquillo Casiraghi - Gente della Torretta.
❯ To the photography.
Never before I saw this photo. It took my breath. Strange, I still do not understand it. This photograph deeply touched me and said to me: 'You will paint Katharina and Ulrich in a similar composition.' We bought two books, one for Katharina. She is photographer, lives only some steps away from the Tre Oci at the same Fondamente. I love her photographic oeuvre.
My idea for the picture was accepted. In such moments, I am really happy. Also Barbara, my muse and wife agreed. Probable, I will work on the panel for nine months. Until the birth of the painting I will offer everything it is asking for. Lust, love, self-doubts, passion, agility, forlornness, hope, and confidence.
Katharina's husband is a busy actor, musician and writer. It was difficult to find a date for a sitting. Six months later we arranged a meeting in a hotel in Hamburg. But there was a problem: the chosen outfit was not there. At the stopover in Brussels the airport was set out of operation by a bomb alarm and the suitcases have been still in Belgium. So, we decided to fix a new date, a relaxed meeting on the Giudecca in the next spring. In the meantime, Katharina found an appropriate wall as a setting. I just love it when the portrayed persons cooperate. Then, the painting becomes a joint production.
Fortunately, after years of grief for the death of their dog Toto, they just got a little puppy. Under the piano stool the eight weeks old Eurasier she dog Peppina was lying. She had the same hair colour like me. It was obvious: She is a part of the painting. I will paint a family portrait with three independent personalities!
On the Sunday afternoon, we took a coffee house chair named 'Kafka' and strolled through the Giudecca to the chosen crumbled wall. Sunny light spots flickered through a tree. Remains of a deep red wall paint gave the impression of dripped blood. Residents admired the little Peppina with the look of grandmothers seeing their grandchild for the first time.
After a few hours, I had got the photographic sketches I dreamt of for my live-size family portrait. What a pleasure. In the evening, we went for dinner having interesting talks full of easiness and heavy red wine. ❯ To the genesis of the painting
❯ Katharina John and Peppina in the Studio-Gallery Juergens in Wismar
Family Portrait