Katherine L. Wright works en plein air, giving her a first-hand understanding of a place so vital in capturing the rhythms, patterns and light of the locations she paints.

"Rhythms of The Earth"

The exhibit displays her watercolor works both from life in Giovinazzo, Puglia and the village of Montisi, Tuscany; similar particular character of the region.

"Living in Italy has broadened my understanding of how the world, its lands and people, have common threads, yet are driven by different rhythms. There are obvious differences from country to country, region to region, village to village. My intention is to explore the common necessities of home, town and countryside, how the land and people manifest their own rhythmic style, the intimate expression of place.

"This display is personal, with images of the commonality and the differences of Giovinazzo, Puglia and Montisi, Tuscany. Puglia in the south developed noticeably different from Tuscany. Surrounded by the sea, it developed defending itself from invasions by surrounding regions: Greece, Turkey, Africa, West and Eastern Europe. It's style and rhythm contrast (sometimes markedly) from Tuscany whose heart is Florence and Siena, from which flowed a strong center of government. The artistic, literary, and scientific investigations that occurred in the 14th-16th centuries resulted in the Renaissance.

"I hope to have captured some of the rhythms of the earth and how it influences the lives of those in each region."

Katherine Wright, a native of Seattle Washington, is an architect, architectural illustrator, artist and enthusiastic traveler. While living in Southern Italy with her family from 2005 through 2008 she found herself able to explore Italy. She believes that to truly see the wonder of a place, one has to experience it through the seasons.

Breaking free of the highly constructed works of architectural illustration, she has developed a more immediate approach to art. The paintings are the interpretation of her vision. In many works she has designed directly to focus and mood are often captured directly on site.

Adventuresome artists! Come sketch and paint in Italy!

Katherine, experienced in teaching painting and drawing, has started a work study tour for artists.

"My friend Carlaina and I would like to share our knowledge and the beauty of Puglia, southern Italy, with fellow artists. We are looking for independent travelers that are excited about exploring this unique corner of the world. We are organizing an 8-day tour of the Puglia region of southern Italy for 2008. Our tour will be based in the historic center of Giovinazzo, a small and very beautiful fishing town on the Adriatic Sea."

8 days in May, June or September 2008

"Katherine knows the area inside and out. She's fluent in Italian and knows the exact right places to go and see...a perfect travel guide and easy going partner!" Joanne Shellan, 2007.

An pre-organized visit, tailored for artists by artists
Discover Puglia: the Italy Hannibal knew! Ancient fishing villages, cave dwellings, castles and hilltop towns
Small and flexible groups
Reasonably priced

"We will organize your accommodations, ground transportation, meals, sightseeing excursions and give you the opportunity to absorb the visual richness of this area through daily drawing/painting activities."

To find out more about the trip and us visit: http://adventuresomeartistsinitaly.googlepages.com/
Contact us at:

Biography

Katherine L Wright was born in Seattle, Washington State, U.S.A, 1953. She attended the "Cornish School of Fine Arts" in Seattle, and graduated in Architecture from Washington State University in 1977. Along with being a watercolor artist and instructor, she is a commercial architect and an architectural illustrator. From 2005 until 2008, she has lived and painted in Giovinazzo, Puglia (Bari), Italy. Web site: www.klwright.com

"My works of art do not want to be an exact reproduction of reality. I attempt a more direct expression of experience."

Critics Say

"The watercolor works are warm of tone and relaxing ... Works that for their brightness and calmness makes one want to contemplate the beauty of the place, counteracting the hectic life of the big city." Critic Mino Ciocia, La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno (22 maggio 2007)

"Katherine's paintings infuse the eyes of the viewer with the observation of the peacefulness of existence, of daily living and simplicity. The attractiveness of her works appease the mind, making one concentrate on the quietude of the subject. Its necessary to decondition ourselves, delete the mental barriers and to recover the original relationship with nature and with the authenticity of ourselves, that which is capable of giving a natural feeling of peace, of making us feel at ease." Artist Francesco Mignacca

"Katherine L Wright, with the art of her watercolors, captures in her many magical paintings the spaces and landscapes meaningful for a serene and peaceful life, essential for existence." Art Critic Fedele Boffoli

"Katherine's extensive professional work as an architectural illustrator gave her a solid understanding of architecture and how to use light and color to define its space and scale. Her experience in Italy has given her the freedom to experiment without the restrictions of having to accurately construct and represent a client's proposal. This freedom has opened a new dimension of color and spontaneity and spirit which adds a very human and emotional response to her recent work. These images have a life and spirit of their own." William Hook, Past President of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI)

"In her art is encapsulated the fascination of new places and experiences: the feeling of appreciation for the different impressions and sensations through the emotions of her travels. Her voice, though quiet and delicate, is yet expressed differently: it is strong and decided in the universal language of art." Dr. Elvira Santoro, History of Art