A few days with the parents!

My parents visited me here in Rome last week taking me out every night to enjoy some amazing Italian cuisine. While they were here they joined us on a walking tour. During this tour we saw some of Bernini's sculptures and his church, S. Andrea al Quirinale finished in 1670. We were also able to visit Borromini's church S. Carlo alle Quattro Fontane finished in 1641. Both of these churches were unique in that they were based on an elliptical plan rather than the basic cross plan or basilica plan. Jeffrey Blanchard was our guide filling us full of information, he is like a talking encyclopedia filled with more information about Rome than anyone can imagine.

This is an image of the interior dome at S. Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
















This is a portrait of Borromini found in S. Carlo alle Quattro Fontane



While my parents were here they took me out to some amazing Italian restaurants thanks to professor Matt's recommendations. The best restaurant we went to out of the three, was a place called Castanza, not to far from Campo d. Fiori. We enjoyed authentic Italian pasta, veal, lamb, and of course, espresso. Not only is the food and service great, but the ambiance too is awesome. The restaurant is carved into the remains of the ancient remains of Pompey's Theater.

I decided to show my sketches to my parents and of course my dad critiqued them giving me many of the same pointers as Matt had. My dad then persuaded me into trying out some watercolors. After having him show me a few techniques I tried my first watercolor, and for my first time I didn't think it turned out to bad , but of course there is a lot of room for improvement.


This is my first watercolor. I did a quick ink sketch and added a little color on top. It does make the composition much more interesting














Here is my second attempt I'm not sure which one is better. I definitely need more practice.







On the last night with my parents we enjoyed a relaxing evening next to pantheon, listening to an Italian man playing Eric Clapton on his guitar, doing his best to sing the lyrics. Now that my parents are gone I will again have to focus on studio and sketching. I do get to look forward to another field trip this coming weekend. We are visiting a few hill towns just outside of Rome, this trip should not be as intense as the last weekend field trip.