The Arch of Titus Painting

The inherent dignity of the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum is one of the many reasons to paint it. Another is the changing light illuminating it from dawn to dusk throwing into relief a variety of architectural profiles, detail, and its magnificent decrepitude. I drew and painted it on numerous occasions from different viewpoints [Please see my Artwork Images: "View of Arch of Titus from Via Sacra" and "View of the Coliseum and Arch of Titus from the Palatine"]. The Arch of Titus is one of a group of about 42 oil paintings done and inspired by my time spent painting and teaching in Rome each May-June for several years. For me, the light of Rome was an elusive phenomenon, one that seemed to cancel knowingness and restore contemplation and mystery. In making these paintings, I found that oil paint on prepared paper are ideal materials to capture the fleeting and powerful effects of the light of Rome. For images and information on framing, please see my Artwork Image: "Framing Images & Information of the Rome Paintings." Each oil is varnished with Soluvar adjusted to a satin-gloss sheen, a mixture I made with their gloss and matte varnishes. Please note that each painting is signed on the front lower left or right corner. [Detail of signature is included in supplementary images.] The Rome paintings have been featured in several articles. Art editor Austin Williams wrote an article, "Painting as the Romans Paint," for American Artist Magazine, November 2012 which discussed the aim and philosophy behind the artwork. In Plein Air Magazine, June 2014: "Three Junes in Rome," art writer Bob Bahr discussed my working process from preparatory drawings and watercolors to finish oils. Artist and writer Charley Parker published an artblog on my artwork and included the Rome paintings as an important development: Lines and Colors, August 2015. If you wish to read the above articles they can be accessed on my website at: