When I think of an artist in Italy, I imagine Grace in my favorite movie, Return to Me: a woman with a lifelong dream of painting in Italy who (spoiler) eventually goes to Italy to pursue her dream. Like most movies, it’s very romanticized and seems unattainable to the average person, and I therefore never imagined myself in such a position. I didn’t realize how possible it was for me to become the one creating art amid a beautiful Italian atmosphere.
Studying abroad for an entire semester gave me this chance to not only be an artist studying in Italy but also to slow down and fully appreciate Florence. I wasn’t just a tourist moving quickly from one agenda item to the next, with barely enough time to look at what’s right in front of me. I was placed in the heart of the Renaissance, constantly surrounded by stunning architecture and historical art. I learned to understand Florence through art, developing my own talent as I was immersed in the history that consumes the city.
At the beginning of my semester, I had the opportunity to take a sketchbook class in which we visited different locations in and outside of the city: the Loggia dei Lanzi museum, a local park, the Oblate library, Santa Trinita church, a residential hilltop overlooking the city, and the Sant’Ambrogio market. I got to know Florence through the lens of an artist as I observed the way locals interacted while purchasing produce, the intertwining lines that create historical monuments and statues, and the comparison of quieter living to the rush of the city. I experienced Florence beyond its touristic aspects as I practiced observation, curiosity, and adaptability (an outdoor class means rain or shine!).
Sketch during class at La Loggia dei Lanzi.
Once I grew more comfortable navigating Florence, I took this en plein air practice beyond the classroom. I painted the Ponte Vecchio between concrete archways along the river. I arrived early in the morning with my Micron pens and portable watercolor supplies, well aware of each set of footsteps that passed by. Regardless, I found incredible peace in completing this painting of the bridge I walked past so often. I also had the opportunity to talk to a few visitors walking by who came from places all over the world. It truly amazes me how art brings people together, despite language barriers.
Watercolor painting of the Ponte Vecchio.
I took the practice of using art to truly see a city to other parts of Italy and Europe as I traveled. I looked forward to the artistic opportunity that being alone provided me. I now have many drawings as souvenirs of my time abroad; they’re not only symbols of the memories I created and places I grew to love, but they also represent the way I’ve grown as an artist and person.
My travels have inspired me to continue seeking ways to see the environment around me through an artistic lens. I have learned to take time to focus and find peace in the atmosphere that surrounds me, even if the environment is full of people rushing to complete their daily activities. Doing so showed me an important aspect of Italian culture: slow living. I noticed how a customer ordering their morning cappuccino never failed to make time for a conversation with the barista or how a couple sharing a meal seemed to linger long after their plates were clean.
I’ve been back in Ohio for several months now. As someone who loves being home, I was honestly afraid of the difficulty I might face in leaving such beautiful places, growing friendships, and endless opportunities to embrace my curiosities. However, I’ve continued to become more grateful for all of these experiences and what they taught me. I haven’t failed to use these lessons in the ways that I approach my life.
I’ve continued using art as a way to celebrate presence and observation, whether it may be through painting my coffee order at a local café or sketching a scenic view at Ohio University’s beautiful campus. These are simple moments that may go unappreciated if I were moving too fast, and I’m thankful for my study abroad experiences for teaching me to slow down and notice them.