How can you tell if an artist is passionate about their work? Well, if they spend hours down on their hands and knees in whatever weather Mother Nature throws their way, transferring the image they imagined from their sketch pad to the asphalt which in the end will be washed away, you have to believe they love what they do. And what they do is known as Italian Street Painting – a crowd pleaser enjoyed by all.
Street painting with chalk has been an Italian tradition since the 16th century. The practice of street painting began in Italy where there is still a strong tradition of artists traveling around reproducing the works of Renaissance masters in soft, glowing pastels right on the streets. This Italian tradition is growing in popularity here in California.
This year San Diego artist Cecelia Linayao will be making her first trip to Danville. She was hooked the first time she witnessed the magic. "It was amazing - watching beautiful art work come alive right in front of me," says Linayao. Joining her at this year's Faire will be Alice and Alicia Crittenden, a mother-daughter team from Santa Barbara, husband and wife team, Wayne and Cheryl Renshaw from Santa Clara, Hien Nguyen from Oakland and Becca and her mother Shirley Rhoades from Scotts Valley.
They will all turn 12 ft. x 12 ft. squares into temporary works of art on School Street at Hartz Avenue. Linayao knows exactly what she is going to paint. Entitled "Kaila's Ladybug" it is a cheerful rendering of the artist's niece in a field of California poppies. "I dream of painting my way around the world," says Linayao.
Stop by and watch these artists at work. See for yourself how they throw themselves into something they love, only to have to let it go when it's over. |
