Anne Marie Graham, ‘Giovanni’s shed’, Giclee print essay, 2012

Essay subject:

Giovanni’s shed, 2001, oil on canvas, 177.0 x 125.0 cm. Collection: Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide

My husband Bill and I were in Tuscany in 2001, him taking photographs whilst I sketched near our house and vineyards, when I spotted as older man in his shed. A perfect painting subject! I talked to him for a while and asked if I could sketch him the next morning. He readily accepted.

Next morning – another hot day – I met him again at the appointed time in his shed. This time he was spotlessly clean, shaved and had a new shirt on… never mind.

Now, I must explain that I never paint portraits with the exception of a mere few of my choosing. Rather, I select people who represent a character or ideas as opposed to an accurate likeness.

Giovanni sat in his chair surrounded by his beloved objects – olives and the olive press, drying tomatoes hanging with garlic and sweet corn; on a shelf, some bread, cheese and wine.

The cool shed let some light in from a wall window on his right side. An image of self-contained, happy man sitting in his own world.

Anne Marie Graham