Sweeping Out What Weighs You Down.
361 © Jed Smith, Watercolor The problem is, most of what weighs us down is hidden from our conscious minds. That’s what I’ve realized recently, with [...]
Reflecting on Life as Night Falls in Venice
Life and beauty aren’t always found in brilliant light. Maybe this is a brief, passing phase, but I’m finding myself increasingly fascinated with the “darker [...]
Italian Faces Etched with Emotion
I love faces. And Italian faces are endlessly fascinating to me. Being married to an Italian has taught me firsthand that the passion that is [...]
Nuns Out and About
Just call me a paparazzo of the nuns. If you’ve followed previous photo posts, here and on my Instagram feed, you’ll know that I’m a [...]
Taking a Break from Multitasking
Actually, I’m recovering from an investment in the illusion that multitasking is even possible. You may have noticed that ItalyWise has been quiet for the [...]
A Symphony of Italian Hand Gestures
A beauty to behold. Yes, Italian hand gestures contain a fluidity and artistry that continues to amaze me. Italians must [...]
In Love with Venice at Night
My love affair with Venice deepens. Especially Venice at night, and when it approaches the bewitching hour. The lion’s share of tourists in the main [...]
It’s a Matter of Perspective, Isn’t It?
Recently I was reminded of the benefits of entertaining different perspectives. As I’ve indicated in previous posts, my art and photography often teach me lessons that [...]
I Found Mental Repose in These Italian Abstracts
When the mind gets overly fixated on being literal, it can use a break. Mine does, for sure. And, thanks to the vibrantly rendered island [...]
Color Thrives in the Venice Snow
Welcome to Episode 2 of Venice Snow! And a healthy splash of color. I so appreciate the enthusiastic responses to last week’s post, which featured [...]
Venice Snow Makes a Rare Appearance
I hit the jackpot. Yes, I’d been waiting for this rare occurrence, Venice Snow. Last winter I waited and hoped. But no luck. Ever since [...]
Immersed in a Culture of Train Travel
I love trains and train travel. Ever since I received my first Lionel train set for Christmas at age four, I’ve been hooked. But, the [...]
A Tribute to the Working Man in Venice
I love so many things about Venice. The city is a constantly unfolding visual feast. It’s a city that never stops giving even though she [...]
Integrating Shadow and Light
I am continually amazed at how art is my most powerful teacher, cleverly bypassing my bossy thinking mind and presenting me with important “aha” moments. [...]
I’m a Fan of the Sisterhood
This week’s post is going to be short, and a break from the two previous posts dealing with the very un-glamorous, but necessary, topics related [...]
The Life of a Gondolier
When many people come to Venice and negotiate their first gondola ride, they think they’re shelling out a small fortune while the gondolier is making [...]
The Appeal of a Quiet Mind
“Stillness” — © Jed Smith, 2020 (oil on canvas) I’ve just completed my latest painting. It’s a big one [...]
Walk On By
Walk on By © 2017 Jed Smith This week I share an image I recently captured in the Dorsoduro area of Venice. As I was [...]