Monte Catria

#pathtoahigherplane – mystery and beauty of mountains

Monte Catria, a high peak in the Appenine mountains in north eastern Italy, provided inspiration for Dante’s Paradiso, the third part of his Divine Comedy.  He wrote several verses while living at the Hermitage at Fonte Avellana, a monastery built into the lower slopes of the majestic Monte Catria. Wild flowers grow in abundance here in the spring and cattle graze the high pastures in the summer months, while winter sees the mountain shrouded in snow.

Monte Catria Study #06
Monte Catria Study #06: Monte Catria shows off its constantly changing faces and moods – an irresistible challenge for the artist – July 2011 – 30 x 40 cm / 16″ x 12″ [Cat:751]
Even if I had not known about the Dante connection, I would still have been inspired by this mountain. It has a complicated geometry, and the endless variety of angles and the interplay of light engages my interest. Some years ago while staying nearby (and at a great vantage point), I was able to track the changes on the mountain throughout the day in a series of paintings that reflect this diversity. They represent my attempt to capture some of the mystery and beauty of this magical place.

Monte Catria Study #08
Monte Catria Study #08: Monte Catria shows off its constantly changing faces and moods – an irresistible challenge for the artist – July 2011 – 30 x 40 cm / 16″ x 12″ [Cat:753]
Monte Catria Study #09:
Monte Catria Study #09: Monte Catria shows off its constantly changing faces and moods – an irresistible challenge for the artist – July 2011 – 30 x 40 cm [Cat:754]

By PT

Peter Town is a born storyteller, gifted with an ability to translate both everyday quirks and deeper philosophical musing through his work. Often using strong lines, striking colours and symbolism in his pictures, Town has built a vibrant portfolio. Born in Bethnal Green, he grew up in Liverpool and was later educated at Bath Academy of Art and the Royal College of Art. Taking advantage of his ability to communicate ideas visually, he went on to enjoy a successful career as a designer while he continued to paint and develop his artistic style through drawing, painting, photography, and printmaking. While many of Town’s paintings use strong shapes and primary colours, such as the Stairscapes series, others are quieter and more contemplative, representing a more tranquil inner space. His Abstracts series features works where the narrative is more ambiguous but ever-present. He sees landscapes, interior spaces and natural forms as abstract shapes and colours, transcribing these in his unique style onto paper and canvas.