The Macchiaioli

I just read a fascinating article in the 

Winter 2011 edition of Plein Air Magazine 

about a group of 19th Century Italian painters 

called the Macchiaioli. 

(Macchia refers to the overall effect

or the value structure of the composition.) 

Their goal was to translate the harsh contrasts of the 

Tuscan sunlight and shadow 

by using a simple patchwork of lights and darks.  

 They would do small plein air sketches on location 

to use as reference for larger works done in the studio.

Roofs in Sunlight by Raffaelo Sernesi ca. 1860 -61

oil on cardboard 5 x 7 inches. 

Unlike the Impressionists, these "sketches" were never exhibited.  

The first time they were seen was in Florence in 1905 

where they caused an immediate sensation. 

(Google Images for more examples)

Reading about them inspired to try this. 

"Roofs in Sunlight"

10 x 12 oil 

"The Macchiaioli sought to summarize their experiences

 abstractly through patterns of interactive color-shapes"

That, to me, is the eternal challenge!