Beyond the Grand Canal For Lesley Banks, it was not St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs or Peggy Guggenheim’s Palazzo that captured her heart when she visited Venice for the first time; it was the people of the city – the Venetians, their homes and the way they lived their daily lives in the touristflooded City. Wanting to capture the very essence of Venetian life, Banks has visited the city many times – meeting and getting to know the residents who gave her a more intimate view of their City. Beyond the Grand Canal features fifty oil paintings and works on paper inspired by the charismatic and charming people Banks met whilst in Venice. The beguiling Fiora Gandolfi was central to her discovery of a more intimate view of the City as she welcomed Banks into her world. We see glimpses of Gandolfi’s glorious home, a visit to her favourite espresso bars and a trip to the Rialto fish market at 6am. Peering through the bedroom window, we see a view of one of the many waterways and watch the mist forming across the lagoon. Through this intimate portrait, Venice comes alive and beckons you once more.
Born in 1962, Lesley Banks grew up in Denny, Stirlingshire and studied at Glasgow School of Art. Awarded the Elizabeth Greenshields Travelling Scholarship, Banks travelled across Europe from 1985-86, spending six months painting and studying in Amsterdam. Banks has exhibited extensively since 1988 in Glasgow and London and has won numerous awards and prizes. Her work is featured in public and private collections worldwide, including the Kelvingrove Gallery in Glasgow. In spite of a lifelong love of Italy, a country reflected in much of her recent work, Banks continues to live and work in Glasgow with her partner and three sons. Front Cover: Interior, Palazzo Benzon | Oil on canvas | 12” x 12” | Catalogue No.34
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Back Cover: Lady Romilly’s Window | Pastel on paper | 12” x 18” | Catalogue No.27 | Enquire about this item