St Marks

Inspired by recent trip to Italy where I was born and my reconnection with its rich cultural landscape and history.
Tea Ercoles’ painting St Marks is part of her evocative series inspired by Venice’s iconic Piazza San Marco. Drawing from her Italian heritage and a recent journey to her birthplace, Ercoles channels the rich cultural tapestry and historical grandeur of Venice into this work. The series reflects her personal reconnection with Italy’s landscapes and architecture, capturing the essence of St. Mark’s Square through her distinctive artistic lens . 

In St Marks , Ercoles employs her signature technique of layering acrylics with inks and pastels, creating a textured and vibrant portrayal of the square. The painting’s dimensions—117 cm wide by 76 cm high—allow for an immersive experience, inviting viewers to feel the ambiance of the Venetian setting. Through bold colors and dynamic brushwork, she conveys the interplay of light and shadow characteristic of the square, evoking both its bustling energy and serene beauty. 

This piece stands as a testament to Ercoles’ ability to intertwine personal narrative with broader cultural motifs, offering a window into her artistic journey and the timeless allure of Venice.

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MY WORK
I live and work in Frankston, Victoria. Having studied a Bachelor of Fine Art in 1984 at Monash University, I draw inspiration from the natural world- seascapes , flowers and plants, and the planes and curves of the human form.
My artworks are riots of colour and texture, capturing the essence of my subjects with thick, luscious acrylics intermingled with inks, pastels, and whatever other mediums best illuminates the emotions I feel while painting.
MYSELF
I was born in Italy in 1966. Ironically we arrived in Australia on April Fool’s day when I was 5 years old. From that point on my life was never the same again‚ I felt an alienation and loneliness that no child should be allowed to feel.My creative nature led to more self-absorption. Paint‚ pencils‚ paper and canvas became my friends while line‚ colour‚ tone‚ form and texture became my language. My art didn’t need me to learn words‚ because it spoke for itself.I still find myself alone‚ even more so now after the recent loss of my beautiful husband.When I think about the past I am slowly learning to take comfort in it. I truly believe that no God would put anyone through all of these hardships without a reason. Out of the solitude and loneliness my best ideas and works are born. My art has always prevailed to save me. And because of this‚ he must have a reason why he wishes me to paint….In all I feel that the initial sketch of a new painting is the skeleton‚ the composition is the soul and the colour gives it life and body.

Both my parents were amazing pastry chefs, and growing up I was surrounded by cakes made up of gorgeous tiers of deliciousness. Custards, jams, sponge, chocolate, cheesecake and various creams layered up and merging together. The way I paint reminds me of those desserts from my childhood - using multiple thick layers and textures of paint and other mediums to describe a subject.
I want my work to look delicious to the eye.