97 days: Alessandro Ferrari

Verona unfolded before me like a living canvas today. Its history was etched into the stones of Piazza delle Erbe. Amidst the vibrant chaos of market stalls and the chatter of tourists, I found my spot. Sketchbook in hand, I was ready to capture the essence of this ancient square. While lost in the dance of pencil on paper, I met Alessandro Ferrari, a local historian. He was giving an impromptu tour to a group of curious onlookers. With a storyteller's grace, Alessandro painted a picture of Verona's past. He spoke of empires and families that shaped the city. Intrigued by my sketches, he shared insights about the buildings I was drawing, adding layers of stories to my visual impressions. This chance encounter not only enriched my understanding of Verona but also deepened the connection I felt with my artwork. As the day came to an end, the piazza was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. I realized that today was not just about capturing scenes on paper, but about the stories behind them. These stories were shared by a kindred spirit, weaving the past with the present. Verona, with its blend of history and daily life, had offered me a new narrative to explore, one sketch at a time.