Etruscan Postcard. 4 x 6 watercolor and pen on 140 lb. cold press paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

When I think of Greek designs, I think heavy. Dark. Linear. Geometric. At the time the Greeks occupied much of southern Italy, the Etruscans were a highly civilized people of northern Italy. In many ways, the Etruscans were influenced by the Greeks. But many Etruscan designs are complete opposites to their Greek counterparts.

Etruscan designs are delicate. They are feminine and light. They are curvaceous. There is an order to them, but order is not the reason.

I don’t remember learning about these designs in school. But I can see why dots and heart-shaped leaves might be less exciting to talk about than Greek Key borders and the perfection of pure form.

I can appreciate Etruscan designs for their graphic simplicity.

Copper details on Etruscan Postcard.

It is not showing well in the scan, but the larger dots are copper, and they really catch the light.

Today marks the halfway point in Leslie Saeta’s 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. It really makes the month go by fast. As much as I love the painting part, I also enjoy making new friends with other artists. It is Christmas everyday, finding fabulous art in my inbox. I know… I am an art geek. Hey, If I was a Girl Scout I would get a badge for that!