This is the view from piazza Santa Croce at the top of Anghiari. The road drops down steeply through the town and across the tiber valley floor towards Sansepolcro. The road is almost dead straight all the way.

Tomorrow morning 14th July at around 4.30am there will be a gathering of all those who can make the early start to witness the sun rise. At this point in the calendar after the summer solstice, the sun rises directly in line with the cross of Anghiari (at the top of this road), a sight to behold I’m sure, if I can make it out of bed I will go.

I’ve wanted to make a picture of this view for some time and whilst there is no sunrise in my picture, the sky was dramatic, stormy clouds and mist with the mountains in the distance breaking through in places.

I wanted to convey the sense of drama in the angle of the road and how far it stretches into the distance. Cars are an inevitable aspect of modern life in towns and cities, sadly they block the view a little. But it’s a busy thriving street and that’s part of the magic.

In fact on this occasion many people stopped their cars mid-street to say hello or chat, cars queuing behind patiently, this is Italy and certain inconveniences are tolerated if not encouraged!

So this painting is really a homage to the 14th July and saluting the sun as it rises (as if by command) in line with the street, see you in the morning, to bed early and sleep well!!!