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In an attempt to win Fugger’s favour, Zorzo agrees to paint a portrait of his wife, Sybille – but as he becomes closer to Sybille, he finds that he has become involved in a conspiracy which could have huge implications for the people of Europe. And then, while Zorzo is still considering his next move, a new threat arrives in Venice…the plague! A dual warning is one warning but covering two different types of weather. The combined effect of the two weather types is used to assess the level of impact forecast. Each dual warning has a single assessment of impact and the likelihood of impacts occurring and therefore a single colour. Spectacularly written, The Colour Storm by Damian Dibben, explores the impact colour had on Renaissance life and painting. The protagonist, Giorgione ‘Zorzo’ Barbarelli, one of the greatest Renaissance artists, hears about a new colour coming to Venice and he desperately wants it. He believes that this new pigment has the power to change his fate. He scores a commission with the proprietor of this fabled colour to paint his wife and plans on using this ‘foot in the door’ opportunity to secure the colour for himself. Sybille Fugger is enthralling and, swept up in his quest, Zorzo doesn’t realize he’s become the victim of love and of conspiracy. Another thing that I want to mention is how surprised I was by some of the plot twists of the story. Some of them had me reeling, they were so unexpected. But I do love being surprised by stories! Also need to shout out the character of Leda. Another surprise because I hadn't expected to end up loving her as much when I first met her in the book but she was incredible. A self-made woman in 16th century Italy with her own growing business, how could I not admire and love that. A glorious, exuberant summer read; Damian Dibben's triumph is the character of Zorzo, a buoyant, loveable guide to the grandeur and the dangers of Renaissance Venice'
Jane Rankin-Reid: Everyone of your characters’ outfits are described in beautifully observed colours. From Sybille Fugger’s creamy white satins, to the particularly rich crimson shade of her cloak. So too the surfaces of the paintings you’ve detailed. What has cultivated this acute scrutiny in you as a writer? When applicable, warnings will include information on why a warning has been updated. What do the colours mean? This book is set in Renaissance Venice during the height of the art movement. We follow the art circle in the quest for jobs and certain paints. While money and fame is important, it is the Renaissance and certain colours that drive artists here. Our main characters, Zorzo, does not seem to be making any wealth and his career is in danger. Rumours are racing through the city about this new color. Zorzo, sets his sights on it and believes that it could be the very thing to save, does not seem to be making any quest to find the color, he comes to realize that things are not what they seem and now has no idea who to put his trust in. Addictive, ambitious and knife sharp. A compelling thriller and a celebration of art. Ravishing". RACHEL JOYCE Public Health England Heat Health Alert - An England only service considering the impact of prolonged extreme heat on public health, especially those with long-term health conditions.This book is set during the troubling times of the plague, so not only are we given an insight into renaissance Italy but also at the effect this disastrous illness caused and the path of chaos it left in its wake. JRR: “After all these years, Zorzo is still surprised, and gratified, by the notion of a painter being famous. When he was growing up, the idea would have been absurd…” The ideal of an artist wanting to make a mark upon history is paramount in this story. Also, the concept of artists’ recognition in society. Can you tell me something about how you’ve crystalized this ethos? Ravishing, addictive, knife-sharp, ambitious, and singing with detail. A compelling thriller that takes us to the heart of sixteenth century Venice where the world's most famous painters compete to win the greatest commission of their lives. There is so much to think about and relish. Not simply the story itself - with all its glorious twists and turns - but the search to express ourselves. A celebration of art and a hymn to colour. Rachel Joyce Yellow Warning: Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations. Many are issued when it is likely that the weather will cause some low level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places. Many people may be able to continue with their daily routine, but there will be some that will be directly impacted and so it is important to assess if you could be affected. Other yellow warnings are issued when the weather could bring much more severe impacts to the majority of people but the certainty of those impacts occurring is much lower. It is important to read the content of yellow warnings to determine which weather situation is being covered by the yellow warning.
Color. It's all color," says Zorzo. "That's where it begins and ends. Venetians understand. Color is mood, love, sorrow, life. Color is what the world is built of." The Colour Storm is the story of the Italian painter Giorgio Barbarelli, who lived and worked in Venice during the Renaissance. He was a real person, as are many of the other characters in the novel, and you may already be familiar with his paintings – if not, you can easily find images online of some of the pieces attributed to him which will give you an idea of the quality of his work. Damian Dibben is the creator of the internationally acclaimed children's book series the History Keepers, translated into 26 languages in over 40 countries. Previously, he worked as a screenwriter, and actor, on projects as diverse as The Phantom of the Opera and Puss in Boots and Young Indiana Jones. He lives, facing St Paul's Cathedral, on London's Southbank with his partner Ali and dog Dudley.There are quite a few words in a synopsis where when I see them I just can't resist reading the book and one of those words is Renaissance, especially when it's set in Italy. So when I found out about The Color Storm by Damian Dibben there was no question. I just had to read it and I'm so glad that I did because I loved it so much and could hardly put the book down.
JRR: How did you choose ‘prince orient’ as the name for the mysterious highly sought after colour at the centre of ‘The Colour Storm’? Enter the world of Renaissance Venice, where the competition for fame and fortune can mean life or death …Atmospheric and suspenseful, and filled with the famous artists of the era, The Colour Storm is an intoxicating story of art and ambition, love and obsession in Renaissance Venice - capturing a moment of artistic invention that echoes through the centuries. The book does do a good job of the art aspects of the book. Now, I will be the first to admit that I am not that knowledgeable about art. However, getting to read about the craft and learning more about how it was done during the Renaissance was very interesting to me. I could also tell that the author had done his research and is very interested in the topic of art. The quest for certain colours and artists trying to get the job was interesting. I will say, though, that I do feel like this part of the book could have been cut down a little bit. While I did enjoy these elements, it made the overall plot suffer. Now, had this book just solely focused on art, I think it would have worked. This book completely absorbed me into 16th century Italy, famous painters, love and above all, colour. This book is full of it in every sense. I found this story intriguing - the mystery of this unknown new pigment brought to Italy by the richest man in Europe. We follow Giorgione ‘Zorzo’ Barbarelli, an artist whose career hangs in the balance, commissioned to paint a portrait of this man’s wife, Sybille. Thinking to be in favour he is embroiled in conspiracy, becoming ever more desperate, will this woman be the key to his success or downfall?
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