Book excerpt: The moment Francesco set foot in Asia was the first time he was absorbed by the vibrancy, the energy, and the beauty of its people, landscapes, and cityscapes. The amount of possibilities, stories, and adventures seemed limitless and ready for him to plunge into and explore: the aromas, tastes, and colors were almost inebriating. Painting is a fluid act allows Francesco to re-live certain experiences and adventures, many of which are related to travel and discovery. After digesting these experiences he brings them to life, almost subliminally, onto the canvas. The composition, the choice of colors, and the key elements of the painting begin to appear. Francesco relaxes into the process and refines what's already there, layer-by-layer, element-by-element, color-by-color, until the memory of the place, the adventure, is brought to life. In The Colors of Asia, Francesco Lietti documents a collection of his works while providing behind-the-scenes insights into the making of his paintings: the inspiration, the technique, the experiences, and the passion. Pairing short memoirs with his inspired images, the reader gets to see the process of art with the finished piece. Francesco has also invited a few friends, fellow artists, and colleagues working in the art field to write pieces about his work so that he might have the chance to learn something about himself and his work through the eyes of others.