Tuscan Glory

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On one of my visits to Tuscany, our host took a couple of us on a wild ride in his VW van to check out some nearby painting locations. I think he'd had a bit to drink and it happened to be a rainy day, so it was a less than pleasant going up and down some roads that were meant for 4 wheel drive. However, he showed us the tiny hamlet of Poppiano and we forgave him for scaring us! I'd have to say that this spot is one of my favorite on earth. On a day when the weather was pleasant, I sat outside near this vineyard and painted while listening to the distant sounds of church bells, bleating sheep and children playing. It was one of life's most precious moments and I feel grateful to have had such an experience. I have taken many photos in and around this little enclave and love 'visiting' over and over again as I put some of that same awe inspired emotion into my paintings.

Itching to Go

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It's that time of year that I get Spring Fever and the itch to buy a plane ticket. It isn't likely to happen this year, so I've been having fun "visiting" some of my favorite places using this daily painting format. This little piece takes us back to Tuscany again to yet another random but captivating location. I love the dreamy sky and how the tree frames the rustic dwellings. Rather than arm-chair traveling, this is called easel-escapes and helps satisfy the never ending wanderlust. 

Tuscany Awaits

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I've been to a tiny village called Montespertoli a couple of times, a spot just south of Florence. I've stayed in the same farmhouse, or agritourisimo location called Le Mandrie Di Ripalta. This scene is one typically encountered while driving by car up and down the glorious hills and valleys of that region. I didn't have to fake anything as this is just what I saw on one of my gallivants. I'm honestly not sure if I could find it again, but maybe you want to join me one day and give it a try!

Truly Tuscany

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From Texas to Tuscany without leaving home...................ahh, the life of a painter that has 10,000 photos of past galavants. (galivanting?) No matter, each place is more wonderful than the last and this place was truly dreamland. I've stayed at the same Tuscan farmhouse twice, the kind of place that feeds you from the things they grow besides making their own wine and bottling their own honey. Within walking distance is this rustic old villa and now you get to walk there with me too.

Tantalizing Tuscany

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The title says it all. One glorious hilltop after the other with rustic villas, elegant cypress trees and amber fields. It's downright dangerous following me as I'm driving there because I pull over at a moment's notice. Each bend in the road reveals yet another picture perfect scene that takes your breath away. So little has changed in 500 years that you feel like you've taken a step back in time. Thank goodness though for those little rental cars!