I had the absolute pleasure of spending two months in Italy this summer! Having battled cancer and the end of a 34 year marriage these past two years, my soul ached.   I was certain that my "way back" to a joyful life would include oil painting. 

During the month of June, I traveled all throughout Italy with friends and family. It was a painters paradise from the north shores of Venice, throughout Cinque Terre, Sienna, Florence, Luca, Fisole, Pisa, Rome, Naples and then down to the Amalfi Coast.  Wow!  Such a beautiful country filled with generous and kind people. I did learn a small amount of Italian, but relied mostly on hand signals and the patience of the locals. 

During July, I immersed myself in a month-long Portraiture workshop at the Florence Academy of Art. The school was walking distance from my villa  in Florence (2.5 miles)  so each morning and afternoon I absorbed the sights, smells and sounds while making my way to and fro in the countryside. 

I learned so much from my two Florence Academy instructors Vitaly Shtanko and Simone Moritz!  Their generous instruction was exceeded only by their personal painting skill.  

"Lorenzo", 20"x24", oil on canvas 

My instructors Vitaly and Simone.  Wonderful!

My limited palette, cleaned and remixed every day!

Lorenzo and my painting utilizing the "sight size" technique. 

I hope to return in 2018!