This derelict mill is a wonderful example of the many early twentieth century flour mills which lined the banks of the Corsonna river. They were used for grinding sweet chestnuts to make flour, the chestnuts having been smoked for weeks and then shaken rigorously to remove the shells. In September when we run the last
This spectacular persimmon tree is so Christmassy; the leafless branches with orange fruits like baubles on a Christmas tree. At Art Toscana painting vacations our guests would love to paint this scene but when they are here in summer the tree is verdant green with no baubles.
Our new venue for our Sicily painting and drawing course is just perfect for our painting holidays in Italy. Here is the evening view from the restaurant which is located by the side of the pool and the view from the terrace across the Gulf of Castellammare.
Back to food again. I think one could say, from this picture, that a lot of fennel is eaten in Sicily because the next day, it had all gone. On the subject of fennel, they do a great starter at the Sicilian fish restaurant in Balestrate where we take out guests at Art Toscana painting
This is a picture of the salt marshes at Trapani (Le Saline di Trapani) in Sicily where our Art Toscana painting in Italy guests develop their oil paintings. It is truly an inspirational place especially for artists. The salt pans have a pink hew due to the prawns that live there. This attracts flocks of
This picture, which looks like blue bubble wrap, is one I took on a boat ride in Sicily this year. I was with our guests on our first October course of Art Toscana painting holidays in Italy. After throwing ourselves into the crystal clear water with our snorkels and masks, to admire the marine life
Here are Steve and Chris, two of our American guests, who came with their painting partners to one of our Art Toscana painting holidays in Italy courses. Yes they are wearing aprons because Mari is giving them a cookery lesson. I did intend not to talk about food in this blog but one can’t seem
This vast expanse of golden beach and deep blue sea is the beach at Balestrate in Sicily. It’s a ten minute walk from the hotel through a eucalyptus and pine wood, the smell of which is wonderfully overpowering. Many of our guests at Art Toscana painting holidays in Italy went to the beach for a
I often stand on the little bridge at the end of our lane mesmerised by the Corsonna river. In summer, it is nothing more than a rivulet, where the sunlight peeping between the branches of the overhanging trees, sends silver darts into the water as it dances amongst the rocks. Our guests at Art Toscana,
At Caffe Lucchesi you are served the best coffee in Barga together with the best choice of buns and cakes. For every week of our Art Toscana painting holidays in Italy, Signore Lucchesi makes the mignons and chocolate cakes for our guests which are particularly exquisite. If our Art Toscana guests don’t go to Lucca