Driving up the lane this week I have been admiring the autumn crocuses again. There are lots of them this year. I have always called them autumn crocuses, but a guest on one of our painting holidays in Italy recently informed me that their proper name is Sternbergia lutea. They look like large crocuses and
Now that autumn is here at our Tuscan farmhouse, it is the season of beautiful sunsets and colour-filled skies. This is a view from one of the bedroom windows at Art Toscana. Many of our guests say that evenings like this are what make our painting retreats in Italy so special, that mountain range is
Up in the hills around Art Toscana there is a beautiful Renaissance hotel called The Ciocco, and in their foyer sits a perfect still life, a reminder of Giorgio Morandi and his quiet still life art works of vases. Chris sometimes sets up a still life for guests on our art course holidays in Italy,
What a beautiful bird which Chris and I spotted on our walk in Loppia, a little town not far from Art Toscana Art Retreats in Italy. At first we thought it was a large heron, but it was too big, and then we thought maybe a stork. No you don’t get storks in this part
Here he is again giving one of our guests a head massage at Art Toscana painting Holidays in Italy. Our guests at Art Toscana Painting Holidays in Italy love him. Who couldn’t. He is everyones friend!
This photo could have been taken more than 50 years ago, maybe even 100 years ago but the t shirt gives it away. Yes, the photo was taken a few days ago; Giovane loading up the donkeys, not far from Art Toscana painting Holidays in Italy. The donkeys seemed happy enough carry theose heavy loads.
This is beautiful Padua again where I had a most spectacular lunch after people watching, shopping, and sight seeing. The sight seeing should come first, I know, but it’s a great place for shopping!! When I met up with our guests at Art Toscana Painting holidays in Italy, loaded down with bags, it was pretty
I am very proud of my orchids at Art Toscana Painting Vacations in Italy. So many of our guests at Art Toscana Painting Vacations in Italy say they have no luck with growing orchids. It’s the position that is important and making sure the roots are well drained. I have grown orchids on this windowsill,
The roses have been spectacular this year blooming from May until now in September. This picture was taken in June; the pink roses contrasting with the blue geraniums. Our guests at Art Toscana Art Courses in Italy commented on how lovely the roses are this year and how much they have enjoyed walking through the
Our guest at Art Toscana Art Vacations in Italy went to Padua on their free day and brought back some great photos including this one. So classically Italian!! The guests at Art Toscana Art Vacations in Italy are persuading us to come to Padua to run another Art Toscana Art Vacation in Italy.