The best view in Florence is from the top of Giotto's tower. It's 441 torturous steps to the top, but worth the effort if you can navigate the tiny spiral stairs with people flowing down as you squeeze your way up. If you are slightly claustrophobic, acrophobic or agorophobic, maybe this isn't a good idea!

How can you resist this view? Our watercolor sketches captured the moment and the feeling of this incredible place. I'll probably have to revisit my sketches when I have some studio time at home. This view deserves a more in-depth painting as well. Tomorrow we'll go out early to catch the sunrise along the Arno…

Some of my workshop folks weren't totally worn out yet, so we climbed to the top of the hill at Piazza San Michelangelo to catch the sunset over the city. What fun we had! We even attracted a few other traveling painters who just couldn't resist.

Michelangelo's "David" is one of the must-see stops in Florence. It is impossible to fully appreciate unless you see it in person. Wow!

The Arno River snakes through the center of Florence and is a romantic place to watch the sunset. For the full experience, grab a gelato at the Ponte Vecchio and stroll along the river as the sun fades and the city lights take over.

As my workshop gathered around the duomo to draw this afternoon we were treated with an annual spectacle as the local winemakers brought the Chianti to be blessed. Two giant cows pulled a wagonload of the potent juice around the cobblestone streets encircling the cathedral. The party that followed was a colorful sight that lasted…

I've been hooked on Florence since my first visit decades ago. The ornate detail of the Duomo seems like an overwhelming challenge to paint, but offers so many possibilities for dramatic composition. It took nearly three months to complete this watercolor of the face if the Duomo after my last visit here.

Florence is perhaps the greatest city on the planet for an artist. It has a charm that has captivated the creative spirit for centuries. The massive cathedral in the center of the city is a masterpiece of ornate detail and a great place for painting and people watching. My workshop artists were quick to immerse…

Another favorite painting from a different trip. Recognize the dome? My group was lucky to have a kayaker to pass by. Sorry, I couldn't arrange for a racing scull this time!

I love revisiting these spectacular views I fell in love with many years ago! We sketched along the Tiber river this afternoon.