Paul

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.

Some things never change. I did this painting after my first trip to Italy in 1989. Still the same magical place.

I gave a very intense sketching lesson this morning at the Victor Emanuel monument. There are so many sculptures here that the building looks like a fancy wedding cake. The possible compositions for sketching are endless, but we had to sketch quickly as the Polizia do not allow you to sit down anywhere on the…

My workshop artists blend pretty well on the streets of Rome until we stop to sketch. You'd think folks in Italy had seen artists sketching before, but many people stop and watch as if we are the tourist attraction. It's fun to study the curious observers. Today was an awesome day of sketching in Rome!

The natural tendency to clump together, face forward and say cheese does not always result in the most interesting group photo. Every now and then I get lucky and catch a moment like this one, which ironically occurred moments after the clump together/say cheese moment.

The Piazza di Spagna is still a happening place to hang out and watch sunset. Teenagers collect here at night and keep it interesting long after the sun fades. It is a great place to people-watch any time of day. My workshop will make a stop here tomorrow to practice quick- sketching people as they…