Paul

It was destiny when I tossed my first coin in the Trevi fountain 20 years ago. I've been back to Rome several times since and this piazza never gets boring. We had the best gelato in the world at the fountain for lunch today. Two of Rome's best gifts at once!

Some of the simplest gestures can make any experience better. I love the unexpected, even if it is obvious. We've consumed gallons of cappuccino as a group since we've been in Rome, but this was the best round.

It took only 2 shots of expresso to climb to the top of the cupola of St Peter's bassilica. Little did I know, but they sold expresso on the vatican roof! Our group of 16 keeps getting splintered as nobody has cell service, and free wireless is difficult to find. Communication amongst the group is…

Doesn't get much more Italy than Vatican City. I can't believe I was in China three weeks ago! Not only am I experiencing culture shock, but my jetlag has taken on a punchy side. My workshop students are all giddy with Italy fever and are tramping all over Rome tonight, eating and drinking and probably…

Cloud nine can't be far from here! As we're packing to leave for Italy I got news that "Jazz in Blues" won Best of Show at the Keystone National 2008 Juried Works on Paper Exhibition in Pennsylvania. Turning 40 has been awesome!

With all if the traveling I was not able to give much attention to the tomatoes this summer. It's nearly October and I just picked the second red one! The recent storms have pretty much finished off this year's pathetic attempt. Sorry Grandad! I'll certainly enjoy my one tiny tomato sandwich and save a couple…

This is the still-life painting I demonstrated during the workshop. I thought it turned out great given it was painted very quickly and in front of a demanding audience!

It's always a treat to teach at home in Columbia. I have a group of long-time students that I've watched blossom into very talented painters. We were joined this weekend by a group from Quincy IL, and a bunch of really talented school art teachers! The caliber of work produced this weekend was stunning. The…

Today I teach an advanced watercolor workshop at home in Columbia Missouri. It's nice to wake up in my own bedroom for a change! I'll be setting up an incredible collection of art glass and demonstrating how to translate the magic of glass in watercolor. The class is full with painters of varying skill levels,…