“She believed she could and so she did”
-R.S. Grey
Jetlag is a bummer, but my trip to Tuscany was awesome! I ate more cheese and ham and bread and drank more wine in one week than I have all year. So worth it. At one point I found myself standing in the middle of a street in Cortona working on a watercolor while Italian music was playing and the wind was blowing and people walked by yelling “Ciao Bella!” and I teared up a little bit. Because I made it happen. I have always wanted to go to Tuscany. I wanted to do it and I believed I could do it and so I did. Our host and his staff took great care of us and we painted at the villa as well. Having been restored over 20 years the 15-bedroom villa became home-base for 9 days while we painted at the villa and at the surrounding towns of Montechiello and Montepulchiano and Cortona. My students had an amazing time. We took a wine tour of the Nobile Winery, even painted at an abandoned castle. And the food! It was Italy so it was amazing.
I sold a few demos (and hit the cashmere shop in Montepulchiano) and shipped some wine back home.
And now I will be traveling more. Places I have always wanted to go to that I wasn’t able to because my kids were little, or I just couldn’t make it a priority for one reason or another… and time flew by. Our host in Italy was amazing and since he plans out trips in different locations I have booked with him again for Cornwall, England in June 2027. I also have plans in the works for artist retreats in Ireland, Dominica in the Caribbean, and of course, this March I am in Sedona (still room for you!)
And I feel a little proud. Guess at my age I am entitled to it. With my son now off at college and being an empty nester I am embracing my freedom and the wide-open world. So I will teach my way across the globe with a pastel stick in my hand.
Here are some photos from the trip. Oh! and dont forget- I am in Asheville this October 10-13th to paint out in the Blue Ridge Mountains and there is still a few rooms left at the stunning bed and breakfast we stayed at last time. Join me! Seriously! You can do it too!
Until then, I have the watercolors out and I am painting a few amazing faces and places I saw in Tuscany. Wish me luck!
Hurrah!
Thanks for sharing.
So very happy for you. I’d love to join you in Asheville, however not possible. Love the blog. Keep them comming.
Awesome can’t wait to see the paintings from Tuscany
Wonderful! Can you give me info about Sedona?
You bet!
Awesome experience, Christine! Thank you for shepherding us through Tuscany. You’re the Best!
It was one of the best memories of my life. And because I was with you guys. 🙂
Beavo, Christine, Bravo!
Thanks! Miss you!
Christine made this trip absolutely amazing!! All details were perfect!! It was truly a dream.
Aww. Well I loved it because you guys were there with me!
How wonderful! The pictures are stunning! Italy is so beautiful, and the people are so warm.
My sister found our long-lost relatives in Campagnia (not far from Naples), and we have visited them 3 times over the years. Those visits were some of the highlights of my life. All of your exclamations about the food, wine, scenery and people were what we found there as well.
I’m so glad the trip has inspired you to do more artful travel. It’s really broadening.
Best wishes,
Linda D’Elia
I love the “picture”
Of you painting in the streets
I am so thrilled for you! Travel abroad puts such wonderful perspective in our lives, and enjoying other cultures is so enriching. Can I go with you and paint people?!!!
Quick note: Have you visited Momentum Gallery in Asheville? Your pieces would be so perfect there especially your kintsugi series. It’s a first class gallery!
thanks! Next big trip is Sedona in March. I would love to work with you there!