On The Train To Sienna

It's been a whirlwind of a time since my arrival here in Sienna and today is my catch up day for my blog entries. I have been having an incredible time here and have met so many wonderful people and had some great adventures too. This next entry begins with my journey to Sienna from Florence. 

It’s now day 6 and I’m now on my way by train to Sienna. I must admit I am sorry to be leaving such a magical place but I do know there will be many other incredible painting and writing opportunities ahead.

My hotel in Florence was nice and close to the train station so I could just walk over. I love how these cities are so well equipped to transport people. It’s very easy to get around and even thought I did get lost several times, it always turned out to be a good thing. I found areas of Florence not starred on my map but for an artist, they were every bit, if not more beautiful as the main tourist locations were. Of course I wanted to see those as well but for me it is all about finding that perfect cast shadow, interesting doorways and as always the best restaurants are off the beaten path. Just follow the locals to see where they eat. You almost never see them eating in the main piazzas.

The scenes passing by my window tell me I am headed in the right direction. Through the openings between the trees I can see rolling hillsides that look like a patchwork quilt of blues, greens and yellows. I can hardly wait to explore this area!!

Florence Light

"Florence Light"

I worked a bit more on this sketch and thought you might like to see it completed. I really enjoyed the challenge of trying to make the light shades look lit up. Every painting or sketch that I am doing is simply a series of problems to solve.

It's been fun to getting back to this artsy side of my brain. Nice to know it's always there waiting for me~

Grazie and Ciao ~

During dinner last night I found myself in a quaint little restaurant filled with laughter and wonderful aromas. Across from me was a light fixture that was interesting and I thought I would sketch it showing the glowing lamp shades. It feels great to be in this place, this space of creativity.

A big thank you to my family, staff at my store, Northwoods Gallery & Gifts, and to the many friends who have encouraged me to follow my artistic dreams for I couldn’t do this without you and your support.

Grazie and Ciao~

And so my adventure begins again! I will be here in Italy until the 11th then fly to Rhodes, Greece. I have no plans for the rest of my stay but have a total of 5 weeks of exploring, painting and writing.

Florence at sunset 2012

I have now been in Florence since my arrival 4 days ago. As I explore these city streets I am surrounded by the most beautiful light, architecture and history. Magical really. I walk down different streets each day discovering a new building more beautiful than the last or see some of the most incredible shadows cast down these narrow streets. I find myself so inspired. No wonder artists have been finding their way here for centuries. The atmosphere is perfect for creativity.

View from Giotto's Campanile

On Wednesday I took the train to the small ancient village of Lucca. As I entered through the thick stone walls that surround this place I felt like I was transported back in time. It was filled with many narrow winding streets and quaint piazzas. I rented a bike to tour through this town and also rode around the top of the wall. As I look out beyond I see another ancient village hanging from the cliffs off in the distance, Cyprus trees woven throughout, with purple mountains as a backdrop - it just doesn't get any better than this.

Wonderful street in Lucca 

                              

I will be heading for Sienna tomorrow staying out in the countryside there. After some very busy days here in Florence, I am looking forward to a quieter pace. I plan to rent a bike or car to explore the hillside looking for that perfect place to paint.

Thank you for joining me on my latest Artistic Adventure. I'm so glad you're along for the ride ~

Greek Passage

15 x 11

watercolour

This is an image I painted a while back and wanted to share with you my experiences from the day I discovered it. 

The sun rises now on this small island of white and stone. The days are busy here on Mykonos so I’ve decided to explore these winding streets before the village awakes. The narrow roads are a labyrinth of white marked by many interesting colourful old doors. It was here I found this classic beauty worn, weathered and loved. It has been painted now many times and I imagine it has been cared for by fathers and grandfathers from many years passed.  

The door behind me opens now and an old woman wearing black comes out into the fresh morning air. I think she was surprised to see me there so early in the day. “Kalimera” she says as I return my “Good mornings”. She has come out to wash her front steps back to white as others inside clear the morning dishes. I hear the musical clinking and laughter inside, life being well lived in this small house. 

My new friend was curious as to why I was sketching this old door. I think she was trying to say she thought it needed some fresh paint. I tried to explain that I see its beauty just the way it was and then we both smiled and knew all was understood. She nodded and went on with her work, as I did with mine.  

I smile now as I realize this old door is also now forever a part of my life as I will always remember my Greek Passage back through time.

Journey To The Light ~ Poem

In Mornings Light

watercolour

30 x 22

A warm clear light surrounds her

As she wanders in this quiet place

Birdsong brings a smile

As gentle breezes whisper its morning melody

Her body sways to nature’s rhythm

As she moves along her life

Not even she knows where the path may lead

Only that the light will show the way

I am now in the airport awaiting my flight back to Italy and Greece! With a 7 hour layover I have some time to share a couple of paintings I completed a few months ago. 

My plan is to explore many small hilltop villages and hopefully find myself in that perfect quiet place. Like the figure above, my hope is to allow the day to unfold so that I may be free to live in the moment, painting and writing my way as I too will follow the light.

Live The Full Life

It has been said that you have to start somewhere. Whether it is painting a picture, learning something new or doing the laundry. You have to begin. The funny thing is once you start, things move along well and you wonder why it is you put things off  in the first place. It always feels great to get things done.

Procrastination is the sure way to living half a life. For some seasoned procrastinators, I think they are simply afraid of change. Afraid they will fail or perhaps learn they have wasted much of their life living in fear of the unknown. For some perhaps it is the idea of success.  The "What if" scenario. What if I do become successful, what then?

I think embracing change is the key to a happy fulfilled life. Change doesn't have to be big, I also believe it's never too late to make a change.

Recently I lost a dear friend, Bill. Over the years he shared many stories of his life and taught me many things. Bill was a businessman. A entrepreneur of work and of life. His life was varied and full of change. He really knew how to live and I am honoured to have known him.

My very dear friend and mentor, Gladys, has also been an incredible influence on me.  She taught me how to carve a path that would be the ultimate trip through this life. She challenges me with new ideas and ideals. We do learn so much from each other. Here are just a few conclusions we have come to.

Keep life simple.
Always enjoy what it is you are doing and have some fun in your day.
Always eat good food, not the junk food stuff.
A glass or two of wine is good for you. So is good chocolate.
Don't forget to smile at those you meet anywhere and everywhere. It feels great.
Always take time to sit quietly and reflect on your life.
Be grateful.
Keep moving.
Always look for the good in your day.
Look for opportunities to care for others around you. One day perhaps the favour will be returned.
Embrace change.
Laugh often

She has only 1 regret. She told me that she wished she'd taken the time to learn more. Learn more about history, culture, language, the world. We live in such a wonderful place. Understand and enjoy it!

Until 4 weeks ago she lived in her own apartment and now has picked up her roots and moved into a nursing home. I saw her today. She was smiling of course and telling me more stories of her life and travels. Amazing doesn't begin to describe. She is 103.

May you too have a "Gladys or Bill" along this path we call life. May you also be the "Gladys or Bill" for others around you. Encouraging, teaching, sharing a smile.

Now to get back into the studio - my brushes are calling!

"Venetian Passages" - Poem

"Venetian Passages" 
watercolour 
22" x 30"

Damaged ships were floated here

Under arches grand, such history

Of days long past, men sailed seas high

This place now filled with mystery

Through light filled arches and channels blue

Echoes of former glory rings

No longer used, an empty space

Now a place for wondering