Like Sargent in Florence

Ok, so what I mean is that I was in Florence, like Sargent!  This summer I was thrilled to see the show ''John Singer Sargent and the Impressionists in Italy'' at the Palazzo Strozzi.  What a joy to see so many great paintings in a place where few tourists would go, just a few blocks from the Duomo!

This interior scene was in the convent where we stayed, so I set up a few things similar to Mr. Sargent's glowing interior painting, The Hotel Room.  I bow to his great genius, and offer my homage.  All of Sargent's paintings can be viewed at www.johnsingersargent.org.

11x 14'' Oil on Linen  $950.

Castelluccio

I felt so grateful to spend an afternoon in this mountain plateau in Italy this summer.  It is indeed more heavenly than you can imagine.

Castelluccio is about 30 miles northeast of Assisi.  Passing through Norcia, and up winding roads we imagined Ferraris would test-drive, our breath was taken away when we reached the overlook of the valley below.  I had to summon all my inner-patience as we made our way down to park in the valley floor.  We visually dove into the poppies, rapeseed flowers, and wildflowers. Again and again we praised those who had the vision to cultivate this land, and to the Creator for manifesting this fertile and gorgeous site.

Dodging the clouds and sunspots kept us in suspense all day, waiting for the perfect Divine Lighting to add spotlights to the scene!

Castelluccio 16'' x 20'' Oil on Linen

Faint Memory of Scents

These soft peach colored roses were found glowing in the Umbrian Sun.  The stones that make up Assisi are a duller version of this roses' color.   The memory of a beautiful morning walk is hidden in the scent receptors of my brain and the thought or sight of a rose can cause a joyous rush through those pathways!

8''x8'' Oil on Canvas 

 $175

Sing a New Tune

I love poppies and wanted this painting to have a lighter feel.  I like the intensity of the vase and the red petals against the blue gray background.

Sing a New Tune  12x12''  -   $250.00 

Portals to Ecstasy

What a superb time I enjoyed in Italy!  There was an abundance of everything one could imagine, flowers, fruit, artworks, holiness, and lush vistas.   My heart was opened to the kindness of souls and the centuries-old hardworking spirit of honoring and co-creating with Nature.
This doorway, like so many in Assisi,  transports me to another state of mind...where freedom and expansion reigns, and the awareness that we carry that portal within us at all times.  "Knock, and the door shall be opened..."

  ''Portals to Ecstasy''          8x8''         Oil on Canvas

Dream Catcher

I'm feeling like the owner of a sailboat named ''Dream Catcher''.   I'm about to sail off for a dream to Italy.  I'll be posting again in July with sketches of distant lands, breezes that have combed my hair, and hopefully a treasure or two!  Wish you were with me.
Ciao!

 ''Dream Catcher'' 8x10'' Oil on Canvas - $200

Dutch Masterpieces

I follow a blog called Tialys.  An English woman who lives in Provence and shares her passion for vintage finds.  She posted this iris and I used it for a painting demo this weekend.  I think  Irises and Rembrandt are at the top of  my 'Dutch Masterpieces' list!  8x10 Oil on Canvas $250.