Monday, October 14, 2013

Tuscany

So I took a trip to Italy.  I had worried about taking a vacation by myself, or with anybody else for that matter, since my husband was absolutely the best traveling companion.  So I got the idea of finding a painting workshop.  I had never been to one, but I knew a little about them.  I thought I'd probably like other people who painted and find them easier to talk to than just the normal run of strangers.  .

 I hadn't really figured on traveling quite so far.  I thought I'd find something maybe in Taos or Provincetown or the Sierras.  But then without looking very hard, I learned about a workshop in Tuscany with instruction by a painter I admire, Michael Reardon.

Encouraged by friends and family members, I traveled far from home and painted.  I also spent a few days in Florence by myself seeing sights.  A lot of it was just wonderful.  Some of it was awkward and lonely.  Plenty of time and space for personal reflection.  New ways of painting.

I think I could like being Italian.  They drive small hatchback cars, and drink delicious coffee with great efficiency.  Their meals are long, and some of the food is quite heavenly.  The wines are affordable and very drinkable.  People are cheerful and competent and good-looking.

11 comments:

  1. Wow! these paintings show a shift in style, richer color, wonderful compositions. I love them. Glad you enjoyed a trip you were hesitant to take. Looks like a successful vacation all around.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are such an inspiration Barbara, I am so glad for you that you took this decision to travel long distance and paint, the result you produced is stunning! Reminded me of my Italy trip.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow Barbara, beautiful paintings! These pieces really capture the light and feel of the location. Just terrific!

    ReplyDelete
  4. How was it awkward travelling by yourself? Sorry, I'm kinda of fascinated by social dynamics.

    The pictures are pretty and foreign.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I spent three months traveling by myself in Europe. I know what your talking about when you say

    "I also spent a few days in Florence by myself seeing sights. A lot of it was just wonderful. Some of it was awkward and lonely. Plenty of time and space for personal reflection."

    especially the "awkward and lonely" memory kind of works that way.

    I like your old way of painting. This is a different kind of palate. The first painting is my favorite

    ReplyDelete
  6. What an incredible experience, Barbara. I like that you are taking your memories of your travels and turning them into paintings - quite beautiful paintings at that!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello Barbara. I'm glad you enjoyed your tour in Italy, it IS a wonderful country . and you certainly made some great paintings . The first one has an amazing light and is my favorite , but all are beautiful !

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello Barbara, I'm really happy you enjoyed your trip to Italy. Congratulations for your paintings, all are beautiful but the first one is absolutely fantastic. Ciao!
    ps : thanks a lot for your visit to my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely work you did. And it looks like you were able to be there during some sunshine. My trip there was during the rainy season, which was just fine for the museums in Florence, but not as nice for plein air painting. So happy for you that you enjoyed your trip!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. Don't you have to respond to some of your comments?

    ReplyDelete