Rainy day art

An outdoor cozy fireplace 

The path to the Art House 

Sunny Sunday bike ride exploring the ruins of San Galgano.

Although I am in Italy surrounded by lush gardens and ancient buildings it has rained nearly every day this month, sometimes all day.
This is part of a collection of pen drawings that I've added watercolors to. It's a form of Urban Sketching that I love to do and many are from indoors or covered areas while it rained.

The Artist House

The Artist House is a perfect studio. Windows all around, surrounded by roses and shaded by a graceful willow it is in the middle of groomed gardens in all directions. The pond out front has geese and ducks and frogs as well as the Japanese bridge which seems to be from Monet's garden. 

One of my first paintings is this pastel celebrating the Mediterranean light and my arrival back at The Artists House. It sold to a lovely resident of Azerbaijan who was a guest here and an artist also. 

Two more fountains

This fountain is surrounded by walls with large widows (great view in the rain), a grotto with benches, two canopy covered outdoor living rooms, and several lovely walkways. No wonder I drew it from 3 different angles. Plus I have an amazing painting of the park like location almost finished. It was too close to departure to have the oil paint dry enough to pack.
It will be nice to compare it to the Niagara Falls People's Park fountain as I'm quite sure the design is the same, it's several years since Niagara Painters scheduled there.

Rainy day process

Find a comfortable spot near a fireplace and draw the view! This is a centerpiece fountain that is featured in several of my artworks this month. 

A Borgo painting

Three Big Pots. Oil on linen, 12x16. Last time I was here one was on its side and I loved it that way! Perfect Italian garden sculptures.

Back to Italy!

In 2019 I spent September painting at Borgo Santa Pietro as their resident artist. I've returned for the month of October 2024.
Last time I painted this bowl and am pleased to find that it is still here to paint again. This is a pastel. The lemons are huge, the apples are small but sweet. 

 
The Old Stone Bowl 12x16 pastel.

Rain Rain Rain

I'm eager to paint outdoors at this amazing estate but kept inside by the weather today. I have a sketch book, pen, and watercolor set and a warm seat by the fire. Life is good and Tuscany is so peaceful.

Looking out the windows

Breakfast in an elegant location! At Borgo you can choose to eat in this room, the library or out those doors with a spectacular view of the mountains as the morning fog lifts. My daily 'table for one' has this view, and I see beauty in every direction.  

From the main villa, windows face gardens and other buildings. I found this gate over my shoulder near the piano and drew while I waited for the rain to abate. Although the rain was very heavy at times it drains quickly, and the plants and trees have been noticeably growing.