The Last Time I Saw Florence
On the bright January 1st morning, I grabbed my painting kit along with a freshly-brewed cup of espresso, and headed out to the apartment terrace to start my year with […]
The Path Thankfully Taken
Night had fallen. The December air had become quite cold without the Italian sunshine, and everyone in the family was anxious to get back to the warmth of our rental […]
The Perfectly Imperfect Details
“So much detail.” “You must like detail.” “How’s your eyesight after all that detail?” I regularly get these responses from people who see my art in person, especially viewing the […]
Channelling Glamour In Portofino
On my first visit to Portofino, I walked up to Castello Brown above the harbour to see a photography exhibit, featuring many Hollywood stars of the 50s and 60s that […]
A Fisherman’s Door
SEA You challenge time since the dawn of the world. These words were carved in Italian into the stone plaque beside this door facing the docks in the beautiful seaside […]
From Imagination To Reality
When I was a kid I’d love to visit my aunt and uncle’s house. They had a TV room that was filled with travel momentos brought back from all corners […]
Colour And Freedom
This is one of the rare miniature paintings I’ve done of a place I have yet to visit. I’ve painted many artworks with colourful houses, but the story behind these […]
Going It Alone
Loving life is easy when you are abroad. Where no one knows you and you hold your life in your hands all alone, you are more master of yourself than […]
Planning Is Half The Fun!
Having had to cancel a short painting trip to Mexico a few weeks ago (thanks, stomach flu!), I decided to roll all that travel energy into planning a bigger trip […]
Sketching Loosey-Goosey!
In between long stretches of slow and detailed work in my studio on my miniature paintings, I have been able to release my Inner Toddler with some loosey-goosey sketching. Yes, […]
100 Mini Vacations Later!
Wow! Seeing all 100 Mini Vacations in this photo quilt brings on a rush of emotions and thoughts! I’ve been trying to sort through these thoughts about this project, in […]
The Doors of Orvieto, Part 2
Did I mention I took dozens of door photos in Orvieto, Italy? Think I did. So you know more door paintings of Orvieto were coming soon! I went on a […]
A Mini Takes A Mini Vacation
On my recent trip to Italy, I took along a Mini ink and watercolour piece in progress – yes, a Mini Vacation on a Mini Vacation! I have wanted to […]
Sketching Success On The Road
It’s been a month since I’ve posted because I’ve been on the road! Where else? La Bella Italia! This time my trip was part-business (lots of spring photos to take […]
Grazie Riomaggiore!
People don’t take trips; trips take people. John Steinbeck I’ve painted the villages of Italy’s Cinque Terre a number of times because A) they are stunning and, B) this region has […]
Sketching From A Room With A View
A few weeks ago, I took a short vacation to my favourite city, Florence Italy, to recharge my batteries, to take a break from the steady drawing and painting I’ve […]
