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I had wanted to paint and draw in Tuscany for some time. Karon \u2013 who had been before \u2013 often spoke of the beautiful landscapes of Italy so when it came round to deciding where to holiday this year we decided early on that we would fulfil a dream. Searches on the web found ‘Studio Paradiso’ which looked, and turned out to be, perfect. That took care of the first week, hosted by Kathryn, cooked for by Dermot and guided by Ivan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We decided we would split the second week between Siena and Florence, where we were flying in and out from. To go between, we would use the train as there was no way I wanted to drive. This proved to be a good choice as the service is unbelievably cheap compared to the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And so, on September 1st we flew into Florence and took the train to Pisa airport where we were met by Dermot and some of the other \u2018painters\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Karon and Bob’s Italy paintings<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\nCaugliano<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Our first week was spent at Casa Unicorno being well looked after by Kathryn and Dermot and guided in our painting efforts by Ivan. The small hamlet of Caugliano is perched on a hilltop with spectacular views of the surrounding hills. An enchanted garden and the sleepy surroundings provided a relaxed atmosphere were we could go at our own pace and take on as much or as little as we wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n\n\n\n
Tellaro<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The vibrant colours and narrow streets with houses stacked up the slopes provide fodder for the artist. We collected at a cafe with a great view out to sea over the roofs of the town. After a coffee we all set off our different ways to find a spot, Ivan totally confident he could find us all wherever we were!<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_1_placeholder\n\n\n\n
Fivizzano<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Market day in Fivizzano. Having practised quick sketching Ivan took us down to the market town for some quick sketches of town and people.<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_2_placeholder\n\n\n\n
Lucca<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Up early to catch the train through the mountains to Lucca. The original town is still surrounded by its huge defensive walls, which a still intact. Inside is a little like going back in time, with plenty of old architecture housing modern shops. Piazza\u2019s and churches abound providing a wealth of opportunities for painters.<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_3_placeholder\n\n\n\n
Verrucola<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
On our last afternoon of painting with Studio Paradiso was spent in the hamlet of Verrucola, a pretty little village complete with fairy tale castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_4_placeholder\n\n\n\n
Last night<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
For our last night Demot and Kathryn laid on a splendid BBQ. Plied with wine and good food we sat out on the patio till late, singing (and some dancing), enjoying each other\u2019s company. Not all our pics came out well enough to post but here\u2019s a selection for an idea of how well the evening went.<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_5_placeholder\n\n\n\n
Early the next morning and Rebecca, Karon and myself the first ones away from Casa Unicorno with a lift down to Pisa airport. Beccie was due to fly to Greece and Karon and I would be taking a train to Sienna. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The journey was almost uneventful, apart from a mild panic when we realised we had to change trains after pulling into Empoli \u2013 a frantic dash to grab suitcases and get at least halfway out the door before it pulled away again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Siena and Florence<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Tuscan Dream September 2007 we flew to Pisa for a week painting in Tuscany (below) with ‘Studio Paradiso’ \u2013 no longer operating. A second week took us first to Siena for a few days, then on to Florence for a few more days before we flew home from there. I had wanted to paint and … <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Tuscan Dream September 2007 we flew to Pisa for a week painting in Tuscany (below) with ‘Studio Paradiso’ \u2013 no longer operating. A second week took us first to Siena for a few days, then on to Florence for a few more days before we flew home from there. I had wanted to paint and … <\/p>\n