On the way to Florence

One of the last paintings resulting from photo references and sketches taken on my last Tuscany trip. I will be leaving soon for Italy to gather new material for my paintings plus enjoy the food, the wine and the people. I need these annual trips to Italy to refresh my art and my spirit! I will be leaving soon and I will spend about 12 days in Tuscany and 12 days in Sicily hoping the weather will be warm enough (especially in Sicily) to produce some plein air paintings.
"On the way to Florence" oil on canvas size 20x24".
Sold November 7, 2007 by Buckland Southerst Gallery, West vancouver.

Summer in Tuscany

I rarely spend Summers in Tuscany. From June to the end of August Florence is the hottest city in Italy along with Bologna. I have been living in Vancouver, Canada for the last 30 years or so, so the heat of Tuscan Summers is not something I am used to. I usually go to Tuscany in the middle September, or sometimes in April, end of May at the latest. Tuscan Summers remain in my childhood memory: time at the beach in Marina di Pisa with my cousin Silvia, mushrooms hunting with grandma late august in the Pineta. September is still Summer enough for me. The sun is still hot and the light still intense. Sunflowers are past their prime but still colorful.
This painting is of a field near Siena, at the end of September.
Oil on canvas size 24x30" .
It can be seen and purchased at Buckland Southerst Gallery in Vancouver in a few days.

Wheatfield and poppies near the sea

I have been painting with good results lately. The strokes seem to be more energetic and confident. My palette has become more intense. I long for Summer.
Oil on canvas size 16x20.