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This month I have decided to do this painting a day project again for a number of reasons: * to get back momentum of painting quickly everyday in preparation for the upcoming plein air season * to make some new discoveries in my approach and way of working * to make some new smaller paintings working specifically on synthesizing and looking for the big shapes and relationships over painting those oh so tempting details so this was an opportunity to see it with fresh eyes and to go quickly, simplifying and looking for the big shapes of light and shadow and to also really see the color variations in the shadows (not all shadows are blue! ) This is my first watercolor study done here last fall and what got me started on painting this place. After the initial watercolor I thought that the light and color combinations (red/green) are so wonderful here that I would attempt a large oil painting here, which is still in progress

I am very excited to announce this year’s week long watercolor workshop this September 22 – 29 in one of my favorite places to paint in Italy, Orvieto. We will also have the chance to collaborate with a local paper historian, poet, shoe maker, gallery and sketch the weekly farmer’s market. While we will spend all day every day painting, we will also be guests in this lovely city, giving us the opportunity to get to meet lots of locals and get to know about Orvieto’s culture. The course is limited to 12 participants and does ask that anyone who comes to participate be serious about improving their painting skills and have some basic experience working in sketching or watercolor.

I was asked to give a talk about painting specifically in watercolor and teaching in an upcoming symposium next month in Perugia, Umbria, Italy. One thing I have come to realize through both painting and teaching is that learning to paint light rather than objects, places and things is a big challenge and one that I address constantly both with myself and in teaching. Successful paintings have become more about capturing a mood, the overall sense of light and place rather than perfectly rendering the objects and details that occupy a place. In this way I can try to capture the way Italy’s uniquely warm and penetrating light plays upon architectural forms.

It is that time of year again- time to meet and reflect and share what was accomplished throughout the year. I love having this marked time at the end of the year as a chance to meet up and for me to have the opportunity to share some of my recent work with friends. It is a time to slow down and reflect and enjoy the fruits of the busy labor from the summer now past. You can preview recent work here on my website Light food and refreshments will be provided If you would like to come to the studio outside of these times, just contact me to make an appointment I am looking forward to seeing you at the studio!