I slept in this morning. No motivation to walk. After we took the dogs up to the bar for coffee and pastry, it had turned into a beautiful day so, better late than never, I headed into the hills. I'd been up this particular road many times looking for a little white church I'd been told was in a beautiful location. Each time I've turned back without finding it.
This morning I trudged on. The Val di Chio is dotted with lovely villas. I could have stopped anywhere to paint.
The little country road curled on through a paese (little villiage) and continued on uphill. Finally I came upon an olive grove more manicured than usual and then I head the bells.
A bit further on I finally found the church.
Madonna del Bagno
A little further down the road I found a beautiful view through the olive trees of our hill-top town and settled down to make a quick watercolour sketch. No, I'm not going to post a photo reference, I'd be too embarrassed. I didn't think much of my effort at all but it was my first attempt at painting a landscape without first sketching with pen or pencil. Less impressed with the performance of my waterbrush today. I think I'll take proper brushes and water next time. It was all a bit wishy washy in the end. But I liked it more when I got home and didn't have to compare it with the view.
15 comments:
absolutly idyllic! The painting, the photos and your musings. I worked today but mentally...I am already a thousand miles away....I will see you Oct. 20th on the piazza...ciao gentile Robyn
Marta said it all...this is idyllic and I almost felt like I was walking along with you(wish I was!)The pis are beautiful and I love your sketch. I don't care how the photo ref. looks, you've given life to a scene which is as beautiful in your rendering as it probably is in real life, however different they may be. Sketches aren't supposed to be realistic reproductions. I think you can feel so good about your sketch....it's Toscane!
Ronell
I love your watercolour sketch Robyn, its simply beautiful and does capture the essence of the countryside so well.
The area looks lovely, I wish I could have explored it with you too.
I can return to the beauty that you have surrounding you every day by looking at your beautiful work. Watercolor lends itself so well to the Tuscan landscape.
I'm so sorry I missed meeting you. Thanks again for the Sargent suggestion. If you get a chance to go back to Venice before the end of November go to the Palazzo Fortuny!
How perfect a sketch! Fantastic, and don't change a thing.
Your photos are lovely, but they don't seem to do the scenery the justice that your paintings do. Your paintings make me want to visit and linger. I love seeing your world thru YOUR eyes.
Robyn, This captures the Tuscan feeling completely. It may not be exactly what was there, but it has a special feeling to it that's more important. I love it! I'll be going to Spain & Germany next week. I hope I can capture the Spanish countryside this well.
I wish you could hear me sighing! All of your recent posts are wonderful. I'm so happy for you, getting all of these lovely sketches done, having such a unique new teacher, walking and living amid all of that beauty. It truly warms my heart!
It looks as though you live in a painter's paradise! I love your watercolor, it's beautiful and solft. It's always better to withhold judgement until you're away from the real thing!
I'm joining the line of admirers. I think your painting is just wonderful. I too am playing with watercolors but don't get the softness you get.
Keep showing photos of your paintings and the countryside. I have never traveled and am enjoying the sites along with all my cyber friends as they travel.
Thanks, Jeanne
The little sketch would make a charming card.
Funny how we all have a favourite (or otherwise) tool. I love my water brush!
Oh so beautiful and so beautifully captured in your painting. Very fresh and uncluttered. I am envious of your talent.
MD
Robyn - your sketch has such lovely colours.
I love the journey you're taking us on with the photos of what you see. I keep seeing things I'd like to draw!
Thank you all so much for such generous and encouraging comments.
Sigh....your painting is lovely. And really, your blog is straight out of my fantasies of how life should be.
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