I am an artist staying at the Sant Antonio in Montepulciano for 2 weeks in early October. I work primarily in watercolor and plan on bringing a camera, sketch books, and some paints and paper, though I'll do most of my painting when I return home. After a trip to Provence last fall, I returned and completed watercolors of poppy fields, Roussillon, and Bonnieux.

I asked this question on another forum for previous trips to Italy and France. Both times that I asked this question, I got fascinating answers. because of several comments, I actually saw things that I think I wouldn't have noticed without suggestions. Someone mentioned umbrellas in their stands just inside the doorways of cafes. Someone else talked about the campaniles, the metal bell towers of the churches of Provence. Others mentioned the wonderful doors and windows, and I'm currently in the middle of a colored pencil drawing from my photos of several doors near Bonnieux. A few poeple suggested certain drives for special vistas. The suggestions enriched our trip.

As an artist, I have always thought that I am observant, but I've come to realize that, in a foreign country, in particular, I miss all sorts of things. Perhaps it's because of a general feeling of being unfamialiar with someplace. Or perhaps, somethimes I'm so busy naviagationg, that I miss things. I've convinced my husabnd to bring a GPS for htis trip!

In any case, I thought I'd ask those of you who know Tuscany so well- what would you paint if you were an artist?

Thanks,

Margret

This IS quite the coincidence. I'm spending 2 hours in Montepulciano on September 9th. I mention this for the irony and don't mean to specifically tweak the noses of true slow travelers.

In any event, I wonder the effect that could be achieved painted or (camera) shot of a quaint doorway, villa or stone archway through the cascading liquid residue on one of several just-emptied wine glasses of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano that I plan on handily leaving for you there.... Italian Monet?

I love the first glimpse of San Biagio, approaching from the tree-lined drive. There's a fantastic view from atop Montepulciano's walls, too.

My favorite vistas always include the fields, whether dormant or ready for the reaping, and there's often a farm house on a hilltop in the scene as well. You will not have any problem finding that subject or the famed switch back roads lined with cedars.

There's also the garden at La Foce, the little village of Monticchiello and Pienza's main square. And from Montepulciano, take a drive east to the vineyards near Acquaviva - the colors of the vines should be exquisite.

However, I think you might sit at any cafe on any piazza and find a suitable subject in your line of sight.

I would love to see your watercolors of Bonnieux. My husband and I rented a house there last October and I took lots of photos. And I am enrolled in a watercolor class - my third lesson is tomorrow. I hope that by the time we return to Italy next April I will be able to create a watercolor memory of our visit, though it's looking a bit doubtful at the moment. My husband said my first painting was only suitable for the fridge.

quote:

My husband said my first painting was only suitable for the fridge. Big Grin

That would be me, too, only the back of the fridge would be my place.

I agree with all that has been said but because I always like things a little different and with unique character, I might like to do the interior of Osteria Acquacheta, maybe even looking in through the window--but then you couldn't get the kitchen in.

Then there is the view going up the Corso.

I always like windows and doors but that isn't a very creative thought.

The buildings where you are staying are well worth painting (we know Sant' Antonio well). The views from there are also spectacular.

You will not run out of material.

Funny to me that you mentioned umbrellas...

As soon as I hear Montepulciano I think of a rainy March evening when I was rushing down the main street to meet up with the rest of my group. It was the hour when everyone seemed to be closing shops and heading home, and the street was busy with people huddled under umbrellas. They walked singly, or two together, maybe even three trying to share an umbrella. And everywhere, I could hear them chatting to each other, calling buona sera to each other. There was such a feeling of community and friendship, of neighbors living together in this special, walled-in town. If I were a painter I would love to be able to capture that feeling.

As one watercolourist to another...paint close-ups!

There are scads of paintings out there of terra cotta roofs, the light falling over terra cotta roofs, the sun rising or setting over terra cotta roofs, sunflowers, poppies, white winding roads amidst towering cypress...you get my drift?

Find something that is spectacular when you crawl right into the center of it! It might be a sunflower or a poppy, but it's seen from a totally different perspective. Stretch yourself while painting in that gorgeous area.

Paint huge, paint tiny...get out of your comfort zone.

Paint the heart of your subject.
Your audience of Tuscany lovers will KNOW that this little slice of life is from their beloved Tuscany, without you having to paint the entire image.

Have fun with it!

“What a splendid thing watercolor is to express atmosphere and distance, so that the figure is surrounded by air and can breathe in it." ~ Vincent Van Gogh
Brenda

A small portion of a larger painting of poppies in my garden. Looked much better when I cropped away about 80% of the painting. Ouch!

Thank you all. Your suggesitions are so helpful. Dana Sue, your description of the rainy March day on the streets of Montepulciano was wonderful- you could just feel the mood of the town. Those of you who suggested various vistas were also helpful. And, BGE, thanks for remiding me to get up close. I agree- that is a very special and unique way to expereince things.

Just a quick note for Bags Packed. Thanks for your suugestions, and I hope that you do not get impatient or discouraged by your watercolor class. I believe anyone can learn to draw and paint. My classses often have beginners, and several of them are recent retirees. With practice, they learn, at diffrent rates and degrees of success, usually finding techniques that match their particular personality, interest, and abilities. Incidentally, my first paintings weren't even candidates for the frig.

again, thank you. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

-Margret

Just keep your eyes open, Margie. Be open to what you see, but don't settle for the picturesque. I believe what distinguishes an artist from a non-artist is not how well they can push paint around or how "pretty" their painting is - it's the uniqueness of their vision. Everyone sees the beauty of picture postcard snapshots. I think that the artist sees what the average person does not. Remember, you are not painting churches, doorways and flowers - You are revealing how the light describes them in powerful, well-conceived compositions. It is a very "abstract" process; even for realists. Enjoy your painting and your time in Montepulciano. I am envious.

Thanks, Matt, for reminding me why I paint. The process of creating a painting is personal and unique. I am, for the most part, a linear painter, usually drawing before beginning to paint. It is my perspective and use of lights and darks that create mood and a unique vision. It is this approach that, hopefully, makes my work fresh and contemporary. You're right that I need to always remember what makes the difference between a postcard (even if it's beautiful) and a painting.

Your web site looks like you supply amazing experiences!

I agree that San Biagio might offer great artistic inspiration. Go on the driveway to the left of the church, circle right to the street that runs behind the church, and then take the second (I think) left, a "white road" which goes down into the fields. Then turn around and look at the church rising above you.

---Marlene