Cortona (7-12)

Today we went on a trip to Cortona (about 45 minutes away) with Craig our new instructor for our cityscape class. Carolyn went back to SF to finish teaching their landscape painting class in the states. I learned so much from her, especially how to use color and how to make a painting pop. [I still have a LONG way to go though. I loved her way of making simple somewhat boring landscapes pop. She paints in a way that I would love to incorporate in my work. (Check her work out at

http://www.williamlestergallery.com
/artists/artists_pages/meyer.html)

It is an amazing town, one of my favorites so far. The town is beautiful and the people are really nice. We all had a great time. There was no agenda so I spent a lot of the day taking photos of things that I hope I get to paint.


(PIC = I think this wall is saying "Yeah, that's right. I am hundreds of years old! How about you?")

Allison, Jen and I spent some time walking around the main part of town shopping. I bought a cheap purse (15 euro but got the guy down to 13 euro) at an open air market and later some tall black boots (that I needed because they don't have a heel) at Calzature Barneschi. I LOVED this shoe store by the way, great selection awesome people working there and they have a parent clothing store around the corner with nice clothes (but too price for me) called Barneschi David.

Allison and I also walked around and just talked for a good part of the day. We also found a bakery called Banchelli that sold licorice gelato. I thought it was very interesting but I got pistachio, green tea and crème Etrusca. The latter was the best. It tasted like eggnog. I also bought a few homemade jelly candies covered in sugar. Yum!

I painted a water color (very quickly) while waiting at the steps of the main church for the group before dinner. I like it because I am starting to get comfy with watercolors, but I have a long way to go. Jen also showed us a gallery called Il Pozzo -----with EMACULATE watercolors. Inside they also had beautiful photography, leather bound journals and an ancient Etruscan well. We were able to meet the owner who was really nice, showed us around and told us about the history of the gallery. And how can I forget this cute dog.

Last but not least we went to one of the best restaurants we have been to so far called La Grotta. Nice classy place, but not too expensive. I had a delicious grilled lamb and baked eggplant and cheese side dish along with some yummy Chianti. EXCELLENT! Not to mention everyone was sharing so I also got to eat some sauted spinach, chicken, spinach gnocchi, gorgonzola gnocchi, and arugala salad. Very satisfying.

Leaving Cortona. Waiting at the steps, leaving the town gate and night picture from the edge of town.