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I’m Linda and I’m excited to paint with my friends in San Gimingano and to be a part of the group. I will be working in pastels and I plans to vacuum seal my supplies. I will be traveling for a little bit with my daughter in Abbruzzo. On the first of September 1st, I will be joining the group.

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Painting panels are all ready for landscape painting in San Gimignano!! So exciting!

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Glassine arrived. This is a material that will protect pastel drawings.

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Natalie and Michela ready for their flight to Italy to start their adventure landscape painting in San Gimignano!

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Packing art supplies

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Trattoria Za Za! In the heart of San Lorenzo, Florence, is a museum of art you can dine in.

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This “Maddalena” is by Titian, a Venetian artist, 1490-1576

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Sketching in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence

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Sketching in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence

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Palazzo Pitti is a breathtaking spectacle, a palace that dazzles with its opulent chandeliers and a treasure trove of paintings and sculptures. Imagine standing before masterpieces from legends like Raphael and Titian, as well as the captivating works of Mancini and the Macchaioli. Here Magdalene gazes upward—her eyes shimmering with wonder—it’s simply mesmerizing. One of my favorite details of this painting is the flowing, curly blond hair cascading around her figure, creating a strikingly lifelike image that's nothing short of stunning. It's an experience that leaves you in awe!

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After a long layover in Rome, we arrived very tired, but very happy to be in Florence! After resting at the B&B in historic San Lorenzo we headed out. Our first stop was the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which was originally an apothecary started by the Dominicans in 1221 on the grounds of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. In 1612 it opened to the public, and today is considered the oldest pharmacy in the world. Over time it has evolved from a convent apothecary into a perfumery, including cosmetics and personal care items. The perfumes are amazing and you can even buy one that was made from the original recipe for Catherine di Medici. The building is amazing and well worth a visit! The artworks in the Santa Maria Novella Basilica include Masaccio’s Holy Trinity, Giotto’s Crucifix, Brunelleschi’s Crucifix and shouldn’t be missed.

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The Pitti Palace houses an incredible art collection originally belonging to the Medici family. Amazing paintings include these two Madonnas by Renaissance artists Raphael and Botticelli. There is also an incredible collection of clothing, not to be missed by anyone interested in the history of fashion.

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First day in San Gimignano, a medieval city in Tuscany. 

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We arrived to our painting destination today, the beautiful medieval city of San Gimignano. After getting settled in our apartment, we wandered around the walled city. The cobblestone roads are narrow, with limited cars. I’m taking it all in- the stone, the earth colors, the medieval towers, Romanesque architecture and the heat. I’m lucky to be with Michela who has lived here and is fluent in Italian. Many people speak ant least some English, but not everyone. I’m trying a bit of clumsy Italian, but feeling a little isolated. Most importantly, I can order a coffee, because I’m still tired from traveling. I’m wondering what it will be like trying to paint outside here with the sun and all the people. I’m focusing on the beauty of this ancient city and how special it is for me to paint here as I get ready to sleep. Buone notte!

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On our way to our air bnb we stopped at the COOP local grocery store and got 50 liters of water.

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San Gimignano is surrounded by stone walls first built to protect the city in the 10th century. They were expanded during the 13th and 14th centuries, when the town was prosperous due to its location and saffron trade. Built of local stone, the walls and towers are a magnificent example of preserved medieval architecture in Tuscany and are a UNESCO heritage site.

I also included a pic of my easel set up and equipment. The view is amazing! The painting needs more help.

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First day painting outside together, Natalie and I discover breathtaking views under a blue sky

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First day painting outside together, Natalie and I discover breathtaking views under a blue sky

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I recommend bug spray, lol

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My daughter, Kate, and I are flying from Philadelphia to Rome where we will rent a car and drive to Abbruzzo. There we will travel throughout the province, where my grandparents were born. On September 1st, Kate will fly home and I will join our painting group.

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Confetti is an almond covered with chocolate and a hard candy exterior. These were the candies that were usually given out at weddings that I remember from my childhood. Here in Sulmona, there are different family merchants who have been making these confections for generations.

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Kate in the piazza that is dedicated to the great Roman poet, Ovid. After visiting Sulmona, we arrived at our first destination, a cozy apartment in Pescara.

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Today was a beautiful beach day. We bathed in the Adriatic while looking up toward the majestic city of Vasto.

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I finally feel like I’ve found my painting legs

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Teremo is the “county” of Abbruzzo where my roots reside. We will stay here for two days at our beautiful hotel.