Painting trip to Italy!

Early May is the 'Goldilocks' time to visit Italy-not too hot, not too cold! This was our second trip to Lake Como with enthusiastic students from Hidden Talent. Donna and Brian, Dan and Teresa were our first 'couples' to go. Brian was a non artist, but was a heck of a great photographer. Needless to say, with all that magical scenery around us he was as awe struck as we artists were. Joan, Barb, Yoon Joo and Jeanne were the other artists/photgraphers who came on our adventure.We pooled most of our photos and ended up with over 6,600!!!

On this trip we visited a few different Villas than the 2012 trip.
This time when we ferried to Varenna we walked to the enchanting Villa Monestero where we saw early Roman architecture and age old gardens. There was a lovely place to sit and paint the lake view beside the main Villa.

Villa Balbinello is directly across Lake Como  from our Albergo and this year we hired a private boat to take us to Lenno, visit the market and then walk the  15 minute path to the Villa! Well worth the trip!
A full day in the town of Lake Como was fun for the shoppers and with the old Roman gates and walls, exceptional for the photographers. It is a busy city and there was even the familiar MacDonald's where we got our full sized coffees!
Here are a few photos of our arrival: