The Dream

Tuscany, April 2003, 30 X 24

The Road Less Travelled

La Toscana, February 2004, 24 X 18

Tuscan Doors with grapes

Tuscany, 2002, 24 X 20

Tuscan Heat

Tuscany, 2002, 24 X 30

Wild irises

Tuscany, 2002, 20 X 24

Wild orchids

Tuscany, 2002, 22 X 30

Wild Wisteria

La Toscana, June 2004, 24 X 24

Ancient Doors

Tuscany, 2002, 30 X 24

Le Rose e le Nube Biance

Tuscany, April 2003, 24 X 30

A quintessential Tuscan spring landscape with a winding earth road amongst the fresh, pure, newly grassed hills. A spate of scarlet wild poppies sprawls under a sunlit spring sky of intense blue. Shades of burnt sienna villas are nestled in the valleys while the majestic dark cypresses march like mysterious soldiers up the hills to a seemingly endless vista. You can hear the lyrical Italian words being spoken. Feelings of eternity surround us.

A typical Tuscan weathered stone wall stands proudly in the foreground. The stones are colourful and complement the golden villa. There are vivid flowers and foliage everywhere which tie the Italian composition together and one feels the heat and stillness of an August afternoon around three pm.

These vivid floral explosions of blossoms wish to dominate the ancient stone wall. The gate has been used by many hands throughout the six or so past centuries. The wall and the antique gate have been repaired by generations of one Tuscan family. The wisteria showers us both with the arrival of spring in deep purples, vivid mauves, as well as some whites which reflect the sun's warm rays

One finds a wealth of wonderful old weather-beaten doors in the medieval hill towns hovering over the fertile valleys below where grapevines and olive trees grow. Many of the old Tuscan doors are unique in shape and decor but all seem to be ensconced by roses - romantic reds, soft pastel pinks, or startling whites. Think of what stories these old-timers could tell over the centuries

White Clouds and White (Wild ) Roses. The wild roses of Tuscany seem to grow anywhere they choose. I saw them in front of the mountains and they looked as though they were in cheerful competition with the crisp white, playful clouds above.