Ciaotraveler

                                                                                     Oil on gallery wrap canvas  12"x12" The Lavender Bike of Cortona, Italy

Please follow my Facebook page, Ciaotraveler, for homes and beautiful landscapes.

That hard working couple, The Gaines, created their Silo's Bakery in Waco, Tx. (bottom) from the old structure (above top).  I think it turned out clean and smart looking.  Their success is just amazing!

Brush and Pencil Products I'm taking a few minutes to post a review of this art product I recently purchased.  I read about it on the internet and couldn't wait to try it out.  I purchased the Colored Pencil Blender (from $7-$9.95) and the Titanium White product.  Much to my surprise the company also sent along a bottle of Touch Up Texture to mix with the Titanium White and a couple of colored pencils free of charge (who does that these days?).  I use Prismacolor Colored Pencils but will try the new pencils, so my thanks to them.

Time for spring again!  We're ready in California are you?  Theres so much to do and see all over the world.  Late winter is always a great time to plan for the fall. Please visit some of my posts on France, London, Italy, Ireland....

Artist Patrick Commecy is transforming buildings into works of art. See more here .

This photo by Nancy Medina of her artwork is a perfect example of her beautiful brilliant florals. Whether you're a casual or expert painter, Nancy's list of art supplies is a must for any artist.  Take a look at her on-line classes and website also.   See her list of brilliant colors and supplies here .     I also follow Mikki Senkarik's art blog.  She's inspired by the beautiful landscapes and settings of Europe.  Obviously I love her work and she always provides free advice to anyone who signs up for her blog.  Nancy and her husband invented their own color mixing system which is a must see.  Please view their system here :  Note: Most of the supplies mentioned in Nancy and Mikki's  blogs are also the same John Del Monte taught me in our art class in Lucca, Italy.   You can see my post  here . I recently tried to become more organized in my own work by spending $20.00! (B...

            Daily Mail photos Celebrity weddings are common on the island of Capri: however, nothing compares to this fashion blogger's over-the-top lavish wedding.  The bride completely remodeled a hill top villa plus added thousands of flowers just for the ceremony, spending millions of dollars for her special day.   See more photos of the entire wedding here .  (You have to see the cake!) What do you think?  Please post comments below...

Color study Pienza, Tuscany, Italy Color study: Paris, France

These beautiful baskets featured in Architectural Digest are hand woven and sold to benefit women's educational programs in Africa.  The Rome photo is mine but you can purchase the baskets at indegoafrica.org .  Enjoy looking!

Autumn Splendor... Blessings..  Awesome! Download calendar from Italymag Lovely Lugano Pumpkins and Squash during Autumn You might also like my "Oranges and Orvieto" post here .

                                                                                                                                                       Victoria Mag Annie Sloan chalk paints may have taken the US by storm, but did you know she's also an artist, author and teacher?  Yes, she's a real person and along with her family, they've created a chalk paint empire directly from the UK.   Read about Annie Sloan's inspiring business ventures in  Victoria Magazine  and see the detailed article in  “Brush with Brilliance”  on page 101 of the  September 2016  i ss...

See the new British Airways Vertical Pier in Brighton here .

Your travel keepsakes mean so much...enjoy this article from Victoria Magazine...

I'm in awe of the landscape colours I've seen throughout my travels in Italy.  Hilltop towns such as Cortona in the Tuscany region are perfect for capturing the most alluring colours and charm of this beautiful country.  One can appreciate how they've influenced artists for centuries and continue to be so inspirational. The road up to Cortona The beautiful central piazza. Cortona shop Can't forget the wine!

Bellagio is a destination of many people every day but it's also a fine representative of the beautiful warm colours Italy has to offer.  Enjoy these wonderful colours of Bellagio... The popular streets for shopping in Bellagio. See my Cortona Colours here