The painting above was painted from reference during a trip to Lake Garda in Italy...I stayed in a monastery that had been converted to an Artist Retreat up the hill from the town with a group of artists, and every day I would take my "backpack studio" and walk into town. I stopped wherever the inspiration hit and it was there I discovered the true joy of "plein air "painting! What a glorious time. Then, after painting non stop for a week, Billy joined me and we had a northern Italy Honeymoon Adventure ending up in beautiful Venice! So, when I pull out these photos, I am brought back there in heart and mind!