Tools of the Trade

I just love my pastel box, it is filled with such wonderful colour and endless creative possibilities.  Who would have thought that these little chalky sticks could produce such amazing depth and detail.

Magnificant Tuscany

We drove from Florence to Tuscany and unbelievably it was only a 30 minute drive out of Florence and you are looking at rolling hills and amazing old buildings, the colours of faded terracotta surrounded by olive trees.  We took the scenic route, windy roads, very tight turns but it was worth the slightly longer time as the views were truely amazing.

We stayed in Greve where the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" was made.  We stayed at Villa Vignamaggio and the place was to die for, the staff were so helpful and nothing was too much trouble.  If you are looking for a Villa stay, Villa Vignamaggio is affordable, the grounds are wonderfully maintained and I definately recommend it.

Villa Vignamaggio

Villa Viggnamaggio

The food in Tuscany is so fresh and the pasta OMG, I had been waiting to get blown away in Italy by the food and Tuscany was sensational.  My husband couldn't walk past a small goods store without stopping to buy salami, pecorino cheese, crusty bread and olives.  Good job we were walking it all off!  My son tested Lasagne in every place we went to, I think we could write a book on the "Lasagne's of Italy"!!

And of course it brings me to the alcohol, I love a good glass of red wine.  Alcohol is part of everyday life in Italy, you order a glass of wine and they do not ask you if you want another it is assumed that one is enough with your meal.  You have a glass with lunch and a glass with dinner, their wine is a lot lighter not as full bodied so you can drink it easily during the day and not feel sleepy.  You can buy alcohol readily from the little shops along the street, single beers and breezers but not a big issue nor is it a binging problem.  My 15 year old son was offered wine with dinner and I said he is not old enough to drink and the waiter's response was "in Chianti, he is of drinking age"

I would throughly recommend Tuscany to any traveller, hire a car and drive to the amazing villages surrounding Tuscany each and every one are different and offer endless exploring possibilities.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

During our trip to Italy last year we took the one hour trip from Tuscany to see the leaning Tower of Pisa, we even drove on the motorway!  and for an Australian driving on the wrong side of the road was a mighty feat.  The building is so pretty it looks like a wedding cake.

Here's me looking like a complete tourist holding up the building!

and me again!

This picture really shows the lean of the building, you could climb up the top but we couldn't face waiting in line.

New Painting - "The Sun is Shining"

Inspiration for this painting was from a photograph taken at the beach in Yanchep, the sun was shining down and it was a beautiful day, hence the name of the painting, "The Sun is Shining".

It is fully framed and ready for a new home, contact me for more information annsteerart@hotmail.com or alternatively view my website

http://www.annsteer.com/

Back to the Studio - New Painting "Along the Coast"

During the Christmas break I took time out from everything and I am refreshed and ready to start the New Year.  My fingers were itching to get back to my pastel box.  This is my latest painting called "Along the Coast".

http://www.annsteer.com/

New Art Classes

Hi all, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I am running some classes commencing February, details follow;

Adults:
Pastel painting, 8 week course commencing 8 February 2012, Wednesday mornings 10am til noon.

Kids:
Mixed media, 8 week course commencing 11 February 2012, Saturday mornings 10am til noon.

Contact me for bookings and further information by email annsteerart@hotmail.com

www.annsteer.com