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An Artist in Bellagio, Italy | My Top Tips

Welcome to An Artist In series. In this series a different artist, that is intimate in different parts of the world, will share their insider tips for where to eat, stay, see the best art, sketch the best views, rest at their favorite cafes and more. You will be able to go out and adventure here in the US and abroad and feel like your best friend shared the best kept secrets about an area and you can explore with …

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An Artist in Bellagio | with Jeanne Oliver

Welcome to An Artist In series. In this series a different artist, that is intimate in different parts of the world, will share their insider tips for where to eat, stay, see the best art, sketch the best views, rest at their favorite cafes and more. You will be able to go out and adventure here in the US and abroad and feel like your best friend shared the best kept secrets about an area and you can explore with …

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An Artist in Lombardy | With Sara Luisa Pozzoni

In 2018 I knew that 2019 was going to be the last year I led overseas art workshops for the foreseeable future. As much as I loved gathering, teaching and traveling it was the most deep knowing that it was time and I had complete peace about my decision. Then 2020 changed all of our worlds and I was not only grateful that I didn’t have scheduled trips to cancel but it also was a reminder how much I had …

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When Italy Steals Your Heart {Again}

As I was making my way to my plane at JFK my mind was focused on a sick boy at home, camp details I was missing, empty arms that I wanted to be in and just the tug I feel anytime I leave my family. I had a nine hour plane ride ahead of me with the other teacher and at this point we were basically strangers. By the time I got to my seat Stephanie Ackerman was already there …

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Top Ten {Amazing Art Retreats}

Happy Friday! I recently asked other friends and artists to share some of the art retreats that they have loved or are a part of. My list goes beyond ten because I didn’t want to leave anyone out. Maybe you will find the perfect retreat to get away, relax, create, connect and explore. {The retreats are listed in no particular order} 1.) Paint Mexico City 2.) A Painted Journal 3.) Plaster Painting with Stephanie Lee 4.) Autumn Vermont Getaway 5.) …

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The First The Living Studio {Lake Como}

I am back from the first The Living Studio and I am feeling tired, blessed and changed. I am also a little sick but that will pass:-) I had dreamed of traveling with other creative people to beautiful and interesting places near and far. My desire was to get out of our comfort zone and create not just in a studio but out where life is really lived I wanted to see people capturing their experiences with their art supplies …

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Italy {Bellagio and Off To Florence}

I have loved looking through my Italy Instagram photos for these posts. I didn’t pick up my camera very often and I have to admit that using mainly my phone made me enjoy the moments more. I want to make a book with all of the Italy Instagram photos and I will let you know what company I go with (and how it turns out). We are now on days 5, 6, 7 and 8. You can read about the …

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Italy {Days Three and Four}

I mentioned in my last post that I didn’t sleep the whole night before I was to teach my first class in Bellagio. You can get really tired after teaching for hours anyway…but add no sleep and you can be in trouble fast:-) So, I knew my only choice was to get a good breakfast and pray. That is exactly what we did. The only place I knew I could get a gluten free and protein breakfast was at our …

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Italy {days one and two}

{all photos in this post were taken with my phone camera} Before I share anything I have to start here…. The fedora. I have begged Kelly to wear hats for years. I think he finally just felt sorry for me and how pathetic I look when I beg. It only took going to Italy to convince him to trust me:-) My mom came from Illinois to watch the kids for two weeks. Two. Weeks. She still was smiling when we …