Blog

Truffle Hunting Time at The Retreat

This year's truffle season has been off to a good start with plenty of rain and humid conditions to get this aromatic fungus growing on the grounds of The Retreat. Both the sought after White Truffle and the Black Autumn Truffle can be found in abundance in the grounds and woods surrounding the house. It…
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Painting in the Piazza

Painting at one of Italy's most beautiful square 'Piazza Arringo' in the Roman city of Ascoli Piceno with our June group inxluding Bill (Andorra), Clara (Singapore), Maria-Luisa (Chile), Brian & Alison (New Zealand) and sisters Patricia and Maureen (Australia). This course has not only been a lot of fun with such an international group but…
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13th-20th August Sunflower painting and Starry Night!

Just thought i would wet the appetites of any sunflower painting lover! here is a sample of photos taken today from fields surrounding the Le Marche Retreat! They are just perfect for painting and should hold on through until the 20th i hope!  
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Painting tree’s in composition.

Hi again. This morning will see a continuation of the works on 3 paintings. A view from" Monte Falcone" is pretty much blocked in now. "The foothills of Monte Falone" is also pretty much blocked in. I am currently working on the foreground tree and sheep of course. I shall then proceed onto the ridge…
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Spring arriving at last

Spring is slow to arrive in Italy this year but sunny days mixed with a it of rain make for fantastic landscape images everywhere. Lush greens, cherry, peach and apple blossoms dotted aross the landscape make for stunning highlights.  
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Christmas and New Year and plenty of Superstitions in Italy

Italians are known for their superstitions and the festive season is a perfect excuse for having a large helping of traditions centred around ancient believes to ensure a prosperous near year. [caption id="attachment_3728" align="alignleft" width="240"] Offida[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3729" align="alignleft" width="242"] Loreto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3731" align="alignleft" width="225"] Ascoli Piceno[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3730" align="alignleft" width="241"] Light display[/caption] di  …
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