25th All Florida Show selects Swamp’s Edge by Rich Smukler

Swamp’s Edge will be exhibited at this year’s 25th Annual All Florida Juried Art Show. This stunning Black and White archival print was captured in Delray Beach Florida and was first exhibited at The Marin Museum of Contemporary Art in Novato, California. It is currently showing at La Rondine Gallery in Bagni di Lucca located in northwestern Tuscany.

Located in downtown Stuart, Florida, The Arts Council of Martin County has been a leader in the arts community since 1980. The exhibition’s Opening Reception & Awards is Friday, September 25, 2015, 5:30 to 7 PM and runs through Saturday, November 14, 2015 to be held at The Court House Cultural Center, 80 East Ocean Blvd., Stuart, Florida 34994 / 772.287.6676. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM; Saturday, 11 AM to 2 PM.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 19)

The Hills above The Square of Sources, Bagno Vignoni.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day18)

From the hills outside the center of Bagno Vignoni with Rocca d’Orcia in the background.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day17)

BAGNO VIGNONI is an ancient village in the heart of Tuscany situated in the Val d’Orcia National Park. I was first introduced to it years ago when studying at TPW (Toscana Photographic Workshop) as it had become a favorite evening hangout for many of the students.

By day, this sleepy village hosts wonderful hillside and mountain views of the valley below. You are also treated to a haunting scene of Rocca d’Orcia in the distance.

Enjoy the thermal waters that course through the hills and carve fascinating archeological dig-like opportunities; a small park with children; the occasional hardy biker; folks staying at the nearby hotels and spas dipping their feet in the waters. But at night, it all begins to happen! The holiday-like lights throughout the village take over from the long Tuscan setting of the sun. The Square of Sources captures the reflections from the surrounding shops and restaurants. Its’ glow is magical.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 16)

Both San Quirico and Pienza are magical, ancient Tuscan towns. They are connected by an extraordinarily exciting road that  strums the true sounds of Tuscany. For years I have driven the 6.25 miles of this amazing highway and never tire of it.

SP146 / Strada Provinciale di Chianciano ribbons through the Tuscan countryside and is the stuff that Lamborghini and Ferrari must have had in mind. Go as the sun rises or as the sun is stretching its long shadows from the west. Any time of year will reveal the many facets of this magnificent countryside. There is one lane in each direction with multiple winding curves that provide a bonanza of sight lines. At a decent speed the entire ride is about 15 minutes. Downshifting into one of the many hairpins brings a broad smile to your face.

For a little extra delight, as you approach Pienza, look to your left for a sign to Santa Anna Comprena. This back road will take you to the 15^th Century Monastery where Director Anthony Minghella shot many scenes from his movie The English Patient starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fienes. The setting is both serene and haunting.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day15)

Heading towards the south of Tuscany for our final week, it is time to enjoy some of Montalcino‘s famous Brunello di Montalcino. The vineyards surrounding Montalcino are about 120km south of Florence in the Tuscany wine region. In 1980, Brunello di Montalcino was awarded the first Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) designation and today is one of Italy’s best-known and most expensive wines.

The hill upon which Montalcino sits has probably been settled since Etruscan times. Its first mention in historical documents in 814 AD suggests there was a church here in the 9th century, most likely built by monks associated with the nearby Abbey of Sant’Antimo.

About 9km down the road from Montalcino you can find the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. Though its history is somewhat obscure, it is believed to have been in existence since the 8th century.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 14)

Pietrasanta is a town and comune on the coast of Northern Tuscany in the province of Lucca. This medieval jewel has roman origins dating back to 1255.

It has been over seven years since we were last here, and little has seemed to change, except for the magnificent art work that adorns the city center and essentially everywhere you walk and look. Scores of artists have congregated here to feed from the synergy of creative juices.

If coming for the first time, my strong recommendation is that you make sure to be here during the evening. This sleepy town comes to life as the sun goes down; restaurants and shops open, street mimes, musicians and entertainers all come out to make this a completely entertaining experience. For those enjoying the beach, you are only three kilometers from what is considered one of nicest.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 13)

Heading through the mountains from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana to Pietrasanta is nothing short of an amazing experience! Open your windows; turn off the radio; and breathe in the best that mother nature can dish out!

As you approach the west coast you sense something very special happened here. The marble mines in the Apuan Alps is where Michelangelo secured so much of the marble he worked with.Pietrasanta, is a wonderful artists’ village, stocked with scores of sculptors, painters, artists of all types, which create a unique and delighful environment. It will be tomorrow’s stop on our journey.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 12)

Lucca is a vibrant city known for its pedestrian promenade that encircles the city upon its exterior walls, once of military significance and later in the 20th Century as a race track for cars!. The town dates back to the Etruscans and became a Roman colony in 180 B.C. The old world charm is blended with upscale shops and energy. Its history is dramatic and chocked full of interesting sights, cafes, restaurants and people.Both residential and commercial, there is a lovely combination of serenity and electricity.  Lucca should be placed on your “to do”list.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 11)

Barga is a marvelous medieval fortress town that has roots going back to the 9th Century. It is the chief town of the mid-valley of the Serchio River and located about 22 miles north of the provincial capital, Lucca.  Positioned on the Gothic Line in World War II, it was a major military objective as the allied forces moved north against the German army. Bring your walking shoes, as the alleys and walkways are quite steep and challenging. But, the charm and sites are well worth it.Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 10)

Travel about 30 minutes north of Bagni di Lucca and you’ll find Lucchio. After what seems to be an interminable and challenging drive up the winding and narrow mountain road, you will come upon this ancient, medieval village that at times rises above the clouds. About 25 residents live in this amazing scenographic treasure that still has remains from its mountaintop fortress dating back to the 11th Century. It was once one of the most strategic positions in the whole valley. Sit quietly and breathe deeply. The soft breeze and quietude are deafening. You wonder how people live and lived here; the wars fought and lives lost here. It is unimaginably beautiful and serene. I must return to this place.Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 9)

Fabbriche di Vallico is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Lucca in the Italian region of Tuscany, located about 70 kilometres (43 mi) northwest of Florence and about 20 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Lucca.

The main village of the comune, Fabbriche, was founded by ironworkers from Bergamo in the 14th century.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 8)

Back in Bagni di Lucca for the beginning of week two, we came upon this magnificent structure. I was told this was originally a church and currently used as a library, but I have not received confirmation. Any information on this incredible piece of architecture would be welcomed. It is just below villas occupied by Lord Byron and also Mary Shelley, where she in part worked on her first novel, Frankenstein.Just down the street is the charming Parco Publico Contessa Casalini. Walking into the park I experienced a rare deja vu. I knew this place. I had been there. Though it was impossible, as I had never been to this part of the country before. It was a good and warm feeling, not one that would creep you out. I don’t know.Just across the street was Il Circolo dei Forestieri, a restaurant with delicious offerings where we were told that Mussolini’s daughter had once taken dance lessons upstairs. As you walked to the rear of the building, and just to the right of this walking bridge which crosses the Lima River, Elisabeth Barrett and Robert Browning lived. If you believed in ghosts …

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 7)

To finish off the first week, we travel south of Ponte A Serraglio about three miles towards Lucca. The Maddalena’s Bridge, also known as The Devil’s Bridge, connects the two banks of the river Serchio at the height of Borgo a Mozzano. Its construction goes back to  (1046-1115) and later reconstructed (1281-1328). It’s interesting design nearly stopped me in my tracks!

“Devil’s Bridge is a term applied to dozens of ancient bridges, found primarily in Europe. Most of these bridges are stone or masonry arch bridges and represent a significant technological achievement. Each of the Devil’s Bridges has a corresponding Devil-related myth or folktale.

Local lore often wrongly attributes these bridges to the Roman era, but in fact many of them are medieval, having been built between 1000 and 1600 AD. In medieval times some Roman roads were themselves considered beyond human capabilities and needs, and therefore had to have been built by the devil.” wikipedia

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 6)

Nothing beats the late day Tuscan light that goes on forever. A glass of that local, delicious red wine and some reflecting on The Lima River in Bagni Di Lucca.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 5)

Once you cross Ponte A Serraglio you come face to face with a chilling reminder of the history that surrounds this area. The Gothic Line was drawn by the German army in their attempt to block The Allied Forces from advancing north in World War II.This entire area fell in the middle of the battle line. Once can only imagine the way it was back in 1944 when The 8th Army swept through on their way to the conclusion of the war. This miniature “flat-iron” building served as head-quarters to the German SS.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 4)

Bagni di Lucca is a collection of 25 villages in Northern Tuscany. This view of the Lima River is just downstream of Ponte A Serraglio. Cross this charming walking path and enter the magical grounds of Villa Fiori. Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 3)

Keep your eye on the prize. Bagni di Lucca has so much to offer!

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day2)

A late afternoon rain swept into Bagni di Lucca and helped produce this dreamy image. The surrounding mountainside is home to ancient villages and etruscan ruins.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 1)

DAY 1 –  Located along the Lima River, BAGNI di LUCCA is a delightful historic spa center in Northern Tuscany. Situated north of Lucca, the town and its thermal springs reached their height in the 19th century when they were a favorite of Napolean’s sister Elisa, Tsar Demidoff, Puccini, and British visitors such as Byron, Shelley, and the Brownings.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Bliss honored by IPA -The International Photography Awards

IPA, The International Photography Awards conducts an annual competition for professional, non-professional, and student photographers on a global scale, creating one of the most ambitious and comprehensive competitions in the photography world today. Bliss, by Rich Smukler, was awarded Honorable Mention in the Professional Photographers’ One Shot Home category. This stunning black and white was captured in Ravello, Italy, hovering over the luxurious Amalfi Coast. Smukler has spent a considerable amount of time exploring the Italian landscape and will be presenting a solo exhibition of his work “Una Retrospettiva Fotografica” at Galleria La Rondine in Bagni Di Lucca from June 6 thru June 14, 2015. The opening is at 6:30PM and open to public without charge.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Rich Smukler Retrospective at La Rondine Gallery in Bagni di Lucca

La Rondine Gallery is located in the beautiful Northern Tuscan village of Ponte a Serraglio in the commune of Bagni di Lucca. Since the Renaissance, this village has attracted artists of all disciplines to take refuge and rest in its thermal valley and spectacular vistas. Smukler had studied photography for seven summers at TPW (Tuscano Photographic Workshop) is San Quirico D’Orcia. He was blessed with the opportunity to study with such photographic luminaries as Arno Rafael Minkkinen (known world-wide and himself a student with Harry Callahan and Aaron Siskind), Sandro Santioli (lauded by many for his mastery of landscape photography), Bob Sasha (known for his photographic story telling and winner of a Pulitzer, Emmy and Webby) and David Alan Harvey (named Magazine Photographer of the Year by the National Press Photographers Association).

Though Lucca is to the north, Tuscany is like a second home to Smukler and represents a milestone in his career. For 2 special weeks, a solo show of his works will be on exhibit for townspeople  and visitors alike. The opening reception is Saturday, June 6th at 6 to 9 pm. The show will run until June 14, 2015. There is no charge for admission.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile)

RICH SMUKLER EXHIBITS IN THE HEART OF TUSCANY

La Rondine Gallery is situated in Ponte a Serraglio in the relaxing commune of Bagni di Lucca. Since the Renaissance, this area has attracted artists of all disciplines to take refuge and rest in its thermal valley and spectacular vistas. The gallery is opposite the Lima River and close to a popular bar and restaurants. Rich Smukler’s solo exhibition will take place from 5/29/2015 thru 6/13/2015 (specific times for the Opening Reception will be forthcoming). Rest assured that the wine will be free-flowing and delicious!

Smukler has studied photography in Tuscany for seven summers at TPW (The Toscana Photographic Workshop) under such notable photographers as Sandro Santioli (known for his spectacluar Italian landscapes), David Allen Harvey (National Geographic and Magnum) and Arno Minkkinnen (Professor of Art at The University of Massachusetts). Having traveled extensively through Italy,  Smukler has grown to love the Italian way of life and its people.

“To have the opportunity to return to Tuscany and share my work in such a setting is truly a dream realized.”

Rich Smukler  currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile)