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).

ARLES, FRANCE – The Spiritual Home of VAN GOGH

Arles is one of the most popular destinations in Provence, famous for its significant Roman heritage. It is the spiritual home of Van Gogh, and you will see how this artist was so inspired by the beautiful countryside in this region of France.

• The Fondation Vincent van Gogh inside the Palais de Luppé – modern artists (eg Francis Bacon, David Hockney) pay tribute to Van Gogh.
• The Espace van Gogh, which used to be a hospital (and where Van Gogh had spent some time after the famous ear incident), has art exhibitions throughout the year.

Most of the roman and medieval monuments are within walking distance in the old town and can be covered easily on foot in a day. 

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)

Where Does That Lush Ochre Pigment Come From?

Have you ever considered where the lush and vibrant colors and shades of ochre pigment come from? Situated in the Luberon, at the foot of the Monts de Vaucluse, the village of Roussillon provides the answer. Nestled in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries.

The red, yellow and brown shades of the earth form a striking contrast with the lush green pine-trees. The vivid blue of the Provençal sky and the exceptional quality of light make this a magical site. It is like an artist’s pallet, with the infinite combinations of colors varying from yellow to purple with all the shades of pink and red in-between.

The ochre façades of the houses are magnificent… shades vary subtly from light yellow to dark red, set off by the brightly painted shutters and doors. Numerous artists, naturally, have been seduced by Roussillon: Jean Cocteau, Carzou, Buffet, Ambrogiani... to name a few.

The images I’ve included in the current post print beautifully on canvas and archival-treated paper. But don’t pass up the opportunity to see the way these images pop out at you when printed on metal. They are magnificent and can be printed in any size and configuration that your spatial needs and creative desires call for.

 

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)