Day Trip To Florence

One of the first 'day trips' we make once we are settled here in Umbria, is to Florence. Johnny likes to buy his canvas from a small art supply store here. He already had bought some panels to paint while we were in Rome, and he also bought supplies already in Cortona.

Over the years, he's learned which shops have what he needs. Somethings here, something else there...it's nice to have a few good options.

Here in Florence he'll visit Rigacci as well as Zecchi, but today it was only Rigacci.

Johnny gets excited to see all the canvas on offer...

Loading up on more paint. And more panels.

 

Catching a photo of his canvas being cut to size.

On this beautiful day, he packed his kit to do some small plein-air pieces while we were in town. We took an early morning train, so we had the whole day to work and play.

Sketching in a favorite piazza after enjoying an espresso.

A favorite spot.

Visiting one of Johnny's favorite frescoes.
The artist is known as Pontormo.

After shopping for supplies and walking around town a little, we stopped for Johnny to paint. We were both surprised at how crowded Florence was on this Friday in March...but it was one of the nicest days in sometime, so everyone was out and about.

Getting set up, rustic style.

A bit of paint will do the job.

Sketching it in.

No one bothered us, though a few took photos. An Instagram moment in Florence, I guess...Johnny paints quickly, and we weren't there long. It was good light on the bridge and a perfect spot to paint.

I love the sky...

Loose and lovely...

Below is a short video, just to capture the scene.

Next stop, after a bite to eat, was the Piazza Santo Spirito. We made a visit to the Basilica, a beautiful church with a nice garden tucked away, then found a spot to sit so Johnny could paint the façade of this massive church.

First, a sketch.

That shape is everything...

A simple but not simple piece.

All in all, a good day's work and Johnny has what he needs to start some larger studio paintings.

Oh, I had to carry that roll of canvas blocks and blocks to the train station! 

You can follow Johnny on Instagram:

#johnnymackapodaca