I lived in Italy on two occasions, each time renting a flat in the hilltop village of Poggio Alla Croce. My view overlooking Florence to the west, and the Arno River Valley to the east felt mezmerizing. A vista lined with olive trees and a village so full of heart, I felt as though I'd ripened on the vine like the sweet vinsanto of the Beccattini family.

I hope these paintings convey the sweetness of life my Italian friends and neighbors shared with me. And I pray I will again have the blessed opportunity to visit them all again!