About Portfolio and Plates

I have finally arrived at my home away from home! A repurposed thirteenth century convent, where myself and twenty-four other students will be living and working for the semester. Perched almost at the top of hilly Cortona, the dormitory, studio facilities, and SCENERY here are more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. The only thing lacking might be an escalator, to avoid a steep and exhausting journey from town, but views of golden-green fields in the rolling Tuscan countryside are equally as breathtaking as the trek itself, and make up for tired feet. I definitely don't mind walking off the pounds of bread and pasta I consume at mealtime, either. It's hard to say "no grazie" to seconds at Tonino's, the five-star restaurant where dinner is provided for us during the week...

The balcony in my second floor bedroom opens up to a dream. Even the bathroom, which I share with four other girls, has a better view than any five star hotel suite. The Medieval village, cobblestone streets, and other surrounding beauties of Tuscany in spring are framed by every window like perfect paintings, begging me to capture them in oils. Inspiration is everywhere in Italy.

Downstairs in the afternoons when I am not drawing in my sketchbook, you might find me boiling some homemade gnocchi from the local pasta shop, or making a pecorino and prosciutto sandwich on freshly baked bread. There are two kitchens in the dorm, one for students and one for staff, where the "Angels," as they are called, Alba and Antonella prepare us breakfast each morning. The Angels also clean our rooms and make our beds every day. I know. I am constantly asking myself, is this real life??

Attached to our living quarters are the painting, ceramics, jewelry-making/metal-working, and art history classrooms. Simple convent spaces have been transformed just enough to become airy, sunny studios that still hold their original charm. My painting class is in the chapel. The grand ceilings and beams of warm light, which flood into the room from a large, circular window, make this magical place impressive and inspiring. I can hardly wait to put the scattered, empty aisles to use...

And so begins my Italian adventure and very first personal blog. I will be posting images every other day that will allow my family and friends to flip through my sketchbook, take a peek at my progress on studio assignments, and last but not least, drool over the food I am eating :) Just click on the tabs at the top of the page to view my "Portfolio" or "Plates!" Most recent posts will also be top.  

Some of the greatest Renaissance painters, as well as famous chefs found their creativity in Cortona. I am certainly finding mine. I miss you all and hope that you enjoy this glimpse into my passions for art and food. Ciao! 

-Kelsey