Zecchi in Florence-Art Supplies for the Traveling Artist

What a fabulous art supply store.

Jars of pure pigment.

With the new airline regulations limiting the weight of checked luggage and restrictions of carry on luggage, painting the Tuscan landscape takes some planning for those visiting from overseas.
If you are visiting Florence before you head down the A1 highway, visit Zecchi, at Via dello Studio 19 in the heart of Florence just steps away from the Duomo 
Their web site says, "the building that houses the Zecchi art supply store, is part of the historic seat of the ancient Studio Fiorentino, the first University of Florence (dated 1348) that gave the street its current name. The paint store - located in this street for centuries - has always been an important reference point for Florentine artisans and painters". 
I stopped in to pick up some stainless steel painting knives (not the best thing to have in carry on luggage) and some canvas. The staff was so helpful.  Then, what a treat to have the bells from the Duomo ring out just as I was leaving the store.

In Flight Thoughts - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Airplane In Flight Map
Over the Guernsey Island 

Just returned from a (vacation/birthday celebration) adventure in Paris, France and Italy.  I cherish the moments with family, old and new friends and the opportunity to see art and architecture in Florence, Cortona, Siena, and Paris, previously I had only studied in college art textbooks.
The enchanting Tuscan landscapes and my Paris adventure will be inspiration for pastel and oil paintings in the days ahead....so stay tuned.
However, back to the plane... on flights over "the big pond" I always love to view the map in progress. Seeing where you are at 35,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of the night always gives one pause. As we inched closer to France on the moving map, the Guernsey Island in the English Channel was highlighted. My thoughts immediately turned from, "gee, I hope we have enough fuel to make it to Paris CDG cause I can't swim", to the... oh so charming book I listened to last summer, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I say listened to, because many times when I am painting in the studio I listen to audio versions of books and this has superb actors. Kinda wished we weren't flying over Guernsey but were popping in for a visit with the locals.
Amazon has a wonderful clip about the book http://www.amazon.com/Guernsey-Literary-Potato-Peel-Society/dp/0385340990
Time to unpack the suitcase and read the mail. Subscribe to my blog if you want to join me on my colorful art adventure to Tuscany and Paris.