My Venice

Venice Docks, Watercolor, 4" x 6 1/4" Everyone has a 'my Venice'. One visit and we fall hard.

San Marco, watercolor, 4" x 12 1/2"

One friend is in Venice right now for 2 weeks before she goes on to Paris for 2 weeks - the best of both worlds. Another friend is going just to Venice for 3 weeks! And she doesn't even paint! This is not fair.

San Marco Sillouette, watercolor, 3 1/2" x 6 1/2"

I went back to Venice 9 years ago just for 1 day while I was at the Verona Vinitaly wine fair. It's a short 1 1/2 hours away by train.

Santa Maria Majori, watercolor, 4" x 6"

I was lucky to have an architect student sit down next to me and she was staying in Venice for 3 months. Anyway fortunately for me, she was a bit short of change. I helped her out and in doing so got the best of guides for my very short visit. She knew the history and aesthetics of every palazzo and canal bridge. She showed me the secret Venice.

Venice Melange, watercolor, 4" x 11 1/2"

I went back for 3 days a few years later- not long enough. Then 2 years ago I managed to stay 5 days while the Turner Venice watercolor show was on. An unbeatable combination.

There's a small very nice hotel, Hotel Mignon in Carneggio you might look into if you're going. Every hotel in Venice is small and the rooms are all very small, unless you happen to be friendly with a palazzo-owner..But who stays in their hotel room in Venice? It makes no sense. A Venice Card is essential..open door to 10 museums and all the rides you want on the Vaporetto for a week. Brek Ristorante is a terrific chain of cafeterias with farm-fresh food. You help yourself to local wines straight from the tap. Just a few steps to the right of the train station.                           Gondoliers, watercolor, 4" x 6 1/4"

Oh and don't forget to take your art materials. They can be quite pricy in Venice unless you want to spring for one of those hand-made marbelized sketchbooks you may never use, but treasure always...to be continued.