Plein Air Painting in the Heat? Location, Location, Location

Plein Air Painting in the Heat? Location, Location, Location

How do plein air painters deal with extreme hot and cold? Find the right painting spots and keep working!Via della Fortezza, Rocca di Papa16×12″oil on paper©Kelly Medfordclick here for purchase detailsThis town perched way up on the hills above Rome is a magical labyrinth of houses and winding narrow streets filled with endless amounts of stairs.I was here painting last year and when the heat hit Rome this is where I thought to go.I love so many things about this place, namely the view of the patched together houses and down into the valley below where the city of Rome becomes only a series of little pink dots.Via del Crocifisso, Rocca di Papa20×15″oil on linen©Kelly Medfordclick here for purchase detailsWith a cool mountain breeze, it was almost unbelievable not to have spent the entire day soaked in sweat and remembering to stay hydrated. Instead it was an enjoyable day spent amongst the locals who showed us an incredible hospitality.We were offered coffee and homemade cookies and even use of the bathroom, which I was grateful for.Last year while painting here I was even invited to have lunch of homemade pasta with the family whose house I painted here above. Needless to say I was speechless and touched by such generosity.The heat in Rome is overwhelming this time of year, but the colors and the contrast of shadows make every drop of sweat worth it.Click here to see other recent paintings from Rome and around ItalyUpcoming Workshops:Join us for a 3-hour sketchbook journaling tour in Romeclick here for detailsPaint the Light and Life of Venice October 12-20, 2013Just 2 spots left jump in now!click here for details or to register