In the Fall of 2023 my boyfriend and I spent 50 days backpacking across France and Italy. Starting in Paris and ending in Rome, we took time in each city to observe the unique culture around us by painting and drawing in our sketchbooks. I documented the beautiful views, uniquely European still lifes, and even snuck in a few portraits of Jake. Flip through the pages and join us on this amazing adventure.

France and Italy, September–October 2023

On the banks of the Seine at night, Paris

Live model figure drawings at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, Paris

Still life in our apartment - a "flute" (baguette) from down the street and homemade gooseberry jelly from our neighbors, Tournon-sur-Rhône

Items from the fridge, Tournon-sur-Rhône

Study of dried lavender in a vase, Tournon-sur-Rhône

Jake reading in our apartment, Tournon-sur-Rhône

Views from a vineyard a short hike from our apartment, Tournon-sur-Rhône

Views from a vineyard, Tournon-sur-Rhône

A french "épicerie" (grocery store), downtown Tournon-sur-Rhône

Study of weeds in a cup, Tournon-sur-Rhône

Overhead view of traditional French houses, vineyards, and the distant French Alps, Tournon-sur-Rhône

Jake painting on a rock, Tournon-sur-Rhône

View of Tain-l'Hermitage and the Rhône river, Tournon-sur-Rhône

Study of weeds next to the Rhône river, Tournon-sur-Rhône

View of famland from the top of a hill, Tournon-sur-Rhône

Study of the Mediterranean Sea before and after sunset, Nice

Studies of a prickly pear cactus fruit painted with its juice, Cinque Terre

Study of cups in our apartment, Florence

Clementines in a basket and Italian beer, Florence

Pigeons and a traditional Venetian lamp post, Venice

Palette Knife

Making Music