Florence

The first time I went to San Gimignano was in February 1999. We took the bus from Florence to visit this Medieval Tuscan hilltop town after seeing it on a holiday programme. I saw its 14 famous towers for the first time from several miles away. It made me even more eager to explore and paint the distinct skyline. We entered the small walled town, making our way to the piazza via the enticing shops selling wild boar salami and other mouth watering local produce.

Watercolour

By now it was lunch time so whilst Susan went off in search for salmi, bread and wine, I painted a small watercolour which I later sold from my gallery. Although it was a bright, sunny day, the afternoon was short but I managed to obtain sufficient reference to do a large studio watercolour of the town’s famous towers bathed in the winter sun. I had the painting reproduced as a limited edition print which has been extremely popular over the years. One particular client who bought the print hadn’t been to San Gimignano. However after purchasing the print, he and his wife went there on holiday.

Paintings of Italy

My prints of Italy and the smaller original watercolour of San Gimignano (inspired by the trip) can be seen at my Studio & Gallery in Ponteland and also online at alanreed.com

We always have an ever-changing selection of original paintings for folk to view. It is best to call us before making a visit just in case I am working away on location.