Sala Comacina, Lake Como

Lake Como Italy Original Watercolour – Alan Reed

In 2024 we enjoyed a pleasant week in Sala Comacina, Lake Como. The weather was mixed however I managed to produce a series of sketchbook watercolours around the Lake. The pick of the bunch was a view looking down on Sala Comacina, taking in the surrounding mountains that overlook the picturesque towns and villages. We discovered there was lovely walk called Greenway del Lago that you could join from Sala Comacina which provided plenty of inspiration. Within about 15 minutes into the walk I stopped to paint a quick sketchbook watercolour whilst Susan talked to an elderly local lady in Italian about her vegetable garden.

Sala Comacina

is a small, historic town nestled along the lake, facing Isola Comacina—the only island on Lake Como. It has been an inspiration for artists over the years. Sala Comacina is known for its pastel-coloured houses with terracotta roofs, narrow cobblestone streets, and peaceful charm surrounded by lush hills and dramatic Alpine mountains. The church tower seen prominently in the painting is San Bartolomeo Church, which punctuates the terracotta roofs of the village skyline.

The background showcases the deep turquoise of Lake Como and the mountain ranges rising steeply on both sides—painted in layers of greens, greys, and blues to evoke depth and atmospheric perspective.

There’s so much going on in the painting, so I kept the sky bright and clear with scattered white clouds, enhancing the sense of sunlight and serenity typical of northern Italy.

We ate in a lovely little nearby restaurant called Le Tout Paris a couple of times for a delicious authentic Italian meal.

On another night we paid euro 50 each to experience “Authentic Italian meal with wine” in a local family home with 3 other couples, it was a disappointment to say the least. It consisted of very simple easy to make at home food , small portions and half a glass of wine!!

Paintings of Italy

In our Italian art collection you will find more Original Paintings including Cityscapes of Venice and Rome. Landscapes of Tuscany and Street Scenes of Umbria. Seascapes of Amalfi, Capri and Ravello.

If you don’t find what your looking for please contact us. You may like to commission a painting of somewhere that has special memories for you.

Visit our gallery in Ponteland where you will be welcomed with a fresh coffee and plenty of time to browse.

Prints of Italy

Our limited edition Prints of Italy are always extremely popular, they are all signed and numbered by Alan Reed of Ponteland. Our best selling prints of Italy are of  San Gimignano.

San Gimignano limited edition Print of Tuscany. This magnificent view of the 14 famous towers of San Gimignano near Siena in Tuscany are bathed in the warmth of afternoon sunlight.

Beautiful Tuscany artwork for sale at Alan Reed Gallery in Ponteland. We have an amazing collection of artwork and framed prints for your home or office. Alan Reed is well known for painting commissions of Tuscany and all around Italy.

Original Paintings of Italy

Watch a short video of the artist explaining how the original watercolour was painted showing more detail.

Available in larger sizes please contact or telephone 01661 820626