Lucca, Italy, June 20 & 21, 2008

What a way to celebrate the beginning of summer, working first from the top of the wall surrounding Lucca, towards one of the 'Torres', then another painting from below and outside the wall surrounding this beautiful Tuscan city.

This distinctive wall seperates Lucca from all other walled cities I have painted in 3 trips to Italy. Reconstructed at least 3 times (the last I believe in the eighteenth century when it was rebuilt using bricks!) this venerable landmark has very large dimensions on a human scale. It's at least 40 feet wide at the top, where one can stroll or ride bikes for 3 ½ kilometers, completely circling the city. Large old oak and chestnut trees have been planted there and provide welcome shade as well as an invitation to walk what was once the fortification for Lucca.