Kim Weiland

Paintings from Italy

The inspiration for this series actually dates back to the mid seventies when I moved to
Italy and enrolled for one year at the Tyler School of Art in Rome. That initiation to the
art and culture of Tuscany left an impression that was never forgotten. Since that time
and through many years of painting, I have always had the desire to return to Italy and
share that experience with artist and friends.

In the summer of 2008 after careful planning, that dream became a reality and I launched
Artours with the support and guidance of the Untours Foundation, a travel company with
35 year experience in European Immersion travel. With their resources and guidance, I
developed a unique and special tour, taking people to Italy to experience the life and
culture, living and painting in villas on the hillside vineyards of Montalcino. For two
weeks each summer, I return, exploring, painting, rekindling friendships and sharing this
love with the artists and guests that have joined our group.

Plein Aire Painting or painting outdoors from life, always presents its own challenges
such as finding locations, dealing with art supplies and then gaining a familiarity with the
light and structure of the landscape and architecture. Italy was no exception. I was not
always confident in those early paintings and felt insecure of the tourist eye when
painting in public and teaching my students. But with time and diligence, the challenge
became the inspiration and each painting taught its own lesson.

My reward came this past year, while painting a watercolor at the gates to an ancient hill
town. A local family watched from their porch throughout the morning lesson as I
painted the view. After completing our session and as my students departed, the
gentleman approached, stared quietly at my painting and said: “Siete veramente un
professore e maestro.” ( Truly, you are the professor and master.) As they invited me into
their home for a glass of wine and asked about the painting, I realized that is life when
reaching for dreams finds its greatest happiness.

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