Poggio Etrusco- Farm to Fun and What My Paintings Depict-Show Open Oct.1 at Elmaro

On Display at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery in Trempealeau beginning October 

Here are some of the paintings for my October art display called From Tuscany to Trempealeau in October, featuring Poggio Etrusco. 

There are three agricultural businesses, Poggio Etrusco, Elmaro Vineyard and Ecker's Apple Farm who celebrate the harvest and welcome visitors. 

Help me celebrate my October show at Elmaro Vineyard and Winery in Trempealeau. Reception on Sunday, October 26 from 1-4.

 

A Place Called Poggio 11x14 oil framed $350

  

Pamela's La Ribollita 8x10 oil framed NFS

Fruit of Italy 5x7 oil framed $150

 

Trucking in Tuscany 8x10 oil framed $150

Catch of the Day 5x7 oil framed $150

On the Way in Tuscany 11x14 oil framed $350

Sunny Day in the Groves 8x10 oil framed $350

Off to the Presses 8x10 oil framed $150

Harvest Dance 8x10 oil framed $150

 

The Italian Pantry 11x14 oil framed $350

Olive Harvest Time 8x10 oil framed $150

Morning in the Groves 8x10 oil framed $150

Poggio Etrusco

A 1600's farmhouse in the Tuscan Countryside transformed into a Farm Stay -Bed and Breakfast in 2001 by itts newest owners Pamela Sheldon Johns-cookbook author and Johnny Johns-artist are expats from the USA. They took over the Oliveto on 15 acres and proceeded to welcome visitors from all over the world, sharing their love of the Tuscan Countryside. Mornings were a lovely time  for me paint in the groves or explore the farm before our afternoon excursions. (Paintings-”A Place called Poggio”, “Trucking in Tuscany”, “Sunny Day in the Groves”, Morning in the Groves” and “On the Way in       Tuscany”)

Our stay was during the olive harvest on their organic farm. The 800 olive trees of 5 varieties were full of my favorite Italian fruit, ready to be gathered and processed.  From the groves was the chatter of  the Electric Rakes combing and vibrating the branches to release the olives onto green nets for sorting. Busy hands removing leaves and boxing the organically grown olives to be made into artisanal oil   within the first 48 hours. (Paintings-”Harvest Dance”, “Catch of the Day”, ”Fruit of Italy” and “Olive Harvest Time”)

Among our local tours was a visit to the local olive mill , Frantoio La Macina, to watch the green gold flow. It was loud as the process macerated and extracted the olive oil. Sending the results to a large    centrifuge, separating stones and pulp from the oil. (Painting-”Off to the Presses”)

One of the many cooking classes with Pamela was the Italian Pantry. Experiencing the proper way to sample olive oil by seeing, sniffing , sipping and slurping, pulling in air then swallowing. Waiting for the tingling in the back of the throat, than a couple coughs letting you know the polyphenols are present.   I think olive oil is used in everything, from the La Ribollita a Tuscan bread soup to my favorite being    Olive Oil Cake. (Paintings-”The Italian Pantry” and “Pamela’s La Ribollita”)

On a personal note Poggio Etrusco, was an experience of a lifetime.   What can I say but thank you   Karen Sherman for inviting me to come along on this journey in the fall of 2024.  I had to figure out how to take my art supplies overseas to be able to capture the olive harvest on my easel and it was well worth it. Pamela Sheldon, owner and cookbook author, also added to the experience by providing cooking classes and organizing wonderful events like truffle hunting and cheese tasting in the  area. Plus, thanks Johnny Johns for a great cappuccino and sharing your artwork with us. Motivating me to express my  delight through my art.  www.Poggio-Etrusco.com