Inspiration for this series of drawings and prints is the result of a months-long residency in Florence in February of 2014. With its rich history and beautiful surrounding countryside, Florence was both captivating and seductive. The early spring-like atmosphere provided an overlay of dramatic and constantly changing light. With every step, the architecture, gardens and rich patinas of facades entranced me. I took long walks daily with my sketchbook in hand. Drawing focused me. Some destinations were pre-determined, but most often I just enjoyed my open hours to explore. Even as I walked on the last evening of my stay, I had hardly scratched the surface of the many levels of this richly endowed treasure of a city. Upon returning home, little did I know how the spell of this experience had motivated me. In the two years since, I have been absorbed working on mixed media drawings and prints of my Italian experience. I usually start my drawing with a gestural ink line upon which I build tonal overlays with charcoal and colored pencil. The oil monotypes in this exhibit are based on these drawings.