Unexpected Visitor

On one of my past retreats in Italy, we came across the most beautiful, jewel-toned grapes in the village of Barga. One of my students stopped to admire them on the vine, and the owner immediately hurried over with a generous handful for us to taste.

They were the sweetest, juiciest grapes I think I’ve ever had! Naturally, I snapped plenty of photos so we could bring the memory back to the studio and capture it in paint. Seeing a subject is inspiring on its own, but when you can also taste and touch it, the experience deepens in such a memorable way.

And apparently we weren’t the only ones captivated by those grapes—a curious little bee buzzed in during our painting session, as if hoping for a taste of that sweetness too!

Finished painting, "Sweet & Juicy" (Sold):

Have you ever had unexpected visitors during any of your painting sessions?