Venice has to be one of the most spectacular painting destinations in Italy. Standing on Rialto bridge and looking down the Grand Canal feels more like watching a bizarre movie than experiencing a thriving city.
We arrived in the afternoon and were rapidly transported to our hotel by water taxi.
Leaving Marco Polo Airport by water taxi is a chaotic experience. 110 Euro from the airport to the city means the drivers are pretty serious about getting the job done quickly.
Churning through the back alleys en route to Accademia Bridge
Painting on the grand canal.
Early morning along the canals
The last gondola workshop in Venice was just around the corner from our hotel … and right opposite a great little bar.
Everything is delivered by barges along the canals
A late afternoon storm blackened the sky behind Santa Maria della Salute making for some great photos.
Evening drinks along the waterfront
Interpreti Veneziana were performing at the San Vidal Church, 5 minutes from our hotel. Italian Baroque played with passion and enthusiasm – a fantastic night.
Burano Houses
Burano is famous for its lace making, but I think this guy is mending a fishing net.
Splashing Paint 
Wish I could have have been there. Love your painting
Hi Joe,
Been thinking of you and Nora – We have sampled lots of pizzas, but none measure up to your recipe!
Cheers
John
I am not getting the pictures here, John Cheers
But they are on the link, so no worries! LOL
what lovely photos. the watercolour is so spot on.
A great journey down memory lane! I remember the water taxis!!!
Enjoyed your photographs and wish I had been there too.
Great work, John!
Looking forward to participating in another of your painting holidays in Australia.
Angela and Anthony Eden
Fantastic photos John, it’s great to get a taste of what it was like. Will there be a new series of paintings based on the trip? Sue G.
Hi Sue,
Yes , I’ll be working on larger paintings of Venice when I get back to the studio.
Cheers
John
Wow and phew and all that other stuff, great shots, great eye
& great art, fantastic back drop. Good to see you are enjoying yourselves
Hi Pam,
Having a mighty time here – good food, wine, beer, and plenty to paint.
Catch up when we get back
John
Fantastic pics John, great to follow your travels. The canal with the water taxi looked pretty rough – you obviously survived!
Have fun.
Hi Loi,
The water taxis are a bit like a side show ride. I think all the drivers are ex F1 racers
Cheers
John
Hi John & Diane,
Have a great work-shop. Look forward to the next blog.
Thanks Barbara
Beautiful photos, my favorite restaurant in Italy is in Venice, Trattoria Vitoria
Blogging is such a funny thing, to be a welsh woman living in New Zealand feeling very jealous of someone she has never met painting in Venice… a place she loves so much. Enjoy for all of us.
Deborah
Forgot to say…Locanda Montin.. my most favourite restaurant… a waiter with an incredible memory, I visited with my family and 6 months later was there for the Biennale …he said…will you be having the same dish?
Great story Deborah – If I find the restaurant I will test him out – I’ll ask for what Deborah from NZ had last time she was here.
Cheers
John
Your photos are amazing. I appreciate the addition of the watercolor. It helps me understand how you interpret and use photos.
Hi John and Diane, had such a wonderful trip with you to Venice and Lake Como 2012 great painting and fun, wonderful memories, still painting scenes. Cheers Dimity
Hi Dimity,
Great to hear from you. Yes, that was a great trip, and good to hear you are still being inspired by it!
Cheers
John
Hi,
We were with a painting group in Venice last autumn and saw your class at work and briefly watched your wonderful demonstration. It is incredibly exciting to see the finished work in your blog. Would you ever consider doing a class in the UK?
Very Best Wishes Judi Whitton
Hi Judi,
Would love to do a UK workshop – thinking about 2015?
I’ll put it up on my website as soon as details are finalised
John
Hi John, have looked at your photos and it looks like a great place ,I am going there next week to do a workshop with Amanda shame I could not do yours maybe next time.