The amazing hilltop village of Montepulciano in the chianti wine country of Tuscany, Italy
A quick pencil sketch with color added later
After leaving Rome by train and getting a tiny rental car in the rural country, our first stop was at the hilltop town of Montepulciano. It was stunning. I couldn’t believe places like this still existed. It was as if I was transported back to the 14th century. That’s what I get for growing up in Idaho! Once we parked the car and walked through a main gate of this walled city, through the narrow streets and main plaza, I stopped to capture a quick pencil impression of the road leading out to the parking area. We also grabbed a couple bottles of the local red wine and some cheese and bread and olives and cured sausage, just to be prepared.
In case you don’t know, Montepulciano is a charming hilltop town located in the province of Siena in Tuscany, Italy. It is renowned for its picturesque beauty, historic architecture, and excellent wine production. The town is situated about 70 kilometers southeast of Siena and 120 kilometers southeast of Florence.
One of the most striking features of Montepulciano is its medieval and Renaissance architecture, with narrow winding streets, fortified walls, and elegant palaces. The main square, Piazza Grande, is the heart of the town and is surrounded by notable buildings such as the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall) and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Adding color to the sketchbook
I wish I could say that I am a watercolor artist. But I find the medium very challenging, and I clearly need much more experience. I tend to do watercolors over a well defined sketch, either in pencil or in pen and ink. That removes the need to paint everything carefully, as the drawing is already there to hold it together. I will try to improve. haha