The Artists in My Montisi Life
One of the amazing things about living in Montisi is the constantly changing quality of light. The light on the beautiful landscape, the castles, hilltowns and farmsteads creates images that can change your heart and take away your breath…
Fortunately I know two women who regularly capture this in watercolor and oil paint.
Liz Graham-Yooll lives at La Fratta, The Mill, below the village. She has lived and studied and painted throughout Tuscany and most areas of Italy for 15 years. She moved to Montisi, 6 years ago from Rapolano Terme near Siena. She paints, teaches painting, writes and illustrates wonderful children’s books. She also leads walking tours. She knows every farm and valley and secret producers of wonderful handmade wines, cheeses, sausages… Her website is www.lizgy.com.
Here are a couple of her paintings:
Elizabeth Cochrane (also called Liz), lives just 50 yards west of Villa Maddalena, 4 floors up in the old town. She began teaching painting in Tuscany in 1995 and in 1997 decided to move here. She moved to Cortona all on her own and has built a strong following among collectors and guests to Tuscany. She moved to Montisi a few of years ago and finally bought her home and studio high in the old town. You can find her entry door on the main street across from the Alimentary Patrizia and climb the 3 stories to the courtyard at her home. She also has a great, sultry jazz-singer voice, if you are ever lucky enough to hear her at a village festa!! You can learn more about Elizabeth at www.elizabethcochrane.com.
Here are a few glimpses of her work:
