Amatrice, Accumoli and Arquata del Tronto. Three towns north of Rome reduced to rubble by an earthquake today. People dead. Lives ruined. And no solution: humans can't control the whims of the earth. Disasters like this one always remind me... Continue Reading →
Since my bestselling novel, Oil and Marble, is art-historical fiction, and I'm an obsessive traveler, a lot of people ask: where are your favorite art cities? Are you still planning -- or dreaming of -- a last minute summer vacation? While... Continue Reading →
A friend recently told me about his experience seeing the Mona Lisa for the first time. "I was expecting to have this quiet, intimate moment with this beautiful painting," he said. "Instead, it was a madhouse! Why didn't anyone warn me?... Continue Reading →
With the news from Milan that one of Leonardo's "lost" frescos has been uncovered (a grove of mulberry trees in the Sforza Castle. For the full story, go here), we are reminded that history is never dead. Yes, Leonardo da... Continue Reading →
Here's a secret: If you visit an artist's birthplace, some of their creative genius will rub off on you... and if THAT doesn't work, then at least these picturesque hometowns are sure to inspire. Don’t look for Paris, New York, or Tokyo here—these... Continue Reading →
Since my bestselling novel, Oil and Marble: a novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo, is art historical fiction set in Italy, a lot of fans ask: "What art MUST I see when traveling to the peninsula? And what if I'm NOT an aficionado?... Continue Reading →
