Plein Air Pastel Painting in Tuscany Part IV

Montalcino, Pienza, and the Sienese Crete

Near Montalcino Photo by John Hulsey
Montalcino

Montalcino is dominated by its medieval castle, which in turn, dominates the hill on which it sits. In ancient times it protected the valley and town from marauders from other, larger towns. One afternoon I drove the short distance from my hotel in San Quirico d’Orcia to Montalcino to explore the town and scout for good painting locations where I might bring a workshop class. I found numerous painting spots in no time and made careful notes in my journal for future trips. While walking through the oldest part of the town, I turned a corner and was surprised to find a group of horseback riders blocking the street as they clattered around trying to get their mounts under control. The source of the problem seemed to be that the horses, having more “horse sense” than the riders, were afraid of making the long, steep descent down the slippery cobblestones of the main street. Adding pizazz to the melee, one of the r…