"Ile Lavezzi", near Bonifacio, Corsica.

"Ile Lavezzi", near Bonifacio, Corsica. 12x16 inches, oil on panel, $700

We haven't done many touristic things so we splurged and did an all day cruise along the Eastern coast of Corse-de-Sud. They served bouillabaisse with Corsican Rosé. We then hung out at this tiny Island for 3 hours. Amazing views in every direction... but I had to choose the one looking towards Sardinia with amazing green water, yellow flowers and noble rocks. While I finished my painting the captain let the kids jump off the 2nd story of the boat! Fun for all!

"Bonifacio Midday", Corse-du-Sud

"Bonifacio Midday", Corse-du-Sud, 12x16 inches, oil on linen panel, $800

Probably one if the coolest cities I've seen. After a 1000 years of development human structures start to take on the forms of nature. The buildings here have the same natural rhythm and color as the cliffs below. I only had a few hours to paint but could study here a couple weeks and never get bored. While I painted Julie and kids shopped. They came away with 3 Corsican knives, some oeil sainte lucie bijoux - jewelry with little shells from Corse. 

"Summer Solstice Moon Rise over Campomoro", Corsica

"Summer Solstice Moon Rise over Campomoro", 8x6 inches, oil on linen panel, $250. Made in the dark with my friend the spirit of Campomoro. I kept hearing things behind me and then I saw a red human like blur running across the path in front of me as I walked home in the dark. All the hairs on my back and neck rose. I told myself it was nothing but I couldn't get it out of my head. I did my best not to run down the hill. I kept thinking if it was a ghost at least it was running away from me. Maybe it was protecting me the whole time. Or maybe I was tired and my eyes and mind where playing tricks on me:)

"Corsican Coastal Layers", Compomoro, looking at Popriano

"Corsican Coastal Layers", Compomoro,  looking at Popriano. 6x8 inches, oil on linen panel, $250. 

Looking at the mountain layers here gets me excited to paint and to hike. We're hatching a plan to come back here in a couple years so I can do a portion of the G20 with some friends. The ladies and kids will be enjoying the beaches while we hike.

"View from the Genoese Tower" Compomoro, Corsica.

"View from the Genoese Tower" Compomoro, Corsica. 6x8 inches, oil on linen panel, $250

Julie was already asleep when I hiked up to this overlook. I left the kids with the babysitter(iPad) in charge. I saw an outcrop that would afford views of the sunset and moonrise. It was just a little bit off trail. After being wrapped in thorny vines and sweating profusely I decided that I would stay on trail. This was a great view of the town but I had to set up on top of a monster boulder with a 20 ft drop on one side. It was comfy except I just had to remember not to pace around like I usually do. 

"Compomoro Coast", Corsica

"Compomoro Coast", Corsica. 12x16 inches, oil on panel, $700

Another day in Hawaii, oh wait, I'm in Corsica! I can tell because the bread and wine are magnifique! We woke up late, then spent the middle part of the day on the beach. We left the beach at 2:30 tired and hungry, looking forward to some legendary pizza Julie had told us about for the past two weeks. We straggled down the beach and up the hill to find the kitchen closed. Not only that, every kitchen in town was closed till 7pm. We learned a valuable lesson, never get caught looking for food during the siesta hours. The good news is we had Corsican wine at our apartment... and some charcuterie ingredients for the kids. 

"Thunderheads over Compomoro", Corsica

"Thunderheads over Compomoro", Corsica. 12x16 inches, oil on linen board, $700

We expected a thunderstorm for the morning but instead had a full sunny beach day. The only drama was my son panicking in the shallow water afraid of getting spiked by an urchin. I had to pull him in and got a nice gash on my hand in the process. Paradise is not without its dangers. As the thunder roared to my right I hustled to get the painting done while having a Father's Day beer. Btw Cali has much better beer.

"Tour de Campomoro", Corsica

"Tour de Campomoro", Corsica. 6x8 inches, oil on linen panel, $320. 

My wife Julie Beaumont, has been talking about Corsica since the day we met in Paris. She said "Corsica is amazing, it's the isle of lovers". I asked "where you in love?" And she responded "No, I was with my boyfriend." That's when I began my plan to steal her away. By her response I knew it was possible. 

Here is the view from our B&B, made before the kids woke up. This is by far the nicest vacation rental I have stayed in, and one of the most beautiful places I have been.

"Propriano View", Corsica

"Propriano View", Corsica. 6x8 inches, oil on linen panel, sold

We took an overnight ferry to Corsica last night. A new experience for the whole family. We forked over the extra Euro's for a cabin with 4 beds! The ship was enormous with a pool, couple restaurants, bars and game rooms. We didn't use any of these things as we slept comfortably the whole trip. In the morning I wasn't in the least bit envious of the people who did use the facilities as I stepped over them passed out on the floor. I was so peppy I was able to muster some creative energy for this little one!