Daily Sketch No.173 The day before the rain arrives, Barga, Tuscany

A very quick sketch today of Barga Duomo with the impending rain brewing over the distant mountains. Rain and cooler weather expected for several days!

Daily Sketch No.172 Bridge at Castelnuovo, Garfagnana, Tuscany

Back in the Garfagnana area of Tuscany, far away from the beautiful region of the French Riviera. This is the old bridge that spans the river that flows through Castelnuovo, a nice geometric contrast with the surrounding landscape.

Daily Sketch No.171 Palm Tree, Menton, France

Palm trees are symbolic of seaside resorts on the French Riviera and this large tree framed the old town of Menton in the distance.

Daily Sketch No.170 ‘The Invisible Man’ Menton, France

This piece of ‘street art’ caught my attention as well as many passers by. Florence has people dressed as statues down by the Uffizi Museum and Gallery but I though this was brilliant for Menton - a smart dapper gent dressed in a deep red suit, white trousers and hat with a walking stick and no head! 

I imagined him coming to work in this attire (he cannot change on the street as that would give the game away) on the bus or train reading his newspaper or even driving his car through Menton. Imagine pulling up at traffic lights, you look across and see this man with no head! Maybe he is not a man but a child or even a woman, that is why I love this ‘Invisible Man’, the mystery of not knowing what is underneath this disguise!

Daily Sketch No.169 Illy Coffee, Menton, France

From this cafe in Menton you can just about see the sea - and the cafe also serves Illy coffee, my favourite although the French cannot do good cappuccinos, the milk is too frothy and not steamed but the French do better pastries!

Daily Sketch No.168 Le Brazza Cafe, Menton, France

This very welcoming shady square in Menton is one of my favourite spots in the town, sometimes spending a whole afternoon just sitting watching people go about their daily life.

Daily Sketch No.167 Glimpse of the Sea, Menton, France

Just come back from a trip on the French Riviera with limited internet access so the next five Daily Sketches (of Menton) will be uploaded together!

This is a view from the old town of Menton, just catching a glimpse of the sea between the buildings.