#28/365 Paintings

This is a painting of a photograph by Nina Hansen Machotka’s blog “A Writer in Umbria.” This is their espresso maker in Umbria, Italy. I’m dedicating this post painting to Nina and her husband Pavel. It’s a small thank you for the inspiration they have given me over the years.

Nina has written some amazing books, including The Field Stone’s of Umbria that describes their adventure renovating an old farmhouse in Umbria, having relocated from the States. Wonderful book. I loved every second of it. Nina was interviewed in Italian Reflections—It’s a very fun and insightful interview about the x-pat journey.  Pavel was my professor as an undergrad at UC Santa Cruz. He held the chair of the psychology department and founded the aesthetics of psychology. I sought to fuse my passion for psychology and art into one. His classes were my doorway. Pavel paints gorgeous paintings and is a Cezanne expert. We also painted together some weekends. I remember him as a mentor of patience in painting. I was never one for patience. He made it look as good as banana cream pie.

They lead passionate, adventurous, yet peaceful lives—a couple of the best people I know. I hope to visit them this summer in Umbria. In the meantime, check out their work. Nina’s blog is delightful to subscribe to.