A personal friend of the famous Pamphilj family gave us an intimate walk through the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, and to see the great works from the 15th century to the intimate family photographs of the 20th century juxtaposed so tightly against each other is a feast and fatiguing affair; the glitz and gilt almost blinds one with its ostentation, but the experience is well worth some eye soreness…and please, this is not to be confused with the term an ‘eyesore’.   Beauty abounds; too much, too close, too rich that one is left dizzy from the experience.

We also had some time for painting and stayed by the Albano Lake – opposite the Pope’s Summer Palace – in what was a monastery and currently also used as a ‘retreat’.   Father Michael had intended to have a week of quiet contemplation and prayer . . . that is until 7 artists turned up!   The corks were popped; and he and Sisters Celestine (nothing too celestial about her though) and Geraldine joined in some irreverent fun.   Father Michael took a particular shine to me and had more drinks waiting for me each evening than I could possibly consume and would try to keep me up until the early hours; no prayer or penance entered into these transactions!   But much much laughter and ribaldry.  
If nothing else, I discovered that God really does have a sense of humour . . . well at least his representatives on earth do!

When the sun shone we worked outside with the 18th century colours we had mixed from plant and mineral pigments as well as ink made from the Iron Gall (from the Oak Gall) and Brown Coal.  Working with these inks and paints on hand made papers creates natural effects and a rather pleasing softness which compliments the beauty of the lake and vegetation surrounding it.