Quiet at the Top

A steep and narrow street in Montecatini Alto, the medieval town that sits atop the hill overlooking the spa town of Montecatini in Tuscany.

Shakespeare Country

South Warwickshire has a number of sites related to William Shakespeare. Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's House are just two of the most interesting, and are not located far from each other, as the signs above show.

Cortona Garden

I passed this small, peaceful garden in the hilltown of Cortona in Tuscany during my walking tour.

Alkmaar Street

A typical street in lovely Alkmaar. After the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, I enjoyed walking through this low-key town to the north.

Lake Pleasant

A composite image from two photos produces bright ceramic pottery and geraniums with Lake Pleasant in the background.

Royal Picture Gallery

This museum is located in The Hague, in the Netherlands. The collection features Dutch and Flemish artists, such as Johannes Vermeer, whose Girl with a Pearl Earring is displayed on the banner above. This museum is well worth visiting and we also visited the Escher Museum on the same day.

From the Green

A view of a residential street in Alkmaar, Holland from across the nearby canal and walking path above it.

Iron Door

This image is based on one of the many beautiful doors and architectural highlights at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida. I've changed the color from a green patina to golden hues with textures.

Hearts of the West

An image of the old Bird Cage Theater in Tombstone with a suit of hearts. Between 1881 and 1889, the Bird Cage served as a theater, gambling hall, saloon and brothel and was known as one of the wildest and wickedest establishments in the Wild West. When Tombstone went bust in 1889, the building was sealed up and not reopened until 1934, so much of the original interior was preserved by the dry desert climate. It is rumored to be haunted.

Desert Greens

Desert Ridge celebrates the natural landscaping of the Sonoran Desert, as this image of the cactus gardens shows.

View From Oia

One of the most beautiful places I have ever been, Oia does not disappoint. Yes, it is crowded, but the crowds rarely interfere with the incredible views of the surrounding crater and bay below. I've added a mask and a crumpled paper texture.

On the Castle Grounds

Image of a tree growing on the grounds of the Tower of London. I've added an old book texture for accentuation.

Tower Views

A part of the Tower Bridge (left) as seen from a wall of the Tower of London (right) along the Thames River.

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

From a photo taken in the Sultan Ahmet Park in Istanbul during a brief lull in the rain.

Her Private Courtyard

This private inner courtyard, open to the elements, was a central feature of my friend's house when she and her husband lived in the Bay Area. 

Avignon Town Walls

Image taken atop the old town walls in Avignon, France, near the start of the ruined Pont d'Avignon.

Boston Manor Stables

I took a photo of the stables at Boston Manor as I was walking through the park a few years ago. I was staying at a nearby bed and breakfast because it was conveniently located near Kew Royal Botanical Gardens and Heathrow on the outskirts of London.

Old Tombstone Courthouse

The Cochise Country Courthouse in Tombstone, Arizona was built in 1882 and is now a museum. One of the most authentic sights in Tombstone, it's been designated a State Historic Park and contains a wealth of history and artifacts, including information and diagrams of the famous gunfight at the OK Corral between Wyatt Earp and the Clantons. This image shows the courtroom where many Western outlaws were tried and subsequently hanged in the adjacent gallows.

Guild Houses, Brussels

Guild houses along the Grand Place in Brussels, including the residence of Victor Hugo.

Early Morning in the Grand Place

I took this photograph as soon as I arrived in Brussels, despite being extremely jet-lagged. I was a bit disappointed because the famous square was being prepped for a music festival and the equipment and stages sort of spoiled the historic feel, although I have to admit it was a perfect place for the crowds to enjoy a concert.

Call Me

I snapped these two bright red telephone booths near Russell Square in London. I added one of the splash masks from Shadowhouse Creations for a fun effect.

Thames River Scene

This image was taken along the Thames River in London several years ago. I've added a painterly texture.

The Master

Often regarded as the greatest artist of the Northern European Renaissance, Albrecht Durer was a skilled painter, engraver and printmaker at a young age. He was born in Nuremberg where this statue and his former home are located.

Rialto Market, Venice

The produce market near the Rialto Bridge on a rainy day with added HDR effects.

On the Wall

A visitor walks along the ancient wall of Monteriggioni, a small fortified town in Tuscany. The wall and towers are still virtually intact after being erected by the Sienese in the early 1200s.

Gelateria

One of the highlights of the small Tuscan town of Monteriggioni was stopping by this gelateria/wine bar and practicing my Italian by ordering two scoops of their wonderful gelato. Delizioso!