Artist Liselotte Watkins’ favorite Art Experiences in Tuscany
From Louis Bourgeois statuettes to Botticelli classics.
Liselotte Watkins has spent the past couple years living with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs in a small Tuscan town. In her studio, she produces paintings, woven tapestries, and decorative vases that are prominently featured in galleries and publications such as the Financial Times and Vogue. She worked previously as a fashion illustrator and has partnered with the luxury goods manufacturer Prada as well as the iconic designer Svenskt Tenn but is now devoted full-time to her art. Who better to share a few tips with us on the art in this region? You can follow Liselotte on Instagram: @liselottewatkins
A vineyard with exhibits
Castello di Ama
“Castello di Ama is a vineyard where artists were invited to create the exhibits that are displayed on their grounds. You’ll find, among others, Amish Kapoor, Michelangelo Pistoletto, and Daniel Buren. However, my personal favorite is Louise Bourgeois’ ‘Topiary’”.
Marketplace finds
Fiera Antiquaria di Arezzo
“Arezzo is one of the most influential of the 12 Etruscan cities, and the antique dealers take over the city the first weekend of each month. The market is the oldest in Italy, and the streets and piazzas are filled with incredible art and antique stands.”
Art in a cinema
Galleria Continua
“The Galleria Continua in San Gimignano opened in 1990. The gallery has expanded across the globe, but this initial location, which is housed inside an old cinema downtown, is wonderful. San Gimignano is also known for its well-preserved tower houses (14 of them), which were built in the Middle Ages as a testament of power and wealth.”
A spectacular view
La Porta del Cielo
“Buy tickets and go up to the roof of the Duomo di Siena – as long as you’re not afraid of heights. It’s a fantastic vantage point looking out over the church, the city, and the surrounding landscape. Then stroll on over to Santa Maria della Scala, which is located across from the Duomo di Sienna. It’s an old hospital from the 12th century with seven floors that house everything from a woman’s hospital to an exhibition featuring photographers like Vivian Maier.”
Masterpieces in Florence
Le Gallerie degli Uffizi
“It’s said that in 1497 Botticelli cast many of his works into the ‘bonfire of the vanities’ under the orders of Friar Girolamo Savonarola. Even more reason to enjoy his surviving works. During a brief lapse in the COVID-19 restrictions, my daughter and I visited an empty Uffizi Gallery and took in the paintings. As nowadays, it’s rarely that empty, make sure you book your tickets far in advance.”