Going to Rome!

I just found out I have received a Presidential Fellowship from SCAD to paint in Rome this June. I am thrilled! It is a dream come true. My proposal is to paint the Italian Culinary Experience from Garden to Table. I definitely want to paint the garden at the Academia of Rome but also study the works of Giovanna Garzoni and still life painter from the 1650s and one of the first women painter in Italy. I will be painting in watercolors and oils and the subject matter will be varied but have something to do with the uniquely Italian culture of food. After Rome I will head up to teach my painting workshops. Maybe I will finally be able to speak some Italian aft this summer. I cannot seem to get enough of Italy.