Fall Break

Return to Bavaria

After three major shows in 2025, Roger was ready for a break from non-stop painting, so he and Mary spent the month of October in Germany and Italy. First, they stayed three nights in Schliersee in the Bavarian Alps, not far from where they lived for three years in the early 1980s. Their activities included two visits to the Winklstüberl in Fischbachau for Kaffee und Kuchen and a hike around the Schliersee.

Although Schliersee has changed over the decades, many familiar places and routines remain, giving the visit a warm sense of nostalgia. The crisp autumn air, the calm surface of the lake, and the vibrant foliage created an atmosphere that felt both peaceful and rejuvenating—exactly the kind of quiet escape they were hoping for. Roger especially appreciated the slower rhythm of the days, taking time to observe the color shifts on the water and the way the light softened across the mountains in early October.

The forested paths around the lake were particularly beautiful this year, full of moss-covered stones and soft green textures that reminded them of their early years abroad. As always, these natural details sparked ideas for future compositions and color studies.

Arrival in Montepulciano

Next they flew to Rome and drove to Montepulciano, in Tuscany, where they have stayed in the same Al Poggiolo apartment for almost twenty years. As always, they enjoyed sunsets, vino nobile, walks up and down steep streets, and short excursions to other towns throughout the Val d'Orcia. Every year, the wait staff in their favorite restaurants, including A Lucevan le Stelle and the Bar Enoteca Piazza delle Erbe, greet them warmly upon their return.

This long-standing routine has made Montepulciano feel like a second home. Over the years, they’ve built friendships, discovered favorite viewpoints, and developed traditions that mark each return visit. The pace of life in the old hill town seems to invite reflection, and Roger often uses their time there to sketch, photograph, and plan the next series of paintings. The town’s golden stone, ancient alleys, and ever-changing skies have played a subtle but persistent role in his artistic evolution.

While in Montepulciano this fall, Roger worked on new painting ideas, while Mary continued her study of Italian at Il Sasso Italian language school. Below are a few photos from this year.

Day Trips Through Tuscany

They also made day trips around Tuscany, chasing good weather and good food, as they always do. This year’s highlights included a birthday dinner in Cortona, a beautiful vineyard sunset near Montepulciano, and a special visit to Florence to see the Beato Fra Angelico exhibition. Each outing offered a new visual inspiration—whether in the form of a dramatic sky, a lively piazza, or the rich colors of the Tuscan harvest season.

Portofino and Rome

Roger and Mary ended the Italian part of their fall trip with a short stay in Portofino and then in Rome.

Their time in Portofino offered a completely different atmosphere—coastal views, bright Ligurian colors, and quiet walks along the cliffs near the harbor. Rome, on the other hand, brought them back into the pulse of city life, full of history, evening strolls, and memorable meals. They returned to a few favorite sights while also discovering small corners of the city they hadn’t explored before.

By the time they reached Rome’s ancient sites—Trajan’s Markets, the Forum, and the maze of narrow streets—they felt that blend of awe and familiarity that only Rome can deliver. It served as the perfect bridge between the tranquility of Tuscany and the return to their daily routines back home.

A Final Walk in Munich

After flying back to Munich, Roger and Mary met up with Finbarr Madden, their longtime Irish friend from Munich International School days, for a 9-mile walk through the Englischer Garten. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful trip.

Their walk through the park was filled with reminiscing, catching up on family news, and enjoying one of Munich’s most beautiful green spaces. The warm conversation and the familiar landscape made the day feel like a fitting conclusion to their month abroad.

Back Home Again

Now home, Roger is already back at his easel, painting two large new commissions for collectors at Raitman Galleries in Vail!