Out of the vast multitude of art galleries selling pumped-out renditions of the locale, this…read moreunpretentious little space just a few steps off the main square in Varenna is an art-lover's delight. The artist, Paul DeMaria Guaitamacchi, has a wonderful sense of color temperature and feel for the landscape. He has a varied offering, with pieces done plein air as well as in studio. Subjects range from Sicilian landscapes to Chicago urban scenes. The original oil paintings are reasonably priced for the quality of work, and Melita, Paul's wife, is a charming hostess. Highly recommend you visit this gallery if you are in Varenna.

I like Roberto Butto's stuff, but unfortunately didn't have the budget for it, nor could I vision a…read morespecial place to display it at home. However, I did wander into his Varenna outpost and admire not only his works, but the cool barn-like (I'm from Iowa) architectural touches.

This particular Studio d'Arte is located a few short steps up from the Varenna promenade and offers…read morea very attractive and appealing of prints, watercolors, and other pretty things to display on a special wall. I stopped in several times to look around and try to figure out how to make a few pieces of art work.