Living in Florence

There is a very vibrant and interesting traditional painting community based around the three ateliers (Cecil Studios, the Florence Academy of Art, and the Angel Academy).

Lots of students who graduate from one of these stay on and become expats. At the moment we are taking over all the beautiful nineteenth-century painting studios around Piazza Donatello (built when Florence was the capital).

Italy has become very expensive lately though, just a heads up.

I found it easy to find accommodation and make friends by going to one of the art schools. After 17 years here I have a lot of Florentine friends, though that took longer.

Anyone interested in traditional painting would find this a great place to live.