Tag Archives: West Michigan Artist

Oct12

Travel and Inspiration

Posted on by
Standard

The fabric of my life is woven with the threads of faraway lands. The call to travel has often gripped me, and as soon as I could buy an airline ticket I was off exploring. The sights, sounds and smells that are not familiar to me continue to excite and stimulate my soul and creative process, inspiring my work.

Most recently while traveling in the Lavaux region of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, my eyes found a visual feast of shape, color and pattern. Majestic hills terraced with vineyards created a perfect puzzle of forms juxtaposed into each other, the rows of grapes spilling into Lake Geneva with the Alps as a back drop. Closing my eyes, I could see these images and the need to create overcame me. My hands began to move and soon I had finished the four small gems featured here. They were created on location with the images singing in my mind.

For more information about the paintings above go to: www.stephanieschlatterart.com/shop-paintings.html

Oct10

Wine Review Wednesday

Posted on by
Standard

Vespucci 58 from Bella Fortuna

This gem of a red wine is the featured house wine of Bella Fortuna Restaurant in Lake Leelanau, MI. Vespucci 58 is a blend of the Tuscan grape Sangiovese, Syrah, with a touch of Merlot and Cabernet. It’s a brilliant creation of restaurant owners, Bob and Jane, and is from their very own vineyard near Florence. Music is already playing in my head just thinking about it.

Vespucci 58 is a full wine that plays notes across my palate that makes me very happy. It’s described as fruit forward with a hint of spice, vanilla and earth, with strong plum, cherry, and blackberry. In my own words…pour a glass, grab a book, turn on Pavarotti and sip by the fireplace. Think of the Arno River in Florence and imagine the view on the label, it’s taken from Bob and Jane’s apartment in Florence and when I sip Vespucci 58 I am transported. Let yourself go and uncork an experience, taste the land and for just a moment… you’re a temporary resident of Italy. Salute!