Fantastic Florals in Tuscany with Artist/instructor Brian Davis Cortona, Italy May 1-8, 2013
Brian Davis Crimson Fire 20x20
Brian Davis will demonstrate, in his workshop, the approach to painting in oils that has made his floral paintings renown. He will talk about composition, the use of a value painting and the techniques of oil painting that contribute to the look of his works. As a student, you will watch Brian as he goes through the process of bringing a painting to life while you work on your painting. He will be there to answer questions and assist you with the creation of your masterpiece.
Picture Yourself...
among the sights and sounds of beautiful and romantic Tuscany: olive groves, vineyards, centuries-old buildings, winding streets, texture and vibrant sunlight.
Feel Yourself...
in the warm ambiance of Cortona, overlooking Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana, originally fortified by the Umbrians, claimed by the Etruscans, touched by the Renaissance, almost unchanged for centuries, one of Tuscany's jewels.
Experience...
the joy of sketching and drawing in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere with the expert instruction of a nationally know artist and instructor and the camaraderie of a small group of learners.
Enjoy...
great Italian food, delightful wines, new friends, breath-taking vistas, history and the hospitality of the people of Cortona.
All-inclusive* workshop includes: -Escorted Group Travel Florence to Cortona May 1, 2013**** -Instruction in the classroom and on location -Seven nights accommodations in historic Cortona** (Private room & bath) -Local Etruscan Museum & Museo Diocesano -All meals*** (Italian breakfast, lunch and dinner) -Daily wine tasting opportunities -Day trip to Florence -Tuscan cooking class & dinner
-A farewell wine-tasting dinner
**Included with "Casa Santa Margherita" plans only. See details. ***Included with "Group Meal Plan" only. See details. ****Specific departure time from Florence airport only; time to be announced, return train ticket to Florence provided (not escorted) *All-inclusive plans are Hotel plans only. Air travel and ground transportation to/from Cortona is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.
Casa Santa Margherita proud partner of Toscana Americana Workshops since 2003
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Itinerary
Wednesday - Arrival in Cortona -Arrival and Check-in in Cortona -7:00p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta. -8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona at La Loccanda nel Loggiatto
Thursday - Cortona -10:00a-1:00p Morning Session -1:00p Lunch -2:00-5:00p Afternoon Session -7:30p Wine tasting -8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona Friday - Cortona -9:00-12:00p Morning Session -12:00p Lunch -1:00-5:00p Afternoon Session -7:30p Wine tasting -8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona Saturday - Florence -Day trip with site visit and Vecchi Art Supply shop -7:30p Wine tasting -8:00p Dinner at hotel Sunday - Cortona -9:00-12:00p Morning Session -12:00p Lunch -1:00-5:00p Afternoon Session -7:30p Wine tasting -8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona Monday - Cortona -9:00-12:00p Morning Session -12:00p Lunch -1:00-5:00p Afternoon Session -7:30p Wine tasting -8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona Tuesday - Cortona -9:00-12:00p Morning Session -12:00p Lunch -1:00-5:00p Afternoon Session -7:30p Wine tasting -8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona Wednesday – Cortona -Morning Check-out and departure from Cortona -Each guest must make taxi/travel requests through the Hotel Oasi front desk.
Note: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary. All times are approximate. Note: Transfers are provided only for programmed meals and activities away from the hotel. Note: All guests are responsible for handling their own luggage/baggage....we suggest to pack light. Note: No refunds are given for any unused aspects of the itinerary or for any activities outside the above itinerary.
Thursday: A) Short introductory talk B) Choosing subject matter and composition C) Drawing the image and establishing a value painting with acrylic paint
Friday: A) Applying the oil color and building a context
Saturday: Florence day-trip
Sunday: A) Refining the painting
Monday: A) further refinement
Tuesday: A) Refining and finishing the painting B) Critique
Testimonials
"Brian Davis has always been the king of flower painters in my book, so when I saw he was teaching a workshop at Mendocino Art Center this past July, I enrolled in the class. I loved it. Brian's process of bringing a painting to life really resonated with me. His practical ways of doing things make a lot of sense, and his willingness to share his knowledge of the art world was an extra bonus. So I am happy to recommend his classes in my newsletter." Sandy Delehanty, a Mendocino Arts Center student who is a successful water color painter and teacher. Her work is sold in many galleries nationally.
"Brian, I can’t thank you enough for an incredible week of art. This feels like it changed my life and my art. I am looking at all of this with new eyes and a new attitude. You’ve made me a believer in possibilities and abilities that I have never seriously considered. Words can’t begin to describe this evolution. I hope some day to share with the world some wonderful art of my creation! I know I’ll be hack for another class. I wish you all the best in your endeavors and never doubt that you’re a GREAT teacher."
E. Sullivan, Tempe, AZ
I changed to oil painting about a year ago from colored pencil after seeing Brian Davis’ paintings in a gallery. In the past, it had been my experience that your best results come from studying under an artist working in your medium with a style similar to that which you desire to attain.
Having taken workshops before, I have experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly. One of my oddest experiences was with a well-known artist who was adamant that it’s impossible to really make a living at art!
Brian is thorough, encouraging and willing to share readily from his vast body of experience. Any nerves I might have had quickly melted away as he is a delight to be around.
I feel as if I have jumped forward many years in my painting. I can’t wait to attend another one of Brian’s workshops. One of the unique things about Brian is that he has years of professional experience in the real art world. Many can give advice; however, Brian comes from a vast body of experience and a heart-felt desire to give back what knowledge he has amassed.
I can truly say that I am ruined for any other teacher! Brian’s workshop didn’t meet my expectations—it EXCEEDED them one-hundred fold!
Anyone who is desirous of improving their painting skills would do well to take Brian’s workshop. His down-to-earth insight and fantastic work ethic will truly change your painting experience from that time forward.
April Robbins-Hughes, Idaho
Student's supply List:
-- Photo or photos to use as a subject matter for making your workshop painting or paintings. I commonly use a flower from one photo and leaves from another if the main photo is lacking the best composition. You may want to bring a couple of different shots to choose from.
-- Linen canvases (portrait texture) 12x12 or 12x14 or so, tightly stretched, primed with acrylic gesso and sanded. Bring more than one. You might make or start a second painting. I prefer heavy weight stretcher bars. They allow for a tighter canvas with less warpage. Canvas boards are also OK. I usually draw my image on a canvas that is painted grey with acrylic paint. I like a middle grey similar to the color and value of the concrete used in sidewalks. Acrylic paint or acrylic gesso is good to paint oil paint on top of, but one can not do the reverse, paint acrylic paint on top of oil paint. Canvasses, mineral spirits and some supplies may be purchased in Cortona.
-- Oil paints, high quality. I use Winsor Newton Artist quality or brands that are comparable. I also use Griffin Alkyd paint, made by Winsor Newton, to mix with my oils to achieve a faster drying time. Alkyd paints are totally mixable with oils and are very useful because they allow one to paint a second coat sooner, commonly the next day. They are made by Winsor Newton.
--Acrylic paints, high quality ( for painting an under painting) Again, Winsor Newton artist quality or comparable.
--Oil and acrylic painting brushes #2. #4, #6. My favorite brands are: Robert Simmons Signet (hog bristle) filberts and flats. Also, the Connoisseur or Princeton brand synthetic brushes in the same sizes. There are many other comparable high quality brushes. Also, bring a synthetic 1” brush for tinting your canvas with an acrylic under color prior to applying a drawing. If I am making a large painting, I will use larger brushes. A cup or jar for holding brushes is also needed.
--Pallet. I use a glass pallet. I heat glue the glass on to a piece of masonite or Gator board. The masonite is painted a middle grey, about the color and value of concrete. Mine is about 11x16. A pallet knife is also needed. I use a scrapper which holds a razor blade for cleaning the pallet. Hardware stores have them. I don’t use a white pallet. Wooden pallets are OK.
--Maroger Medium. I make my own but you can but it fromwww.oldmastersmaroger.comor call: (505) 758-2382 I will bring some extra for those who have trouble getting their own.
--Scott Shop Towels. No other brand will work for paper towels. May also be purchased in Cortona.
-- Cup for thinning oil paint, and cleaning brushes.
About Cortona...
Cortona is one of the true jewels of the Tuscan “hill towns.” Cortona, which is often called the “City of Art,” has its origin as an Etruscan city that pre-dates Roman times with sections of its walls dating back some 2500 years. As is typical of Tuscan hill-towns, Cortona is a walled city that, for purposes of defense, was built atop a prominent geographical point. The stone buildings and streets not only have the romance, style, and charm that are particular to Tuscany, but also speak of the lives and times Cortona has witnessed. An encounter with Cortona is an encounter with music & art, with history and with spirituality. Getting to know this timeless city is a real rediscovery of our past. Cortona offers testimony to its history as well as an enchanting view of the landscape enclosed by Lake Trasimeno and the Apennine mountains.
