Painting Acrylic en Plein Air: Tuscany with artist/instructor Kathy Busillo Cortona, Italy June 23-30, 2012
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In the tradition of Sorolla, Sargent and Prendergast we will be painting the en plein air in Cortona, Italy. Simple scenes from everyday life are a long-standing tradition of the plein air painter. Picture yourself standing under the sun in Tuscany painting with a local model posed before a vineyard or within an olive grove. Other painting sessions will be in and around town where scenes of people going about their daily business abound.
A day trip is planned for Florence and the Uffizi Gallery, with emphasis on viewing paintings with the figure in the landscape. Another day will be spent in Orvieto painting its residents and guests.
*Beginning painters are welcome! More experienced artist are invited to work in the medium they feel most comfortable using. The instructor primarily works in acrylic but is also comfortable working in pastel, watercolor and acrylics. Students will learn to work quickly and get the gesture of a figure down on the canvas in order to go home with paintings that could be developed into larger, more finished pieces.
Kathy will demo and work in Acrylics, but all mediums are welcome!
A message from Patrick
About this workshop...
What to expect: First and foremost--Have fun!! Our goal will be to paint a vision of life in Italy with people going about their daily business while capturing the ambiance of the lovely town of Cortona. Don't expect to go home with finished masterpieces--if you do, lucky you but plein air painting, by its very nature, is never really a completed painting. It is a moment captured in time, the essence of the locale. You should be able to go home with pieces that you can work into larger, more complete paintings.
Please don't forget to bring your camera with extra batteries, charger if needed, memory cards. *If you have a charger for your batteries, please remember to bring voltage converters and plug adapters, if needed.
Kathy Busillo
Kathy Busillo
Cortona city center
All-inclusive* workshop includes: Escorted group travel Florence to Cortona June 23, 2012**** Instruction in the classroom and on location Seven nights three-star accommodations in historic Cortona** (Private room & bath) Local Etruscan Museum & Museo Diocesano All meals*** (Italian breakfast, lunch and dinner) Daily wine tasting opportunities Day trips to Florence & Orvieto A farewell wine tasting dinner **Included with "Hotel" 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 A, C, E, G and Hostel plans I & K only. Air travel and ground transportation to/from Cortona is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.
Hotel Oasi Neaumann proud partner of Toscana Americana Workshops since 2003
Visit Hotel Italia online
Itinerary
Saturday: Arrival in Cortona -Arrival and Check-in in Cortona at assigned three-star hotel -7:30p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta. -8:30p Dinner in Cortona at La Loccanda del Loggetta
Tuesday: Florence -Day trip to Florence with lunch provided -8:30p Wine tasting and dinner in Cortona at Hotel Oasi
Wednesday: Cortona -9:00-1:00p Morning Workshop -1:00p Lunch at Hotel Oasi -3:00-7:00p Afternoon Workshop
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Thursday: Orvieto -Day trip to Orvieto with demonstration, workshops & lunch included. -7:30p-Wine Tasting -8:00p-Dinner in Cortona at Hotel Oasi
Friday: Cortona -9:00-1:00p Morning Workshop -1:00p Lunch in Cortona at La Locanda del Loggetta -3:00-5:00p Afternoon Workshop and prepare for art show -5:00p-7:00p Art show and critique -8:00p Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner in Cortona
Saturday: Departure - Morning breakfast session, optional - Morning Check-out - Open-air Market - Departure from Cortona or we can help you plan an extended stay!
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.
Participant Supply List
For Acrylic painters:
Brushes: a good assortment of sizes. PLEASE no “craft” type brushes or soft bristles. Long handled with coarse bristles in flats, rounds, filberts.
Palette knife for scraping and mixing.
Acrylic mediums: extender—retards drying time.
Squirt bottle for misting palette.
Surfaces: Canvas boards, gessoed masonite or gessoed watercolor paper with a support and clips.
Board carrier--there are several companies that make carriers of different materials and quality.
Water container with lid
Easel: Open Box M or whatever works for you.
Palette--I use a Masterson Stay-wet palette with a lid and a paper palette pad and sponge inside.
Paints: for painting with a limited palette, I have found specific colors and brands to purchase. If you veer off the list you will not get the same results.
Golden Acrylic CP Cadmium Red Medium
Golden Acrylic Ultramarine Blue
Golden Acyrlic Zinc White
Liquitex Cadmium Yellow Medium
Sketch book and pencils or Pigma pens in varying sizes.
If you are the veteran plein air artist and have a favorite medium, then bring the supplies you would normally use unless you prefer to give acrylic painting a try and you may follow the supply list above.
Recommended reading:
Sargent in Italy by Bruce Robertson, Jane Dini, Ilene Susan Fort, and Stephanie L. Herdrich
The Painter: Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida by Edmund Peel, Francisco Pons Sorolla, Carmen Gracia, and Priscilla Muller
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.
Travel with fellow artists, family & friends! In addition to Non-participating guest options, did you know that other workshops are offered this same week! Enjoy the experience together while immersed in different topics! View calendar for details!
Fira, Santorini
Painting Acrylic en Plein Air: Santorini Kathy Busillo October 5-12, 2011 Santorini, Greece
Picture Yourself...
painting among the sights and sounds of beautiful Santorini: Crystal blue water, vineyards, centuries-old buildings, narrow winding streets, bold color and vibrant sunlight.
Feel Yourself...
in the warm ambiance of Santorini, overlooking an ancient volcanic caldera, claimed site of the lost city of Atlantis, originally fortified by the Minoans, claimed by the Romans, touched by the Venicians, almost unchanged for centuries, one of Greece's jewels.
Experience...
the joy of learning and gaining painting skills and confidence the expert instruction of an acclaimed professional painter and the camaraderie of a small group of learners.
Enjoy...
great Mediterranean food, delightful wines, new friends, breath-taking vistas, history and the hospitality of the people of Santorini.
All-inclusive* enrollment options include:
Six days of discovery and plein air painting on
the Island of Santorini: Its villages, beaches,
vineyards, landscape, people and culture
Seven nights accommodations** in historic Fira
Local museum
All meals*** (continental breakfast, lunch and dinner)
*Air travel is not included and is the responsibility of each participant. Santorini is served by Aegean and Olympic airlines from Athens.
*All-inclusive plans are Hotel plans only. **Hotel Nissos Thira or equivalent. Based on availability ***Included with "All-inclusive" plans only All guests are responsible for handling their own luggage/baggage... ...we suggest to pack light.
During the week we will visit the towns and villages of Fira, Oia (pronounced Eee-ah) and Akrotiri, and the local museum featuring wall paintngs from the ancient city of Akrotiri. We will also take a day cruise to explore the inner islands, with optional visits to hot springs, the volcano, as well as the island of Thirasia.
And, in true Toscana Americana Workshops style, we will explore the local Greek culture, cuisine and wines while dining in local cliff-side restaurants 1000 feet above the water!
This is bound to be a wonderful week with plenty
of opportunity to paint "plein air" in a relaxed
and inspirational setting!
Santorini...
Santorini is one of the cycladic islands, created by the eruption of the volcano 1500 B.C. (thought by some to have brought about the end of the Minoan civilization and speculated by some as the famous island of Atlantis). Due to this, the island offers a versatile landscape with on the one hand steep darkish rock formations and on the other hand beaches and small white villages. Besides that, there are several interesting monuments and the active volcano of course. Thira offers, besides remnants from several eras, ruins of the old Roman baths, theatres and markets.
Santorini is a group of islands in a circle about 10 KM across - the rim of a large volcano that is still producing small islands in the center. Steep slopes lead to the central area and gentle slopes lead to the sea that circles the island. It's really a group of islands even though it is usually discussed as if it were one. Settlements are scattered around the island as a series of small villages.
The famous white buildings are huddled close to one another on and over the cliff of the central caldera. Hiking paths and trails lead all over the island, but a charming time can be had walking the paths that interconnect the settlements and exploring the shops. Visitors can take ferry boats to the central island(s) to visit the new land and soak in hot springs.
Itinerary (Itinerary subject to change)All painting locations to be announced
Wednesday – Arrival in Fira, Santorini -Arrival and Check-in in Fira (Participants are responsible for transfers to hotel) -6:30p Welcome to Santorini wine & chocolate tasting at Zafora. -7:30p Dinner at Zafora
Thursday - Fira -9:00a-1:00p Morning session -1:00p Picnic lunch -3:00-6:00p Afternoon session -7:00p Wine at Zafora -7:30p Dinner in Fira at Cesare
Friday – Imerovigli(bus at 9:15a) -9:00-1:00p Morning session -1:00p Lunch at Blue Note Cafe -3:00-6:00p Afternoon session
-7:00p Wine at Zafora -7:30p Dinner in Fira at Noussa
Saturday - Oia(bus at 9:15a) -9:30a-1:00p Morning session -1:00p Lunch at Kasteli -3:00-6:00p Afternoon session -6:30p Wine at Zafora -7:30p Dinner in Fira at Mama’s
Sunday - Full-day Caldera Cruise -10:45a Meet in Hotel Nissos Thira lobby and walk to bus -11:00a Depart by bus for Athinios Port
-3:00p lunch at Kamara -5:30p approx. return to Fira -7:00p Wine tasting at Espresso Caffe -7:30p Dinner in Fira at Ouzeoi
Monday - Akrotiri (bus at 10:00a) -10:30a-1:00p Morning session -1:00p Lunch at Zafora (in Akrotiri) -2:30-6:00p Afternoon session (return bus appro. 5:20p) -7:00p Wine at Arcobaleno -7:30p-Dinner in Fira at Dionysus
Tuesday - Fira -9:00a-1:00p Morning session -1:00p Lunch at Espresso Caffe -3:00-6:00p Afternoon session -7:00 - Wine at Zafora -7:30p Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner at Zafora
NOTE: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary. All times are approximate. NOTE: Walking is required to all lunches and dinners. No transfers are provided, though guests may pay for taxis and transfers at their own expense. NOTE: Transfers from Fira airport to and from hotels is the responsibility of each guest. Arrange through the hotel front desk. NOTE: No refunds are given for any unused aspects of the itinerary or for any activities outside the above itinerary.
Participant Supply List
What to bring...
For Acrylic painters, please see the list above.
For Oil painters: recommended brushes: Winsor & Newton Monarch Flats in sizes 2, 6 & 10
1 large bristle brush about a size 10 or 12 for scumbling or toning the support you paint on--please don't get an expensive brush for this one as it will be used roughly.
Palette knife for scraping and mixing.
We will be using Liquin to help dry your paintings before you leave Italy. Pack in your checked luggage.
Surfaces: Canvas board--with Masonite support not cardboard as the cardboard will warp. You may also use gessoed Masonite. Please pack plenty of boards as we will focus on working quickly. I figure on a minimum of 2 pieces per day but you may want to think about bringing a few extra boards just in case. Please do not bring stretched canvas--you will find that the sunlight goes right through them making it difficult, at best, to work and it will take up a lot more room in your bags. Do not go larger than 11x14 or smaller than 8x10.
Board carrier--there are several companies that make carriers of different materials and quality. I have one is corrugated plastic and one made of wood. The plastic one is light but doesn't hold much, the wood one is heavier but holds plenty.
Brush Cleaner and Restorer--I use "Old Masters" and find it very good for lifting paint out of my clothes too. You can buy this in small cakes or in a tub--for travel, I recommend the cakes.
Mineral Spirits (MS) may be purchased on location. DO NOT PACK AND BRING. IT IS ILLEGAL TO BRING OMS ON FLIGHTS. Participants purchase their own mineral spririts or equivalent.
Paper towels and plastic grocery bags (for trash) can be purchased on location.
Stainless steel brush washer. Empty! You are not permitted to carry turps on an airline--I clean mine out and leave the lid off in the suitcase. Yours should have a rubber gasket inside the lid, a handle to hang off your easel and latches to lock it. Anderson and Sons is one brand--it should have a strainer at the bottom to filter out paint residue. It need not be huge--it should hold about a cup of turp.
Easel--currently I use a simple field easel--wood tripod that hold 2 supports at once--Madison Art shop online has a similar one-- with Irwin quick-grip clamps clipped on to rest my palette box on top of. In the past I used a French half box but found it didn't hold up well and frankly got too heavy at the end of the day.
Palette--I use a Masterson palette with a lid and a paper palette pad inside. At the end of a session, I can put that lid on and keep the paints usable if kept in a cool place until my next painting session. When I'm done, I can toss the paper. You may prefer to use a reusable palette instead but I do recommend the Masterson to hold it and keep your paint fresh longer.
Paints: Please, do not buy student grade paints. The pigment suspension is not as great as in professional grade paints and you will become frustrated quite quickly. Also, do not get any paints that say "hue" on their label this is not a full color.
Colors:
Reds: alizarin crimson, cadmium red light, scarlet lake
Yellow: Cadmium yellow (if you like, you may add Cad yellow deep)
Greens: Thalo green
Blues: ultramarine blue, cobalt blue
Earth: raw umber, burnt sienna
Titanium white--large tube 1.5 ml
rags for wiping, cleaning or paper towels
*All cadmium colors are expensive (cobalt too), you will not likely need a large tube for the week plus you need to be prepared to carry things so only get a large tube of white.
Optional: Sketch book and pencils or Pigma pens in varying sizes.
A tote to carry your supplies--a simple backpack will do and you can also get them with wheels that works quite well. I bungee cord my palette box to my totes. I also live by the camper's thought of "If you need it, bring it. If you carry it in, be prepared to carry it out." There are many supplies available to the plein air artist, please don't feel the need to buy everything until you decide exactly what feels comfortable and manageable to you. Wear comfortable shoes--the best you can afford as you will be on your feet a lot. Wear comfortable clothing that you won't mind getting paint on--besides, it's a badge of honor to see paint on your clothes, everyone will know you're an artist. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, any medications you need, and bug repellent (lotion is preferable since the spray wanders).
If you are the veteran plein air artist and have a favorite medium, then bring the supplies you would normally use unless you prefer to give oil painting a try and you may follow the supply list above.
Recommended reading:
Sargent in Italy by Bruce Robertson, Jane Dini, Ilene Susan Fort, and Stephanie L. Herdrich
The Painter: Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida by Edmund Peel, Francisco Pons Sorolla, Carmen Gracia, and Priscilla Muller
