A Moment in Time Charcoal & Pastel in Tuscany with artist instructor Donald Earley May 7-14, 2011
This course will introduce students to classical and contemporary drawing techniques and concepts with an emphasis on understanding the formal language and fundamentals of artistic expression. We will either be drawing from still life or a live model from observations that are geared towards realism, linear perspective, pictorial composition, shading techniques, tonal values and various dry drawing media. The course objectives are: a) understanding the formal language of drawing; b) understanding the basic principles of linear perspective; c) understanding the effects of light on a three dimensional form as it applies to drawing and d)developing the ability to verbally articulate ideas and processes in drawings. Read more about this workshop below...
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 painting en plein air 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.
About this workshop
This workshop is a one week study that will be based on random studies in one’s sketch book dealing in shapes and forms and using architecture and interior studies (Participants will record memories in a sketch book). It’s very much like Plein Air drawing classes; using the objects and forms that's around you. This project is also dealing in light source which is the true focus of elements, architecture, interior and the use of light.
Days 1-3: Spot drawings - what this means is the participants will choice a building or cityscape and do a series of drawings using pencils and pastels, crayons or colored markers. There should be at least 5 to 10 sketches per day; first three sketches in the morning, lunch then the afternoon will focus on sketch book drawings. There will be a demonstration before each project.
Days 4-5: Drawing from a live model. Review of the anatomy beginning with 20 minutes of one minute sketching in charcoal or conté followed with 10 minute studies from the figure.
Day 5: There will be two poses for 2-hours in the morning; one in the afternoon and the remainder of the day will be an in-house critique of all work.
Donald Earley
Donald Earley
Donald Earley
All-inclusive* workshop includes: Escorted group travel Rome to Cortona May 7, 2011**** 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 trips to Florence & Uffizi Gallery A farewell wine tasting dinner **Included with "Hotel Oasi" plans only. See details. ***Included with "Group Meal Plan" only. See details. ****Specific departure time only; to be announced *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.
Angela Lucani was born and raised in Cortona and never tires of living within the walls of this vibrant Tuscan hilltown! She trained as an elementary school teacher and taught in various locals within Cortona from its mountain villages to the growing post-war part of Cortona known as Camucia. Angela has always been passionate about Tuscan cooking, which she began to learn at an early age aiding her mother in the kitchen. She maintains respect for local cooking traditions and recipes and shares that with Italians and foreign visitors through cooking classes conducted both in Italy and in America. She has extensive knowledge of Cortona's various areas, from the mountains to the fertile Val di Chiana, and continues to learn about its long and colorful history. She is also passionate about travel and enjoys learning about and experiencing customs, traditions and characteristics of other countries, cultures & people. Her travels destinations have included the United States, England, Egypt, South America, France, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Greece. She enjoys serving as a bridge between visitors to Tuscany and the local culture.
Patrick Mahoney (Miami University BA'80, MA'82) lives in Cortona where he continues a thirty-year career in the field of Arts & Entertainment producing events, workshops and tours and providing opportunities to share the Italy experience with travelers, artists and people who share his interests for foods, wine, art, culture. Patrick's passion is to conceive and realize various ways in which the human spirit can express and demonstrate its capacity to create. His ability to fearlessly think, conceive, and work "out of the box" has earned him the attention of artists & musicians, colleges & universities, public & private organizations, and business and industry. Patrick brings integrity and a unique vision to Toscana Americana and he is committed to realizing the opportunity for participants to create in an atmosphere of peace, joy, respect and mutual support. As a "slow traveler" and a supporter of "slow food" Mr. Mahoney rides trains, walks, lingers over lunch, dinner or a cup of espresso, stops to smell the roses and savors the sensory feast wherever he is!
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!
