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Meet Gemma Black
Meet Gemma Black

David Jones

Visits Tuscany!

David Jones 1895 – 1974

British writer, painter & inscription designer

with artist/instructor
Gemma Black

Cortona, Italy
June 8-15, 2013
 
 
View videos online
View videos online
Cortona "Island in the Sky"
Cortona "Island in the Sky"

David Jones (UK, 1895-1974) devoted his life to the arts. He was a writer, a painter and a scribe. His calligraphic inscriptions concentrated on early roman letterforms and have inspired many contemporary lettering artists around the world. Enjoy the beauty and authentic nature of these free and sometimes, awkward looking letter forms.

Jones said in a letter to his lifelong friend Nicolette Gray “My method (if it can be called a method) is to proceed rather as if one were writing out a page of stuff, without setting out and carefully spacing the words, plus (and a very important plus) the painting of a picture”.

This approach to creating a page of work appeals greatly to me. Writing unrestricted then bringing the work together as a whole by how the writing envelopes itself.

 Regardless of your level of experience you will be very welcome on this Italic Journey in Tuscany!
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 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 learning, creating, and gaining skills and confidence with the expert instruction of  professional artist Gemma Black 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 June 8, 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
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 "Casa Santa Margherita" only.
Air travel and ground transportation to/from Cortona is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.
 
 

Special Casa Santa Margherita Plans...
All-inclusive w/ private room/bath &
Group Meal Plan...$2999.00 per person!
$2899.00 per person double occupancy
w/Group Meal Plan!
Special Non-participant rates!

Go to Enrollment page
 

Casa Santa Margherita
proud partner of
Toscana Americana Workshops

Newly re-opened after a two and a half year remodeling and restoration!
Wonderful location, ambience and all-new amenities, including Wi-Fi!


Visit Casa Santa Margherita online
Visit Casa Santa Margherita online
 
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.
About this workshop...

In this course we will explore some of Jones’ letterforms, and then apply them using three methods: pen & ink, brush & gouache and three types of pencil – graphite, coloured & aquarelle.

We will develop layouts using Jones’ quirky forms and which suit the chosen text then we will move out of the square once our forms have evolved further. We will study his work and explore the complex nature of these shapes through analysis and own interpretation. We will look at the similarities and differences in his layout techniques and discuss his philosophy behind his work. You will work towards a small painted or written panel reflecting the study of David Jones’ unique style.
Itinerary
Saturday  – Arrival in Cortona
-Arrival and Check-in in Cortona at assigned three-star hotel or hostel.
-7:30p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta.
-Evening dinner in Cortona at La Locanda nel Loggiato
  
Sunday  - Cortona
-9:00a-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch at Casa Betania
-3:00-7:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Monday  - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-7:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
  
Tuesday   - Florence
-Day trip to Florence with lunch provided
-8:00p Dinner
-Evening studio session
Wednesday  - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
  
Thursday  -  Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Friday  - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch at
3:00-7:00p Afternoon Session
-8:00p Farewell wine-tasting dinner in Cortona
Saturday – Cortona
-Morning Check-out and departure from Cortona

Note: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary.
All times are approximate.

Participant Supply List

Remember to travel light, only bring what you can!

 
Large drawing board: approx. 400mm x 600mm. Make it as lightweight yet sturdy as possible (the board is optional for Italy but is recommended for posture).
 
*Pens: a dip-in pen set of broad nibs (cut square across the end) either Brause (highly recommended and great for beginners), Speedball, William Mitchell or other equivalent and a couple of spare pen holders.  Bring along any other pens you may already have including felt-tipped markers.
 
*Water Jar – medium size (to stand pens in)
 
*Ink: ink stick with grinding stone or a bottle of black non-waterproof ink or a bottle of Chinese ink and a small jar/film container to decant it into. Any gouaches you have.
 
*Papers: Bond pad A3 (or A2 if you have one) plus one sheet of fine art paper ie. Arches, Canson, Fabriano etc. cut down for ease of travel.  A couple of sheets of tracing paper A4 size.
 
*Eraser: soft white pencil rubber
 
*Ruler: a 400 or 500mm long see-through plastic ruler
 
*Pencils: a couple of HB lead pencils. Couple of rubber bands. Some water colour pencils and watercolour brush … size anywhere from 000 to 0
 
*Also add in: tissues or rag, notebook, blu-tac, usual supplies and all your own classroom creature comforts including cushions, lights, CD’s!
Go to Enrollment Form
 
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