This plein air painting workshop is open to all who want to capture with oil or acrylic paint the beauty that resides in everything that surrounds us: country, towns, people, things. Anything that is touched by light becomes alive and a painting in the waiting. We will start each session by spending a few minutes to take in the scene, its visual qualities as well as all other factors like the weather, the sounds, the scents and our own feelings, All senses must be engaged to achieve a successful piece. Then Ill do a short demonstration illustrating one of the many aspects of creating a piece: composition, values, edges, color, light and brush handling. I typically start with a quick, small drawing, as it is always a great way to establish with a few big shapes, the overall composition and main values of your painting. Then I go on to paint the piece itself. After the demo, Ill spend time with each of you, answering your questions, helping you with your piece and all the while encouraging you to develop your own style.
At the end of the day, I would like to take a moment to share our work and have an open and candid discussion.
Part of the focus for this workshop will be learning how to see the world as a painter and bring out whats inside of you: your own voice and your heart, in order to make art a vibrant part of your life.
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.
Itinerary
Saturday 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 Sunday - Cortona -9:00a-1:00p Morning Session -1:00p Lunch -3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session -7:30p Wine tasting -8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Monday - Cortona -9:00-1:00p Morning Session -1:00p Lunch -3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session -7:30p Wine tasting TBA -8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona Tuesday - Siena -Day trip to Siena with lunch provided -4:00p Depart Siena -7:30p Wine at TBA -8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Wednesday - Cortona -9:00-12:00p Morning Session -12:00p Lunch -2:00-5:00p Afternoon Session -5:45p Tuscan cooking class & dinner Thursday - Lucignano & Val di Chiana -Day trip -1:00p Lunch -6:30 return to Cortona/Camucia -7:30p Wine tasting -8:00p Dinner in Cortona Friday - Cortona -9:00-1:00p Morning Session -1:00p Lunch -3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session -8:00p Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner in Cortona Saturday Cortona -Morning Check-out and departure from Cortona -Each guest must make taxi/travel requests through the Hotel 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.
All-inclusive* workshop includes: Escorted group travel Florence to Cortona June 9, 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 trip to Siena Day trip to Lucignano &Val di Chiana A farewell wine tasting dinner Tuscan Cooking Class & dinner **Included with "Hotel Oasi" 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 Oasi plans only. Air travel and ground transportation to/from Cortona is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.
Hotel Oasi Neumann partner of Toscana Americana Workshops since 2003
Visit Hotel Oasi Neumann 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.
Meet Phillippe Gandiol... Philippe Gandiol, a Northern California painter was born in Paris and moved to California in 1975. After spending many years working for the music industry and he has been painting full time since 2001. He has pursued art early on in his life and has been painting with oils for over 20 years. Gandiol, a self taught artist, took art classes in France, San Francisco and Sacramento. He also studied with renowned West Coast artists. From landscapes and cityscapes painted "en plein air" or still life and figure painted in his studio located in Davis, CA, he works almost exclusively from life and in one session in order to preserve the freshness of the process. He is actively involved with the local artist community, art events and juried art festivals. He also has been teaching privately and at the Davis Art Center for several years.
- Easel: As you will be traveling and having a limited weight allowance I would suggest that you bring a compact easel like the easyL or the open M box. These are very compact and affix to a tripod. When you open them one side holds your painting panel and they other act as a palette.
- Palette: If not included with your easel a wood or plexiglass board12 x16. Fit nicely in a Masterson palette plastic box that comes with a lid for easy transport.
- Small drawing pad: 4 x 6
- Soft pencil to draw with (4B or 6B)
-Canvas: each day: 3 canvas sheets size 8 x 10, 9 x 12, to be taped on a 11 x 14 board or 3 canvas boards size 8 x 10, 9 x 12 or 11 x 14 I use Claessens oil primed linen #66. Acrylic primed canvas will do also.
Note: Parchemin or wax paper is uselful to separate your paintings to prevent bleeding when you are traveling. Also wet canvas carriers from Raymar are very handy.
- Notepad and pen
- Oil paint: These are the colors that I am using on a regular basis. Gamblin ( altnernative is art sketching/student grade), Windsor and Newton (alternative is Winton student grade), Utrecht. Other brands will do also. Artist grade is recommended as being richer in pigment and easier to mix.
Basic double primaries colors:
Cadmium Yellow light
Yellow ochre
Cadmium red light or permanent red
Alizarin Crimson
Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Titanium white
Other colors on my palette:
Transparent red oxyde
Viridian green
Sap Green
- Brushes / palette knife:
Brushes: Flat #2 (1), #6 (2), #8 or #10 (1).
Palette knife: A 2 or 3 inches knife (rounded trowel shape)
- Cleaning/medium:
Note:If you are traveling by plane no Mineral Spirits or solvents are allowed on board. They will be available for purchase in Cortona.
-Brush cleaning jar. I recommend buying the metal, leak proof, canister.
-Liquin by Winston and Newton. (Fast drying medium)
-Paper towels and small garbage bags. Available at your destination.
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!
