Impressions of Tuscany en Plein Aire with Rich Gallego April 13-20, 2013 Cortona, Italy
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Advanced & Beginner levels taken to new heights!
Rich’s workshops are designed to teach the beginning plein aire painter to create impactful compositions by selecting dynamic shapes that work well together. The student will learn to accurately identify value and color, to guide the viewer’s eye through a painting with the use of temperature shifts, textural variety, and effective edge treatment, as well as proper paint application. Rich’s enthusiastic but patient teaching style is just right for those with little experience venturing outside to paint.
For the more advanced students, Rich will help raise the level of their work by introducing them to new ideas about color use, shape containment, the psychology involved in viewing a painting, and the effective use the these principles. Workshops include as many demos as participants may need, abundant one on one instruction with Rich, daily critique sessions for those who wish to participate, and a take home instructional guide which covers all information offered during the workshop. And just to make sure the student has everything he or she needs to succeed in making better paintings, you’ll have the beauty of the Tuscan landscape to inspire you! Come and learn how to better express your artistic vision in a place that has inspired some of history’s giants, with an artist who genuinely loves to teach.
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.
All-inclusive* workshop includes: Escorted group travel Florence to Cortona April 13, 2013**** Instruction 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 Lake Trasimeno Day trip to Castiglion Fiorentino A farewell wine tasting dinner **Included with "Casa Santa Margherita" plans only. See details. ***Included with "Group Meal Plan" only. Italian breakfsat simply includes coffees, brioche, toast, milk, juices, cheese. ****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
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.
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 Dinner in Cortona at La Loccanda del Loggetta
Sunday: Cortona
-9:00a-1:00p Morning Workshop
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Workshop
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Monday: Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Workshop
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Workshop
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Tuesday: Lake Trasimeno
-Day trip with lunch provided
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Wednesday: Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Workshop
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Workshop
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Thursday: Day trip
-Day trip & lunch included.
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Friday: Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Workshop
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Workshop
-6:00p-7:00p Art show and critique
-8:00p Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner in Cortona
Saturday: Departure
- Morning Check-out
- 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
Coming soon!
Testimonials
"Richard Gallego can TEACH! I have been an art student in both private and college level art programs and Richard is, by far, the best instructor I have had. Nothing I have studied in the past has equalled the challenge of painting in plein air. Richard skillfully breaks down the aspects of a painting into manageable stages. He has expertise in color mixing, color temperature, value, atmospheric planes, composition and stroke work. His patient teaching style is coupled with an infectious sense of humor. Richard shares his passion for plein air painting and has a sincere desire to see his students succeed.
If you get the opportunity to study with Richard Gallego, you won't be disappointed." Debbie Nelson
"Rich Gallego offers his students not only his skills as a fine artist, but also a teaching atmosphere that fosters artistic growth in all aspects of painting, encouragement without intimidation, and the freedom to explore the delights of plein aire painting! He is attentive but not intrusive and and he is respectful of each artist's requests as a student. We have laughed and sighed at the challenges of painting outdoors, but I have always found him to be supportive and considerate of the artist's personal needs. I credit him with the advances I have made in my own plein aire journey with oils. Many thanks to a great teacher." Debra Martin
"With Rich's open and supportive approach to the beginning student, I became completely comfortable painting plein air. He understands both the art of painting and the many mental and physical obstacles that one can face when painting out of doors. For the more experienced painter, Rich's keen sense of light and color will help take your painting in new directions." Frank Kearns