Toscana Americana

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Cortona "Island in the Sky"

Meet Robert J. Simone

Plein Air Painting
in Cortona
with artist/instructor
Robert J. Simone
Cortona, Italy April 2-9, 2011

"No one can paint better than he knows how: Therefore we must accumulate knowledge, study nature often and practice continually." Edgar Payne

This workshop is designed to help painters of all skill levels develop their ability to practice effectively. Using a limited palette, students will paint small studies on location. They will learn to see and capture the critical information. This skill is a springboard to growth and the studies are valuable references (more useful than photos) for larger studio pieces.
Emphasis will be placed on the on the writings of John Carlson and Edgar Payne. Particular attention will be given to the four value planes, the five types of light and basic composition.

This five day workshop will maintain an informative, productive and causal atmosphere. Robert alternates between starting each day with a brief outdoor lecture or an hour long demo. He spends the biggest portion of each day rotating from easel to easel offering encouragement and direction. �Basically we talk about plein air principles as group. I get to watch you paint and you get to watch me paint. I enjoy lots of personal time with each individual artist at their respective easel.� The workshop will close with a review of key principles and an encouraging critique of the week�s work.

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
Rome to Cortona April 2, 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 & Siena
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,
return train ticket to Rome Termini provided (not escorted)
*All-inclusive plans are "Hotel Oasi" plans only.
Air travel is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.

Hotel Oasi Special...
All-inclusive w/ private room/bath &
Group Meal Plan...$3149.00 per person!
$2949.00 per person double occupancy w/Group Meal Plan!
Special Non-participant rates!

Go to Enrollment page

Hotel Oasi Neumann
proud partner of
Toscana Americana Workshops

Visit Hotel Oasi Neumann online

Travel to Italy with Robert!
Travel in the company of Robert from Tampa or Atlanta.
email for details

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

-7:30p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta.

-8:30p Dinner in Cortona at La Loccanda del Loggetta

Sunday: Cortona

-9:00a-11:00a Morning Demonstration

-11:00a-1:00p Morning Workshop

-1:00p Lunch

-3:00-7:00p Afternoon Workshop

-7:30p Wine tasting

-8:00pDinner in Cortona

Monday: Cortona

-9:00-1:00p Morning Workshop

-1:00p Lunch

-3:00-5:00p Afternoon Workshop

-5:00p-7:00p Afternoon Demonstration

-7:30p Wine tasting

-8:00p Dinner in Cortona

Tuesday: Florence

-Day trip to Florence with lunch provided

-Visit to Uffizi Gallery

-8:30p Wine tasting and dinner in Cortona

Wednesday: Cortona

-9:00-1:00p Morning Workshop

-1:00p Lunch

-3:00-7:00p Afternoon Workshop

-7:30p Wine tasting

-8:00p Dinner in Cortona

Thursday: Siena

-Day trip to Siena with demonstration, workshops & lunch included.

-8:30p-Wine Tasting

-9:00p-Dinner in Cortona

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

-8:30p Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner in Cortona

Saturday: Departure

- Morning breakfast session, optional

- 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.

Robert J. Simone

Participant Supply List

Main Ingredient
Natural talent is nice if you have it, but talent is of little consequence unless it is developed. Real artistic growth is a product of hard work and perseverance. So please bring a good supply of both to the workshop.

Painting Grounds
A good quality painting ground makes painting and learning easier. I highly recommend alkyd or oil primed Belgian linen. My preferences are #350DP or #359 mounted on gatorfoam available at www.windriverarts.com. I also occasionally use Classens #66 on gatorfoam available from Source Tec at www.canvaspanels.com. You will need (10) 8� x 10� grounds for the workshop.

Paints
We will be using a palette limited to the three primary colors plus white.
I use Vasari Classic Artist�s Oil Colors available at www.shopvasaricolors.com. They are excellent quality that last on my palette for several days without setting up. . These are my preferences and are not at all required for the class. From Vasari Classic the colors I use are:

Ultramarine Blue
Permanent Bright Red
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Titanium/Zinc White

A good substitute is Utrecht brand paints, available online www.utrchtart.com. If using Utrecht get the following colors:

Ultramarine Blue
Cadmium Red Medium
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Titanium White

Medium
I use Gamsol which is an artist�s grade Odorless Mineral Spirits for thinning paint and cleaning brushes while painting and afterward. Please no turpentine or turpenoids.
I also use an alkyd gel to control viscosity and accelerate drying time. Either Windsor Newton�s Liquin or Gamblin�s Neo Megilp will work.

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.

Brushes
Hog Bristle Filberts (2) each of sizes 2, 6, 8
I prefer Utrecht Brand #209F available at www.utrechtart.com (great quality and price) or Robert Simmons Signet Series.

Easel & Palette
You will need a portable easel designed for painting outdoors. I am currently using an Open Box M available at www.openboxm.com. I also own an EasyL available from www.artworkessentials.com.

Miscellaneous Supplies8oz. or 20 oz. Brush Washer: This is a stainless steel, sealable, leak proof jar designed for Mineral Spirits. It has a stainless steel screen in the cup for cleaning brushes.

Viva half size paper towels,

Johnson & Johnson hand lotion (good for cleaning oil paint off of your hands)

plastic grocery bags for trash

Wear old clothes, apron or smock.

Sunscreen � Insect Repellant

View Catcher � nice tool for isolating colors, values and sizing up your composition, available at

http://www.colorwheelco.com/viewcatcher/

Go to Enrollment Form

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!

Robert J. Simone

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