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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 September 2-9, 2009 April 10-17, 2010
"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 September 2, 2009**** 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 "Casa Betania" plans only. See details. ***Included with "Group Meal Plan" only. See details. ****Specific departure time only; to be announced *All-inclusive plans are Casa Betania 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.
Casa Betania proud partner of Toscana Americana Workshops since 2003
Visit Casa Betania 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
Robert J. Simone
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. 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 Supplies
8oz. 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 www.viewcatcher.com
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!
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!
