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Cortona "Island in the Sky"
Meet Ann Thomas
Rendering Tuscany's Architecture Rendering Tuscan, Medieval & Renaissance Architecture in Watercolor, Pen & Ink, and Colored Pencil with instructor Anne Thomas Cortona, Italy May 25 - June 1, 2010
Ann Thomas
Explore the timeless beauty of Tuscany's architecture and create lasting memories of your visit! Learn techniques in pen and ink, colored pencil and watercolor that will bring these lovely old structures, cobbled streets and tiled roofs to life.
Join professional achitectural artist Ann Thomas in Tuscany to explore and render the variety of unique exsisting structures that reflect so much of Italy's past from Etruscan to Medeival and Renaissance to pe-unified Italy "Leopoldini" Tuscan farmhouses! This is a terrific workshop for any professional or aspiring designer or architect who would like to view, study and render centuries of architectural styles...styles that continue to be integrated into contemporary design. Read more below...
Ann Thomas
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 May 25, 2010**** 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 trips to Florence & Siena A farewell wine tasting dinner **Included with "Hotel" plans only. See details. ***Included with "Group Meal Plan" only. See details. ****Specific departure time only; to be announced *All-inclusive plans are Hotel 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.
Hotel Oasi Neaumann proud 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.
About this workshop...
Wednesday 9 - 12: Sketching the subject, a good composition, checking perspective and choosing a focal point. Using photos when off-site. Demonstration and sketching in the field.
Wednesday 3 - 6: Working on location and choosing a subject. Assistance from the instructor at all times!
Thursday 9 - 12: Pen and ink techniques. Types of strokes, how to use them to create shape, form, light and shade, texture and depth. Demonstrations. Practice by participants.
Thursday 3 - 6: More work on location using the above techniques. Assistance from instructor.
Friday: Travel Day
Saturday: Monring market vistit & free time
Saturday 1- 4: A touch of color. Discover colored pencil/watercolor techniques to accent pen and ink or by itself to create believable structures with warmth and glow! Demonstrations. Practice time. Assignment.
Saturday 6 -9: Work on assignment on location using the above techniques. One on one guidance from instructor!
Sundayday - Travel Day
Monday 9 - 12: Loosening up and letting go! Taking what you've learned and having fun. More work on assignment and assistance from instructor.
Monday 3 - 6: More time to sketch or complete assignment with assistance from instructor. Critique.
Itinerary
Tuesday: Arrival in Cortona
-Arrival and Check-in in Cortona at accommodations
-7:00p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta.
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona at La Loccanda del Loggetta
Wednesday: 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
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Thursday: 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
Friday: Florence
-Day trip to Florence with lunch provided
-Visit to Uffizi Gallery
-7:30p Wine tasting -8:30p Dinner in Cortona
Saturday: Cortona
-9:00-12:00p Free
-12:00p Lunch -1:00-5:00p Afternoon Workshop
-6:00-10:00p Evening Workshop
-8:00p Dinner - pizza night
Sunday: Siena
-Day trip to Siena with demonstration, workshops & lunch included.
-8:30p-Wine Tasting
-9:00p-Dinner in Cortona
Monday: 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
-8:00p Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner in Cortona
Tusday: 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.
Participant Supply List
Sketch pad 11 x 14" or larger with 90lb or heavier paper
Tracing pad
2 B pencils
Kneaded eraser and another soft eraser (pink pearl or Sanford Magic Rub are nice)
1 medium blue pastel stickPainters tape or any low adhesive masking tape
Portable water container
Waterproof ink pens like Micron or Permawriter in the size tips you prefer, preferably from fine to heavy weight.
1 Crow-quill pen holder and several different size tips (Speedball has small sets of these)
1 bottle of waterproof black India inkorif you prefer and you already have them, technical pens in various point sizes.
Either a small set of watercolors, watercolor pencils or colored pencils. (one of these items is sufficient)
Prismacolor and Faber Castell are just a few of the the nice pencil sets.
Watercolor brushes in varying sizes, for instance a #2 round, #4 round pointed, #6 round and #12 round or a 3/4 inch flat brush are all good choices if you intend to use watercolor.
Rags for cleanup
Ruler, t-square and triangle if you have them.
Portable chair or cushion
Easily transportable carrying case for some of the above.
When on site, we travel light! I encourage students to bring the tools they already have and are comfortable working with. If you have acrylic paints, these also work well as a watercolor medium.If there are any questions about the list, students are welcome to email me at annsart@sbcglobal.net
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!
