Tuscany Pimped-Out with artist/instructor Lisa Bebi Cortona, Italy October 27-November 3, 2009
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In this workshop, students will use copies of family members as the main players in their interesting funky fun collage-y fine art painting. I will encourage the artists to see that the people (or pets) in their own family photocopies could really be staging a story. Maybe a photo of - an aunts and uncles touring in their 1950's convertible will turn into a rocket ship to Mars....a boring photo of a small a boy running across a front lawn becomes a boy running through Paris tugging at a tag like the Big Red Balloon while fish swim in the sky. Perhaps, a stiff family Olan Mills type group photo can become a funky car ride from 1950's on a wildly turning road, as the baby of the family becomes the driver.
We will be taking photocopies, sticking them to a support and painting right on top of them...We will also add embellishments and other bits, as the mood strikes us.
Students may finish 1 - 3 pieces, depending on their work speed
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 creating and mixed media 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.
Read more about this workshop below!
All-inclusive* workshop includes: Escorted group travel Rome to Cortona October 27, 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 shopping and sightseeing trip to Florence Day trip to Orvieto 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 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.
Casa Betania* proud partner of Toscana Americana Workshops since 2003 *equivalent accommosdations may be used
Visit Casa Betania online
Acrylic Image
Day 1: Arrival, Adjust, Rest or Explore: Welcome to Cortona…Welcome meeting wine and chocolate tasting, introductions & dinner. Day 2: Intro Materials, Equipment and Step-by-Step. In the morning, I’ll introduce my exciting “Paintover” technique and my approach to mixed media art, collage and story construction in an art piece. I will discuss and introduce my materials, supplies, as well as a demo of the use of my photocopiers. Participants will take the time to explore these materials and play with image sizes by use of the photocopiers. Participants will be encouraged to delve through my imagery, found papers, ephemera and other interesting elements to consider use in their own piece - or to use as a guide for their own piece that we create later in the week. Participants will spend some time organizing their workspace, cutting out images and thinking about composition and story. I will answer all questions. After lunch: We will prime our canvases for a week’s worth of painting, creating and exploration. We will go over my “freedom drill” exercise handout. We will do some quick and easy permanent marker (or pen and ink) step-by-step freedom exercises on paper which will result in a number of artistic and colorful backgrounds ready to be adhered to our art pieces later in the week! Day 3: Background Painting All Day: I will demonstrate some of the many techniques I use that are particularly interesting when doing the “Paintover” technique. Participants will begin to paint backgrounds on their canvases. While these are drying, you’ll be introduced to my amazing use of “painterly effects“ as well as color selections -(i.e., what works, what doesn’t work). I will demo many of these techniques which include background play and “signature styling”. We will go over my handouts.
Participants are encouraged to take notes in a small notebook.
After lunch: Finish canvas background painting . One goal of my workshop is to give participants license to use freedom of expression in their work, to this end we will do art play with a number of quick warmup backgrounds on paper using acrylic paints. 20These painted papers may be used later on their canvases. Participants will finish their second layer of backgrounds on canvases. We will spend some time arranging our compositions for our final art pieces. I will work individually with participants to help with story telling ideas and composition and give a group demo if needed.
Day 4: Field Trip - Florence
Today we take a much needed break and travel to the spectacular city of Florence…be prepared to be mesmerized by the amazing art, atmosphere and architecture of this historic city!!! We will visit the magnificent Uffizi Museum. The city is also noted for its fine shopping=2 0at the Pointe Vecchio. Arrangements for lunch will be made for us. It will be a day to remember - take lots of photos. We will return to the hotel to wine and dine.
Day 5: The “Paintover” Human Figure: One of the most daunting, yet satisfying techniques is learning to paintover the human form and faces.
Today we’ll focus on incorporating the human figure into paintings. In the morning, we’ll work fast- paced, broad brushed using handout figures in a very loose step-by-step approach. In late morning, we will emerge from the studio, out into the city to explore, observe, take pictures while letting the lessons sink into your head. You will be encouraged to pick up local ephemera, elements and other memorabilia.
In the afternoon we’ll discuss and integrate some of this morning’s collections in our art. I will demonstrate how to incorporate elements and figures into the art piece seamlessly. This will help you get around that awkward “just cut out and glued down” look. We will spend the rest of the day composing and incorporating figures in our work. I will work individually in problem solving and group demo as needed.
Day 6: Field trip - Orvieto
We’ll spend today exploring the beautiful and historic city of Orvietto, Umbria. Set amongst breathtaking rolling hills and vineyards, Orvietto’s walled city and ancient towers will immediately transport you back in time to Medieval Italy! We’ll visit the Duomo, where you’ll marvel at the beauty of ancient frescos, sculptures, illustrated manuscripts/books and stained glass masterpieces. We’ll also make sure to stop inside an artisan’s studio or simply record the magic of the city in your notebook.
Day 7:
Today we’ll spend a relaxing morning remembering and re-creating and discussing Florence & Orvieto, some of the many textures found amongst the Italian streets and piazzas. Share exciting stories and news. At this point, I will demo how to use elements to create a story in your art pieces. How to determine and create a small “echo” of your center of interest.
Afternoon: you will spend the afternoon pulling it all together, painting and adhering elements. I will give a quick demo and recall, all we have learned. Finally we will varnish our pieces and leave them overnight to cure.
Late afternoon: Studio time
I will be available for individual help in finishing your art pieces. Finally i will demonstrate how to use your photos and found ephemera as centerpieces for your next work of art - a take home kit.
The farewell dinner will include wine tasting and dinner and a possible show and tell.
Day 8:
Check-out & Departure
Tina Powers
Flower Child
Itinerary
(NOTE: Day trip destinations may vary from those listed below.)
Saturday – Arrival in Cortona
-Arrival and Check-in in Cortona at assigned accommodations.
-7:30p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta.
-Evening dinner in Cortona at La Locanda nel Loggiato
Sunday - Cortona
-9:00a-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch Casa Betania
-3:00-7:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Evening dinner
Monday - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-7:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Evening dinner
Tuesday - Florence
-Day trip to Florence with lunch provided and site visits TBA
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Evening dinner
Wednesday - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Evening dinner
Thursday - Orvieto day trip
- Day trip to Orvieto
-8:00p Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner in Cortona
Friday - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch
3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Evening dinner
Saturday – Cortona
-Morning breakfast session
-Vist the outdoor market in Cortona - optional
-Morning Check-out and 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
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!
