Fast, Loose & Bold Painting in Cortona! Painting en Plein Air with Artist/Instructor Patti Mollica
Cortona, Italy September 8-15, 2012
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain
Have you always longed to create paintings quickly and confidently but got overwhelmed by the task of translating complex scenes with lots of detail? If so, this workshop is designed specifically for you. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an accomplished painter who just wants to loosen up and learn a new approach. My step-by-step workshop is designed to teach you how to paint quickly and fearlessly, using bold, brilliant colors, thick, juicy paint and big brushes. You will be amazed at what you can create in just a few hours. You will learn how to mix colors so they stay clean and bright, how to simplify and see values clearly, how to paint with fewer strokes for a bolder look, how to translate realistic colors into fauvist colors, and much more. This style of painting is about letting the paint flow freely, and enjoying the process!
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 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.
Cortona "Island in the Sky"
Topics to be covered in the workshop:
How to use large brushes for a bolder paint application
How to see distinct values
How to create a "road map" to assure a successful painting
How to translate realistic colors into bolder, more "fauvist" colors
How to determine what detail is necessary
How to add necessary detail using large brushes for a more gestural effect
How to compose your painting: do's and don'ts
How to create space and depth with color temperature
Patti Mollica has just recently authored "Modern Acrylics" which will be in stores late October 2011. Her book covers the latest innovative techniques using acrylic pastes, paints and gels which can be used for exciting creative applications .
Meet Patti Mollica...
Patti Mollica has been a professional illustrator and fine artist since 1982, represented by Morgan Gaynin, Inc. She has been commissioned by American Express, Sheraton Hotels, CBS and RCA Records, Penguin Press and many others. Her artwork is known for its fearless use of color and uninhibited brushwork. She delights in painting the world around her in a bold, decisive style, with hues that are intense, brilliant and contemporary.
Patti Mollica exhibits in several galleries, including Simie Maryles Gallery in Provincetown, MA, The Skylight Gallery in New York City, South Street Gallery in Greenport, NY, Apollo Gallery in Nyack NY and The Chasen Gallery in Richmond VA. Her work is licensed as fine art prints and posters and sold in Bed, Bath&Beyond, Pier 1, Target and other retail chains worldwide. She creates and posts a new painting each day for her blog, newyorkpainter.blogspot.com. Patti lectures and teaches workshops called "How to Paint Fast, Loose and Bold" and "Creating Eye Candy with GOLDEN Products." She recently wrote a book, "Modern Acrylics" which will be distributed and sold in art stores worldwide in October of 2011. For more information visit www.mollicastudio.com.
Testimonials
"I was spending 20 hours on a small painting and now can do it in one! I spent 20 years trying to break away from my tight style and was able to do it through this class. The quality of instruction was amazing. Thank you so much, Patti. You are an amazing artist and great teacher, with great communication."- Adam Lane
"Patti- -You are a very sensitive and feeling teacher. Your comments to the students are truly inspiring and you motivate with care. Your teaching style is wonderful. I so appreciate what you've taught me!" - Hugs Jackie Rose Thrope
"Great workshop! Helped me to be free and learn to use more paint. Fantastic demos and teaching skills. Thankyou so much Patti, you're great!!" - Sheila Mohrman
"This workshop was above and beyond my expectations. Excellent. Thank you!" - Susan Langone
"The painting demo was key for me. Your enthusiasm is as valuable and wonderful as your thorough information and explanations. Excellent!" - Karen Richards
"It was great, Patti was always there to help when we needed it. I can't think of anything that would have made this workshop better." - Tyana Soto
"Excellent. 5 out of 5 rating. Best workshop I've taken thus far." - Norma Andrews
"Instruction was top knotch and a delight. I will be spreading the word. I learned what I had hoped to learn and so much more. On a scale of 1-5, you get a 6 - thank you! " - Lois Levy
All-inclusive* plans include:
Instruction on location
Escorted group travel
Florence to Cortona September 8, 2012****
Seven nights accommodations
in historic Cortona**
Local Etruscan Museum & Museo Diocesano
All meals*** (Italian breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Daily wine tasting opportunities Tuscan Cooking Class
Day trip to Lake Trasimeno
Day trip to Lucignano A farewell wine tasting dinner
**Included with "Casa Santa Margherita" plans only, see details
***Included with "Group Meal Plans" only, see details
*All-inclusive plans are Casa Santa Margherita plans only.
****Escorted Group Travel departs Florence Santa Maria Novella Station by train at approximatley 12:45pm on September 8, 2012. Early morning arrival in Florence on September 8, 2012 or at least one day earlier.
Air travel is the responsibility of each participant. Florence (FLR) the suggested arrival and departure airports in Italy.
Note: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary. All times are approximate
About this workshop...
9/8 Saturday – Arrival in Cortona -4:00p Arrival and Check-in in Cortona at hotel -7:00p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta.
-8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona at La Loccanda nel Loggiatto
9/9 Sunday - Cortona -9:00-1:00p Morning Session at hotel
- Introduction
- Discussion of what we will accomplish during the workshop, expectations
- A complete overview of my technique for Painting Fast, Loose and Bold
- A demonstration of how to paint using large brushes and thick paint
- Question and answer period
-1:00p Lunch -2:30-6:00p Afternoon Session in Cortona
- Students practice the large brush technique, and complete 1-3 small paintings with individual attention and instruction
-7:00pWine tasting Il Pozzo -8:00p Evening dinner at TBA
-6:00p Evening Tuscan cooking class & dinner at TBA
9/13 Thursday - Lucignano & Val di Chiana -Day painting trip with lunch provided
-7:30 Wine Tasting in Cortona TBA -8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona at TBA
9/14 Friday - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch at TBA-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session
-8:00p Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner at La Loccanda nel Loggiatto
9/15 Saturday – Departure
-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. 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.
Casa Santa Margherita proud partner of Toscana Americana Workshops since 2003
Visit Casa Santa Margherita online
Patti's work is featured on the cover and editorial pages of this popular UK magazine, with commentary on the new Golden "OPEN" acrylics which stay wet 10x longer than traditional acrylics!
Featuring Patti's work!
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.
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!
