I can't begin to describe the delightful environment that Michael and Linda at Il Chiostro provide to allow their students the best possible week. I paint in the tradition of America's plain air masters-immersed in the light and atmosphere of the day. There is simply no substitute for the intense experience and first hand observation of nature that occurs when painting from life and Tuscany provides that intensity at every turn.
This class is a plain air painting class in which I can accommodate pastel, oil or acrylic. All levels of skill are welcome since most instruction is done to each student's individual needs. If the weather does not cooperate (a rare occurrence during June) we will paint a still life indoors in the studio. If the students are interested I would like to place a model in the landscape to work from. (My most popular painting was of other painters in the poppy fields. What a joy!)
My teaching style is encouraging and positive. I begin the week with a demo that is packed with information about the how's and why's of a successful painting. We will then begin our painting week, completing two small paintings each day we are out. My goal is to help each student learn as much as possible about how to produce a beautiful painting.
Workshop Details:
- How to choose your subject with consideration for the time you have
- How to simplify those complex spinach shapes into masses
- How to see light and dark as your major design element
- How to develop your skill level so that you can paint more efficiently
- How to relax and smile so you can enjoy your journey through this amazing, delightful experience called painting.
Faculty Information:
Program Instructors:
Shauna Shane has been painting professionally for 25 years. A former Resident Artist at Yellowstone National Park, her paintings can be found in numerous collections and several countries around the world. In addition to workshops and master classes from artists such as Robert Bateman, Charles Reed, Clyde Aspevig and Raymond Everett Kinstler, her educational background includes Lyme Academy of Fine Art, University of Connecticut, Banff School of Fine Art in Alberta, Canada, and Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.
Working in a variety of mediums including watercolor and oil, Shauna's work is saturated with light and color informed by many years of painting from life. Her paintings of the landscape, still life and the figure reflect a solid academic training as well as the ability to communicate not only the energy and the unique atmosphere of a scene, but also that subtle emotional connection between the subject and viewer.
Shauna has exhibited in international competitions around the country, including the Knickerbocker Exhibit, Oil Painters of America, the Salmagundi Exhibit in New York City. Shauna is an experienced teacher with 25 years of teaching students the pleasure of seeing and understanding the artistic concepts that open like windows when they begin with a strong foundation. In addition, Shauna has given more than 50 demonstrations to Connecticut and Massachusetts Art Guilds as well as to public school art classes and she is represented in galleries in Connecticut, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Montana.
Other Activities:
Besides painting, there will be many opportunities to discover what makes Tuscany so special. All local transportation for excursions and to/from plain air sites will be provided.
Optional activities include:
- An excursion to the medieval city of Siena
- Wine tour and tasting at a nearby Chianti winery
- Short excursions to other hill towns in the area like Radda, Castellina or Monteriggioni
Our spring programs take place on a vineyard estate in the Chianti area of Tuscany. Le Lodoline is the name of a fattoria, or working vineyard and olive orchard, set in the Chianti hills of Tuscany overlooking the medieval city of Siena. This is an authentic Tuscan country setting filled with rustic charm. The property, owned by a Contessa (who still lives here) is designated an agriturismo. It is composed of a series of traditional stone farm houses with terra cotta roofs. You can almost imagine yourself in another century as you walk down the dirt lanes and through the gates that connect the houses.
Facility Information:
For our workshops taking place at Le Lodoline, accommodations in the farmhouses consist of shared double rooms with shared bathrooms. There are a limited number of single rooms and some doubles with en suite bathrooms, which are available for a small supplement. There are also limited double room accommodations with private bathrooms available next door in a bed and breakfast in what was once the principle villa of the property.
Notes:
Price Includes:
- Shared double room in country villa
- Daily traditional breakfast and dinner, including wine
- Daily plain air excursions
- Excursion to Siena
- Half day excursion to nearby hill town (Monteriggioni, Radda, Volpaia)
- Pick up from Florence train station at 3:30pm on arrival Saturday
- Transfer to bus/train station in Siena on final day
Price Excludes:
- Airfare
- Lunch
- Art supplies
- Local bus transportation
- Independent meals and sight-seeing.
Also see Vacation Schools in:
Art and craft workshop
Europe
Italy
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