Faculty Information:
Program Instructor:

Mary Pettis is a classically trained artist who works mostly from life, using the Alla Prima or Direct Method of oil painting. Her lifetime in art is a journey reflected in hundreds of originals and thousands of reproductions and etchings collected in nearly every state and several countries.

In the mid 1990s Mary met Jim Wilcox, who introduced her to the "wet-in-wet" plein air approach. "I spent years laboring over details using layers and glazes, taking weeks or months to complete a picture. This method was totally different. It was sheer fright and utter joy to paint directly, to strive towards putting the right color in the right place in one fell swoop!" With more input and encouragement from Robert Duncan, and Zhang Wen Xin, whose tradition stems from the Russian Realist and Impressionist schools, Mary moved her studio outdoors.

Melding the experiences in her life with her artistic influences have now resulted in an authentic and powerfully lyrical style. "As I paint I get swept away by the symphony of artistic elements in front of me. It is an honor to be able to share through my work those impulses which, more often than not, feel like expressions of private worship."

Today, as she disguises technical proficiency with insight and sensitivity towards her subjects, Mary's art resonates with her deep connection to nature and her love of life. She currently lives in the beautiful St. Croix National Scenic Riverway along the Wisconsin/Minnesota border.

Other Activities:
Aside from capturing Venice on canvas yourself, we will organize optional visits to museums and current art exhibits, as well as have a guided tour of some of the famous Titian's, Tintorettos and Tiepolos that are at home in this city. Venice is incomparable. Whether you have been there a dozen times or never, it is sure to fill you with inspiration. And there is no better way to absorb this unlikely setting than by examining it closely with an artist's eye.

Facility Information:
Venice tends to be more expensive than other cities in Italy. There are a variety of hotels and pensions, but rooms are often small and uninteresting. But how much time do you expect to sit in your room in Venice anyway? Hotels are often booked well in advance, especially during the Biennale and the high tourist seasons of spring, October and Carnivale (February).

Notes:
Price Includes:

* Single or double room with en suite bathroom and shower
* Daily continental breakfast and 5 dinners at local restaurants, including wine
* Workshop tuition
* Guided tour of Venice
* Selected excursions with class

Price Excludes:

* Airfare
* Lunch
* Independent meals and sight-seeing
* Workshop materials.

Notes: If you are traveling alone, we can match you with a roommate.
Departure is on Saturday morning.

Also see Vacation Schools in:
Art and craft workshop   Europe   Italy  

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