Watch for dates soon for May, 2024!
Plein Air Workshop In Tuscany
Guest Artist Kelly Medford will return!
The Location
We return to the medieval, walled hilltown of Barga in northwest Tuscany, which offers breathtaking overlooks, small winding streets to explore, wonderful historic architecture and quiet gardens. Barga has an active arts community, an art museum, galleries, a historic Duomo and smaller churches. Many charming local bar-cafes welcome you for a coffee, pastry, gelato or panini. Several trattoria and ristorante feature wonderful local cuisine. Those wishing to visit Lucca or nearby small villages on their own, can travel by bus or taxi. Or visit Florence by train.
Note: Barga is literally a hill town and requires some walking up steep hills. Participants should be able to walk up and down steep hills, and stairs, and carry their gear to and from each location.
Artists and Non-Artists Welcome
Artists will paint or draw with, and learn from, Kelly Medford, a noted painter whose work includes landscapes, cityscapes, interiors and still life. Artists will have lots of free time after classes to work independently or relax.
Artists & non-artist Guests can explore the friendly village, or hike paths on the surrounding hills. Occasionally there is music on one of the piazzas. Often classes in Italian cooking or language can be arranged.
The Guest Artist-Instructor
Kelly Medford, an American living and teaching in Rome, will return in 2024 to once again be our special guest instructor.
Last workshop Kelly briliantly modified instruction to meet needs of members of our small group, which ranged from watercolor, drawing in dry media, and acrylic painting. Kelly has a lovely way of helping participants at all levels as they focus on developing their own style
The theme of the 2024 workshop will be composition, arguably the most important aspect of making artwork en plein air and applicable to all media. The workshop will be in a relaxed and informal environment and is open to artists and non artists alike. Artists are welcome to work in the media of their choice in painting and/or drawing.
We will meet for 1 session each day to work en plein air around Barga. Each session will include a demonstration or talk on addressing that day’s particular location. Artists will get 1-on-1 feedback on a daily basis plus group feedback sessions to facilitate a positive and constructive learning environment.
Kelly's students say, "Kelly is an experienced artist who teaches with a gentle encouraging style. She promotes a relaxed approach to help students explore their potential while quietly developing their skills."
More about Kelly www.kellymedford.com.
Accommodations
We stay in an historic villa, beautifully restored into a charming and comfortable family-run hotel with beautiful outdoor areas, and terraces. Our host is gracious and helpful. Accommodations are in shared rooms, with a few private rooms available. Sumptuous Tuscan breakfasts served daily in the spacious dining room. Four group dinners at local ristorante are provided. Other nights you can enjoy dinner on your own at your choice of the town's trattoria or ristorante. Lunch on your own daily.
Fee & Payments
Fee of $2995 includes: daily classes for artists plus discussions and critiques; shared accommodations for nine nights (some private rooms available for an extra fee); ground transportation to and from the Pisa airport; delicious full Tuscan breakfast daily; and group dinners four nights. $200 discount for guests not attanding the classes.
The maximum number of participants is 10 and registration is on a first-come basis. To secure your spot, application form and $1000 deposit due by October of 2023. Second payment of $1000 due January, 2024. Balance due March, 2024. (Full refund if the minimum of 6 participants for trip is not reached. )
Making Your Own Air Travel Arrangements
Flights to Pisa (not included in the workshop fee) should be made in advance so that you arrive by noon the day the workshop begins when our van will pick everyone up from the Pisa airport. At the end of the workshop, a van will take all to the Pisa airport in the morning after the workshop ends.
Workshops Italia was founded in 2002 by Donna Magnani, an artist and former nonprofit administrator, who has painted and traveled throughout Italy since 1984. Her love of Italy and familiarity with Tuscany and Umbria inspired the launch of Workshops Italia to offer small group stays in quaint, off-the-beaten-path spots, with delicious local cuisine and the inspiration of the Italian countryside. Past trips have included study with noted artists, independent work, a writing workshop and occasionally, Italian cooking or language classes. And always the enjoyment of the lifestyle and beauty of Italy away from the crowds.
Donna's study (a BFA in Painting & Education from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago and an MA in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago), plus her career in cultural and educational organizations, helped her develop Workshops Italia, initially a part time project. Now retired, Donna devotes more time to Workshops Italia.
From Donna
I enjoy organizing and being one of the artists in these workshops. It is a joy to watch others become inspired by the guest artist-instructor and the location while focusing on their artistic goals. Or just relaxing and sharing in life in a small village away-from-the-crowds in the Italian countryside.
I look forward to you joining us!
Donna
For more information, or an application form, please contact me. I am always delighted to share information and answer your questions. USA 815-307-4567.