 After a hiatus during the height of the last pandemic year, I am excited to announce we plan to return to Italy next year! For nearly 20 years, I have enjoyed organizing artists workshops inTuscany. It is a joy to watch artists become inspired by the location, while sharing time together and focusing on their work. Kelly Medford,an American living and teaching in Rome, will be our special guest instructor. Over this year I have enjoyed Zoom drawing classes with Kelly and have grown to admire - even more - her skill and lovely way of helping participants at all levels. Artists will paint or draw with, and learn from Kelly Medford, a noted painter whose work includes landscapes, city scapes, interiors, and occasonal still life work. She specializes in plein air painting and sketching. Kelly is equipped to customize classes and discussions to accommodate group members' levels. There will be informal group discussions, critiques by request, and free time to work on your own, just relax, or explore Barga or nearby towns (on your own). A detailed schedule will be provided following your registration. Friends who join the group are welcome (space permitting) and can enjoy the friendly village, its breathtaking location, arts community, cafes, art museum, and (often) music on the street. The Location  The medieval walled hill town of Barga in northwest Tuscany offers offers beautiful gardens, winding small streets to explore, historic architecture, cafes and an active arts community. You can visit the 9th century duomo, smaller churches, galleries, shops, and many overlooks to admire views. You can enjoy a glass of wine, a coffee and pastry or a gelato at one of the welcoming bar- cafes. Those wishing to visit Lucca or nearby villages on their own can can travel by train, bus or rental car.  Fee of $2995 includes: shared accommodations for nine nights, ground transportation to and from the Pisa airport, continental breakfast daily, dinner six nights. Classes for artists, plus discussions and critiques.Some private rooms available at extra cost. Dates for Application form and deposit deadlines to be nnounced soon. 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 on May 8. (Be sure to purchase refundable airline tickets and/or travel insurance in case unanticpated international travel restrictions occur). A van will pick everyone up from the Pisa airport around noon on May 8. Note: If you miss the van, there is a train to Barga or a cab can be arranged for a fee. Those who prefer to fly into Florence can reach Barga by train or bus. Workshops Italia was founded in 2002 by Donna Magnani, an artist and 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 (usually every other year) have included study with noted artists, independent work, writing workshops, and occasionally - as available - cooking or Italian language classes, should you choose to register for those. And always the enjoyment of the lifestyle and beauty of Italy away from the crowds. For more information or an application form, please contact me, I am always delighted to share information and answer your questions~ Donna Magnani Email: donnamagnani@gmail.com Workshops Italia www.workshopsitalia.com 301 E Congress Pkwy # 31 Crystal Lake IL 60014, USA 
 This and first/ top of page photos by Don Krohn | Guest Artist / Instructor  Kelly Medford Born in Washington, D.C., Kelly came to Italy on scholarship to study classical drawing at The Florence Academy of Art in 2004, after having studied painting, drawing and printmaking at Antioch College and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After finishing her studies she began taking her easel outdoors to explore and learn about Italy through painting in both oils and watercolors. The current organizer of the Rome Urban Sketchers and founder of Sketching Rome Tours, she dedicates herself to working and teaching primarily en plein air in Rome and throughout Italy. She has taught the SVA studio program in Rome since 2016 and her work is in private collections throughout the United States and Europe. Her topic for this workshop will be her own focus - light and shadow. The quality of the light in Italy (and the Tuscan countryside especially) is renowned.
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