An art course – Part 1

While planning my sabbatical, I searched the internet to see what kind of painting classes might be available in Italy. Not surprisingly, there were many. Most however, were in the summer months. There were only a few options in September and October. The most attractive of these programs went under the title “Artist in Italy”. They were a series of one and two-week programs offered at one location on the border between Tuscany and Umbria, near the town of Chiusi. That certainly made it convenient to Antiche Pietre. They also offered a one-week class immediately following our time at the villa. So, I sent an e-mail inquiry. Yes, there were still spots, but no, all the single accommodations were already taken. Could I have a double for single use? Yes, but there was a ₤ 400 surcharge. That’s fine. So, I signed on. Back in February, this seemed a very long way off. Now, I was here.

Chiusi

The first two days were devoted to instruction. Day one, I particular focused on teaching us how to look at things by trying to draw them in pencil. It was a kind of crash-course in 2-point perspective. There were also some basic demonstrations of other media – watercolor, acrylics and oils. Everyone on the course had some experience in one or another of these. Only one woman was a true beginner. On day two, we had our first outing to the town of Chiusi, an ancient Etruscan settlement. Part of the field trip was an historical/cultural consideration of the development of the hill town in general, but Chiusi in particular. Then we moved into the cathedral square with the task of drawing something that we could see there. This exercise last about an hour. For our diligence, we were rewarded with a great pizza in one of the town’s eateries. Then we returned to “lo Studio”, where more  instruction ensued.  With our camera phones in hand, Julian sent us off to find something that we wanted to paint. Once done, we reassembled and each of us was asked to decide which medium we wanted to work in. I opted for acrylics, since that is what I had done many years ago. We each got set up with what was necessary and then we went to work.

The view from Arezzo

On day three, we had an extended day-trip to the Tuscan city of Arezzo. Our main purpose was to visit the Chapel of True Cross in the church of San Francesco to see the fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca. Before that though, we visited the church of San Domenico to see the Cimabue crucifix. We also visit the Duomo to see a fragment of another Piero fresco that would give us a clue to how he worked. We had about 45 minutes on our own and I took the opportunity to explore the park behind the Duomo. The view of the Tuscan countryside from there was incredible. I’m not sure how they manage to keep it so pristine. We reassembled for our tour of the chapel. Julian knows his art very well. His explanation of the fresco cycle was extremely thorough. His knowledge of Christianity, however, is a bit fuzzy at times. I resisted the temptation to correct him, though. Following the tour, we broke up for lunch. Julian and Erin went off with an American family that had joined us for the tour. The six artists in training went off on our own. After lunch, it was back in the van and back to the studio to work on our paintings until supper.