LA CAMPAGNA BELLA: WATERCOLORS IN ITALY – with Frances Valesco

I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.

John Muir

In this workshop, you will explore your relationship to the landscape, using watercolor to express how the ways in which we see can touch our most profound memories. Each day there will be a focusing exercise to experience the landscape with fresh eyes. You will begin by examining what is both familiar and novel, and through various prompts, learn observation skills and translate them into painting.

The class will be a mixture of teaching both on site and in the studio. Assignments will be templates for articulating ideas, tailored to each student’s specific needs. There will be technical demonstrations for the whole group and individual assistance, depending on students’ level of expertise. There will be water-based monotype demonstrations for those interested in interpreting their watercolors in print, using La Romita’s on-site printing press. During the week, the group will make several field trips to surrounding towns such as Narni, Todi, and Assisi. On those days, you will spend the day painting onsite, having lunch, and return to La Romita to finish up your work. The Chapel Studio is open 24/7, so you can paint as late into the night as you want!