My workshop in Italy with The Winslow Art Center is still scheduled for October 10 - 17 but we’ve had a change of venue. Instead of the town of Bevagna, we’ll be heading back to the most romantic place that I’ve ever been: Castello di Petroia in Umbria. I couldn’t be more pleased!
I taught in the Castello last year and found there were huge benefits to the location.
First, let me say that it’s luxury living. The rooms are contemporary and well equipped - the big, jetted tub in the en-suite was especially welcome at the end of a long day of painting - and the food is amazing. A dish of pasta in truffle sauce had us all surreptitiously wiping our fingers around our bowls to capture the list hints of sauce, and the morning buffet of eggs, cheese, sausage, cereals, fruit, fluffy croissant, and cappuccino… Well, you get the idea: hunger is well taken care of at the castle!
But perhaps the biggest benefit of holding a workshop in the castle is the closeness that it brings to the participants. We ate, painted, and went on excursions together and, by the end of the week, 15 painters from different countries and backgrounds had become friends. They shared their work openly and without anxiety, knowing that it would find a warm and celebratory reception.
Our nightly viewing of the day’s work gave us a chance to admire individual successes: a lovely colour interaction here, a sense of atmosphere there - and to salute the ingenuity and stamina that each artist showed as they painted in the unfamiliar colours and shapes of Umbria.
There was one thing that the castle did not have which we’ll be adding this year: a studio space. Who expects rainy days in Umbria? Well, we didn’t, but when the weather ignored our expectations, we were undaunted. We took over the breakfast room for those days and painted still life indoors. It was a fantastic way to focus on colour and alla-prima methods.
This year, we’ll have a dedicated space to work in if - and what are the odds of it happening two years in a row? - we have rain. This is a huge deal for me because part of what I love doing is revising alla prima work into a more complete, thoughtful painting. Having a place that allows this considered reworking will be wonderful.
For flawless organization, genial hosting, and stunning surroundings, I can honestly say that this will be another great workshop experience.
To find out about the workshop and itinerary, please explore The Winslow Art Center site. Don’t hesitate to send questions to The Winslow about travel and accommodation logistics and to me if it’s a painting question.
I’d be honoured if you’d join me in Italy in October.
Happy painting!
It was truly a magical week so don't hesitate to sign up. Everything about it was wonderful and I left with lifelong friends and memories.