Sunday 3 July 2016

October / Autumn Workshop update




The wheels have been turning in the search for a new painting location for this autumn in Tuscany and the dates for the Autumn Plein Air Workshop are: October 2nd - 9th.
Further details can be found here. http://www.tuscanypleinair.com

The 2016 Spring Villa was very beautiful. A great location in the hills overlooking Florence. It was so perfectly orientated for painting with wonderful landscapes all around and spring blossom, fresh herbs and even wild deer wandering in the fields of olives. Everyone had a great time and it was great to make new interesting friends.





A big thank you to everyone who came together for the workshops / paintout.
I say paintout because the workshop is optional and people are welcome to take part in the demonstrations or not, as they please.





There were lots of interesting conversations in the evenings by the big fire with a glass of wine and stories of art and other things..
Nature provided such beautiful local amenities and the location was so interesting that I determined to find something equally interesting in nearby for Autumn. It's easy to imagine how beautiful this will be when the colors change.










Especially now as the territory is now so familiar, new possibilities can be explored.


Because the owners of the Spring villa were finding their feet in terms of looking after guests, some firefighting / problem solving was going on in the background to keep the wheels turning and it was distracting but like all good magic tricks, no one noticed.

So the hunt was began for a better location and one was found. A new and amazing house with gardens in a 13th century Domican building which has been lovingly renovated and restored. It's going to be a lot more fun and the rooms are very beautiful in a moody, autumnal way. There's a lot of painting space and in the evenings, the owners organize small local events.

The architecture is an odd combination of lavish culture and monastic simplicity. It's reminiscent of Hogwarts School of Magical Arts and overlooks Florence which is a short taxi ride away for anyone who gets the urge. Not that I suspect they will.

The interior of the church which will also be our workshop and conference room.



A view towards the deconsecrated altar which serves as a projector screen for workshops.












One of the many dining areas.


The Gardens.

Here's a short film in Italian on the history of the ancient hospital. It's located in the region of Bagno Ripoli, very close to the painting location of the 2016 Spring workshops, so I know the region quiet well.


There will be an update to the website when I have confirmation on all the details.




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