There are many workshops being offered overseas these days.  So, I wanted to try to list a few things that I feel sets Open Air Italy's workshops apart.  I also want to mention that in no way am I negating other workshop teachers or providers.  This BLOG is only to list the assets of our workshops in an easy way so that you can see and consider them while contemplating an overseas workshop.

1.  Locations and accommodations are hand-picked.

Locations for workshops are carefully chosen.  It is important for each location to provide a wealth of venues for painting, while still being a bit off the beaten path.  There are places for painting on your own even a step or two from the rooms of the accommodations...whenever inspiration strikes.   All accommodations have been personally visited and have been found to be charming and comfortable.  The provided environment is relaxed, stress-free and stimulating. 

2.  All artists are given their own personal space.

All accommodations are offered on a Single Occupancy basis to participants in order to provide the artist with their privacy.

3.  Instructors are carefully chosen.

All instructors are well known and highly respected artists with a gift for sharing their expertise.

4.  Cost is crucial.

Every effort is made to keep the cost of workshops at an affordable price.  I want as many artists as possible to have the opportunity to enjoy painting in these great overseas locations.

5.  Small class size is imperative.

All instructed workshops have a maximum of 8 students.  This creates a personal atmosphere in the learning process and allows for lots of one-on-one time for each participant with the instructor.  It also enhances the atmosphere between participants allowing for a feeling of camaraderie and the development of lasting friendships.

6.  Organization is essential.

Much time and consideration is given to the planning and execution of each workshop.  Once you arrive, all you have to do is enjoy and paint.  And, I am always there to make sure that things run smoothly and to solve whatever problems may arise.  I am also available to give guidance in the travel planning process for the workshop...ask me anytime.

7.  A great time is paramount!

So, you can take a workshop at home.  Why travel overseas if the workshop will not be more than just a learning experience?  That said, it is paramount that every one has a great time and also enjoys a cultural as well as an artistic experience.  All the elements that go into the planning of these workshops helps create an experience that every artist can enjoy and remember for a lifetime.  For comments from past participants, see the Comments section of the website.

   Last week I was having a discussion with another artist about airfares and how much cost this would add to the actual workshop fees for this years workshops.  This prompted me to do some research about the current airfares offered for the times that workshops are scheduled for 2010.  So, this is just to share that information with you and hopefully to encourage those who would like to travel overseas that the airfare "is not what it used to be".  A couple of years ago when I needed to fly to Rome, I paid about $1800 for my, one-stop, coach ticket!  When you think about the cost of the workshop, even though most things are included...and then you add an airfare that is almost as much...well, that is really discouraging.  I hope that this information that I have found just this morning on the internet will encourage you that things have indeed improved in regards to flight costs and that airfare cost is no longer astronomical.

   So here is what I found and how I found it.  I did a search on Trip Mama at www.tripmama.com .  This site enables you to compare several different providers all at once.  So, please see the details below.

         May airfare for Calvin Liang's workshop in Tuscany -   

               JFK (New York) to FCO (Rome)      1 Stop   $665
                                                                          NS       $850

               ATL (Atlanta) to FCO (Rome)            1 Stop   $850
                                 
               LAX (Los Angeles) to FCO (Rome)   1 Stop   $900

         July airfare for Kenn Backhaus's workshop in Switzerland -

               JFK (New York) to ZRH (Zurich)      1 Stop   $996
                                                                          NS       $1090

               ATL (Atlanta) to ZRH (Zurich)            1 Stop  $1121
 
               LAX (Los Angeles) to ZRH (Zurich)   NS        $1025**

               **This one I had to really look for....found it on Kayak.

         September airfare for Frank Serrano's workshop in Tuscany -

               JFK (New York) to FCO (Rome)      1 Stop   $665
                                                                         NS         $850

               ATL (Atlanta) to FCO (Rome)           1 Stop    $772
                                                                         NS         $822

               LAX (Los Angeles) to FCO (Rome)   1 Stop    $944

      All the prices above are of course round trip coach fares.  It is too early to check prices for the Painter's Retreat scheduled for next November 6-13, 2010.  But if the prices now are indicative....it won't be too bad.  I also checked for flights that arrived on the day of the workshop start and departed one day after the workshop was finished...for example I checked May 14 departure and May 23 return for Calvin Liang's Tuscany workshop.

      I hope that this information is encouraging whether you want to do an Open Air Italy workshop, a workshop with another party or just want to go over by yourself or with family. 

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Painting!

   What a great time was had by all, myself included, recently at the John Budicin workshop.  Our group of 8 participants and several guests spent 4 nights on the shores of Lake Como followed by a full week in the stunning Val D'Orcia region of Tuscany.

    While on Lake Como, the class painted at different locations daily.  We did have one day of rain, but managed to still paint from an indoor location, still looking at the beautiful, if somewhat gray, landscape.  No one was complaining!  The next day it was beautiful and we took a private boat over to Lenno and painted there.  That was a favorite day for everyone.  Our third painting day there was spent in Bellagio.  The views of the mountains and the lake from Bellagio are stunning.  And, I think that most of the participants managed to get in at least a few moments of shopping.  We had great breakfasts and dinners together with spectacular food...and of course the company was great.

     Then, on Saturday, September 19, it was time to trek to Tuscany for a week "under the Tuscan sun".  The group was transported via two private minivans to Tuscany.  We arrived about 1pm and picked up rental cars and off we went to our agriturismo near Pienza.  It was particularly nice that upon leaving one beautiful location, we could only look forward to another beautiful location!  And it did not disappoint!  While the first day or so were somewhat gray days, they were dry and the group got some quality instruction and painting time in this location.  Then on the third day, out comes the sun and we had absolutely gorgeous weather the rest of the time.  Again, painting at different locations every day, all were content.  We enjoyed breakfast together and several dinners.  On the nights that we did not have a planned dinner, we all still stuck together either to eat in "pot luck" fashion in the large apartment at the agriturismo or to try one of the great restaurants in the area.

     John did a superb job of instructing, giving 300% effort.  I could not have been more pleased with the calibur of instruction.  And the participants were all wonderful.  I have come away from this workshop feeling that I have made new friends.  I think that all felt the same...and what could really be better?

     Soon, I will be posting participant comments and some photos of the workshop.  Look for that under the "Comments" section of this website within the next week or so.

     While 2010 does not have a scheduled workshop on Lake Como, I plan to have a workshop in 2011 that will take place entirely in this great area.  It certainly merits an entire week of painting there!  If this is of interest to you, please give me an email.  The instructor is yet to be determined.  But, I guarantee that it will be someone who is phenomenal.

     And to John and all the participants and guests...THANK YOU for a wonderful workshop!