John Budicin
Lake Como and Tuscany
September 15-26, 2009

Workshop is limited to only 8 participants.


"Most subjects I paint are everyday places that, with the right light, become magical.  The intimacy which develops between artist and nature is like any other relationship.  It takes time to nurture.  The artist observes, spends time getting to know the surrounding environment, and eventually becomes an instrument of nature, representing the beauty, the light and its effects as interpreted through the artist's eyes."
                                             John Budicin

      John Budicin's paintings have achieved numerous top awards from esteemed art competitions.  He and his work have been featured in many articles published by national magazines including:  Southwest Art, Art of the West (Cover), American Artist Workshop (Cover), International Artist, and The Artist Magazine.  In addition, his work has be reproduced in books:  200 Great Painting Ideas for Artists (North Light Books); Enchanted Isle-A History of Plein Air Painting in Santa Catalina Island (The Society for Advancement of Plein Air Painting); From Sea to Shining Sea: A Reflection of America (The Haggin Museum); and Joan Irvine Smith's A California Woman's Story (The Irvine Museum).
     John is Past President of the Plein Air Painters of America.  He is a signature member of Oil Painters of America, Plein Air Painters of America, Laguna Plein Air Painters, Western Rendezvous of Art, and The California Art Club.  
   You may view John's work and full biography at www.johnbudicin.com .


          

Workshop Description

     Paint, live and relax in two of the most beautiful areas Italy.  Artist John Budicin will be teaching and mentoring first on the shores of Lake Como, and then in the most classically beautiful area of Tuscany, the Val d'Orcia.
     The essence of John's teaching will focus on what to look for...how to simplify and unify shapes.  The emphasis will be on beginning with a simple statement of shapes and values.  Then, the light source is introduced and the moment frozen.  Keeping the light consistent and not chasing it, the artist works toward completing the painting, learning to see and respond to the beauty that nature presents, and then translating that beauty into a personal statement.  John will work individually with each student to direct them towards developing their own personal way of seeing.
     We will begin on the shores of Lake Como.  Here is paradise, where the majesty of the Alps meets the blue of one of the deepest glacial lakes in Europe.  We will paint here for three days, and then be transported to Tuscany.  Here we will spend another week finding inspiration under the Tuscan sun.  September in Tuscany is glorious.  The fields are intensely gold, the grapes are being harvested, the temperature is ideal.
     The workshop will be structured with four full days of instruction, four mentoring days, and two free days.  On the mentoring days, the participant will be able to observe John as an artist at work.  The participant can choose to paint alongside John at his location, at another location of their choosing, or to use this day as a free day for exploration.  These special days will include an early evening critique to review the day's work.  Locations will be varied to include village scenes, Lake Como and the Tuscan countryside.
     Transportation to group painting sights will be provided as needed.  However, for the best experience of this area, car rental is recommended.  During transport from Lake Como to Tuscany, we will make a stop at the Chiusi car rental agency for those who want to have their own wheels.  If this is your plan, please reserve prior to arrival through AutoEurope at www.autoeurope.com.

Accommodations and Meals

     Accommodations on Lake Como will be provided in a delightful albergo on the shores of the lake.  Participants will have single occupancy rooms with private bath.  The group will have breakfast and dinner daily.  In Tuscany, accommodations will be in a family-owned agriturismo.  Participants will enjoy private bedrooms in apartments of varying sizes.  Most bathrooms are private as well.  All apartments are updated and comfortable, while retaining their original charm.  All apartments include kitchens, and there are laundry facilities on site.  While in Tuscany, participants will be provided daily with a typical Italian breakfast.  Three dinners typical to the region are also included.

Included:   11 nights accommodations
                 All breakfasts
                 7 dinners
                 Instruction
                 Transport from Lake Como to Tuscany
                 Taxes and tips

Not included:    Airfare
                          Airport transfers*

     *Milan airport (MXP) is convenient to Lake Como for arrival.  Affordable transfer service can be recommended upon request.  For departure, Pisa, Rome, Florence or Milan can be used.  Train service from the Chiusi train station is an affordable, convenient and reliable method to reach these airports.  Please check on an individual basis for advice on these arrangements.

Fees, Payments and Conditions

Fee per Artist      $3500*/single occupancy

Guest                  $1500*/includes breakfasts,
                                 dinners, and transport
                                 Lake Como to Tuscany

Accommodations in apartments will be assigned based on availability on a 'first-come/first-served" basis.  Every effort will be made to insure your maximum comfor and privacy.

*All fees are subjec to a 10% increase should the US Dollar exchange rate be greater than 1.7 Dollars=1 Euro 90 days prior to commencement of workshop.  FEES REMAIN FIXED AT DATE OF FULL PAYMENT, 90 DAYS PRIOR TO WORKSHOP COMMENCEMENT. 

A non-refundable deposit of $700 will hold your place in the workshop**.  Second payment of $1000 is due by March 15, 2009.  Balance of fees is due June 15, 2009.  Invoices for payments due will be sent to participants in a timely fashion.
**In the event of withdrawal from the workhop, money will be refunded to the participant ONLY if his or her place in the workshop can be filled.  Every effort will be made to fill the vacancy.  This refund will be les a $100 administrative fee.

Payments should be made by check payable to:
         Susan Truitt Fine Art
Mail payments and registration to:
         Open Air Italy/Susan Truitt Fine Art
         107 Lansing Island Drive
         Indian Harbour Beach, FL    32937

Payments may also be made by credit card via email using paypal.
PayPal payments must include a 2% surcharge at time of payment.

It is strongly advised that the participant purchase travel insurance at www.insuremytrip.com .

In the event of cancellation of the workshop by Open Air Italy, full refunds of workshop fees will be given.  Class must have a minimum of 6 participants 90 days prior to class commencement in order to proceed as scheduled.