Tuscany in Autumn
Tuscany, Italy
September 25 - October 2, 2010
$2650/single occupancy

Limited to only six to eight participating artists.

2/8/10   Class Cancelled.
             Please see other listings.


    

   "Painting on location enriches my life...and the paintings do not exist as mere pictures, but as a journal through which I can express all my senses."    Frank M. Serrano

   Contemporary landscape artist, Frank M. Serrano was born in Los Angeles on November 29, 1976.  He developed an early interest in art and nature.  He studied this throughout his school days, however is largely self-taught.  His natural talent eventually gained him a lucrative career as a freelance commercial artist.  After his success in the commercial sector, in the early 1990's Serrano decided to pursue his passion for traditional oil painting and has since developed a strong following of admirers, both nationally and internationally.
    Serrano, an avid outdoors man, is recognized for his keen sense of atmospheric observation and ability to spontaneously interpret his personal connection with nature onto canvas.  In 2003 he completed writing and illustrating the book, Plein Air Painting in Oil, published by the Walter Foster Company.  This book serves as a handbook to budding plein air artists and collectors of this genre of landscape painting.  As of August 2006, Serrano serves as plein air painting consultant for Walt Disney Studios.
    Serrano travels widely throughout North America painting scenes from the desert southwest to the beautiful high country vistas of the Canadian Rockies.  A hallmark of Serrano's work is his unique talent for capturing the hazy atmosphere characteristic of the West.  Serrano credits early landscape artist Sam Hyde Harris as a major influence on his work.  Although the majority of Frank Serrano's painting is done on location alla prima, he also works in his studio creating larger paintings from his outdoor sketches.  He believes that the only way to learn to paint is from life.
    Frank M. Serrano is an Artist Member of the California Art Club where he served as Chairman of the Gold Medal Juried Exhibitions 2004, 2005 and 2006. 
    To view more of Frank Serrano's work, please go to www.pleinairgallery.com . 

           

         Spend a week painting, living, and relaxing in autumn, a wonderful time in Tuscany.  Master Landscape Painter, Frank Serrano will be teaching with a focus on capturing the mood of the scene through close observation.  His teaching will concentrate on execution of proper value, color mixing and edge control.  This sill be an intensive, fun filled workshop geared to the more serious student.
         The workshop will be structured with three full days of instruction, two mentoring days, and one free day.  Frank will be demonstrating on workshop days.  On the mentoring days, the participant can paint on location with Frank, or at another location of their choosing.  Mentor days will include an early evening critique to review the day's work.
         The Val D'Orcia region is the most classically beautiful area of Tuscany.  Recently historically recognized and protected, this wonderful area of Tuscany has gentle rolling hills with a patchwork of color as far as the eye can see.  Looking out upon the horizon, numerous hilltown's dot the scene.  Among those visible from our location are Montalcino,  San Quirico D'Orcia and Montichiello...just to name a few.  The clear night skies boast more stars than you can imagine!  Late September and early October is the time for harvesting grapes in the Val D'Orcia.  Who knows...maybe we will be lucky enough to experience this wonderful event!
         Accommodations will be in a 600 year old farmhouse.  The farmhouse is completely updated and comfortable, while still retaining it's original charm.  This accommodation comes highly recommended by a great many sources, including travel author Rick Steves!   The agriturismo is in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan countryside and is comprised of six apartments of varying sizes.  Each participant will be housed in his or her own private bedroom.  Most bathrooms are private as well.  All apartments have kitchens.  There are also laundry facilities on site.  The apartments are situated around a lovely, flower-filled courtyard that is carefully tended by the owner.  The agriturismo has a commanding view of the surrounding countryside and at every turn there is a great location for setting up your easel and making a great picture!  Among other things, the grounds include a vineyard, an olive grove with 200 year olive trees, and a vegetable garden that is always available to guests.
         Participants will be provided with breakfast daily.  Fees also include three wonderful dinners typical to the region...all with wine included.  Also included in the price are many optional activities which all contribute to a unique experience of the Tuscan culture.  These include a pasta making class, olive oil tasting, tour of an 
ancient archaeological sight on the property, and a tour of the working family farm...complete with the tasting of their products.  Above all, fees include an unforgettable and unique experience!

Included:
7 nights accommodations - single occupancy
Daily breakfast
Wine and cheese upon arrival
Three dinners typical to the region (including wine)
Many other optional activies
Instruction
Taxes and tips

Not included:
Airfare
Ground transportation*

      *It is highly recommended that participants have their own car while in Tuscany, as this will enable them to see and experience the area fully.  Convenient car rental is available at www.autoeurope.com .  However, ground transportation of artists to painting sights is available for an additional $150.

Artist Fee    $2650/single

Non-painting guest       $800
 (sharing same room with painter)

Please note that accommodations will be assigned based on availability and on a "first-come/first-served" basis.  Every effort will be made to insure your maximum comfort and privacy.

A deposit of $600 will hold your place in the workshop.  Deposit is refundable until 6 months prior to date of workshop start.  After this date, fees will be refunded to the participant ONLY if his or her place can be filled in the workshop.  Every effort will be made to fill the vacancy.  Refunds will be less a $100 administrative fee.

Balance of workshop fees is due June 1, 2010.

Payments may be made by check payable to:
         Susan Truitt Fine Art/Open Air Italy
Mail checks to:   Open Air Italy/Susan Truitt Fine Art
                              107 Lansing Island Drive
                              Indian Harbor Beach, FL    32937

Payments may also be made by credit card using PayPal.  All PayPal payments must include a 3% surcharge at time of payment.

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


For more information, questions or registration, please contact Susan Truitt via email at stop@cfl.rr.com or by phone at 1-321-777-3964.