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Painting Painting and Drawing - Tom Ruggio & Val Nelson

August 20 - 27 or August 20 - 31, 2012

 

1 week of instruction at Studio Borgo (Monday through Friday):
$850.00 USD.

2 weeks of instruction:
$1,700.00 USD.

(see details below) this does not include housing or airfare

Register

 

In the early 16th Century, Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci faced off in a competitive commission that resulted in amazing drawing studies for the Council Hall at the Palazzo Vecchio. Those great works helped to elevate drawing as a true art form, rather than merely a prelude to painting and sculpture.

At Studio Borgo, we will cover drawing subjects such as still-life, the figure and working from the Old Masters, a respected tradition since the earliest days of academic art training.

PAINTING : The great tradition of painting started in the region of Tuscany approximately 700 years ago. Continue on a journey that began with legendary painters such as Cimabue, Giotto and Duccio.

We will work primarily in acrylic and our lessons in still-life and landscape will prove to be both challenging and enjoyable for all levels: beginners, intermediate and advanced.

Our Studio

The studio at Borgo a Mozzano enjoys a privileged location overlooking the Serchio River and the surrounding hills. Here in Cerreto, Borgo a Mozzano, the earliest layers of history include Ancient Roman and Medieval periods.

Working inside the studio is only the beginning as our Historic Excursions complete this amazing experience.  Small Groups Means Personalized Attention.

One of the many great advantages of studying art at Studio Borgo is that you will always be part of a small group. Your experience will be enhanced by the camaraderie of fellow artists and students, but here you will never feel lost in a crowd.

 

All drawing & painting supplies are provided by Studio Borgo.

Faculty

An award winning artist and educator, Tom Ruggio's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States, Italy, Germany and Mexico. His work has also been added to public and private collections in America and Europe.

Tom received an MFA and BA at Queens College, New York and also studied at the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture in New York City.

 

Val Nelson

An award-winning visual artist and sought-after instructor, Val was educated at Emily Carr University of Art and Design and in workshops with Florence-trained Paul Chizik and Lee Makalak.

Short-listed for the Royal Bank painting prize, her work is in many private and corporate collections such as the Canada Council Art Bank, and she is included in Carte Blanche Vol. 2: Painting, a book on the current state of painting in Canada. Val is represented by commercial galleries in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

 

 

 

 

For the More Experienced Artist

Even though the Studio Borgo schedule is the same for everyone, more experienced artists can pursue their own vision and create a body of work by that is more of a departure from the curriculum. The surroundings, culture and atmosphere in this region of Italy can certainly stimulate a renewed creative process.

 

Pricing & Booking

1 week of instruction at Studio Borgo (Monday through Friday):
$850.00 USD.

2 weeks of instruction:
$1,700.00 USD.

Register

Students who continue with our program for two or more weeks, will keep the same schedule, as they progress with new challenges. Of course, the Excursion Schedule may be altered slightly due to uncooperative weather conditions, but in most cases the Excursion Schedule will remain completely unaffected.

The cost for instruction at Studio Borgo does not include hotel accommodations, airfare or other travel expenses. Students are responsible for booking both airfare and hotel. The city of Lucca provides a variety of affordable hotels in the perfect location for our students. Although, we do recommend 2 locations which provide discounts only for Studio Borgo students. See the accommodations page for details on where to stay.

 

Just Bring Your Brushes.

 

Schedule at Studio Borgo

The artist workshop week begins on a Monday and ends on a Friday.

Ideally, Studio Borgo students will arrive at Lucca (by way of Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport or by train) at least one day before the start of a week.

Starting on a Monday is not mandatory but it is encouraged. For maximum flexibility, students can join us for less than a week (four days or less).

Monday

  In the studio at Borgo a Mozzano-
Drawing the Still life and Working From the Old Masters: Class begins at 9:15 am in the studio and ends at 2:00 pm (45 minute lunch).

Tuesday

In the studio at Borgo a Mozzano- Painting the Still Life: Class begins at 9:15 in the studio and ends at 2:00 (45 minute lunch).

Wednesday

Lucca Excursion- Drawing at Palazzo Pfanner: At 10:00 am, we meet in Lucca in front of Hotel Universo in Piazza Giglio and walk towards Palazzo Pfanner. We will start the day looking at and discussing important sites and artwork. Once we arrive at Palazzo Pfanner, we will draw in the gardens. Our day ends at 3:00 (1 hour lunch).

Thursday

Lucca Excursion- Painting From the Top of the Wall: At 10:00 am we will meet in Lucca at Piazza San Martino. We will start the day by looking at and discussing important sites and artwork. We will arrive at our painting location on top of the wall to begin our plein air landscape. Our day ends at 3:00 (1 hour lunch).

Friday

Florence Excursion- Drawing at Piazza della Signoria: At 8:10 we will meet in front of the Lucca Train Station, which is a short walk from Hotel Universo. Together we will take the 8:31 train and arrive in Florence at around 9:50. Our day begins with looking at and discussing important sites and artwork. Once we are at Piazza Della Signoria, we will begin our drawings from historical sculpture. Our day ends at 3:00 (1 hour lunch).

 

Tips For Saving on Airfare and Hotel Booking

Booking international flights too far in advance (more than 6 months) or too close to your travel date (the same month) will probably result in the highest prices. Always try to book airfare four or even three months in advance of your travel date. When going back to check your travel sites (Kayak, Expedia, Priceline, etc.), always clear your cookies from your Internet tools. And also remember that flights with layovers are usually much less expensive than direct flights.

For more information go to: STUDIO BORGO