Whether it is the rolling Tuscan hills, a still life of local produce, the pitch and fall of five terracotta tiles, or another source of inspiration, students on the course will be encouraged to work directly from their subject.

The start of the course will be spent finding out what those subjects could be through exploring the locality, note taking, and sketches This process will enable students to think about why they have chosen their subjects as well as their balance, rhythm and harmony. From this analytical process some subjects/views will naturally arise as being worth developing into paintings. The paintings that follow should be as much about paint, pictorial structure and feeling as about the subject. There will be an optional ink workshop for one day. Primarily the course will be for those wanting to use oils or acrylics, but one could also . bring watercolours. As tuition will be on an individual basis the course is suitable to students of all levels of experience and confidence.

Please Note: The date listed above are the dates on which you should travel The start date is a Friday, tuition starts on the Saturday. The return date is Thursday two weeks later. Arrival after 5pm on Friday. Departure before 10am on Thursday.

Typical Day: Breakfast at 8.30am. Teaching from 9.30 – 12.30 Break for lunch and siesta until about 3pm. Teaching period again from about 3 – 5pm Dinner at 8pm After dinner there may be a talk with slides, or some entertainment in the village. There is one free day in the middle of the course generally Friday when we usually organise a trip (optional) to Siena. This is also the cook and staffs day off. There is the choice of the Pizzeria or the Trattoria in the village for the evening meal. Tuition is available for 5 hours a day for 11 days out of the 12 days of your stay, though you are welcome to use the studios at any time. Normally there will be two life drawing sessions. Anyone with a willingness to learn is welcome whatever their standard.