Workshop Overview
Dates: 30 March-5 April 2027
Price: From €2290 - €3330
Includes: 22% VAT, 5 days tuition, 6 nights accommodation, all meals & drinks (including wine), evening events, transfers, life models, easels & solvents
Non-Participating Partner: €790
Location: Villa Fontallorso
Medium: Oil paint
Class size: 16
Painting Experience: All levels welcome
Languages: English
Se avete bisogno di una traduzione in Italiano, inviaci una e-mail
Payment plans available ♥
email info@artescapeitaly.com
Workshop Description
Join us for an all-inclusive week of figurative painting in the Tuscan countryside with Steven Assael. The workshop will focus on painting the portrait and figure from life in oil. Steven will discuss an analytical and dynamic approach to painting the human figure, emphasizing color and value relationships in a related atmosphere. The development of form through observation and interpretation of plane shifts projecting and receding from the eye will be stressed. Aspects of anatomy, proportion, and movement will be discussed along with the development of an Alla Prima technique that involves scumbling and glazing. Learning to see is a selective endeavor where understanding is an extension of our mind's eye. We will look at color as value and temperature as form.
This class will paint from live models. Students can choose to paint the portrait or the figure. We will discuss techniques for dealing with the changes that occur as a model poses, learning to hold and interpret what you see with a selective eye.
Key topics we will cover:
● The development of form through observation and interpretation of plane shifts projecting and receding from view
● An emphasis on color and value relationships and how they relate
● Aspects of anatomy, proportion, and movement will be discussed along with the development of an Alla Prima technique, which involves scumbling and glazing
● A simplified method of measuring proportions
● A simple way to see the basic anatomical features of the figure
● Painting the figure with a focus on rhythm and movement
● The development of light and shadow and the reflective properties of flesh
Tis workshop will involve lectures, demos, and critiques daily. Steven will discuss materials and craft, as well as issues of light and shadow, form, reflective properties of flesh, and other aspects of painting. There will also be a discussion of selectively finding an expression in the moment.
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This is a chance to focus on you and your art, you'll be living and working together among many other creatives, and alongside Steven, with the opportunity to dive deep into each other's knowledge and experience - building relationships, whilst making the most of the surrounding nature in this Tuscan setting. This is a place where you have the opportunity to learn from some of the world's most inspiring contemporary artists, without judgement or competition, immersed in nature, so that your primary focus is to learn and create, whilst enjoying your time on this beautiful planet.
During this all-inclusive art workshop, meals are home-cooked by our wonderful Chefs Giovanna & Gabriele, and eaten together in our panoramic dining room, or outside with a view of the stunning landscape. After class you have free use of the Villa and grounds to explore. We host evening events; such as pizza night using our outdoor pizza oven, yoga and sound bath in the ballroom (which help to boost creativity), and a night of live music. Many of our evenings are spent around the fire, under the stars. If you need to unwind after class you use our sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Or if you prefer to explore you can wander through the woodland, walk, cycle or take the bus into town. And of course you are always welcome to continue practicing your art, sketching outside, or continue painting in our large Octagon studio, which is always open for you.
Our Art Retreat Villa
This 19th Century Italian Villa used to belong to an ancient noble family, the Dukes of Caffarelli. It is located near the Casentinesi forest park, in the Chianti region of Tuscany, just 40 minutes from the centre of Florence, with stunning views of the surrounding hills, entirely covered with woodland and vineyards.
The Octagonal studio, is a large, bright and welcoming 220 sqm structure, with views of the surrounding nature. A space where you can learn, create, and feel inspired.
The Villa has been running as a meditation centre for the past 20 years, you can feel it in the energy - there is something magical about this place. See more photos here
See photos from our recent art workshops here: Gallery
What's included?
22% VAT - 5 days tuition - 6 nights accommodation - Arrival & departure transfers - Breakfasts, lunches, dinners & snacks - Tea, coffee & soft drinks - Wine - Evening Events - Jacuzzi/Sauna/Steam Room - Wifi - Easels & Solvents for painting - Life Models
Prices
€2290 La Condivisa | Twin-Share Bedroom a place in a spacious shared bedroom with private ensuite bathroom (shared with one other participant of the same gender)
€2590 La Singola | Single Private Bedroom with a single bed and shared bathroom
€2830 La Piccola | Cosy Private Bedroom with a double bed and private bathroom
€2990 La Classica | Classic Private Bedroom with a double bed and private ensuite bathroom
€3330 Il Grande | Spacious Private Bedroom with a double bed and a private ensuite bathroom
€790 Amici | Non-Participating Partner bring along a partner or friend to share your bedroom with, if you book the Piccola, Classica or Grande option. You can not bring a non-participating partner if you book the Condivisa or Singola options.
The Food
All meals are made up of delicious, home-cooked Tuscan cuisine and prepared by our incredible Chefs Giovanna & Gabriele! Meals will take place in our panoramic dining room or outside on the terrace overlooking the hills and sunset, whenever the weather is nice. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available, please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements (dietary needs rather than preferences).
Materials list, itinerary & more information
At least 3 months before the retreat we will send you an information pack with the full materials list and more details about the retreat. See airport and transfer information on our FAQ's page here
Bring a partner or friend - €790 all-inclusive rate
If you book either a Piccola, Classica or Grande private bedroom then you are welcome to bring along a partner or friend with you who will not be participating in the workshop. Partners will be welcome to join all of our meals and activities, and become a part of our group. Whilst participants are in the class, partners have this beautiful Tuscan venue all to themselves.
We are happy to assist in planning activities during the days, such as bike tours, trips to local towns, or hikes around the surrounding countryside. Equally, your partner is very welcome to stay at the villa and relax. We recommend bringing a car so that you can travel around freely, however, we can also drive you to the local train station if you would like to explore the nearby cities of Florence or Arezzo.
The price for non-participating partners includes: 22% VAT - 6 nights accommodation - Arrival & Departure Transfers - Breakfasts, lunches, dinners & snacks - Tea, coffee & soft drinks - Tuscan Wine - Jacuzzi/Sauna/Steam Room - Wifi.
Participating Partner
If you would like to bring a participating partner with you (a friend or partner who will be participating in the workshop with you) then you can book 2 places in a twin-share bedroom. We can then arrange your bedroom into a bedroom with a double bed or 2 single beds, whichever you prefer.
Booking information
To book a place on this retreat click Book Now below and you'll be taken to a separate page where you can choose your bedroom option, and fill out your registration details. If you would like to discuss payment plans, feel free to email us.
Review our terms & conditions of booking here
Questions? See our FAQ's page here
Steven Assael
Steven Assael, born in New York City in 1957, is recognized as one of the leading representational figurative artists of this generation. His portrayal of the human image is empathetic, and psychologically penetrating. Assael's figure compositions reflect a love of painting and drawing that synthesize the characteristics of the past masters with a selective eye for the present. His compositions suffuse elements of naturalism and romanticism that blend the contemporary with the techniques of the old masters. Assael works from life and not photography.
Assael's work is included in public and private collections around the world. Some are, The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art & Design (Kansas, Mo.); Naples Museum, Naples FL;Yale University (Hartford, Conn.) Chicago Institute of Fine Arts (Chicago, Ill.); Solo and group exhibitions have included the Staempfli Gallery, New York, NY: Forum Gallery, New York, NY; Fendrick Gallery, Washington, D.C.; NY; Yale University Hartford, Conn.; San Francisco Museum of fine Art, San.Fran. Ca.; Arkansas Art Center; Kennesaw State University,Kennesaw, GA ; Stephen F Austin State College , TX: North Carolina University, Chapel Hill, NC; Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa, OK; and the National Museum, Gdansk, Poland: Naples Museum, Naples FL.
Instagram: @stevenassael
Website: www.stevenassael.com
