WALKING AND SKETCHING

Walking and sketching in the Garfagnana will give you the opportunity to truly discover this little known and yet most stunning landscape of Italy.

The course is designed to improve observational skills through drawing in a variety of ways using the sketchbook. Your studies are then explored and further developed through a range of different media back in the studio.

Studies can then be enhanced and transformed on a larger scale to further the knowledge and experimentation of different painting techniques. Following in the tradition of Turner, the sketchbook is central to this landscape course, where the recording of memories and experiences through observational drawing becomes the foundation for development of future work. All materials and equipment including sketchbooks are provided.

A digital camera would be useful. Each of the five-hour walks is accompanied by our guide who is extremely knowledgeable about the geographical and cultural aspects of the area.

Course Structure

Tuesday
arrival and welcome
the importance of sketchbook
introduction to the Garfagnana

Wednesday
journey through the Apennines from Mt Giovo to Lago Santo,
where the snow-capped Alps and Corsica can be seen in the distance.

Thursday
introduction to Photoshop computer image manipulation
development of studies in the studio.
change of scale
choice of medium (acrylics/oils/water colour/mixed media)

Friday
journey from Campocatino (ancient shepherds' homes) through the panoramic mountains to the Hermitage.

Saturday
free day to explore Lucca, Barga or to relax at home.

Sunday
journey from the Duomo in Barga through the valley up to the dramatic hilltop village of Sommocolonia.

Monday
development of studies in the studio
introduction to Photoshop computer image manipulation
expressive or analytical approach
exhibition and discussion of work

Tuesday
return refreshed with many ideas and paintings.