UHU GLUE STICK large

BAGGIE small to contain and organize the little things, like eraser, sharpener etc.

Sample Journal Page (Student Page)

The focus of our 2012 Tuscan Art Holiday will be Personal Renaissance: creative journaling
through observation, art and words with artist Christopher Staples.

Christopher defines the course this way:

Artmaking gets us to the essence of who we are. Expressing how we see the world is to touch the divine within. The art journal is a vessel to record our perceptions and to stretch our creative muscles. There is inherent power in the journal as a tool to transform our personal inner vision into reality, to “put it on the page”. But it is also is a vehicle to learn how to look closely and to listen for what it has to say back to us.
While sketching and recording our travels will be a large component of what we do, we will expand the journal to something beyond just a sketchbook, or travel journal. Through a series of writing prompts, group exercises and assignments, we will learn to look more closely, and open up our deeper creative voice adding an extra dimension to our books. We will draw, paint, collage, drawing, write, meditate and listen. Each day will have a focus and during our travels there will be time for working solo and for sharing our experiences with one another and the group.
Overall, the purpose is to have our own personal renaissance, a unique and rewarding artistic experience in beautiful Tuscany, and to come home renewed.

Come join us for an unforgettable experience June 28 – July 7, 2012.  Email info@tuscanartholiday to reserve your space, or for more information. 

Tuscan Art Holiday 2012 will take place June 28 – July 7, 2012
Spend an extraordinary holiday in beautiful Tuscany, a land that has inspired many a masterpiece. Witness the harmonious beauty of the Val d’Orcia, a land of golden hills, silver olive groves, and deep green cypress trees. Explore hilltop medieval and Renaissance villages, spend time in the historic cities of Siena and Florence, and relax at a charming Tuscan Farmstead. Create and view art in one of the most beautiful areas of Italy with award winning artists to guide your way.
• Feast on the delicious local cuisine and wines.
• Spend time with working artists and see things through an artist’s eyes.
• Learn about Italian art and culture, explore a Unesco World Heritage Site, or simply relax and enjoy exploring beautiful Tuscany.
• Enjoy the benefits of working and traveling with artists, and receive individualized attention to assist you in creating your art.
• Avoid taking time out from your holiday scouting locations. We take you to the places we love in Southern Tuscany.
• No two days are alike: we will explore hilltop medieval and Renaissance villages, spend time in the historic city of Siena and a full day in Florence, yet there will be time for relaxation and independent travel should you wish it.
• We will be staying at a charming restored Tuscan farmhouse situated in the breathtaking countryside of the Val d’Orcia, in the south of Tuscany, and only a few kilometres from the delightful medieval village of Radicofani.
• There is much to do for the non-artist as well! Stay with the group or venture out on your own to shop or simply explore some of Italy’s most breathtaking medieval and Renaissance villages. You will feast on delicious local cuisine, taste local wines and even learn to cook Tuscan food! Choose from several optional activities: cycling, hiking, horseback riding, spa, massages.

Our Instructor this year is Christopher Staples.
An award-winning mixed media artist and workshop leader, Staples cross pollinates collage and printmaking with painting and drawing in her abstract works.
Combining words and images is of specific interest, so art journaling is a large part of her studio practice. She most recently served as Chair of the Visual Arts Committee of the Putnam Arts Council, and exhibits regionally.
Further information about Christopher is available at www.christopherstaples.com

Tuscan Art Holiday 2012 takes place June 28 – July 7, 2012
Cost – $2600 (does not include airfare) Your ten day holiday includes accommodations, most meals, transportation while on holiday .

To reserve your place or receive more information, email info@tuscanartholiday.com

Marina instructing Susan on pasta making

The group hard at work making pici pasta

If you don't want to roll by hand there is always the chitarra!

The end result - not bad for the first time!

Fiera del Cacio: Il cacio al fuso

First Course, Vegetable Terrine

Second Course, Tuscan Vegetables in Herbed Crust

Third Course, Filled Crepes with a Tomato Cream Sauce

Fourth Course, Mixed Grill with a Green Salad

Marina definitely lived up to expectations with this meal.  The crepes were memorable – I had to have seconds.  (There goes the diet!) There was dessert, but I ate that too before I remembered to take a picture!

La Rocca di Radicofan

The town closest to our accomodation is Radicofani.  This charming hilltop village is crowned by the Rocca di Radicofani, a castle that dates back to the year 973. The castle has been restored and opened to the public since 1999.  The medieval atmosphere of the village below the castle has been preserved intact.  The village
features streets with vaults and arches.  Chiesa di Sant’Agata, has a Gothic façade modified in the 18th century and an altar-piece attributed to Andrea della Robbia. The XIIth century Romanesque Church of San Pietro (Saint Peter) houses a splendid collection of della Robbia terracottas and a wooden statue of the “Madonna del Castello” (‘Madonna of the Castle’) by Francesco di Valdambrino. The views from Radicófani of the surrounding countryside are often lovely, and on a clear day you can sometimes see the tower of Siena.

There are about four alimentari (a great one called Pane e Companatico is run by a lady called Silvana who is really friendly and helpful), a bakery (wood-fired oven) that also does super cakes and tarts, two butchers, and a few good restaurants and cafes.

Click on an image to view a slideshow of some photos of Radicofani.

[Show as slideshow]

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