TUSCANY ITALY 5 DAY PLEIN AIR (Todd Bonita) September 09 -14, 2018
September 09 - 14, 2018 (Sunday thru Friday)
(Sunday is a free day...workshop is Monday thru Friday)
Spannocchia, Tuscany.
($500) workshop only. (Limit 14)
* (All inclusive accommodations / Meals info below)
Call Todd to Register: (603) 819-9100
or email: [email protected]
Join us for 5 days of outdoor painting, eating, drinking and living in the ancient Tuscan village of Spannocchia. We will gather with our paint boxes on the rolling hillsides of an 1,100 acre sustainable farm and cooking school with an historic Villa and rustic farmhouses. We will enjoy traditional Italian cooking prepared from the working gardens. Paint in the shadows of some of the most celebrated artists, capturing the color and spirit of this romantically alluring location.
There will be a daily demonstration and discussions on composition, design, value and capturing light and atmosphere in your paintings. Beginners, experienced artist and those who have never painted before are welcome to join this supportive and spirited group.
Scroll below for:
Registration
Accommodations / meals
Travel / Passport
Art Supply
Itinerary
FAQ
More.
(Sunday is a free day...workshop is Monday thru Friday)
Spannocchia, Tuscany.
($500) workshop only. (Limit 14)
* (All inclusive accommodations / Meals info below)
Call Todd to Register: (603) 819-9100
or email: [email protected]
Join us for 5 days of outdoor painting, eating, drinking and living in the ancient Tuscan village of Spannocchia. We will gather with our paint boxes on the rolling hillsides of an 1,100 acre sustainable farm and cooking school with an historic Villa and rustic farmhouses. We will enjoy traditional Italian cooking prepared from the working gardens. Paint in the shadows of some of the most celebrated artists, capturing the color and spirit of this romantically alluring location.
There will be a daily demonstration and discussions on composition, design, value and capturing light and atmosphere in your paintings. Beginners, experienced artist and those who have never painted before are welcome to join this supportive and spirited group.
Scroll below for:
Registration
Accommodations / meals
Travel / Passport
Art Supply
Itinerary
FAQ
More.
REGISTER
REGISTRATION:
$500 workshop only.
(Price does not include travel, meals & accommodations).
Call Todd Bonita (603) 819-9100
email: [email protected]
$250 Deposit to hold your space in the workshop. Check made out to Todd Bonita and mailed to:
Todd Bonita
30 Hillside Drive
Greenland, NH 03840
Please write, "Italy workshop" in the memo on the check for my bookkeeper.
$500 workshop only.
(Price does not include travel, meals & accommodations).
Call Todd Bonita (603) 819-9100
email: [email protected]
$250 Deposit to hold your space in the workshop. Check made out to Todd Bonita and mailed to:
Todd Bonita
30 Hillside Drive
Greenland, NH 03840
Please write, "Italy workshop" in the memo on the check for my bookkeeper.
ACCOMODATIONS & MEALS
Accommodations & Meals
Three options include
1) Villa Rooms * meals included
Single 130 Euro / Double 105 Euro
per person per night
2) Fattoria Rooms * meals included
Single 120 Euro / Double 95 Euro
per person per night
3) Farmhouse rental * meal add-on option
Meal add-on price is 45 Euro per day.
See Farmhouse prices below.
We booked the Villa and Fattoria for this workshop exclusively. Accommodations are from Sunday, September 9 thru Friday, September 14. (Five nights). Note Sunday is a travel arrival-rest day and the workshop officially begins after breakfast on Monday, September 10. All prices include accommodations, use of the property, guest services and three meals a day except Saturday dinner.
Three options include
1) Villa Rooms * meals included
Single 130 Euro / Double 105 Euro
per person per night
2) Fattoria Rooms * meals included
Single 120 Euro / Double 95 Euro
per person per night
3) Farmhouse rental * meal add-on option
Meal add-on price is 45 Euro per day.
See Farmhouse prices below.
We booked the Villa and Fattoria for this workshop exclusively. Accommodations are from Sunday, September 9 thru Friday, September 14. (Five nights). Note Sunday is a travel arrival-rest day and the workshop officially begins after breakfast on Monday, September 10. All prices include accommodations, use of the property, guest services and three meals a day except Saturday dinner.
Villa Rooms
occupy the original structure on the property, once home to the aristocratic Spannocchi family. The villa was built in the 16th century, and again expanded in the 18th century. The home was purchased by the Cinelli family in 1925. It is furnished with historic paintings, original antiques, and family heirlooms.
Our Villa accommodations consist of seven well-furnished bedrooms with private bathrooms. Rooms have a view of our terraced gardens, orchards, and vineyards in the distance.
Breakfast, featuring many organic products from the farm, is also included in the price. Villa and Fattoria guests also have access to the building’s living room and library, as well as a common kitchen area with storage areas and basic amenities available for preparing meals on the property if desired.
Stays in the individual rooms of the Villa are available on a daily basis, and include breakfast and maid service.
occupy the original structure on the property, once home to the aristocratic Spannocchi family. The villa was built in the 16th century, and again expanded in the 18th century. The home was purchased by the Cinelli family in 1925. It is furnished with historic paintings, original antiques, and family heirlooms.
Our Villa accommodations consist of seven well-furnished bedrooms with private bathrooms. Rooms have a view of our terraced gardens, orchards, and vineyards in the distance.
Breakfast, featuring many organic products from the farm, is also included in the price. Villa and Fattoria guests also have access to the building’s living room and library, as well as a common kitchen area with storage areas and basic amenities available for preparing meals on the property if desired.
Stays in the individual rooms of the Villa are available on a daily basis, and include breakfast and maid service.
FATTORIA ROOMS
SINGLE 120 EURO
DOUBLE 95 EURO
MEALS INCLUDED
FATTORIA ROOMS
Our Fattoria rooms are part of the original farm dwelling at Castello di Spannocchia. Built and expanded upon through the centuries by the Spannocchi family, the property was purchased by the Cinelli family in 1925. Our Fattoria accommodations consist of seven simply-decorated bedrooms sharing four bathrooms with showers.
One triple-occupancy room with a private, en-suite bathroom is available. Each Fattoria room has a view of Spannocchia’s central courtyard area, which includes the Spannocchia shop and guest office, the wood-burning oven, the cantina, the woodworking shop, and our small archeological museum.
Breakfast, featuring many organic products from the farm, is also included in the price.
Villa and Fattoria guests also have access to the building’s living room and library, as well as a common kitchen area with storage areas and basic amenities available for preparing meals on the property if desired. The Villa and the Fattoria are open for reservations from March 1 to December 1 each year.
Stays in the individual rooms of the Fattoria are available on a daily basis, and include breakfast and maid service.
Our Fattoria rooms are part of the original farm dwelling at Castello di Spannocchia. Built and expanded upon through the centuries by the Spannocchi family, the property was purchased by the Cinelli family in 1925. Our Fattoria accommodations consist of seven simply-decorated bedrooms sharing four bathrooms with showers.
One triple-occupancy room with a private, en-suite bathroom is available. Each Fattoria room has a view of Spannocchia’s central courtyard area, which includes the Spannocchia shop and guest office, the wood-burning oven, the cantina, the woodworking shop, and our small archeological museum.
Breakfast, featuring many organic products from the farm, is also included in the price.
Villa and Fattoria guests also have access to the building’s living room and library, as well as a common kitchen area with storage areas and basic amenities available for preparing meals on the property if desired. The Villa and the Fattoria are open for reservations from March 1 to December 1 each year.
Stays in the individual rooms of the Fattoria are available on a daily basis, and include breakfast and maid service.
FARM HOUSE RENTALS
Farmhouses have been intentionally renovated in order to preserve their historic and rural character. They are furnished and equipped simply but adequately, and include all linens and kitchen utensils and equipment sufficient for complete meal preparation and service. The cost for utility usage is not included in the house rental prices during mid and low seasons. We keep our basic rental rates as low as possible and allow our guests to have responsibility for their utility useage during their stay to encourage and reward good conservation of energy resources.
Visitors will enjoy one of the most beautiful, tranquil spots on earth, and have the opportunity to experience daily life on a historic working farm and nature preserve.
Farmhouses have been intentionally renovated in order to preserve their historic and rural character. They are furnished and equipped simply but adequately, and include all linens and kitchen utensils and equipment sufficient for complete meal preparation and service. The cost for utility usage is not included in the house rental prices during mid and low seasons. We keep our basic rental rates as low as possible and allow our guests to have responsibility for their utility useage during their stay to encourage and reward good conservation of energy resources.
Visitors will enjoy one of the most beautiful, tranquil spots on earth, and have the opportunity to experience daily life on a historic working farm and nature preserve.
TRAVEL / PASSPORT
FLIGHT
Peretola Airport, Florence, Italy
* I am flying into Florence on Friday and will spend two nights there before I make my way to Spannocchia on Sunday (About an hour and a half away by car). Note that our accommodations at Spannocchia farm are from Sunday, September 09 thru Friday, September 14. with a 4pm check-in....but the workshop officially begins on Monday, September 10. Sunday is a travel, arrival - and -rest day. Please plan your travel accordingly. This will be fun, we can relax with a glass of wine Sunday evening together.
* I will arrange for Marco to pick up to 8 people from Florence on Sunday in a van and drive us to Spanniccia at $40 per person.
please let me know if you wish to have this option or if you wish to rent a car yourself or split a car rental with another workshop participant.
* Car rentals are about $300 - 350 per week and Marco can arrange it so your car is waiting at Spannocchia for you.
* My flight with layover is about 10 hours from Boston and cost about $1,000. You are responsible for all your travel expenses.
(Purchase your flight as soon as you register to insure best rate and times). Try online resources such as
www.Expedia.com
* There is an excellent art supply shop in Florence if you wish to purchase Gamsol, Liquin or any other supplies.
PASSPORT
* Italy is an International flight and will require a passport. Make sure yours is up to date and not expired.
* There is a National Passport center in Portsmouth, NH.
207 International Drive, Portsmouth, NH.
Hours: 8am - 4pm (Mon -Fri)
Phone: (877) 487 - 2778
Website
Peretola Airport, Florence, Italy
* I am flying into Florence on Friday and will spend two nights there before I make my way to Spannocchia on Sunday (About an hour and a half away by car). Note that our accommodations at Spannocchia farm are from Sunday, September 09 thru Friday, September 14. with a 4pm check-in....but the workshop officially begins on Monday, September 10. Sunday is a travel, arrival - and -rest day. Please plan your travel accordingly. This will be fun, we can relax with a glass of wine Sunday evening together.
* I will arrange for Marco to pick up to 8 people from Florence on Sunday in a van and drive us to Spanniccia at $40 per person.
please let me know if you wish to have this option or if you wish to rent a car yourself or split a car rental with another workshop participant.
* Car rentals are about $300 - 350 per week and Marco can arrange it so your car is waiting at Spannocchia for you.
* My flight with layover is about 10 hours from Boston and cost about $1,000. You are responsible for all your travel expenses.
(Purchase your flight as soon as you register to insure best rate and times). Try online resources such as
www.Expedia.com
* There is an excellent art supply shop in Florence if you wish to purchase Gamsol, Liquin or any other supplies.
PASSPORT
* Italy is an International flight and will require a passport. Make sure yours is up to date and not expired.
* There is a National Passport center in Portsmouth, NH.
207 International Drive, Portsmouth, NH.
Hours: 8am - 4pm (Mon -Fri)
Phone: (877) 487 - 2778
Website
ART SUPPLY LIST / FLYING w PAINT
John Singer Sargent Plein air painting in Italy
ART SUPPLY LIST
(Click here to go to an illustrated page of my Plein air painting supplies)
(Think light weight and portable, find creative ways to simplify...I manage to pack everything below in a back pack. I get most of my supplies online at ASW, Jerrys Artarama, Dick Blick, Cheap Joes or Utrecht).
Portable Easel
French easel, half box easel or Pochade box for working outside.
(I use the 8x10" or 10x12" Open Box M system and sometimes the 6x8" Guerilla box for traveling, both are mounted to a photographers tripod. If you prefer the French easels, go with the lighter and smaller Jullian Half box easel. Last year I also bought the Cadillac of outdoor easels, The Soletek easel. It's not cheap, I bought mine used on Ebay. You might check Ebay or try "All of Craigslist" search for whatever easel you decide to go with. * Here is a terrific article on Pochade Box reviews from the popular Lines and Colors blog. This will give you a thorough understanding of whats available and best for you. Click here.
Palette
I recommend a wood palette....try to avoid paper pallets.
Paint
*(I recommend a minimal palette of a warm and cool version of the three primaries plus white (with maybe a few extras)....Please spend the extra for professional grade paints. I use Williamsburg, Winsor & Newton, Gamblin and Utrecht but there are many good options.)
Alkyd White (Alkyd is a quick dry paint that plays nice with oils. For brands, Gamblin, DaVinci and my favorite is by C.A.S. Alkyd Pro)
Titanium White
Cad Yellow
Yellow ochre
Alizeran Crimson
Cadmium Red
Ultramarine Blue
Cerulean Blue or Cobalt Blue
Burnt Sienna
Viridian (*Optional)
Ivory black (*Optional)
raw or burnt umber (*Optional)
Painting surface
Canvas, canvas or linen mounted on board or gessoed wood panel (sizes can range from 6x8” to 14x18” but I would not go larger)...For a travel workshop like this, I will likely limit myself to only one or two sizes, like 8x10" and / or 9x12". This will simplify my wet carrier system as well.
Brushes
*Assortment of bristle brushes (I suggest large, medium and small in three styles: Flats, Rounds and Filberts. I mostly use Robert Simmons Signet series flats #3, #6 and #10)
*One or two Royal sable flats in medium and large sizes (size 10 or 16) for blending and softening edges (I prefer Langnickel.)
*Small synthetic rounds for details. (I suggest Winsor and Newton Septre Gold 2 in the 404 series...size 4 and / or size 6)
Other
Trowel type Pallet knife
liquin ***You cannot travel with Liquin or solvents*** There is an art supply store in Florence as an option.
Gamsol ***You cannot travel w/ Gamsol or Solvents*** I will provide Gamsol when you get there for $10 per can.
paper towels (Blue shop towels are the best)
Ruler, straight edge or a mahl stick (something to make straight lines with is handy)
A Veiwfinder: Important! Whether homemade or store bought, it must be adjustable or proportionate to your canvases. Viewcatcher is ideal.
Artist paint box or back pack for supplies
Wet paint carrier. I love the PanelPaks...they are lightweight and convenient.
*Appropriate clothing for outdoor weather and conditions.
Optional
Hat
sunglasses
Water bottle or something to drink, snack
Sun block
Camera
Umbrella
FLYING w/ PAINT (TSA)
* PLEASE NOTE * This is an international flight, you will not be able to travel with solvents. (No Gamsol, Turpentine or LIquin).
I will pick up Gamsol (Odorless Turpenoid substitute) at an Art shop in Florence and fill everyones brush cleaning jar if you wish...It will cost $10 to fill your jar. There is an art supply store in Florence, it can be fun to stop in and explore and purchase your own Gamsol or Turpentine substitute. Please let me know if you would like me to get you some so I can purchase the proper quantity.
GAMBLIN (Travel with paint tips)
This is an excellent, soup to nuts over view of how to travel with your paints and deal with TSA and insure best odds of smooth travel. CLICK HERE.
(Click here to go to an illustrated page of my Plein air painting supplies)
(Think light weight and portable, find creative ways to simplify...I manage to pack everything below in a back pack. I get most of my supplies online at ASW, Jerrys Artarama, Dick Blick, Cheap Joes or Utrecht).
Portable Easel
French easel, half box easel or Pochade box for working outside.
(I use the 8x10" or 10x12" Open Box M system and sometimes the 6x8" Guerilla box for traveling, both are mounted to a photographers tripod. If you prefer the French easels, go with the lighter and smaller Jullian Half box easel. Last year I also bought the Cadillac of outdoor easels, The Soletek easel. It's not cheap, I bought mine used on Ebay. You might check Ebay or try "All of Craigslist" search for whatever easel you decide to go with. * Here is a terrific article on Pochade Box reviews from the popular Lines and Colors blog. This will give you a thorough understanding of whats available and best for you. Click here.
Palette
I recommend a wood palette....try to avoid paper pallets.
Paint
*(I recommend a minimal palette of a warm and cool version of the three primaries plus white (with maybe a few extras)....Please spend the extra for professional grade paints. I use Williamsburg, Winsor & Newton, Gamblin and Utrecht but there are many good options.)
Alkyd White (Alkyd is a quick dry paint that plays nice with oils. For brands, Gamblin, DaVinci and my favorite is by C.A.S. Alkyd Pro)
Titanium White
Cad Yellow
Yellow ochre
Alizeran Crimson
Cadmium Red
Ultramarine Blue
Cerulean Blue or Cobalt Blue
Burnt Sienna
Viridian (*Optional)
Ivory black (*Optional)
raw or burnt umber (*Optional)
Painting surface
Canvas, canvas or linen mounted on board or gessoed wood panel (sizes can range from 6x8” to 14x18” but I would not go larger)...For a travel workshop like this, I will likely limit myself to only one or two sizes, like 8x10" and / or 9x12". This will simplify my wet carrier system as well.
Brushes
*Assortment of bristle brushes (I suggest large, medium and small in three styles: Flats, Rounds and Filberts. I mostly use Robert Simmons Signet series flats #3, #6 and #10)
*One or two Royal sable flats in medium and large sizes (size 10 or 16) for blending and softening edges (I prefer Langnickel.)
*Small synthetic rounds for details. (I suggest Winsor and Newton Septre Gold 2 in the 404 series...size 4 and / or size 6)
Other
Trowel type Pallet knife
liquin ***You cannot travel with Liquin or solvents*** There is an art supply store in Florence as an option.
Gamsol ***You cannot travel w/ Gamsol or Solvents*** I will provide Gamsol when you get there for $10 per can.
paper towels (Blue shop towels are the best)
Ruler, straight edge or a mahl stick (something to make straight lines with is handy)
A Veiwfinder: Important! Whether homemade or store bought, it must be adjustable or proportionate to your canvases. Viewcatcher is ideal.
Artist paint box or back pack for supplies
Wet paint carrier. I love the PanelPaks...they are lightweight and convenient.
*Appropriate clothing for outdoor weather and conditions.
Optional
Hat
sunglasses
Water bottle or something to drink, snack
Sun block
Camera
Umbrella
FLYING w/ PAINT (TSA)
* PLEASE NOTE * This is an international flight, you will not be able to travel with solvents. (No Gamsol, Turpentine or LIquin).
I will pick up Gamsol (Odorless Turpenoid substitute) at an Art shop in Florence and fill everyones brush cleaning jar if you wish...It will cost $10 to fill your jar. There is an art supply store in Florence, it can be fun to stop in and explore and purchase your own Gamsol or Turpentine substitute. Please let me know if you would like me to get you some so I can purchase the proper quantity.
GAMBLIN (Travel with paint tips)
This is an excellent, soup to nuts over view of how to travel with your paints and deal with TSA and insure best odds of smooth travel. CLICK HERE.
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Sunday, Sept 09, 2018) : Spannocchia arrival, check -in 4pm. Wine, introductions, settle in and relax.
Day 2 (Monday, Sept 10, 2018) : First day of workshop begins after breakfast on location at the farm. Introduction, composition lecture, demo, field studies all day.
Day 3 (Tuesday, Sept 11, 2018) : workshop will begin after breakfast each day. On location at the farm, Value lecture, demo, field studies all day.
Day 4 (Wednesday, Sept 12, 2018) : Make our way after breakfast lecture and demo on drawing to the town of Sienna (About twenty minutes by car) Marco will take 8 in a van, drop off and pick up). Boxed lunch provided. We will spend the day drawing and / or painting field studies in Sienna. *There is flexibility in the schedule in the event of rain. If it rains we can paint indoors at the Fattoria in Spannocchia and simply travel to Sienna on a clear day).
Day 5 (Thursday, Sept 13, 2018) : Lecture, demo on color. Field studies all day on the farm.
Day 6 (Friday, Sept 14, 2018) : Final day, lecture, demo on 7 elements of picture making, field study and final critique.
Day 1 (Sunday, Sept 09, 2018) : Spannocchia arrival, check -in 4pm. Wine, introductions, settle in and relax.
Day 2 (Monday, Sept 10, 2018) : First day of workshop begins after breakfast on location at the farm. Introduction, composition lecture, demo, field studies all day.
Day 3 (Tuesday, Sept 11, 2018) : workshop will begin after breakfast each day. On location at the farm, Value lecture, demo, field studies all day.
Day 4 (Wednesday, Sept 12, 2018) : Make our way after breakfast lecture and demo on drawing to the town of Sienna (About twenty minutes by car) Marco will take 8 in a van, drop off and pick up). Boxed lunch provided. We will spend the day drawing and / or painting field studies in Sienna. *There is flexibility in the schedule in the event of rain. If it rains we can paint indoors at the Fattoria in Spannocchia and simply travel to Sienna on a clear day).
Day 5 (Thursday, Sept 13, 2018) : Lecture, demo on color. Field studies all day on the farm.
Day 6 (Friday, Sept 14, 2018) : Final day, lecture, demo on 7 elements of picture making, field study and final critique.
SPANNOCCHIA MEMBERSHIP
SPANNOCCHIA MEMBERSHIP
Membership to Spannocchia is required to stay there. $45 per person $75 per family.
Membership to Spannocchia is required to stay there. $45 per person $75 per family.
F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
....."Prossimamente".....
....."Prossimamente".....