Plein Air Painting in central Italy--Tuscany: A Place for the Senses & A Sense of Place
September 2-12, 2018,  to register click here!  
Breathe deeply and take in all of it: the colors of fields, flowers, and foods, the warm sunny skies, the taste of local wines and cuisine, the incense of ancient chapels, and the sounds of arias in the streets. Here in the Tuscany we will spend each day experiencing its beauty in a variety of locations, painting as we go.

En plein air painting is French for painting "in the open air," and what better way to soak in the flavors of this region known to be the most picturesque in Italy. Each of our lessons in landscape painting are coordinated with the features of the day's attraction, be it a marketplace, castle, vineyard or bridge.

We'll be staying in the Montalla house, which was built before the year 1504. Scenes of the movie “ Shadow in the Sun,” were filmed here. It has a pool for relaxing in the late summer sun. The Montalla property enjoys a spectacular view of the magnificent Orcia Valley, which specializes in the cultivation of grains, grapes and olives.

Together we'll live the life of art and history, adventure and relaxation. Grab a friend and let's go! To get more information and reserve your spot, go to Lisa's Gryphon Art & Travel.
MATERIALS
We will be using the solvent-free method of oil painting used by Albrecht Dürer and Leonardo daVinci. They used walnut oil. It is easy for travel and non-toxic.

You will need to pack in checked baggage:
  • M. Graham Walnut Oil & Walnut Alkyd Medium
Any oil paints except water-miscible oil will work with the walnut oil mediums. Suggested oil colors in 37 ml tubes or smaller, individually rolled in small bubble wrap and sealed in plastic bags:
  • White: titanium (fast-dry formula) or lead
  • Van Dyke Brown
  • Hansa Yellow or Cadmium yellow light
  • Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide
  • Transparent Red Iron Oxide
  • Red: Quinacridone or Napthol
  • Quinacridone Violet
  • Ultramarine Violet
  • Cobalt Blue
  • Cerulean Blue
  • Azo Green
Other necessities
  • M Graham MSDS (Manufacturer's Safety & Data Sheet) for airline security inspection, to be placed on top of your materials in plain view --write in large letters across the top, "Artist's Colors, non-toxic, non-flammable." (this link is for M. Graham oil colors, Walnut Oil & Walnut Alkyd medium)
  • French or outdoor easel, maybe a folding stool and painting umbrella to attach to your easel if you need them. Watch this great informational video to decide what's right for you: Three Portable Easels​ Here is a great informational article comparing plein air easels. This is also a good article. I'm going with an Alla Prima Painter's Bitterroot 10" x 12" pochade box, made by Ben Haggett for this trip. https://alla-prima-pochade.myshopify.com/ It has a lid that is also a panel carrier and cover for the built in palette. No wing nuts. Two drawers for supplies. Remember that if you buy a pochade box you are going to need a tripod on which to mount it! Make sure the tripod can hold at least 10 lbs.  I recommend and use the Sienna Plein Air tripod, which can take a 13 lb. load, available on Amazon.
  • Bring painting panels and/or a 9" x 12" Centurion Linen Pad (10 sheets), each sheet is easily cropped and divided from one sheet into two, made into 8" x 10" surfaces, and/or smaller 4" x 3" surfaces for painted studies! Painting panels are useful to tape your linen sheets onto and can also be used as if you want something ready for display. We may make up to 2 paintings a day. For eight days, that means up to 16 little paintings.  Realistically I’m thinking 8-9 paintings.  I’m bringing 8” x 10” linen panels made of birch.  They are light weight!
  • small stainless steel brush washer for walnut oil
  • palette (gray paper or tempered glass cut to fit into your easel or pochade box)
  • panel carrier/box if you are working on panels
  • palette knife for color mixing and painting. I prefer the trowel kind with a blade that narrows toward the tip. I use a Holbein Series A #14. (see photo)
  • paint scraper with retractable single edge razor
  • T-square or straight edge (lightweight plastic is best)
  • brushes (1/8" to 3/4" wide), sable, sable synthetic, and at least one hog bristle, & brush cleaner like "The Masters"
  • a couple of small, lint-free rags for wiping the paint on ( I like rags made from old cotton sheets or pillow cases)
  • black artist's tape
  • View Catcher, if you have one, but a good phone camera can help you "catch" a good composition
  • painting apron, gloves, sun hat & sunscreen
  • camera/ipad & charger with EU adapter
  • small spiral sketchbook/journal and sketching pens or pencils
  • backpack to carry these materials
  • Q-tips, paper towels, & garbage bags will be supplied in Italy!
REALLY GOOD NEWS
  • Everything is taken care of for you. All you have to do is show up with your materials, ready for sight-seeing and painting.
  • One price includes almost everything: ground transportation (to and from the airport & daily excursions), tuition (each day a new strategy for painting the landscape), entrance fees, all but 4 (we have two market day picnics and take in two restaurants) of 30 meals--even for those with dietary restrictions, and your accommodations in a beautifully restored 500 year old villa.
  • This class is open to all levels.
  • No knowledge of Italian necessary.

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​IN PRAISE OF MELISSA'S TEACHING
"Your instruction is precise and logical, allowing your students to witness your entire painting process, which is so valuable to learning.  Your graciousness and humor enliven every session." -- Dee Barrett

"In my business I am constantly on the lookout for great instructors, those artist/teachers who have, not only a breadth and depth of knowledge, but the ability to share that knowledge with students of various learning styles in ways that make the creative process come alive for each person. Having had the opportunity to observe her in action in her studio classes and having had the benefit of her instruction myself, I can say without a doubt, Melissa Weinman is an absolute gem! I highly recommend her to any painter who hopes to expand their painting skills."  --Lisa Statkus, Principal, Lisa's Gryphon Art and Travel

"I had reached a point with my painting where I wanted some instruction to improve my skills - Melissa was the perfect fit.  Her classes are challenging and fun, and the studio is a wonderful space.  With Melissa's guidance and skill, I noticed an improvement in my work within a very short period of time.  I always look forward to the next class!" -- Anne Klein

​"I feel fortunate for the opportunity to be instructed by Melissa Weinman. She is a master artist and a generous teacher.  Each class Melissa reveals new ways of seeing and methods of painting.  The classes are fun and I am inspired by her and my fellow students' oil painting enthusiasm! " — Mike Martin